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I have heard this statement spoken a hundred times or more during my years in full-time ministry: “I don’t know what I would’ve done if it were not for the church family.” Aren’t you glad to be a part of the family of God? What would we do without our brothers and sisters in Christ? I can honestly say that I would not be where I am today if it were not for the dedicated people who surrounded me and my family. Life is not always easy, and ministry can be extremely difficult. At times, brethren can even be harsh or discouraging. However, the overwhelming majority of people within the church—our true family—have been a tremendous blessing! The Ministry of Burden-Bearing The brothers and sisters we have in Jesus Christ are there to help us when we need them most. In fact, it is our responsibility to serve one another. We are called to lean on each other when we are suffering from a heavy load. Galatians 6:2 says, “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” This practice of mutual burden-bearing is essential. We need to lend a helping hand by lifting heavy loads, especially those of God’s family. Often, life presents an "overload" that we simply cannot carry alone. A burden is a weight too heavy for the individual, but it is capable of being shared within the fellowship. In doing this, we satisfy the requirements of Christ. Restoration Through Gentleness Our spiritual family also helps us when we are overtaken by sin. Galatians 6:1 says, “Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted.” Our brothers and sisters provide a safe place for confession and healing. As James 5:16 reminds us, “Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” A Culture of Availability We need to be there for one another at all times—not just during a crisis. This means offering a hand, providing advice when a problem arises, and offering prayers for those who are struggling. The family of God is one of the greatest gifts we have because it ensures we are never alone. However, this is a two-way street. While we rely on our brethren, they also need to rely on us. Hebrews 10:24-25 exhorts us: “And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching.” When we neglect worship or community, we aren't just missing out ourselves—we are preventing others from leaning on us. The Strength of Shared Resilience There is a unique strength found in shared resilience that cannot be replicated in isolation. When we walk through trials as a community, our collective faith acts as a buffer against despair. Just as a single strand of cord is easily broken but a threefold cord is not quickly torn apart, our individual resolve is fortified by the presence of others. This "communal grit" allows us to persevere through seasons of grief, doubt, or exhaustion that might otherwise overwhelm us. By standing shoulder-to-shoulder, we don't just survive the storm; we grow stronger because of it, proving that God's grace is often delivered through the hands and hearts of the person sitting in the pew next to us. A Call to Peace and Love To sum up this journey of faith, look to the words of the apostle Paul in Colossians 3:12-17. He calls us to put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, and long-suffering. We must bear with one another and forgive one another, just as Christ forgave us. Above all, we must put on love, which is the bond of perfection. Let the peace of God rule in your hearts and let the word of Christ dwell in you richly as you teach and admonish one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs. You are loved. Ray Reynolds #ReynoldsRap #ReclaimingHope #PeachtreePress #RayReynolds #MistyReynolds #lifecoaching #inspiration #encourage #positive #rayreynoldsrap #GTKYB #reclaiminghopeministry #Christianity #summerdale #churchofchrist #bible #authentic #Christian #positive #practical #community #gettingtoknowyourBible #gospel #judgment #authority #family

Understanding the Biblical Pattern: A Defense of Restorationist Leadership in the Church I was blessed with two amazing grandmothers. Both helped raising me and shaping me into the man I am today (Carol Rae Green & Aletta Mae Reynolds). Both grandmothers were faithful members of the Lord's church. Both were converted by their husbands (my grandfathers) early in life. Both read their Bibles, never missed a service, and were wise beyond comprehension. Talented, loving, servant-minded, and a joy to be around. Everything you want to see in a leader. While my brother and I (as teens) were permitted into the "Men's Business Meetings" with our fathers and grandfathers, our mom and grandmothers were given no admittance. It didn't take me long to figure out that no women were allowed in those meetings. Also, no women led in worship, conducted the song leading, served on the table, led public prayer, preached, read Scripture or made announcements. My curiosity on this subject began at an early age, but I didn't have any solid answers about the role of women in the church until I went to International Bible College. Several of our professors were willing to lead discussions on a number of issues. Many of those topics were never preached from the pulpits were I attended. I learned that what I saw as "unwritten rules" were actually church leaders practicing the New Testament pattern. It wasn't tradition, but doctrine. What else had I missed? What more did I have to learn? Much. In our most recent sermon series, we have been deeply moved by the stories of faithful women like Mary Magdalene, Salome, the sisters at Bethany (Mary & Martha), and others. Their devotion to Jesus' ministry and their presence at the cross and the empty tomb are indispensable to the Gospel narrative. However, as we strive to follow a "restorationist" hermeneutic—a desire to strictly follow the patterns found in the New Testament—we must look at the specific roles established for public worship and church governance. Therefore, I want to share seven primary reasons for the practice of male leadership in the church: 1. The Order of Creation "For Adam was formed first, then Eve. And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived, fell into transgression." (I Timothy 2:13–14) Theological weight must be given to the sequence of creation. Leadership roles were established with Adam being created first. The headship roles of men are not cultural, but rooted in a "creation order" (Genesis 1-3). The sequence of creation was a deliberate act by God to establish a functional hierarchy in the home (more to follow). By citing Adam’s priority in time, it can be argued that leadership is an inherent design rather than a cultural evolution. Paul’s reference to the Fall in I Timothy suggests that these roles serve as a protective boundary for the church. This "creation order" is a foundational truth that remains constant regardless of changing societal norms. 2. The Direct Command for Silence in Assembly "Let your women keep silent in the churches, for they are not permitted to speak; but they are to be submissive, as the law also says." (I Corinthians 14:34) The instruction to the church at Corinth is a universal rule for formal worship services to ensure order and reverence. This instruction is interpreted as a specific guideline for the formal gathering of the saints to maintain spiritual order. The call for silence is not seen as a comment on a woman’s intelligence or worth, but on the nature of the assembly's structure. Many restorationists view this as a universal mandate intended to prevent confusion during public worship. It emphasizes a posture of submissiveness to the established Word and the order of the service. 