Weakness and Honesty

This is my first time posting an audio of my message. As you read or listen would you consider sending the link to someone who may enjoy it? I’d love to grow my readership through friends of friends. Thanks for your support!

Imperfections

While on holiday I found a story of a young woman, Wilma Westenberg, who is a very successful crafting blogger. When photographed, she would pose only ever showing the right side of her face. This is because Wilma has a large tumor on the left side of her face. She was understandably anxious about how her readers’ would respond if they saw her face fully. Flow magazine tells of her growing success that brought with it increasing anxiety, as she didn’t feel she was being authentic to her readers. Eventually with great courage Wilma stepped into the unknown and posted a beautiful photo of herself, seated crocheting in the Grand Canyon – facing the camera. The response from her audience was incredible. She touched thousands of people and many who struggle greatly with their imperfections. In doing so, she also broke through her anxiety of being rejected. 

I am inspired and challenged by Wilma’s courage. It’s a story we can all relate to in some smaller way. Our society pursues perfection right from the outset of life. Industries make millions helping us hide physical imperfections. We may try hard to hide emotional insecurities. I can relate. It’s natural to hide our weaknesses from others, God, and even ourselves. This story promoted a growing movement on social media, all about sharing more realistic photos and stories of ourselves. It acknowledges how touched up photos and stories have a role to play in depression and anxiety. Our brains really struggle to tell the difference between reality and polished lives.

Weakness

 Many years ago I belonged to a large church where one Sunday the pastor shared of his anxiety of open spaces. He was a strong leader who made himself very vulnerable sharing something of his shadow side. It was a tender and powerful moment. So many times we find we can relate more to people who share their vulnerabilities. As we share ours, we often help people not feel alone in theirs. You may know from experience that mental illness can be a very lonely experience. 

I want to share a little about a weakness of mine common to many. God has saved me and done an amazing restoration work in my life by His Spirit. When I look back to where I was years ago, I feel like a new person. All the while, 

I still walk through life with a limp, called anxiety…I probably always will.

I can honestly say I know more peace and healing than I’ve ever known. In recent weeks I have busted through challenges that I would have avoided till now. I do the mental work of renewing my mind and enjoy the gains I make. Yet worry is still part of my lived experience. There’s a real tension here coined ‘the here and not yet’. I know healing here in part, but not in full till God’s new creation. I know God’s comfort, peace and joy. And running through the beauty is a thread of anxiety.

Jesus is more than a crutch for me. He is my Rock and that will always be the case. When I bring this weakness to God, I experience his grace, His power in my point of weakness. As my friend Phil Tait has said, ‘If we can learn weakness we can also learn the power and strength of God’. We can do great things as we learn to trust the One who gives us strength. This dependence grows our faith in our Father’s care. We can feel our lack, and with courage discover how he empowers us with His Spirit. Even as we are growing and healing we can’t outgrow our need for Jesus. God said to the Apostle Paul,

“My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I (Paul) will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

2 Corinthians 12:8 NIV

This scripture is of great encouragement to all believers who are painfully aware of their weaknesses or point of pressure in life. God knows your weaknesses and how you need him. He wants you to mature and grow closer in dependence on him. I want to encourage you to ask God for His help to do more than you could imagine. Notice his power in your weakness and delight yourself in Him.

Prayer

Father, you know me inside and out, through and through. You delight in me, the good the bad and the beautiful. Thank you for the hope of healing in this life and it’s completion in the next. Guide me towards healing and help me bring my weakness to you Jesus, for you made this all possible. Amen.

Activate

1. Consider sharing a weakness with a friend, or someone you can trust to listen and pray with you. You may find you encourage them and grow closer in friendship.

2. Grow your faith in God’s power by jotting down what you experienced ‘before’ and ‘after’ situations where you called on God’s strength.

I have been ministered to by this song on grace. I hope you enjoy it!

Ngā mihi,

Bronnie

Piggyback Riding

Welcome to Embody Hope for 2020! I hope you are enjoying something of the goodness of Summer. We enjoyed journeying south in the holidays to be with whānau and friends. I’m aware many people still need to be refreshed after what can be a stretching season.

This year I’m feeling passionate about several topics. Coming up I will share on the issue of online honesty in light of our weaknesses.

