10/11/2025
Holy One,
On World Mental Health Day, we especially appreciate our need to be aware of the growing mental health crisis. Our shared emotional plight perplexes us. How did we get here? We lament: The uncertainty! The hurt! The worry! The anxiety, fear, depression, addiction, and self-loathing affect the suffering as well as their loved ones and the tenor of the world. Scripture tells us repeatedly not to worry, not to be afraid, not to be anxious. You implore us, “Let not your hearts be troubled”… Despite your instruction, we experience these feelings copiously and deeply. We are drowning under the burden of harsh, hard, depleting emotions. It is our constant human condition. We are replete with worries, concerns, and doubts, so much so that we find ourselves at the end of the emotional rollercoaster. Our alignment is off. We stand precariously on an unbalanced pendulum. Sadly, this too often leads to despair, feeling like we are at the point of no return. We become mentally unhealthy - unable to cope, function, and relate.
Holy One,
In September, our country observed Su***de Prevention Month. The tales of whoa, desperation, vulnerability, belittlement, insecurity, and eventually succumbing are shocking and utterly, desperately sad. The grief is unfathomable. Self-harm, too, is on the rise. We endeavor to listen, understand, and protect the hurting when rendered into the abyss of mental illness. Again, we ask, “How did we get here?” What can we do to halt the spiraling downward to transform lives into a rising upwards, gratefully gasping for air, grasping the fullness of life? May we stop judging and stigmatizing those struggling with mental illness to create a world where ALL people flourish as you intend.
Holy One,
Ironically, you created our hearts and minds to function best when in connection with you and one another. Why we silo instead is puzzling! We are further assured as brain science is discovering what you have always taught. Emotional wellness and resilience grow with healthy spiritual practices, connection, and community. Please keep reminding us of this. On this World Mental Health Day, we pray for and commit to improving the mental well-being of ourselves and others. We will endeavor to be kind, grateful, generous, understanding, merciful, grace-filled, service-oriented, and loving, with the hope of bringing your will for wholeness and peace of mind to fruition for all.
In Your Holy Name We Pray, Amen
Rev. Mace Hall