3. The Prohibition of Teaching or Exercising Authority "And I do not permit a woman to teach or to have authority over a man, but to be in silence." (I Timothy 2:12) Paul not only issues commands for the New Testament church, he defines a boundary regarding the formal instruction of men or holding authority over them within the church leadership. This boundary specifically addresses roles that involve the public instruction of men and the exercise of governing power over the congregation. Limiting the roles of women in leadership has nothing to do with sexism or cultural norms for the first century. The church must adhere to the apostolic pattern established in the early centuries (Acts 2:42). The prohibition is a safeguard to ensure that leadership remains aligned with the examples set by Paul, Timothy and Titus in the churches of the New Testament. Silence in this context should be framed as a form of quiet strength and adherence to God’s designated roles, not neglect or ignorance. 4. The Selection, Example & Pattern of the 12 Apostles "And when it was day, He called His disciples to Himself; and from them He chose twelve whom He also named apostles." (Luke 6:13) While Jesus had many women followers who supported His ministry, when He chose the twelve individuals to hold the primary office of Apostleship (and thereby laying the foundation for the church), He chose twelve men. Although women were the first to witness the resurrection, Jesus specifically chose twelve men to serve as the foundation of the church. This choice is a definitive statement on the nature of the apostolic office and public authority. Jesus broke many cultural taboos, yet He did not deviate from this specific leadership pattern. The selection of the Twelve provides a historical precedent that modern churches seek to replicate in their own governance. Because the apostles were all men (Matthew 10:1-4, Mark 3:13-19, Luke 6:12-16) they selected seven men to serve in the ministry at Jerusalem (Acts 6:1-7). This pattern continues when they began to select future church leaders. 5. The Qualifications for Elders & Deacons "A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, able to teach..." (I Timothy 3:2) There is no clearer standard than to view the selection of early church leaders. Consider the qualifications that must be met for elders and deacons (I Timothy 3:1-13, Titus 1:5-9). All of them were married men. The New Testament lists gender-specific qualifications for those who oversee the church as bishops or elders. The criteria for oversight are viewed as strict requirements (not mere suggestions) for the local church. The specific phrase "husband of one wife" is considered a clear gender-based prerequisite for the office of a bishop. These qualifications ensure that those in authority mirror the biblical model of a domestic leader. Churches that create gender-fluid roles, and alter the qualifications to include women, are changing requirements that undermine the very authority of the New Testament pattern. 6. Male Headship in the Home as a Mirror "For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body." (Ephesians 5:23) The Bible mirrors the structure of the church with the structure of the family. Just as Christ is the Head of the church, the husband is the head of the wife, providing a consistent pattern of leadership. The relationship between a husband and wife is seen as a living illustration of Christ’s relationship with His church. This domestic structure provides the necessary training ground for those who would lead in the house of God. When the home and the church share the same leadership structure, it creates a consistent theological environment for the family. Headship includes sacrificial responsibility, unapologetic accountability, and spiritual provision. The home and the church are both perfectly structured by God's design. He doesn't need our help adapting in to fit culture or the crowd. 7. The Call to Spiritual Submission "Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord." (Ephesians 5:22) Many people have misconceptions about the concept of submission. It is not a sign of weakness. Submission is not about a difference in value or worth, but about a functional arrangement designed by God for the harmony of the body. This reflects a commitment to the divine structure intended from the beginning. Submission is a voluntary alignment with God’s will to ensure the harmony of the body of Christ. This principle acknowledges that while men and women are equal in salvation, they fulfill different functional roles within society and the church. Honoring these roles is viewed as an act of worship and respect for the divine wisdom found in the Scriptures. Following the God-given structure brings the most glory to God. Following the pattern intended from the beginning must not be altered if we seek to please God. Reflecting on the Pattern While we celebrate the vital ministry and influence of women throughout the New Testament, we recognize that Jesus laid out specific patterns for governance. That pattern was commanded, practiced and defended in Scripture. By adhering to these restorationist principles, we seek to honor the divine structure intended for the church assembly. We must not add to or take away from what is already written. Let me be clear... It is essential to understand that adhering to a restorationist pattern for leadership in no way diminishes the intrinsic value or spiritual necessity of women within the body of Christ. These scriptural principles are specifically directed toward the exercise of congregational authority and the formal positions of church governance, such as elders and deacons. Far from silencing the unique gifts of women, this framework honors their vital contributions as teachers, public speakers (ladies classes), and active participants in various ministerial and service roles that do not involve exercising authority over the men of the church or participation in the assembly. The devotion of Mary Magdalene and Salome was foundational to the early church's testimony. The modern church relies on the indispensable wisdom and labor of women to fulfill its mission and reflect the complete image of God’s kingdom. This is also a pattern that should never change. The bottom line is that men and women have God-given, God-blessed, and God-selected roles and patterns. Ultimately, when we align our practice with the blueprint of the New Testament, we find that God’s design does not limit the potential of any believer, but rather provides the perfect structure for the entire body to flourish in its distinct and God-given strength. As we embrace these roles with humility and grace, let us remember that in the kingdom of God, true leadership is never about power, but about the profound responsibility of stewardship. Grandma simply isn't qualified, commanded or permitted to take any authoritative role in the Lord's church. Just because it might be popular, it doesn't make it right. As the saying goes: "God does not call us to be original; He calls us to be faithful." You are loved. Ray Reynolds #ReynoldsRap #ReclaimingHope #PeachtreePress #RayReynolds #MistyReynolds #lifecoaching #inspiration #encourage #positive #rayreynoldsrap #GTKYB #reclaiminghopeministry #Christianity #summerdale #churchofchrist #bible #authentic #Christian #positive #practical #community #gettingtoknowyourBible #gospel #judgment #authority #family #Head #women #theroleofwomen #elders #deacons #preaching

