Get in the game!
“I do everything to spread the good news.”
1 Corinthians 9:23
Athletic metaphors are often found in Paul's writings of the New Testament. As a sports participant and enthusiast, I appreciate his writing style. Paul was a passionate man in everything he did. Before he accepted Jesus as God's son, his passions were used for great harm. But after having a life-altering encounter with Jesus, his zeal changed for the greater good. He committed the rest of his life to sharing with everyone he met about salvation through Jesus.
It seems everyone is talking about fall sports, and in the south, football is the ‘thang!” so many are getting hyped up about. There is so much enthusiasm about college football! Just yesterday, a woman helping me at a gift shop brought up her favorite college team. While football is a natural focus come September, there is another topic that deserves our attention: Suicide Prevention.
Yeah, not quite as fun, is it? And certainly more of a sensitive topic to bring up in conversation. But it is a subject that is important to anyone who has a family member or loved one who struggles with their emotional health. It is important for those who suffer that we “get in the game,” and pay attention to what is happening around us. Most people I talk with on the topic know someone or have a family member who suffers with mental health. Based on conversations I have on a regular basis, my estimation is 75% of people have a loved one or a close friend who struggles or has ended their life. The struggle can be intense. NAMI (National Association for Mental Illness) cites the average length of time before someone seeks treatment is 11 years. Can you imagine an athlete waiting 11 years to treat a physical injury?
I know some folks who are as passionate about mental health as Paul was about spreading the gospel , and they are doing amazing work to educate, spread awareness, and care for others. We can all do something to bring awareness, and you never know– your neighbor just may need to hear someone cares. Would you commit to asking someone how they are doing with their mental health? Share the post below on social media or share my website with a friend.
This past week I had several people ask me how my loved one is doing, and I felt loved just by the question.
“A new command I give you: Love One Another”
John 13:34a
The good news of mental illness is that there is help, and people can take steps to improve their mental health. I would love to hear from some of my readers about a step you take to spread awareness or intentionality with someone you know who struggles with their mental health. Remember spreading awareness is important. Also, if someone you know is in a mental health crisis, they can call 9-8-8 for immediate assistance. Not everyone may realize this number for the Suicide Prevention Hotline has changed, so I’m linking it below!
Would you pray this with me?
Dear Father,
“Thank you for giving us friends and daily who care for us. Would you give us the courage to speak up when appropriate and the wisdom to respond in kindness. Your instructions for us are clear to love one another and sometimes we need your help to live that out. Help me to love others well. In Jesus name we pray, AMEN”
If this devotion has inspired you to reach out to someone you know, I would love to hear from you!