Let's Talk 2021
There is a lot of talk and focus on mental health issues these days and a global pandemic and economic crisis has only highlighted this need even more.
Every year through the #BellLetsTalk campaign, our city and country is encouraged to end the stigma around mental health. The statistics are alarming and mental health affects us all to varying degrees.
This series is our contribution as a community of faith to continue the conversation, and provide the wisdom and hope scripture offers us as we engage the intersection between spirituality and self-care.
RECOMMENDED BOOKS
Why Emotions Matter: Recognize Your Body Signals. Grow in Emotional Intelligence. Discover an Embodied Spirituality — Collins & Collins
Emotionally Healthy Spirituality: It’s Impossible to Be Spiritually Mature, While Remaining Emotionally Immature — Peter Scazzero
The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry: How to Stay Emotionally Healthy and Spiritually Alive in the Chaos of the Modern World — John Mark Comer
QUOTES
The glory of God is a human being fully alive.
— St Irenaeus
How can you draw close to God when you are far from your own self? Grant, Lord, that I may know myself that I may know thee.
— St Augustine
In neglecting our intense emotions, we are false to ourselves and lose a wonderful opportunity to know God. We forget that change comes through brutal honesty and vulnerability before God.
― Peter Scazzero
Self-care is never a selfish act—it is simply good stewardship of the only gift I have, the gift I was put on earth to offer others. Anytime we can listen to true self and give it the care it requires, we do it not only for ourselves, but for the many others whose lives we touch.
― Parker Palmer
People who are truly emotionally intelligent are in tune with what’s happening inside—they allow themselves to feel sadness, anger, fear etc—but they aren’t swept away by them or driven to impulsivity. They’re able to express their feelings when it’s appropriate and helpful to do so, and they’re able to step outside their feelings and exercise self-control when that’s the wiser choice.
— Collins & Collins
Ignoring our emotions is turning our back on reality. Listening to our emotions ushers us into reality. And reality is where we meet God…. Emotions are the language of the soul. They are the cry that gives the heart a voice. In neglecting our intense emotions, we are false to ourselves and miss a wonderful opportunity to know God. We forget that change comes through brutal honesty and vulnerability before God.
― Dan Allender & Tremper Longman, The Cry of the Soul