Most of us are familiar with the "Golden Rule" found in Matthew 7:12, and we recognize the two greatest commandments discussed in Mark 12:28-34. But there is a curious thought interjected at the end of the second command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Starting in the Family What does that mean? Clearly, the world needs to see the love of Christ. If you have a hard time showing love to people in the world, or even your enemies, a great place to start practicing is within your church family. We must learn to love our brothers and sisters with the same care and concern we naturally show to ourselves. The Old Testament Foundation This isn't a new concept. In the Old Testament, the Israelites were taught specifically not to harbor hatred. They were told not to hate their brothers in their hearts and to avoid taking vengeance. The standard has always been to treat the "other" with the same dignity we desire. Practical Selflessness Loving yourself isn't about vanity; it’s about the natural instinct we have to feed, clothe, and protect ourselves. When Jesus tells us to love our neighbor "as ourselves," He is calling us to have that same "instinct" for the well-being of others. When a neighbor is hungry, we feel the pangs; when they are hurting, we feel the sting. The Blueprint of Empathy This "as yourself" standard serves as a perfect blueprint for empathy in a fractured society. It forces us to pause and ask, "If I were in their position—facing their specific struggle, grief, or confusion—how would I hope to be treated?" This simple shift in perspective can dissolve prejudice and bridge gaps of misunderstanding. By treating our neighbor’s reputation, needs, and soul as dearly as our own, we move from a life of self-preservation to a life of purposeful service. It is in this selfless exchange that the "Golden Rule" moves from a nice saying to a life-changing reality. You are loved. Ray Reynolds #ReynoldsRap #ReclaimingHope #PeachtreePress #RayReynolds #MistyReynolds #lifecoaching #inspiration #encourage #positive #rayreynoldsrap #GTKYB #reclaiminghopeministry #Christianity #summerdale #churchofchrist #bible #authentic #Christian #positive #practical #community #gettingtoknowyourBible #gospel #judgment #authority #family

There is a growing trend in our modern culture to "sue first and ask questions later." While the legal system exists to maintain order, for the believer, there is a higher law and a more profound conviction at play. When we take a brother or sister in Christ before a secular judge, we aren't just settling a dispute; we are often signaling a failure of faith and a breakdown of the spiritual family. My conviction on this is firm: The courtroom should be the last place a Christian finds themselves when having conflict with another believer. The Commandment of Reconciliation Jesus was incredibly clear about the priority of peace over "winning" a legal battle. In the Sermon on the Mount, He reshapes our understanding of justice: "Agree with your adversary quickly, while you are on the way with him, lest your adversary deliver you to the judge, the judge hand you over to the officer, and you be thrown into prison. Assuredly, I say to you, you will by no means get out of there till you have paid the last penny." (Matthew 5:25-26, NKJV) In Luke 12:57-59, Jesus reiterates this urgency. The message is simple: settle it personally, settle it quickly, and settle it with grace. If we wait for a judge to decide our fate, we have already lost the opportunity for Christian reconciliation. We are removing the Lord, and His church, from the solution. A Shame Before the World Perhaps the most stinging rebuke regarding lawsuits comes from the Apostle Paul in his first letter to the Corinthians. Paul is astonished that believers would seek justice from those who do not share thei same eternal values. He urges us "Don't you dare take it to a secular courtroom! "Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unrighteous, and not before the saints? Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world will be judged by you, are you unworthy to judge the smallest matters?" (I Corinthians 6:1-2, NKJV) Paul goes as far as to say that it is better to be wronged or cheated than to drag the name of Christ through a secular court. When we sue "brethren," we tell the world that the Gospel is not powerful enough to resolve our greed or our pride. We wave the flag of surrender to the enemy! The Divine Order of Conflict Resolution The Bible doesn’t leave us without a process. In Matthew 18:15-17, Jesus outlines a three-step model for restoration: Private Confrontation: Go to them alone. Mediation: Take one or two witnesses. Congregational Support: Tell it to the church (via the eldership). This process is designed to save the soul, not just the bank account. As Proverbs 25:8 warns us: "Do not go hastily to court; for what will you do in the end, when your neighbor has put you to shame?" I know several Christians that have lost multiplied thousands of dollars in court costs and attorney fees. Is that really a good use of the God-given blessings the Lord has granted you? The Weight of Our Responsibility Our conduct within the family—both biological and spiritual—carries eternal consequences. Scripture is relentless in its defense of the vulnerable. To mistreat family, or to neglect the widow and the orphan, is not a minor lapse in judgment; it is a spiritual crisis. The consequences? Hell. Everlasting torment. Why? Because it qualifies as one of the 7 worst sins in the eyes of our God (Proverbs 6:16-19). The New Testament makes it clear: "But if anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever" (I Timothy 5:8, NKJV). This mirrors the early church's priority in Acts 6:1-7, where leaders were appointed specifically to ensure widows were not neglected. James defines the very core of our walk this way: "Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world" (James 1:27, NKJV). The Old Testament echoes this warning, noting that God Himself is the "Father of the fatherless, a defender of widows" (Psalm 68:5). Isaiah 1:17 commands us to "plead for the widow," while Malachi 3:5 warns that God will be a "swift witness" against those who oppress the widow and the fatherless. To ignore these duties is to risk being lost eternally, as we replace the character of God with the selfishness of the world. Final Thoughts Why am I so passionate about this subject? From 2018-2020 I was forced into the secular courts to settle a bitter divorce and determine custody of two minor children. The total legal expenses were more than $80K. I had to work 4 jobs, take out large personal loans, and max out several credit cards to get me through the worst of it. My primary attorney cost me $67K. Recovery from these deficits took me years to overcome. Mediation failed. Brethren filled the courtroom to pick sides. False information was spread. Lies. Gossip. Damning evidence, including videos and pictures, were laid bare to the court. Private matters were made public. Reputations were ruined. Names were drug through the mud. And for what? A momentary feeling of success? What qualifies as a win when everyone involved looks like a loser? I have wrestled with how God looked down into that courtroom (on several occasions). Over and over and over... He was not glorified. The name of the Lord's church was disgraced. Children of God were humiliated. Money that could have been used for college funds or health care was wasted. Irreparable and unnecessary damage was inflicted upon the kingdom of God. I pray that God will forgive us for allowing the enemy an opportunity to blaspheme (II Samuel 12:14). My one saving grace is that I refused to share any evidence on social media. No doubt the evidence would speak for itself but at what cost? I stayed silent. My character should speak for itself (I Peter 3:16). God is my Defender (Psalm 7:19-12). Before you file that paperwork, or call that attorney, ask yourself: Is my testimony worth more than my settlement? Let us be a people who judge ourselves, so that we may not be judged by the world. Let us settle our differences at the foot of the Cross. May God be with us all. And may He grant us wisdom to live in this world in such a way that it will not keep us from Heaven. You are loved. Ray Reynolds #ReynoldsRap #ReclaimingHope #PeachtreePress #RayReynolds #MistyReynolds #lifecoaching #inspiration #encourage #positive #rayreynoldsrap #GTKYB #reclaiminghopeministry #Christianity #summerdale #churchofchrist #bible #authentic #Christian #positive #practical #community #gettingtoknowyourBible #gospel #judgment #authority #family #court

