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Welcome to the St. Lorenz, Stephen ministry, caring for you podcast. This podcast is all about you and helping to bring you Christ healing love during the hard. The crises, the grief, the difficult life challenges you may be facing. Over the course of these episodes, we will cover various topics such as anxiety. Grief and loss. Insecurity. The comparison trap and comparing ourselves to others. Shame. Questioning God and our faith. So stay tuned because we have some great topics coming your way. So who am I? My name is Lisa Stasik. And I am your host. I am also a Stephen minister and additionally, I author a blog called hope persevered, and I have spoken to women's groups. Church groups. Various Bible studies And I am so excited to be here with you today. I will share some details about Stephen ministry a little later, but what does Stephen ministry come down to? We are all about caring for you when you need it. Most. We are a confidential one-on-one safe space. For you to talk through the areas of your life that you are struggling with. We want to be Jesus' hands and feet for you. As we walk alongside you. So we're kicking off our podcasts in this first episode on the topic of a healthy mind. And Specifically the stigmas that surround a healthy mind and mental health. But what does that even look like? And what does that mean? You see, we live in a world today where if we even say in the words, You know, healthy mind or mental health, a wall, or maybe like a little red flag. Immediately, it goes up. But we aim to break that wall today and want to help change your perspective. And the stigmas that so often make people feel utterly alone. And we want to do our part to help shift the stereotypes of mental health. We want to shift it from one of shame and isolation to one of hope and healing. But first off, why do we even need to address this topic of a healthy mind? By openly talking about it. I hope to shed some light on the fact that you are not alone. That you are not alone with what you are facing. That you are not alone in what you are struggling with. Because that is a huge lie. You are not alone in this. The enemy wants you to believe that. And it might sound something like this with whatever it is. You're struggling with that either, you know, no one could possibly understand what I'm going through. Right or. There must be something wrong or, you know, if I just tough enough or maybe I just had a different attitude, things would be different. But you see how each of those little thoughts they can leave you in this pit that it's all your fault. That there is no hope and that normal possibly understand what you're going through anyway. And to get out of it, you know, you just need to toughen up. Or pretend it doesn't exist. So unfortunately many people, they suffer in silence. And we're afraid of being judged. We're afraid of what others might think, you know, what will your family think? Your friends and even. As we're talking about it. Having to talk through what you are struggling with. instantly creates this sense that something must be wrong. And if anyone finds out that it must be true. And everyone, I love most the ones whose opinions matter most will think less of me. So what I'm trying to walk you through this vicious cycle that occurs when we allow the stigmas and lies that surround getting help and healing for a healthy mind, that those stigmas create. Because ultimately they end up leaving you feeling ashamed. They leave you feeling alone and they leave you feeling helpless. But we are going to help change it today and flip it on its head because the truth is you are not alone. And shame has no place here. And hope surrounds you when you have the courage to take the first step toward having a healthy mindset. If you need to talk through something you're hurting with or a crisis you are facing, maybe it's grief that one let go or change in your life. Big or small. That leaves you questioning. You're scared. It is. Okay. And it doesn't mean you are mentally weak. And I think some of you might really need to hear that. If you need to talk to someone about what you are currently facing in your life. Talking to someone like a Stephen minister. It doesn't mean that there's something wrong with you. All right. Here's an example. I want you to think about. How many of you listening have had. Physical therapy before. You know, maybe after an accident or an injury. Or how many listening have had occupational therapy before? You see, we go to physical therapy. Occupational therapy. Often without a second thought. Right? You know, it's common, it's normal. We go easily. But as soon as we start to bring up this topic, Regarding mental health or, you know, making a change and having a healthy mind. Like going to talk to someone. Then this Invisible inevitable wall goes up. But I want to be careful. I'm not saying that if you talk to someone that you need to broadcast it. Because it can be private between you, your Stephen minister and the Lord, and it is confidential. But just because it is something confidential. Doesn't mean it's something that's wrong. And I think that's really important to point out. Confidential doesn't mean it is necessarily wrong. Something that you want to keep confidential. Does it mean. It needs to be confidential because it's wrong or because you need to feel ashamed. And right there, the fact that oftentimes talking through what you are facing. Whether it is with your pastor or Stephen minister, when you know that it's confidential, it doesn't mean it's confidential because you should feel ashamed or alone, but actually in the. Opposite is true. It is confidential and that's a gift. Just don't make it mean something. It was never supposed to mean. And that has become one of my favorite phrases. don't make it mean the lie that either something is wrong or that you should feel ashamed or that you were alone with whatever it is you're facing, because that is simply not true. So we have addressed some of the big lies facing this topic of mental health and having a healthy mind. But what does having a healthy mind mean in a Christian context? And it's important to address this because we live in a culture today where what is right. It's considered wrong. What is wrong is now considered right. And there has been this shift and it's a shift from holding to a firm foundation of belief and moral right and wrong. And that did not happen overnight, but it's been a slow move from how we, as a culture. How we perceive and think about certain topics. No, I'm not here today to address any of those, because that is not the point. But the point I'm trying to make is this. We can't look to what the world, what our culture, what the media says, constitutes a healthy mind. Or even how we should feel about something difficult we're facing. Because as we discussed before and how it plays. Into this whole stigma. You know, surrounding a healthy mindset. How we think and feel about it can so easily be marred by the lies that tell us you're alone and that there is no hope. The lies that say, you know, just be stronger with what you're facing or try