We are living in some truly troubling times and so much of what’s happening becomes rooted in our minds without even us knowing it. What long term psychological effects have been seeded in our psyche when we constantly deal with unfair circumstances based on our race, nationality, or culture? I know for me every time I see someone beaten, shot, and murdered by the hands of those who are charged to protect and serve it causes a flux of different emotions. Hate and sorrow being at the forefront of the emotional storm that swirls around inside me. The big question for me becomes how do I quell the storm before the emotions become too much to handle and my mental wealth begins to suffer. I’ve seen grown men break down and cry because the world doesn’t seem to care about a man’s mental well-being. There is someone who cares, I care and more importantly, he does. Jesus.

“I can do all things through Him who strengthens me” -Philippians 4:13-

Ever since I was a child I’ve been exposed to things that could damage me mentally, thank God I’m as “normal” as I am. Though I think many people who grew up in my neighborhood have been exposed to those same things yet to drastically different results. My Mother is a God-fearing woman and she is the reason my brothers and I didn’t end up running the streets, in jail or dead. I should say her prayers were/are the reason we didn’t end up that way, because we saw all the same violence, heard all the same profane words the neighborhood kids did. Yet, through all that, my mom and her faith in Jesus was able to steer four boys into becoming four men. Don’t get me wrong my dad taught us valuable lessons as well, but it was clear that he never got over whatever damage the world had caused him. There were times when I had to wonder if my dad was actually okay because his anger would permeate over everyone in the house and he wasn’t even mad at us. I never realized that he never opened up to anyone about what troubled him and I do mean never, not even to God, as I don’t remember hearing or seeing my dad pray ever. Not having someone to talk to is the loneliest feeling in the world, so that anger and pain he bottled up almost always exploded out of nowhere and he would say things that he’d later regret. I don’t know where his damage came from, but I know some of mine came from him being that way. I mean most guys in the “Hood” deemed it soft to mention anything that was bothering you, so instead, you saw guys turn to liquor and/or drugs to cope with their issues. My vice was sports and video games, but it served the same purpose of masking pain, doubts, and wrongs that just wouldn’t be talked about.

“Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful.” -John 14:27-

A lot of the time it is hard to see how blessed you are when so much bad is happening around you, but that is the beauty of having a relationship with Christ. In moments of darkness and sorrow remembering that He has got your back makes all the difference. It definitely took me way too long to realize that, but better late than never right? I’m not saying the problems of everyday life will disappear because they won’t, but it will get better as long as you keep your eyes, heart, and mind on God. Everyday problems tend to pile up as the days go by and that added stress can lead to so many negative things, but none more so than mental fatigue, anguish, and often feelings of depression. Talk to someone who will truly listen and be honest with you in a way that won’t discourage you. Always reach out to your Holy Father, because there is no greater peace than the kind he affords us. It will be a constant battle fighting your own weaknesses, but we’re saved by the grace of God. Put fear aside and pick up the faith.

“Now may the God of hope fill you with joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope by the power of the holy spirit.“ -Romans 15:13-

We live in hard times in a harsh world and without the right guidance, we can be sucked into pool a of darkness. we have to be mindful of the information we take into our gates, because whether we realize it or not they affect us on every level. As it pertains to me I have to limit the amount of news and social media antics flood my mind. Our mental wellness is too important not to take care of, so go in faith to God.

Thank you for reading my blog, as always you are appreciated and I pray that some of my words can help in some small way. Always remember to keep chasing God’s Way/ve.