We often find comfort in the familiar. We are commanded by Christ to love one another, especially our own brethren. John 15:12, 17 says, “This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. . . These things I command you, that you love one another.” This sentiment is the bedrock of the church, repeated in Matthew 19:19 and Matthew 22:39. A Radical Command However, Jesus takes this a step further—into territory that challenges our very nature. He tells us to love our enemies. Matthew 5:43-44 says, “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.” It’s hard enough to love our brethren, but we are commanded to love those who oppose us. Why? Because the world needs more than a “season” of love and forgiveness. We need it every day! The Fulfillment of the Law When Jesus left this earth, the apostles continued to teach this doctrine of sacrificial love. Romans 13:8 reminds us that we owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law. Galatians 5:13-15 warns us not to use our liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love to serve one another. If we bite and devour one another, we risk being consumed by one another. This thought is echoed throughout the New Testament (I Thessalonians 3:12, James 2:8, I Peter 1:22). Love as a Witness The love of fellow Christians shows that we are all children of the same Father. We must be willing to go as far as laying down our lives for one another, just as Christ did for us (John 15:13, I John 3:16). But we must also remember that "brother" can refer to any human being (Matthew 25:40). If we only love those who love us, what reward do we have? Even the world does that. Everyone needs to experience the love of God through the way we treat every person we encounter. The Transformation of the Heart To love an enemy is perhaps the ultimate evidence of a heart transformed by grace. It requires us to see past the offense and recognize the image of God in the offender. When we pray for those who spitefully use us, we are not condoning their actions; rather, we are releasing the bitterness that binds us and inviting God’s light into a dark situation. This radical love acts as a mirror, reflecting Christ’s own sacrifice on the cross, where He prayed for those who were crucifying Him. It is through this impossible love that the world truly sees the power of the Gospel. You are loved. Ray Reynolds #ReynoldsRap #ReclaimingHope #PeachtreePress #RayReynolds #MistyReynolds #lifecoaching #inspiration #encourage #positive #rayreynoldsrap #GTKYB #reclaiminghopeministry #Christianity #summerdale #churchofchrist #bible #authentic #Christian #positive #practical #community #gettingtoknowyourBible #gospel #judgment #authority #family

Just imagine what God can do with us when we fully surrender to Him and His will. It is a concept that sounds daunting at first—giving up control—but the Bible promises a beautiful transformation when we do. When we submit to God, He will lift us up (James 4:10). One of the most profound ways He lifts us up is by adopting us into His family. A New Environment for Growth When you are baptized and added to the Body of Christ, you aren’t just joining a religion; you are given a new family. You are officially part of God’s family! The Lord has provided a new environment for you and new people to be around. These helps are given to you in the hope that you will appreciate the love God has for you, His church, and other individuals. This family of God is designed to help you develop a better relationship with other people as well as with God Himself. In this spiritual ecosystem, we find the support, accountability, and love needed to thrive. The Cost and the Reward Living for God sometimes requires difficult choices. Mark 10:29-30 says, “Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands, for My sake and the gospel’s, who shall not receive a hundredfold now in this time—houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions—and in the age to come, eternal life.” Jesus emphasized that the real family is the family of God. He spoke candidly about the friction that following Him can sometimes cause within earthly households. In Matthew 10:35-37, He said, “For I have come to ‘set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law’, and ‘a man’s enemies will be those of his own household.’ He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me.” He made this statement because we may have to choose sometimes between our earthly family and God’s family. It isn’t that we stop loving our biological relatives, but rather that our primary allegiance belongs to the Kingdom. Defining Our True Kinship We see this principle in action during Jesus’ own ministry. “While He was still talking to the multitudes, behold, His mother and brothers stood outside, seeking to speak with Him. Then one said to Him, ‘Look, Your mother and Your brothers are standing outside, seeking to speak with You.’ But He answered and said to the one who told Him, ‘Who is My mother and who are My brothers?’ And He stretched out His hand toward His disciples and said, ‘Here are My mother and My brothers! For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother’” (Matthew 12:46-50). Jesus clearly states that His family is the family of God. This spiritual bond is deeper than DNA; it is a bond forged in the Spirit and sealed by obedience to the Father. Because of this, we must love and take care of the family of God with the same—or even greater—fervor than we do our own kin. Walking Together in Purpose Beyond the comfort of belonging, being part of God’s family provides us with a shared mission that gives our lives ultimate meaning. In this spiritual family, we are not just siblings; we are co-laborers in the vineyard of the Lord. When we stand together, our diverse gifts unite to reflect the full image of Christ to a broken world. This community serves as a lighthouse, showing those who are lost and lonely that there is a place where they are truly known and truly loved. By walking together in unity, we demonstrate that the power of the Gospel can bridge any gap—social, economic, or cultural—creating a unified front that the world cannot ignore. A Time for Gratitude Take this opportunity today to praise the Lord for your spiritual family. Give thanks for the brothers and sisters who have prayed for you, encouraged you, and walked beside you during your darkest valleys. Remind yourself of the blood of Christ that unites us together as the family of God. You are loved. Ray Reynolds #ReynoldsRap #ReclaimingHope #PeachtreePress #RayReynolds #MistyReynolds #lifecoaching #inspiration #encourage #positive #rayreynoldsrap #GTKYB #reclaiminghopeministry #Christianity #summerdale #churchofchrist #bible #authentic #Christian #positive #practical #community #gettingtoknowyourBible #gospel #judgment #authority #family

