It's the start of a brand new week, and from all of us at Hope Center Ministries, we hope yours is shaping up to be an awesome one!
As we head into the new trials of the coming days, one important thing to remember is that you don't have to deal with those trials alone: whether you see it or not, there are people in your life, and all around you, who are ready to support you if you're struggling. At Hope Center one of the most important virtues we work to instill in our residents is that of community, and we believe that we are always stronger together than we would be apart. The fellowship that one finds in in life is therefore instrumental to our happiness as individuals, but is also crucial on the road to recovery.
According to the American Psychiatric Association, "Community involvement provides the opportunity for a range of benefits that are important to recovery for individuals with serious mental illness. It can: help give individuals a sense of purpose and belonging, help develop meaningful connections and social supports, offer opportunities to learn, grow and develop skills, and provide opportunities to learn about and access resources and services." We've talked before in previous posts about the burden of loneliness, and how being isolated can negatively affect mental health, but here we see that the benefits of engaging in community and fellowship extend far beyond negating loneliness: our friends, families and loved ones also act to provide us guidance in dark moments, as well as emotional support and accountability when we struggle.
It's easy to feel isolated amongst the hustle and bustle of the modern world, but by embracing the community that God provides us, be it in the Church, in our family, or in our friends, we see the opportunity for new strength. In Ecclesiastes 4:9-10, Scripture tells us that "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up. But pity anyone who falls and has no one to help them up".
At Hope Center, we believe it's our mission to be the helping hand when the person on their own falls, and that wherever you are, with faith that Christ our Savior is by your side, you are never truly alone.
Happy Monday from Hope Center Ministries!
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