Mental Health / Depression – Winsome Wonderings

I am not the first to write about his, but today I was reminded of the Beatitudes. They came to mind when looking for a scripture to practice writing my calligraphy/hand-lettering. I realized that they are extremely applicable to our everyday attitude, and often they do not get enough attention.

The Beatitudes remind us that this life is more about our quest for righteousness and less about how well we are treated in this life.

As a quick reminder, they are found in the Bible in the book of Matthew (chapter 5, verses 2-12), as part of the Sermon on the Mount. Here, Jesus explains how God’s kingdom works – which is very contrary to how the world worked then, and contrary to how it works now.

In the world’s view, pride and success are everything. But in God’s kingdom, humility, love, and peace speak of the way we ought to live. The world will tell you that you have to look out for yourself (#1), because nobody else will. But Jesus tells us that in His kingdom, the meek shall inherit the earth.

I do not want to add to or take away from the Beatitudes. They are words straight from Jesus’ mouth, and I urge you to read them in light of all that is going on in your life and in the world today. I pray you will feel a shift in your heart about Who will have the last word when all is said and done.

Perhaps you have been living your life the way the world says you should. If that is the case, you may be left feeling empty and lonely. May you be blessed in reading this today.

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Matthew 5:3-12

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.

Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.

Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.

Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of God.

Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.”

‘Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.’

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With love,

Amanda

kate ♠️ spade (TM)

She took her own life and left behind a 13-year-old daughter because her husband wanted a divorce. Suffering from bipolar disease and depression, she was reportedly afraid to ask for help because it might tarnish her brand.

Kate was far more than a brand. She was a daughter, a wife, a mother, a friend, a leader, an entrepreneur, a girl-boss, a go-getter, and many other things. However, even she distilled herself down to a brand. An image. What people would think.

We have placed far too high a value on image, and the cost is peoples’ lives. Why are we afraid to talk about our struggles? Why are we ashamed to feel vulnerable, to ask for help when we need it? To let people know that we are struggling to keep it together? Because the world has told us that it is weak to need others, and that a curated image is more important than being truly known. That we just have to pick ourselves up by our bootstraps and deal with it. We feel so isolated, like everyone else has it all together and we are the lone wolf.

Somehow, what people think of us (our self/brand image) has started to matter more than being healthy for ourselves and the ones we love. Let’s all learn a lesson from Kate’s tragedy. She certainly will be remembered as a brilliant designer. But what matters more is that her family must mourn the loss of her life, her love, her kindness, and her bright light because she didn’t want to dim an image. I guarantee her daughter would rather have her mom than to inherit a savvy brand. In the end, all we have is God and each other. Nothing else matters.

Be good to yourself. Forget your image. Please reach out if you struggle with depression, anxiety, or just feel alone. You are never alone. Give the people in your life the chance to show you that YOU matter to them. Not your image.

In loving memory of Kate Spade,

Amanda

Category: Mental Health / Depression

Let the Beatitudes be Your Attitude

Mental Health > Image