Suicide…. within 3 months we lost three people associated with our family to suicide. Most families could attest to the same statistic. Suicide is no respecter of persons. My heart aches for those that chose suicide as the answer for their situation and the families that grieve the loss of loved ones. Suicide among clergy is becoming increasingly apparent.

Statistics show us that stress/depression is a key factor in suicidal deaths. 90% of pastors report working 55-75 hours per week. 80% believe pastoral ministry has negatively affected their families. 90% of pastors report that ministry is completely different than what they believed it would be. 70% of pastors feel they have a lower self-image of themselves than before they went into ministry, 70% of pastors do not have someone they call a close friend. (April 2022 Gallup poll). 23% of pastors say they have experienced some kind of mental illness.

Romans 12:2 states, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is - His good, pleasing, and perfect will.” Those of us in ministry MUST guard all aspects of our lives, especially our minds to effectively minister to those in our care. Below are a few ideas to assist us. If you are struggling……

1. Ask for help (call me or Bishop…we have resources)

2. Take Stress Breaks…charge phone (plug in)…charge brain (unplug it)…stop multitasking and enjoy each opportunity/activity for what it’s worth.

3. Use quiet to relax….be still and know.

4. Walk…movement is an easy stress releaser (any movement)

5. Volunteer (help others)…Volunteer work combines the satisfaction of helping someone through social interaction that helps us feel less alone.

6. Make your bed…Stephen Perrine “The first thing you should do each day is make your bed. It gives you a sense of control, right from the start!”

So, here is what I want you to do, God helping you, take your everyday, ordinary life, your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, walking around life and place it before God as an offering. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out in you, develops well-formed maturity in you. Message Bible, Romans 12:1-2

Love, Learn & Live, Michelle

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is 988. Suicide is never the answer. Please, reach out.