When many people think of "ministry," they picture a man in a pulpit or a missionary in a far-off land. They envision someone with a specific degree or a formal title. But in the New Testament, ministry was never intended to be a spectator sport. It wasn’t a performance by a "clergy" for an audience of "laity." Instead, the church was described as a living, breathing body where every single part—no matter how small—had a vital function. I am a member of the church of Christ because I believe in the "priesthood of all believers" (I Peter 2:9). In the Lord’s church, there is no such thing as an "inactive" member who is still in good standing with the Head. We are all called to be active, contributing, and serving. You Are a Necessary Part The apostle Paul used the human body as the ultimate illustration of church involvement. Think about your own body: you might not think about your pinky toe very often, but try walking without it! Every ligament, every muscle, and every organ has a job to do. Paul writes in I Corinthians 12:27: "Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually." He goes on to explain that the eye cannot say to the hand, "I have no need of you." In the same way, the church cannot function at its full potential if the members believe that "someone else" will do the work. Whether you have the talent to lead a prayer, the hospitality to open your home, or the quiet spirit to send a card of encouragement to a shut-in, your contribution is necessary for the health of the whole. The Shift from Miracles to Maturity In the infancy of the church, the Holy Spirit provided miraculous gifts—like speaking in tongues, prophecy, and supernatural healing—to confirm the Word before the New Testament was completed (Mark 16:20). However, the Bible taught that these miraculous gifts were temporary. Paul famously wrote in I Corinthians 13:8: "Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away." Today, we no longer possess those miraculous "signs," but we possess something even more enduring: talents and providential opportunities. God has gifted every Christian with unique abilities. Some are gifted with the "tongue of the learned" to teach; others are gifted with the "spirit of service" to help the poor. Our task is to take the natural talents God gave us and the spiritual growth we’ve attained and put them to work. The Goal: Edification in Love Why is it so important for every member to be active? It isn't just to "get things done." It is about growth. "...from whom the whole body, joined and knit together by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working by which every part does its share, causes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love" (Ephesians 4:16). When you do your "share," two things happen: the church grows numerically and spiritually, and you grow. A Christian who does not serve is like a muscle that is never moved; eventually, it withers. Ministry is the "exercise" that keeps our faith strong. Opportunities for Service What does "active ministry" look like in a practical sense? The New Testament gives us a broad canvas: * Benevolence: "Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith" (Galatians 6:10). This includes visiting the sick, feeding the hungry, and helping those in financial crisis. * Edification: Teaching a Bible class, mentoring a younger Christian, or simply offering a word of comfort to someone who is struggling. * Evangelism: Inviting a neighbor to services, sharing a Bible tract, or hosting a small group study in your home. * Administration: Helping with the upkeep of the building, organizing church events, or assisting the deacons in their various tasks. There is no "small" work in the kingdom. Jesus said that even giving a cup of cold water in His name would not go unrewarded (Matthew 10:42). The beauty of this work is that anyone can serve! Conclusion The church of Christ is not a bus where one person drives and everyone else sits back and enjoys the ride. It is more like a rowing team, where every person must pull their oar in unison to reach the destination. If you are looking for a place where you can be more than just a face in a crowd—a place where your talents are needed and your service is valued—then the church of Christ is for you. We don't just want your "attendance"; we want your partnership in the greatest work on earth. You are loved. Ray Reynolds #ReynoldsRap #ReclaimingHope #PeachtreePress #RayReynolds #MistyReynolds #lifecoaching #inspiration #encourage #positive #rayreynoldsrap #reclaiminghopeministry #Christianity #summerdale #churchofchrist #bible #authentic #Christian #positive #practical #community #gettingtoknowyourBible #gospel #judgment #authority

We often talk about the heroes of the Bible as if they were stained-glass figures—perfect, translucent, and untouchable. But if you look closely at the story of Abraham and Sarah in Genesis 12-23, you don’t see a curated Instagram feed of perfect faith. You see a messy, complicated, and deeply human love story. In Hebrews 11:11, we are told: “By faith even Sarah herself received ability to conceive, even beyond the proper time of life, since she considered Him faithful who had promised.” It’s a beautiful verse, but it doesn’t mean Sarah didn't struggle. In fact, her journey teaches us that God doesn’t need us to be perfect to use us; He just needs us to keep showing up. A Name With a Destiny Before she was Sarah, she was Sarai. While some scholars suggest her original name meant "contentious," it is more widely accepted as "princely." However, when God entered into a formal covenant with the couple, He gave them sacramental names—names that acted as a seal of His promise. Abram ("Honored Father") became Abraham ("Father of many nations"). Sarai became Sarah, meaning "The Princess" or "Mother of Nations." This wasn't just a nickname change. It was a prophetic declaration. God was saying that from this woman—who had been barren her entire life—would come a royal dynasty, eventually leading to the Messiah Himself. The Reality of "Feet of Clay" The Bible is refreshing because it doesn’t hide Sarah’s flaws. Scripture shows her being manipulative, impatient, jealous, and at times, downright "pouty." She was also a woman of incredible physical beauty; even at age 65, she was striking enough that Abraham feared for his life in Egypt, worried that the Pharaoh would kill him to take her. But her "feet of clay" make her relatable. Like many of us, Sarah faced Challenges of Faith that tested her to her breaking point. The Seven Challenges of Sarah’s Faith While her life was filled with adventure, her faith was forged in several specific fires: The Barrenness: She grew up in a culture where a woman’s worth was tied to her children. Being a descendant of Shem and a worshipper of Jehovah, she knew the weight of the promise, yet her womb remained closed. The 1,000-Mile Journey: At an advanced age, she left everything familiar to follow Abraham into the unknown. It shows a heart that was, despite its flaws, submissive to God’s calling and her husband’s lead. The Egyptian Deception: In a moment of fear, Abraham asked Sarah to tell a "half-truth" (as they were half-siblings) and say she was his sister. This led to her being taken into Pharaoh’s harem. God protected her with plagues, but it was a glaring example of how fear can trump faith. The Yearning: As years turned into decades, the promise of a child felt more like a taunt than a blessing. The "Homemade" Solution: This is where things got complicated. In a moment of desperation, Sarah decided to "help" God. She gave her Egyptian maid, Hagar, to Abraham to conceive a child. This went against God’s monogamous design for marriage and, as we know, led to disastrous consequences. The Family Crisis: When Hagar conceived Ishmael, the household became a pressure cooker of resentment. Sarah reacted with scorn, and Abraham took the path of least resistance. The tension created in that tent thousands of years ago still echoes in the Middle East today. The Eventual Triumph: Despite the schemes and the "laugh of doubt" she later had, Sarah eventually moved from doubt to "considering Him faithful." The Lesson for Us Sarah is the only woman mentioned by name in 1 Peter 3 as a model for wives. This should give us all hope! Peter didn’t choose Sarah because she never made a mistake; he chose her because her faith eventually triumphed over her flaws. Do you have to be perfect to be loved by God? Absolutely not. Sarah’s life proves that God works through the messy, the impatient, and the imperfect. We are promised salvation not because we never fail, but because we believe, repent, and live faithfully in the grace of the One who keeps His promises—even when we’ve given up on them. What about you? Are you trying to "help" God with a homemade solution today, or are you ready to trust the name He has called you by?