Christian Media

On Saturday I enjoyed experiencing Lauren Daigle in concert in Christchurch. I more heard, than saw her well. I had my own Specsavers moment! It was a great celebration of her music. Lauren radiates joy and individuality. It was wondrous to see hundreds of people who probably walk, drive and sing to her tunes, enjoying the music together. 

One of the most touching things for me happened talking to a young woman while waiting in a queue. She told me how only a year ago, she had been struggling in her mental health. At that time she started listening to Lauren’s music and joined a church. She told me “her music has changed my life”. I think most of us can relate to how powerfully God can use music to change our spiritual and emotional well-being.

At the end of the concert Lauren spoke of the overwhelming feedback received from the song featured above, ‘You Say‘. It was definitely the crowd favourite. I can vouch for God using this song to build my faith, as I declare truth over myself. It reminds me of kiwi singer-songwriter Brooke Ligertwood (Fraser’s) very popular song ‘Who You Say I am. It also makes powerful declarations I like to come back to. In concert, Lauren Daigle acknowledged that music is like a container the Holy Spirit can fill and touch us through. She also spoke of God using songs to give us something of a spiritual piggyback ride.

It got me thinking about how we can simply push ‘play’ and piggyback on what God is doing through music or ministry. God speaks to us and encourages us through His Word and the local church community. National and international Christian music, spoken messages, podcasts, apps and audio Bibles, are some of the ways God can minister to us. They are all vehicles that are now easier than ever for us to plug into while washing the dishes or doing something we procrastinate over. I’m not always great at keeping my input fresh. I have had periods where I felt low and had less energy. I didn’t need to be reading lots – I needed friendship, ministry, music and gentle messages. 

Q: What are you listening to?

Someone I’ve just discovered and am enjoying is John Mark Comer. The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry‘ is a very relevant message, looking at how we interact with God, ourselves and others in the light of a smartphone age. 

I like getting ideas from friends as to what they are listening to. Let me know what music and messages you’ve found to be making a difference to your well-being.

Keep cool till after school starts back!

Bronnie

Special Friendships

Friendship is the air we breathe when we’re struggling. We long for friends who are compassionate, understanding and wise. In such people, we find comfort that gives us strength and courage to keep going. Another person’s heart can bless us deeply. God meets our pastoral care needs in friendships, family and church community. Having a variety of friendships with singles, couples, both young and old is how the Church is meant to be. Inter-generational friendships can be rich, unique and bring much joy to both people. Such friendships promote well-being and spiritual growth.

Wise friends aka my ‘other mothers’ have helped me navigate life’s transitions, hopes and losses. When I was a single woman and at times depressed, I was blessed by the hospitality of Christian women. We would have a cuppa at home, a cafe or go on a walk together. I was often surprised by what difficulties my friends had faced in younger years. These women have comforted me with the comfort they received in their sufferings. My friends have brought wisdom and perspective I have lacked. We have prayed together and shared in the joy of answered prayer. These friends have made my life sweeter and I trust I have done the same.

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. For just as we share abundantly in the sufferings of Christ, so also our comfort abounds through Christ.

2 Corinthians 1:3-5 NIV

Fourteen years ago my husband and I (Bronnie Leigh) became friends with Bron and Phil Tait, then pastors at Grace Vineyard Church. We had joined their small group and they played a key role in our marriage preparation. When we experienced a tragedy and I became mentally unwell, Bron and Phil were incredibly supportive. They experienced God’s comfort in their sufferings and they brought this comfort to us. Bron journeyed with me over many years following with such patience, compassion and love. God has brought so much healing, truth and fun through Bron’s insights and sense of humour. Much of what I write here has been inspired by what Bron has shared with me.

Two Bronnie’s a few years ago!
Bron Tait and Bronnie Tressler

Seeking Out Friendship

Seeking out the friendship of someone wiser than yourself may seem daunting but actually, it can touch someone deeply. You may make someone happy to have the opportunity to get to know you. People may be pleasantly surprised at your interest in getting to know them. Sometimes I’ve found it worked best for me to initiate meeting up. If you’re not part of a church, I would recommend joining one that nurtures you. Joining a small group, women’s or men’s ministry can be a great way to meet people. A pastor or leader may also be able to help you make good connections in your church. This time of year may not suit to join activities but it’s worth keeping in mind for the new year.

