Chaplain’s Chat

In recent times, I have been made more aware of the severity of mental health disorders, and the impact this debilitating illness has:- broken families, fractured relationships, loss of job, loss of income, physical health, abuse, and the list goes on. Sadly, sometimes the results of mental illness can be self-harming, or even worse, leave in its wake, grief and loss, devastation, loneliness and confusion.

Mental illness can sneak up and attack anyone, and sometimes without realizing it. One thing on top of another; on top of another; again and again, until we find it’s affecting everything in our lives.

I encourage you to take care of yourself and find that avenue to talk about those things that concern you or trouble you, and not let them fester or build up. It has been said that a problem shared is a problem halved.

As I was jotting down some thoughts, a man came into my office and shared with me his battle with mental health. He told me how it made him feel, just to have someone ask how he was, and to have a chat to him. Sometimes it’s the little things that make the biggest difference. To share a little time with someone could change their world.

God’s greatest commandment to is is “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself” Matthew 22:37-39 Our neighbors are those we meet each day, and we should care about them just as we care about ourselves.

Heavenly Father, thank You today for the many blessings You give to us. Help us to bless someone this week by showing love and concern, particularly to those who are struggling with mental health. Amen

God bless you all this week.

Chaplain Ron