May is Mental Health Awareness Month – a perfect time to explore how we can nurture our minds and support one another in our journey toward mental health and emotional well-being. Last week, an article by our counseling center staff introduced the importance of recognizing mental health and taking proactive steps to positively support mental wellness. This week, I want to dive a bit deeper into how our faith, particularly as United Methodists, can illuminate our path towards mental health and well-being.
John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, wrote of a “perfect love” – a love for God and neighbor that is transformative and shapes the world. It might be easy to think of a time when you’ve experienced this in relation with others or as part of a community of faith. Yet, what happens when we look inward, acknowledging our private struggles, moments of anxiety, or feel the weight of what’s happening in the world around us? Wesley described “perfect love” as attainable in this life through God’s grace, the “undeserved, unmerited, and loving action of God in human existence through the ever-present Holy Spirit.” Yet, when we find ourselves worried or hurting, it’s easy to think we are undeserving or unworthy. Just as God offers each of us boundless, limitless grace, we too can extend healing, forgiveness, and reconciliation inward to ourselves and outward to others.
Scripture has countless stories of individuals who journeyed through their own “wilderness” experiences – times of doubt, fear, even despair. You may recall our recent Lenten series explored this wilderness. Think also of the Psalms, often laden with emotion, yet ultimately pointing us toward hope. Sometimes, our own journey with mental health can feel very much like the wilderness. As you think back to those stories, remember that just as God accompanied those individuals, we too are not alone. On your journey, support may come in many forms. Working with a mental health professional or participating in classes or workshops, Stephen Ministry, GriefShare, and more are acts of courage – an investment in yourself – that help us heal, grow, and become.
Our Wesleyan heritage emphasizes a holistic view of health – caring for the mind, body, and spirit. Mental and emotional well-being are not separate from our physical health or our spiritual lives; they are intricately interwoven in the rich tapestry of our being. When we take time to nurture ourselves through practices like prayer and worship, meaningfully connect with others in our church community, and explore both our strengths and struggles with a mental health professional, we are tending to our whole being.
Each of us is a beloved child of God, doing our best every day as we walk imperfect paths. Experiencing mental health challenges is not indicate of a failure of faith, but rather a testament to the complexities of being human in a broken world. Just as we lean on God’s grace for strength and guidance in all aspects of our lives, meaningfully connecting with others and seeking professional support for our mental well-being is a tremendous act of self-care, fully aligned with our faith. The support offered by mental health professionals, including those at our church’s own counseling center, can be a vital avenue through which God’s grace flows into our lives.
As we recognize Mental Health Awareness Month, let us be a community of faith that fosters open conversations about mental health and holistic well-being, encourages seeking support without shame, and embodies the love and acceptance that reflects God’s boundless, limitless grace for all.
Josh Stanley, EdD, LMHC
St. Luke’s Church Council Member