Finding friendship can take courage, vulnerability and patience. Friendship takes time to cultivate, but sow seeds with faith in what God can do. God provides people for our lives, so pray and be proactive too. You may feel you are in no state for meeting new people – but trust God. He wants you to experience the blessings of being in His family.

Noting

a. Do you have a wise and caring friend or mentor? If not, ask our Father to meet this need and highlight people to seek out.

b. What is one step you could take to meet or get to know someone? e.g., try out a group, ask a pastor or friend for help with this.

Prayer

Father you are my greatest friend and you also know I need friends. I may not be feeling my best, but you know I am lovable. Help me to let others come close me. Show me friendships I could nurture and people to draw closer to. Give me the courage to step out. Thank you that I can also comfort others with the comfort I receive. In Your Name Lord Jesus, Amen.

I’ve been enjoying listening to this new song by Audrey Assad and Porter’s Gate. It is a comforting meditation on God’s love and presence.

Bless you,

Bronnie Tressler


Kia Mau!

Wharfdale Track, Canterbury

Last month we had our Hope For Mental Health Day at Grace Vineyard Beach Campus in Christchurch. Bron and Phil Tait shared their stories and valuable experience. I shared my journey of recovery. It was a wonderful day of hope, particularly seeing people ministered to in the prophetic. One of the main messages was that we need to take a broad approach to mental health. We have physical, mental/emotional, spiritual and social needs. We spoke about how we can navigate our way through mental health challenges using the model Te Whare Tapa Whā (the four-sided house). See my last post for more on this. Thank you to those of you who came and supported this event!

This week is Te Wiki O Te Reo, Māori Language Week. I am a beginner learner of Te Reo Māori doing an evening class at my local High School. My Kaiako and classmates are so encouraging. I’m doing it because I am interested and enjoy it. Learning a language (the best one!) is also having a good effect on my mental-emotional well-being as I try a new interest, find fodder for the mind and meet new people. Over the years I’ve found part-time study has been very helpful for my sometimes overactive mind!

If I could pick a short saying in Te Reo this week it would be kia mau! – hang in there! God places a high value and reward on persevering. So if you are finding things tough I’d encourage you to enlist help and determine to push through. If you do you will know breakthroughs. Don’t get discouraged when it feels like progressing and regressing follow each other (your building out runs any setbacks!). Track your victories. I have had a recent break-though in stretching myself to do something new. I pushed through self made limitations and it feels so satisfying. I think God highlights to us the next challenge he wants us to take and feel the joy of new freedom. It may seem like something small to others but you and God know that it is significant. Perhaps your challenge is to persevere and just keep doing what you are doing. Maybe your challenge involves taking steps that given time will expand your horizon.

What’s your next step?

Kia mau!

Bronnie

‘Your love has freed us, and we’re free indeed,

Spoken to our pain revealing hope again…’

Lyrics from song ‘Tuhia’

Photo by Bronnie Leigh

Te Whare Tapa Whā

In Aotearoa New Zealand we have a model of health that is indigenous to our land. Te Whare Tapa Whā is a Māori framework of health developed by Psychiatrist, Sir Mason Durie in 1982. It was developed for Māori Mental Health but was soon used in other fields of health. Durie’s framework expressed what Māori had long understood about health – it is holistic and multifaceted. He pictured the tangata, person as being comprised of these four aspects (pictured above):

  1. Taha Wairua – The spiritual aspect
  2. Taha Hinengaro – The mental/emotional aspect
  3. Taha Tinana – The physical aspect
  4. Taha Whānau – The family and social aspect

In this framework these four aspects of health form four strong walls of a whare or house which symbolise the person. The whare is built on the whenua, land (a Māori worldview considers the connection to ancestral land is important for hauora).

Durie’s model recognises that good health depends on all four aspects being strong for the tangata, to be strong and well. If one aspect of the tangata is weak, it affects the other three sides. Each aspect is distinct from the other yet cannot be divided from another aspect. Importantly physical and mental health cannot be separated. In Durie’s work, we find an integrated model that highly values balance across all four dynamic components.

For Māori the most essential or deep-rooted requirement for health is found in the spiritual dimension. Durie stresses that even the spiritual must be in balance for the person to be well. An overactive mind (hinengaro aspect) makes for an imbalance and dysfunction such as a manic episode. An over-emphasis on any one element over another is going to cause the person to become unwell.