The gift of hearing is incredible. I love to sit and listen to music, especially Christian hymns. On Sunday mornings, my husband and I enjoy listening and singing along to acapella gospel songs in preparation for worship just a couple of hours later. It is also a wonderful thing to be able to learn and gain wisdom from presentations in church, Bible classes, education, podcasts, and work. Our ears no doubt perform important service to us. Jesus said “He who has ears to hear, let him hear” Mark 4:9. Jesus also stated in Mark 4:24, “Take heed what you hear. With the same measure you use, it will be measured to you; and to you who hear, more will be given.” In James 1:19, it is stated “let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.” In Proverbs 18:13, we read “To answer before listening – that is folly and shame.” Proverbs 19:27 states “Stop listening to instruction, my son, and you will stray from the words of knowledge.” We should use the gift of our hearing for the purpose of gaining good knowledge. Our ears allow us to hear the word of God. See Luke 11:28. Also, remember faith comes from hearing (Romans 10:17). However, we must use discretion and caution in what we allow our ears to access, right? While there is good music, there are also songs with sinful words and lyrics. There are movies with words that we do not need to hear, and there are even conversations in our everyday life that we should not listen to and acknowledge. Of course, I am referencing gossip. Did you hear about ________? Well, I heard that she… Sit back for a minute and think about your past. Have you ever shared information that you did not know to be true or even worse, you had serious doubts was true at all? Maybe you have not but what about giving an ear to that information? You might be thinking what does the topic of gossip have to do with ears? Well, I would venture to say that we can use our ears and attention to spread gossip. I remember a time when I had just graduated law school and was working in my first real job. I was on a work trip and sitting at lunch with several female co-workers who began talking about another co-worker who was not present. I recall feeling really uncomfortable but at the same time too intimidated to speak up in an attempt to end the conversation. While I did not actually contribute words to the gossip, sitting there in my silence, I certainly did nothing to stop it. Friends, we need to be cautious with the information that we consume in our daily walk. While sometimes it is very important that we listen and pick up on information like, for instance, your server’s name at the restaurant so you can have an opportunity to be a good example and possibly make a connection with that person, or the names of people just in general that you meet in passing. But there are other times when we must take a stand and turn our backs to gossip. We need to decline to listen to information that is meant to hurt and especially when its accuracy is questionable. These kind of words should not be on the table for consumption. At that lunch with my co-workers, I should have voiced an objection to the conversation about the absent co-worker. When we listen to gossip, we are going along with it and we are, at least in my opinion, essentially as guilty as the one who actually stated it. Gossip ends when there are no available ears to hear it. Read that sentence again. Let’s use our ears for good and not for evil. I have walked in the shoes of having gossip spread about me. In my personal situation, with the ability of hindsight, I can see that there were maybe four or five people talking and/or listening to the false information about me, but at the time, it could have been 400 in my mind. Having fake news spread about you is hurtful. So, how do we tune our ears to the good information that we need to hear and at the same time, filter out the negative chatter that is aimed at hurting others? Let’s be as cautious with whom we associate with as we are with what channels we listen to and which movies we go to see. We must “guard our hearts” (Proverbs 4:23, Philippians 4:7), and that often begins with what we see and hear. Proverbs 18:15 states “The heart of the prudent acquires knowledge, And the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.” We should use our ears to seek knowledge – not evil or gossip. Not necessarily the most interesting words, but the right words. The truth. Proverbs 18:21 states that “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” Let’s respect that power and use caution with not only what we say but what we listen to as well. Love, Misty Reynolds #ReclaimingHope #MistyReynolds #momentswithMisty #WixBlog #Christian #community #God #Jesus #Facebook #Twitter #Instagram #YouTube #Christianity #faith #RayReynolds #Summerdale #churchofChrist #mentalhealth #becareful #ears #gossip Listen to the Reclaiming Hope podcast with Misty & Ray

Have you ever stopped and looked around you? Have you ever inventoried your life and actually taken note of the people whom you spend most of your time talking and dining and hanging out together? We all know they say that raising kids takes a village, and believe me, as a single parent of twins for over a decade, I can attest to this. But I am here to tell you that “adulting” also requires people around you who support and encourage you and are there for you when life goes really wrong. And unfortunately, we all know that it will at some point. Whether it is health, finances, relational problems between family or spouses, divorce, or death, life is hard. This is so because of the fall of man in the garden as depicted in the Bible in Genesis. The book of Genesis offers a host of valuable information to us from the creation of the world to the creation of man to God’s determination that it was not good for man to be alone, our first indication that God knew, even as early as Adam, that humans need other humans. We need companionship. We need hugs and touch. We need compassion and understanding. We need confidants. We need advice and support. We need encouragement. We need to be loved. Friends, you must know your circle. It is a fact of life that we are going to have to deal with difficult issues, and if you do not currently have any significant hardships, consider yourself fortunate. But also prepare yourself so you will know where to go or to whom to turn when that time comes, which sadly, it invariably will at some point. It is so very important to know your circle. Know the people around you that you can turn to when your circumstances are unthinkable, unimaginable, and heartbreaking. Know the friends you can call on when you are even just feeling less than, or unworthy. You see, it is not just in our role of raising children that we need support. . Be an encourager like Paul, who wrote to area congregations from his jail cell, trying to lift up and help these churches keep following after Jesus and doing the will of God in spite of persecution and all kinds of hardships. (Philippians 1:23-26). Sometimes the role of a friend is to provide guidance, like Paul. (Philippians 1:27). Though at other times, our friends may just need us to sit with them and lift them in prayer. There are occasions when I feel at a loss as to how to really help my friends, and I have made statements such as “I wish I knew what else to do, but I will at least pray for you.” I have thought back on those statements with regret, realizing that I actually put down the idea of prayer. Do not think that telling someone you will pray for them is doing “nothing” – assuming you intend to actually do it! Prayer changes things. Read that again. Yes, prayer really changes things. Prayer is powerful and is actually one of, if not the most, important thing you can do for anyone. While we do not always get precisely the answer that we think we should get, it does not mean that our prayers are not being heard or answered. Romans 8:28 states that “we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” Prayer may not save your friend from divorce or even death, but it will change things, if only provide the comfort that he needs while enduring the struggle. When I first discovered that my prior marriage was at an end, a friend of mine prayed, at my request, that I not be left alone but she added that if I was alone, that God would make me content. That is not exactly what I was hoping for, but let me tell you that is what I received for over 14 years. Friends, PRAYER IS POWERFUL! Romans 8:28 should not be read to say that only good things will happen to Christians but that all things will work together for good. My divorce was not a good thing, but God has worked it for good in my life, though it took years. Recently, a friend in my circle received some really frightening health news, and she knew who to call on. And several of us, me included, dropped everything and made ourselves available to go to this friend. Few things in this