Hey friends!
Here’s something that I’ve noticed about myself recently:
When there isn’t structure (a schedule, a routine, etc), I struggle to get things done.
Whether it’s sitting down to record a new video for my YouTube channel (you can check it out at this link if you’d like), cleaning my car, or almost anything else, having a system in place that keeps things moving and expected is super helpful for me. Otherwise, things that are less important but (seemingly) more urgent will swoop in and keep me from doing the things I want to do most.
So I’m starting something new today. Moving forward, these emails that I send out will have a new structure, and I’m calling it “3 Things.”
A thought. A resource. A verse.
My hope is that this format will be beneficial for you, that it will be a quick, yet enjoyable read, and most importantly that it helps you take another step in your faith journey, whichever step that is.
So let’s dive in.
A Thought.
Last night, I had a really great discussion with some of the students that I get to work with. If we haven’t met before or it’s your first time here, (Welcome!) I work as a Student Minister for a local church in South Carolina. Part of what I get to do is have intentional faith-conversations with students ranging from 6th-12th grades, and I love it.
So last night, we began talking about something that I’ve been wanting to dive into and yet I hadn’t quite been ready for. And honestly, I still might not be “ready” for it—but if you always wait until you’re “ready,” you’ll never get started. We began a series of conversations focusing on mental health, which turned out to be something my students were craving. You can always tell when a topic lands with them—mainly by the way that they actually talk without me really having to prompt them very much.
As I listened to several of my students share about the struggles that they go through every day, I started to make some connections. Here’s just a few things that I started to pick up on—and I’m still wrestling with a bit. So these may be incomplete or not-quite-developed; please proceed with grace.
Mental health and a sense of identity seem to be deeply connected. Many of the struggles I kept hearing were rooted in lies that we’re all tempted to believe—like “I am what others say about me,” for example.
Speaking up about your struggles is hard, for a lot of reasons that, in and of themselves, can be hard to explain. Sometimes it’s just because we don’t want to admit that we need help. Doing so would make us feel like we weren’t capable or strong enough.
Here’s a almost direct quote: “I don’t share my own struggles with other people because if they knew, I’m afraid it might just weigh them down.”
Okay, so that’s just a little bit. It’s these kinds of things that I’ll be chewing on for a little while. Honestly, as I was talking with my students, I could feel my own battles and struggles picking up—and just like the kids I was talking to, I felt myself pressing them down.
So what do you think? Do any of the thoughts above resonate with you? Why do you think it’s so hard for many of us to share our battles with mental health? I’d love to hear from you.
A Resource.
After listening to an episode of Carey Nieuwhof’s podcast with Jon Acuff and his daughter, McRae talk about their latest book, I knew I needed to pick up a copy and start reading. And so this week, I’d like to share it with you.
Last year, Jon Acuff wrote a book called *Soundtracks,* a book all about overthinking and how to change the thoughts that go through your head constantly. After releasing this book, he received an overwhelming number of requests to write a version of the book for teenagers. But instead of writing alone (because Jon is 46), he enlisted the help of his two teenage daughters (16 and 18). The result is the book “Your New Playlist.” While the book is *technically* written for a teenage audience, it is GOLD for anyone. I’ve only read a few chapters and I’m already hooked. I’d even recommend that you read Soundtracks AND Your New Playlist so that you can hear the material from two different perspectives.
If you’re a parent of a teenager, invite them to read this book as well. Jon recommends incentivizing them a little bit by placing a $20 bill in the last page that they can have when they finish the book. Consider reading it together and come together with an open dialogue. Who knows, it may completely change your relationship and your outlook.
If you’re interested, you can pick up a copy of Soundtracks at this link, or a copy of Your New Playlist at this link.
A Verse.
The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures;
he leads me beside still waters;
he restores my soul.
He leads me in right paths
for his name’s sake.
Even though I walk through the darkest valley,
I fear no evil;
for you are with me;
your rod and your staff—
they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me
in the presence of my enemies;
you anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
my whole life long.
-Psalm 23 (NRSV)
Blessings, my friends.
Looking forward to receiving these! I didn't know you were on Substack!