Some of my thoughts: A person can be overly invested in wairua, the spiritual, while neglecting the care of their body. An example would be a person who prays fervently asking God to improve their mood while being physically inactive. A person praying for feelings of loneliness to leave, while not strengthening relationships with whānau and friends may need support in making connections. For a believer part of this journey to wellness may involve such things as; joining a church, making friendships, joining a small group, or finding new supports. A person experiencing mental illness may need resources and support they wouldn’t need at other times in their life.

I’ve found it is all too easy to get out of balance in how to approach getting and staying well. Some of us probably naturally maintain some aspects of ourselves more than others.

Durie’s lens can help us navigate our way through mental illness. I have found it very helpful in guiding the personal work I need to do to get well. It has also helped me ask myself some questions that highlight those aspects of my life that need strengthening. Here are some questions you might like to ask yourself.

1. a.What is one aspect of your well-being or health that is strong?

b.What activities do you do to maintain this?

2. a.What is one aspect of your whare that is weaker than others?

b. What is one activity you could do to strengthen it?

We are wonderfully made spiritual, physical, mental, emotional and social beings. Te Whare Tapa Whā highlights the need for us to address all four aspects of what it means to be human. This is a model of health that we can refer to when evaluating our well-being. It is also a helpful model for Christian ministry.

Thanks for your support.

Bronnie

Reading

Durie, Mason. Mauri Ora: The Dynamics of Māori Health. Victoria Australia: Oxford Press, 2001.

Durie, Mason. Whaiora: Māori Health Development. Victoria Australia: Oxford Press, 2nd Edition, 1998.

Kingi, Te K. R. et al. Maea Te Toi Ora: Māori Health Transformations. Wellington, Aotearoa, New Zealand, Huia Publishers, 2018.

About Me

Bronnie Tressler

Kia Ora, my name is Bronnie Tressler. I’m Pākeha (NZ European), of Scottish descent. I live in the South Island of, Aotearoa, New Zealand. I am married and have two teenage sons.

Some years ago following a trauma, I became acutely mentally unwell and was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and anxiety. I had significant hospital stays and a long recovery. At the time I had a baby and toddler.

In the following years I made an excellent recovery. I haven’t had another bipolar episode since. I also know what it is to live well in the presence of a mental health diagnosis. I am a Christian, and we belong to a local church. In the warmer months I enjoy getting to the beach, and taking photos. I have a background in health and have a Graduate Diploma in Theology from Laidlaw College, N.Z.

I am passionate about mental health recovery that includes the whole person: physical, spiritual, mental/emotional, and social. We find hope for recovery as we partner with God in addressing all aspects of our well-being. See my post Te Whare Tapa Whā for more on this. I have a lovely friendship with Bron Tait (another Bronnie!) and her wisdom inspires much of what I write about.

In my blog I weave together podcast episodes, Scripture, inspiration and music. Please do share my posts with friends who are either either experiencing a mental health challenge or supporting someone who is.

Do subscribe to the podcast if you would like a monthly dose of hope! It is available on:

Click here for Reviving Hope on Apple Podcasts

Click on Spotify below

Lastly do comment or message me your feedback. It makes a real difference to what I do!

Bless you,

Bronnie Tressler

Growing Contentment

When content, our hearts will wrap around the people and places where we live. We relish a hug, the sunshine, or a walk around our neighbourhood, finding even the smallest of beauties along the way. Contentment is all about owning our people, our season in life and the land where we live. It is being thankful for God and what He has given us. The reality is that when depressed or unwell we may feel less content in life. We may find ourselves asking God for joys of the next stage, resources or just for mental and emotional relief. Ask, God cares about our every need.

Life can also involve being creative to make the most of what we do have to work with. When we are functioning well we can make many things possible. When we’re not we may need to ask others for ideas and support. Sometimes we can break out of expectations for how to do life and so find a shift in ourselves. Leaning into change can help us find more contentment. God has endless possibilities of how we can live creatively.

Pairing Up

Working small changes in how we do things can affect our well-being. For example, my season of life with a young family, involves a fair bit of housework. Like many people, I don’t get excited about housework or exercising. Pairing up activities can increase feelings of satisfaction and contentment. I enjoy a fast walk more when I’m talking and walking with friends. One friend prays with me on the hoof as we end our walk. I find it good for the soul to get some household tasks done listening to an inspiring message or audio Bible. These activities both engage me physically, mentally/emotionally and spiritually. The walk with a friend is also social – so it’s a great combo and catch up. To add to this there’s the added reward of exercising and cleaning while focusing on something else.