life could be more important than being a friend to a friend. Can I heal my friend? No. Can I change the diagnosis? Of course not. I cannot assure that everything will be ok, because that is not something I can promise. It’s beyond my pay grade. However, there are important and helpful things that I can do. I can sit with my friend in solidarity. I can hug on and hold my friend’s hand and even cry together. I can love on her. I can pick up groceries or make her a meal. But most importantly, I can pray to God on behalf of my friend. I can call upon the Lord to comfort, heal, and wrap His love around her. I can lift my friend in prayer and this is powerful! Now, this is no easy role to fill. It truly grieved my heart when I heard this recent news of my own friend. Even just the possibility that something this serious could be happening to her grieved me. It hurts when our friends suffer, and let me tell you, that is when you know you are with the right people, that you are in the right circle. You should feel the warmth and encouragement from your friends – if they are truly your people. It should grieve us when our friends get bad news or they are disappointed by their family or spouse due to relational issues or are struggling with financial problems or mourning the loss of beloved family members. Real friends celebrate each other’s joys with true gratitude and happiness, but they also help carry the load, bear the burdens, the heavy, the negative, the hard, that’s what friends do. In case you didn’t know, that is what your circle should do for you. In Galatians 6:2, Paul tells us to “bear one another’s burdens” and this is what we must do. Throughout the Bible, we are told to treat others the way we wish to be treated and to do good to others. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 tells us to “encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” Jesus gives His commandment in John 15:12 that we “love one another” as He has loved us. We are advised to bear with one another and forgive one another in Colossians 15:13. Romans 12:9-13 states to let “love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good. Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another; not lagging in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer; distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality.” So, the next time your phone rings and it is your friend expressing a need, drop what you are doing and run to that friend. Love on your friend, build her up and encourage her. Lift her in prayer. Be a solid, safe, and discreet confidant. Ultimately, be the kind of friend you want to have in your life. Love, Misty Reynolds #ReclaimingHope #MistyReynolds #momentswithMisty #WixBlog #Christian #community #God #Jesus #Facebook#Twitter #Instagram #YouTube #Christianity #faith #RayReynolds #Summerdale #churchofChrist #mentalhealth #knowyourcircle #friendship #circleoffriends Listen to the Reclaiming Hope podcast with Misty & Ray

Just sitting here unable to sleep in these super early hours of the morning, reflecting on the happenings of the last month. Honestly, I don’t know about y’all, but for me, it’s been a lot. And as most of you know, with my autoimmune diseases, stress and fatigue are super toxic to my body and mind. My body seriously revolts in response to stress. My personal encounters have included serious health issues with my dad. A long hospital stay for him, and I was not sure at times what his outcome was going to be. It was extremely stressful. Meanwhile, Brady came home to visit and unexpectedly took a baseball to his mouth which sent us back to the ER. Broken off front tooth. I would venture to say that event was harder on my mama heart than on him and his poor mouth. Meanwhile, ongoing throughout all of this, loved ones DISAPPOINT us. Even friends break our hearts sometimes. We are walking thru DRAMA issues. BROKEN HEART issues. SIN ISSUES. I feel like the devil keeps striking harder and harder, especially when you are struggling just to get through the day. He seeks to add the most awful stressors possible at the worst possible times. This is his ugly, hateful mission. This is what he knows. And he comes in the worst ways, appearing in sheep’s clothing- so you may not even be able to see the TRUTH right before your eyes. He even speaks scripture. None of us are immune from Satan’s attacks. You know that so you must guard your heart and mind. But yet, even when we are being wrangled to the deep and darkest places, God is still there! He hasn’t left us! And God shows BIG! Friends, our GOD IS SO GOOD! He is ALL POWERFUL. No matter what you are going through, and I mean this, and it can be extremely hard stuff, talk to your Father. He WANTS to hear YOUR words. Keep inviting Him into your heart and life. Keep Him present in your HOME. Keep Him ever present in your CHURCH. Read His Words so you will have better perspective. Reflect on His teachings for guidance. Look long and hard at His example and know that you do not have to attend every fight to which you are invited. Yes, read that again. I know firsthand that can be so hard at times. But keep gentleness in your heart, just like Jesus. There is nothing that God cannot do in His way and His time. There isn’t a church He can’t protect from evil. There isn’t a problem that He doesn’t have a solution for. There isn’t a broken heart He can’t heal. There isn’t a stress that He can’t soothe. Do Not Give in to the Hard Crazy of this world. And don’t be shocked at where you meet the Hard Crazy. It may come from your biological family, your church family, even your closest “friends.” Hold onto Him, our Holy Father. One day this world will be gone and we will have eternal peace. So….BE STILL and LET GOD. KEEP HIM with YOU, as you walk step by step by step through the thorns. Through the storms. Even when those situations puncture you sharply. Remember you are NOT ALONE. You do not have to have an answer to every problem. You don’t even have to meet every hateful thing thrown in your path. But do try to recognize the ugly lies and acknowledge SIN as SIN. When the lies you are fed don’t make sense, let GOD lead you. Call SIN what it is with clarity of heart and mind. CALL IT OUT!! REMEMBER OUR GOD HATES SIN. Brace your heart for the fight. Guard your tongue. And remain FAITHFUL and GENTLE because our GOD IS SO GOOD, even in the darker most painful moments. You are NEVER ALONE. He has not abandoned you, don’t believe the lies. Just because you think it, doesn’t mean it’s real. Just because someone says it, doesn’t mean it’s true. The world will lie to you. Even brothers and sisters in Christ will fail you, as none of us are perfect. LOOK TO GOD’s WORDS. LISTEN TO HIM. LET HIM DO HIS THING. My final personal conclusion: Prayer has brought my dad above and far beyond where I thought he would be. He is WALKING. 😉 Brady has seen a dentist and now has at least a doable temporary solution. I’ve watched good friends step up at church and do things they’ve never done before. A good, courageous father lead a devotional and offer help to others with his youngest son at the front of the church. And, LET ME TELL YOU… It is ENCOURAGING! UPLIFTING! PROMISING! And a reminder of the proof that God has NOT left the building. HE IS VERY MUCH ALIVE AND WELL. STAY CLOSE TO HIM. CLOSER THAN EVER during these dark hours where the evil just grows and simmers. Live right. Take the high road and most importantly, model and teach Jesus in your life. In your home, in your church, and in your work. Your daily life activities. EVERYWHERE. BE STILL AND LET GOD DO HIS THING. HE WILL BE TRUE TO THE END. PROMISE. Thanks if you are still reading this, just a lot on my heart this morning and needed to let it out. I love you all, and I pray that you LET GOD work all the time in your life. ❤️ Misty #truestory #GODisgreat #bestill #listentoGOD #knowyourenemy #faithoverfear #liveintentionally #GODhasyou #itwillallmakesenseoneday #wolfinsheepsclothing

