‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’
‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’
(see Mark 12:28-34)
These days, far more people are aware of (and are open and honest about) Mental Health. There have been so many campaigns encouraging people to talk about their feelings, and offering many ways in which we can improve our mental health and become more emotionally resilient. With far more public understanding, the stigma of poor mental health is slowly being eradicated although we still have some way to go, and there is much need for more investment in Mental Health Services.
Sometimes, the smallest gesture can help. Perhaps simply asking someone how they are, and being willing to listen. Likewise, we shouldn’t feel embarrassed by asking for help ourselves. As the beautiful book, The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy,’ says, ‘Asking for help isn’t giving up. It’s refusing to give up.’ Having a care for ourselves is as important as caring for others. The two go hand in hand. How can we love our neighbour as ourselves if we don’t love ourselves very much?
When Jesus stooped to wash his disciples feet in an act of loving service, Peter refused at first. Sometimes, we may find it difficult to seek help, or may be too proud or too embarrassed. Likewise, we may not recognise the voice of those crying for help but there are opportunities each day to make a difference.
PRAY FOR a true care and love of ourselves so that we can care and love for others, and for better understanding of those with poor mental health.
Our daily reflections for Lent focus on the many injustices which exist in our world, as we seek to connect our life of prayer to social justice, the Justice of God which Christ proclaimed. More resources are available at www.southcardiffministryarea.co.uk/just-lent
South Cardiff Ministry Area 