We need activities that together address all the aspects of our well-being. It can be helpful to be mindful of these aspects when thinking about the activities we plan. Making regular dates for activities helps with routines and structures. For many activities, it gives us something to look forward to in a day. When unwell I needed to consciously plan to see people every day. Sometimes we get stuck and could benefit from a trusted friend helping us look at new possibilities. Start small and be gentle on yourself. A walk with a friend at your pace can be a great place to start – and it’s free. You may find someone grateful for the invite as they could do with the exercise too.

Making the Most

Contentment is a quality I’ve found to have a big impact on my well-being. Discovering contentment in our stage of life is to welcome peace. Contentment is quiet radiant gratitude for even a pocket of goodness. Remind yourself that as a believer you have every spiritual blessing through Christ Jesus (Ephesians 1:3). You are chosen in love and adopted as God’s child (1:5). You have the Holy Spirit helping and strengthening you. It’s worth meditating on.

Contentment is making the most of our lives. It is also accepting things in the now, while seeking change for the future. I’ve found rhythms of life wise for me right now. It is possible to accept limitations while having faith in God for more freedom. I believe we can know peace and contentment amidst this tension. I know there is personal growth and satisfaction when we weave together our needs and activities. I hope you feel the warmth or spark of contentment growing as you make the most of your season.

I hope you feel inspired by some of the questions or songs I link in at the bottom of a post. Do feel free to comment below or go to the home page to follow this blog by email.

Ngā mihi,

Bronnie

Noting: Questions to journal

a. What are some things you’re grateful for in this season of life? What are some challenges?

b. What are activities you could pair up? What are aspects of wellness you are need to strengthen e.g., physical and social.

c. If you feel stuck, who could you talk about this with?

Photo by Bronnie Leigh

God Will Make A Way

Kia Ora friends,

Here are some words from Scripture and songs have stirred up faith in me to seek God for more healing and growth.

Do not fear, for I am with you, Do not be dismayed, for I am your God I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand

Isaiah 41:10 NIV

God Will Make a Way is a catchy song from the 90’s, and in recent days has sneakily popped into my head. I’ve had a reminder of these words…

God will make a way
Where there seems to be no way
He works in ways we cannot see
He will make a way for me He will be my
guide
Hold me closely to His side
With love and strength for each new day
He will make a way, He will make a way

By a roadway in the wilderness, He’ll lead me
And rivers in the desert will I see…
And He will do something new today
He will make a way, He will make a way

Songwriter Don Moen

I couldn’t help but be struck by how encouraging these words are for those of us diagnosed with a mental illness. At times we may struggle to believe that God is making a way, or that there is more healing for us. But we can believe that God is giving us the love and strength we need for every hour, every day. The gate is open. The invitation is there for us to press through into the way prepared for us. This more recent song Way Maker has a proclamation about Jesus that is worth speaking aloud.

‘Way maker
Miracle worker
Promise keeper
Light in the darkness
That is who you are’

May you find hope in these words – especially God’s promise to be with us and strengthen us.

Have a good week ahead,

Arohanui,

Bronnie

Photo by Bronnie Leigh

Bron and Phil Tait

Bron and Phil Tait

Post updated May ’22 (see this recent post for a VIDEO message by the Taits)

I’d like to introduce my friend and mentor Bron Tait who will be contributing to this blog…

My husband Jono and I met Bron and Phil Tait here in Christchurch when we were dating and they were our pastors. We became friends with the Taits through marriage preparation and being in their small group. When I became mentally unwell due to the traumatic loss of a family member, Bron and Phil along with the church responded to our crisis with costly love. The Tait family journeyed with us through my recovery, earthquakes and then from a distance when they moved north to start a church.

Bron and Phil were senior pastors at Raumati Beach Church on the stunning Kapiti Coast, New Zealand. They now live in Christchurch, New Zealand serving part-time as pastors at Grace Vineyard Church.