Hey there my long lost friends! Sorry for the late release of this blog, but life has been super busy these past few weeks. As most of you know, because I might have mentioned it a few (dozen or so) times, the last few weeks in our house have felt somewhat like a rollercoaster with emotional, financial, and even physical strains and challenges as we have worked really hard at getting two college freshmen settled in new environments. The boys and Ray have handled the process and moves and adjustments like pros, but me, well, I have frequently demonstrated less polish and gracefulness than I would have liked, and yes that means a large number of ugly cries at the most inopportune times! This leads me to what is on my heart today on the subject of mental health. While I was studying at Heritage Christian University in Florence, Alabama, this past week, I had the opportunity to attend a Ladies Mental Health Program presented by HCU. This was a very beneficial program to attend, and we were privileged to hear from ladies sharing their own personal stories of mental health struggles as well as practitioners in the field of mental health. We were given valuable advice and information from both sides. First, a panel of three ladies told their stories which included battling depression and a dangerous brain tumor, PTSD from a history of sexual abuse and cover up as a child, and chemical issues in the brain resulting in borderline personality disorder, bipolar disorder, numerous previous suicide attempts, cutting, as well as some difficulties with same sex attraction. These three ladies were so brave to sit before an audience of approximately 60 other ladies and share extremely personal information regarding their struggles. I really appreciated learning tips and advice from them, as well as from the panel of three practitioners who followed, also providing information about helping our friends and sisters who might suffer from mental health problems. Some important information that I learned I thought I might pass along to you. Helpful tips from the ladies struggling with mental health issues: · Listen without judgment · Sit with her in uncomfortable moments · Be there for happy and for sad times · Help your friend take first steps, even if sitting at ER with someone · Show interest in learning more about the particular mental illness · Set loving but clear boundaries · Reach out and share your personal experience · Validate your friend’s struggle; believe in them Actions/statements that the mental illness survivors considered “not helpful” included the following: · Statements such as “God will never give you more than you can handle” · Statements suggesting the person’s struggle is not as bad as another person’s struggle · Do not minimize the friend’s problem and tell her how to handle it · Do not give advice such as “just take your medication correctly” or “if your relationship with God was better, you would not need all those pills” · Do not assume same-sex attraction means no relationship with God · Do not treat someone like a “project” · For a person suffering miscarriage, “there was just probably something wrong with the baby anyway” or “it was God’s will” The mental health struggling panel of ladies generally noted that they wished people realized how many people struggle with mental health, and that most people have trauma or have had it at some point in their lives. It was noted that it would be nice for others to understand that one can look great on the outside but be struggling on the inside. Generally, mental health is a lifelong issue, not a temporary one. Also, they expressed the desire for others to understand that a person is not defined by a mental health diagnosis. Additionally, the panel of mental illness survivors noted some stereotypes that bother them most as including the following: · People who cut themselves really just want to hurt others or are only attention seeking · Talking about suicide will cause someone else to do it · People with mental illness are fragile · If you reach out for counseling, you are weak · You must be fine if you look that way on the outside The mental health survivors reported that helpful actions that they have taken include finding their purpose and reaching out to others to encourage and help them. Give support to others whether or not you received that same support. They suggested that we can write notes of gratitude to ourselves and reminders to self-care. One survivor stated that she reads certain passages from the Bible, noting specifically the soothing verse in Genesis 50:20 which states “But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good…” (Genesis 50:20). Other helpful activities were noted to include walking, talking with others, journaling, time spent with pets, and therapy. After these three brave ladies shared their stories and advice, three local practitioners spoke to us about ways to care for ourselves in times of mental struggles, with the first thing being to tell someone you need help. Try to find a therapist with the understanding that everyone will not like the same therapist, if you are not satisfied, keep trying. They emphasized the importance of keeping track of your own symptoms in a journal even while you await a first appointment so that this can help your treatment and give your therapist information about your patterns, etc. Also, one therapist encouraged ladies feeling the need for mental health support to obtain a good health physical to confirm that the problem is not just hormonal. Hold a space for your friends, they said, and meet them where they are. Cry with them, and help them to find counselors if needed. We should educate ourselves with information of the mental illness suffered by our friend. They emphasized the need that we set loving boundaries, and that we not enable unhealthy behavior so that it drains us as friends. According to the licensed practitioners, a person threatening suicide should never be alone, and the National Suicide Hotline can be reached by simply dialing 988. This connects you to emergency mental health, so remember that number. We were encouraged to always assume a suicide threat is serious, despite whether the threat has been made before or not. If you live far away, there are always options for helping others including having local police do a wellness check. As for these counselors, they all note that the weight of counseling can weigh a person down, especially if that person is not taking care of herself and her own issues. If you have not worked on your own past trauma, you might be triggered when trying to help someone else. One of my favorite pieces of advice of the night was from a therapist who advised us to model Jesus. She noted that Jesus set boundaries with others and He knew that there were times that he needed to be with His Father. Also, I appreciated the statement that believing and teaching that mental illness can be prayed away creates STIGMA. When asked how these counselors felt that the Church could do better in relation to raising awareness of mental health, it was noted that we should be better informed about it before we start preaching about it. Ouch, but there is certainly truth in that. Advice was given about not shunning members who go forward with complaints of mental health and various traumas. It was noted that we should not expect Christians to be happy all of the time and we should recognize that the brain is a bodily organ just as the kidney is, thus requiring care and treatment at various times. Destigmatize this! You can pray AND go to therapy. We were advised to look for books and podcasts and websites to gain more education in mental health issues. We were encouraged to talk about these issues. In the end, the practitioners emphasized that we need to know that God created man. He made us and He is the perfect Creator. And even at Creation when everything was new and perfect, God saw the need for us to have each other, stating that “It is not good that man should be alone; I will make a helper comparable to him.” (Genesis 2:18). One counselor noted that this application is more than just showing the need for a husband/wife relationship, but more broadly, man’s need for one another, whether spouse, friend, or therapist. We need to be able to confide in at least one other person. I am sorry if I have bored you with too much information, but I found this program full of valuable lessons and advice…Y’all our world is full of hurt and lonely people. We are all forced to deal with things at times and if you are not in a struggle right now, you may be just on the other side of one. It worries me for my friends and family and for my children. I strongly believe that we are to help each other in whatever way we can. I also believe we are placed in the lives of others and at certain times for reasons we may never know. The Bible offers strong support for us helping each other. In II Corinthians 1:3-6, the following is stated: Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ. Now if we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effective for enduring the same sufferings which we also suffer. Or if we are comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. And our hope for you is steadfast, because we know that as you are partakers of the sufferings, so also you will partake of the consolation. Thank you for your time and energy if you are still with me at this point! I challenge you to be on watch for struggling loved ones in your life. For friends, for family members, for church family. Let’s help ourselves by helping others and be as ready as possible for the storms of life. Love, Misty Reynolds #ReclaimingHope #MistyReynolds #momentswithMisty #WixBlog #Christian #community #God #Jesus #Facebook #Twitter #Instagram #YouTube #Christianity #faith #RayReynolds #Summerdale #churchofChrist #mentalhealth Listen to the Reclaiming Hope podcast with Misty & Ray