harder kind of thing. But we have to look at what scripture says in regards to how we are to think and help shape a healthy mindset. And it's a renewal of sorts. Let's look at Romans 12 verse two, and this is going to help shift our perspective. It's a shift of perspective that will be rooted in truth. Romans 12 two says this. Do not be conformed to this world. But be transformed by the renewal of your mind that by the testing you may discern what is the will of God? What is good and acceptable and perfect. And I love that verse do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by. All right. Let's pause for a second. You know, scripture God. Could have chosen anything here, right? It doesn't say be transformed by it by your attitude. You know, just go out there and have a positive attitude or be transformed by, you know, just toughen up or try harder. No, I'm kidding. Scripture does not tell us that we are to be transformed by any of the ways we often think we should be. So that lie, you know, the one that says just toughen up or, you know, feel ashamed or there's something wrong with you. Each of those, they keep you stuck and they keep you feeling hopeless, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind and that renewal of your mind. It paves the way to a healthy mind. But how do you get there? If you are facing something difficult in your life, it could be grief and loss. Maybe it's a job loss or a big change, maybe it's anxiety or an illness or an illness of a loved one. It's okay to talk to someone about it. Talk through your emotions and your feelings about it. And if that sentence right there, talk through your emotions and feelings about it. Immediately makes you like, you know, kind of cringe. And when I hit that stop button, you know, stop listening, keep listening. But I think if you hear that phrase, talk through your emotions and feelings about it. You either end up in one of two camps. Either you're one of those that are like, yeah. Okay. I can do that. Or you're one that's like, oh, no way. Definitely not kind of thing. But either side of it, either where you fall. The first and foremost, God created you with the ability to experience feelings and emotion. Jesus himself. He wept over the death of his friend Lazarus in the gospel of John and that's in chapter 11. So our emotions and feelings, they are not a bad thing. In fact, our emotions and feelings can actually act as indicators that reveal areas in our life that may require our attention to live. According to God's plan to his purpose, to his divine intention. Let's look at the feeling of anger, for example. Who listening has been angry before, right. At someone or something. All our hands go up, but experiencing anger, for example, in a conversation with someone can actually serve as a valuable reminder. To exercise caution with our choice of words, kind of put a pause on what you were about to say. So talking through these difficult feelings and difficult situations, even such as anger can help you respond to that situation in the best way possible. In a safe setting, you'll receive encouragement. To openly express all the emotions you are currently feeling. With no judgment and no shame. And I'll repeat that there is no judgment and there is no shame. Let's go back to the feelings of shame for a minute. feeling negative or feeling like you are all alone, believing that lie that no one will possibly understand what you are going through. Often when we have difficult feelings that leave you in despair. Shame scared or a situation you are having trouble navigating on your own. Not talking about them and ignoring those difficult feelings, actually leave you feeling more trapped. More alone, more isolated, more helpless. So what you intended to ignore and push away actually ends up you leaving, feeling more exactly. Of what is not true. More alone and more of this lie that no one could possibly understand. So, if you are listening today and feel like it could help you or a loved one, talk through whatever you are facing. It is. Okay. I Stephen ministers, we provide just that we are a safe space, confidential one-on-one compassionate care and a safe space without judgment. So if you're facing something really difficult in your life right now, and it can be a decision that feels like the weight of the world is on you. Maybe it's an illness or immense grief, anxiety, fear, loss of a job divorce struggles in a relationship. Maybe you're angry at God. The list can keep going on. We are here for you. So don't believe the lies that you need to be strong. That you'd need to know toughen up or go it alone because you don't. Don't believe the lies and the stigmas that tell you talking through with someone somehow means that you're not handling it right. That you're not strong enough that you're weak. That circles right back to the point that we can't look to our culture, to what it says, constitutes a healthy mind. Because we live in a culture where we put on it, portrayal that we have to have it all together. We want others to think, you know, that we have everything going, right, Going best going better. But talking through the tough situations you are facing. It doesn't mean you're not handling it right. It doesn't mean that you're not strong enough. And actually the opposite is true talking through. It can be one of the best decisions you make in handling the tough situation you are facing. Talking through it. It's courageous. Talking through it with a compassionate, trustworthy Stephen minister may just be what God has planned to help carry you through. So, if you feel broken right now through the cross of Jesus, God can make you whole. And at the heart of Stephen ministry, it is rooted in the biblical principle that Christ cares for people through people. I hope. You walk away today from this first episode with a weight lifted off. if you are feeling burdened with whatever tough situation you are facing there is hope for you that you can be on the other side And at st Lorenz we have a team of stephen ministers, waiting to walk alongside you to support you to care for you And if you're wondering who is stephen ministry for we are here to support you No matter what stage of life you are in If you are a younger listener Maybe you have just graduated from college or starting your new career maybe you are newly married Or starting a new family Maybe you are raising young children Maybe you have Adult children maybe you have grandchildren or you're nearing retirement or starting a new stage of life No matter what stage of life you're in we are here to support you and to care for you More information about our stephen ministry program Can be found@christgiveshope.org. Again if you were interested in stephen ministry for yourself or a loved one More information can be found at christgiveshope.Org Also please subscribe so you do not miss out on any future episodes And just a quick note This is not Medical advice if you need to talk to a professional there is no shame in that Professional care or care from a physician is beyond the scope of stephen ministry Thank you so much for listening. God's blessings to you. And I hope to see you next time.