ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
May 3, 2026
Have you ever been in a funk, feeling pretty low, when suddenly something happened that changed your mood dramatically and quickly? This has occurred numerous times in my own life. There have been situations where I was given some perspective that shook me from my doldrums. In other moments, I have felt lifted from despair, whether it was something within me or something outside of me that changed me. On the other side of the gloomy mood, we often find ourselves looking at life a little differently.
Of course, I want to be clear that sometimes this so-called funk is more serious and requires professional help and support. We never want to imply that someone simply needs to perk up or look on the positive side of things. Years ago, after my diagnosis with M.S. and some time in a pretty deep hole, I met with my Regional Minister at the time, Rev. Dr. Paul Diehl. Along with being a minister, he is a psychologist. And though it only required a few sessions, he helped me open a door that gave me a new perspective. He also gave me some tools to utilize as I continued forward, tools that I continue to use this day. Could I have dug myself out of the hole? Maybe… or maybe I would have dug myself deeper into the hole. And even if I had been able to work through it over time, how many others would I have pulled into my hole?
In two weeks (May 17), Cypress Creek Christian Church will have a Mental Health Awareness Sunday. The National Benevolent Association, the health and wellness ministry associated with our denomination, asked if we would put together such a Sunday that might be a model for other congregations. I hope to see you each and every Sunday, though I’d like for people to prioritize May 17 as a Sunday when you might hear something or pick up information that will help you or help someone you know.
Merciful God, you continue to guide us toward greater wholeness. Whether we find encouragement and healing from prayer or a song, or from a therapist or a Stephen Minister, we are thankful for all the tools you use to bring health to body, mind, and spirit. Amen.