Bron is passionate about Jesus and the grace that comes through faith in him. She has a background as a Registered Nurse with skills, experience and knowledge in mental health. With this background Bron was the first person to recognise that I was becoming unwell. Te Whare Tapa Wha is a Māori model of well-being that resonates with Bron and I. When I was in hospital she understood well the role and importance of health professionals and medications. She encouraged me to exercise, and connect with God in a restful way. Bron’s approach to all my recovery was holistic in nature. She listens deeply and speaks with wisdom with grace. This can lift burdens quickly. Some problems may appear spiritual but in fact need a down to earth practical response.

Bron and Phil have an adult son who is severely autistic. I felt ministered to seeing how they care for their son. Throughout difficult years Bron has kept a fabulous sense of humour. It has brought relief to me in some of my darkest moments. I feel very privileged to have a lovely friendship with Bron, Phil and their whānau. We share the same great Welsh name (Bron is of Welsh decent) with all its’ variations!

My friendship with Phil also means a lot to me. His passion for the Word and Spirit of God encourage us greatly. Phil freely shares his prophetic gift with others and brings words of hope to those who need. Bron and Phil hold both faith for victories, alongside compassion for those suffering. Through their ministry I knew both the comfort of God in the midst of pain, while still noticing the signs of Christ’s resurrection life in me. We always hoped and expected for more recovery. We still do.

The Two Bronnies 2021!

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Warm regards,

Bronnie Tressler


Living Hope

Hope is in the air. Mental health advocate Mike King has joined with Kiwi Bank with the campaign ‘I Am Hope’. It is inspiring and is set to give NZ youth suffering from depression with timely counseling help. Using a Facebook portrait frame that says, ‘I Am Hope’ and the bank gives a dollar to this cause. In the past days David Letele led an exercise boot camp event at Mount Eden Stadium with over 1700 people attending. The event organiser was motivated by our country’s high obesity rates. When interviewed Latele spoke of our national suicide statistics and linked the issue of teen depression with the need to exercise.

Kite Day, New Brighton Beach 2019

 

In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade.

1 Peter 1:3-4

Despair has been part of my journey so I don’t take hope or joy for granted. Maybe this is part of your story too. One way I describe my experience was that depression crept to my bones. I was very unwell, and despairing for some time. The depression affected all my relationships, my ability to care for my children and to do normal activities of daily life.

My recovery has been long but ‘full-bodied’. With help I addressed all aspects of my well-being through participating in different activities. I will always need to be attentive to my mental well-being. Latele makes that important link between lifestyle and happiness. As Christians we can sometimes load our hopes of recovery on more ‘spiritual’ activities such as reading the Bible while ignoring other things like getting physically fit.  Western models of health may emphasise some aspects of a person and not another. But a Māori model of health by Dr Mason Durie, called Te Whare Tapa Whā (the four-sided house), is embracing of the complete person. In this model the person is pictured as: a wharenui a house, being made up of a structure of the four equal sides: spiritual; taha wairua, social; taha whānau, mental/emotional; taha hinengaro, physical; taha tinana and is in relationship with the whenua, the land. This is how God has created us. We are holistic beings who naturally need renewing in an holistic way.

The name of this blog you are reading is Embody Hope (the name has since been updated). You could think of it as being about living a full-bodied hope. Jesus has been my eternal hope but when I was depressed I needed new hope for living, and to know Jesus resurrection power in me – restoring my life. God’s hope grew in me as I participated in things such as hospital stays, taking medications, family care, exercise, pastoral care, psychological help, church, a good diet, friendships and interests.  In this blog I will explore topics that bring together faith, and many different aspects of mental well-being. I would also like to draw on the rich life experience of others. I am passionate about Jesus and the hope He brings those who believe.

For those in the midst of it… persevere. Giving up can be attractive but perseverance goes hand in hand with hope. Keep putting one step in front of the other. It’s an act of faith, it pleases God. We need to be committed to partnering with God in the land of the living. You can know hope again – Jesus Christ’s resurrection power in you. That is reason to have hope. Kia toa – be brave, kia mau– hang in there .

Prayer

Jesus you are my living hope. Help me feel your hope and comfort me. Provide the people and what I need for recovering. Guide me in how I can help myself get well. Fill me right now Holy Spirit, let hope rise up in me. Thank you LORD.

Do seek help from your GP if you need support.

Follow this blog to receive more encouragements like this.

Blessings,

Bronnie

Song – Living Hope