As we continue our sermon series on peace of mind, our focus this week is on two common myths we find ourselves believing when struggling with mental health. The first is, “I'm alone and need to figure this out on my own”, and the second is that getting help is a sign of weakness. Western culture has a strong emphasis on independence. This is an important value in our society because it produces hard work, perseverance, endurance, determination, and persistence in our character. Which are all great qualities that have built this nation and made it become what it is today. However, we have to pay close attention to the fact that when we lean so much on becoming too independent on ourselves then we have to watch out because we can easily develop a pride that causes us to believe that we do not need others around us. Since independence has such great qualities that come with it, how do we maintain our independence in a healthy way? We need to balance our independence with interdependence because we need both in our lives. Both bring out the best of who we can be as individuals and as a nation. Ecclesiastes 4:12 reminds us that, "Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken." Interdependence is therefore just as valuable as independence. May God grant us the wisdom and humility to seek healing in community whenever we need it. 

Below you’ll find reflection questions to think and pray on with your small groups and community: 

1. Discuss as a group how much the concept of independence has become a part of our culture. What are some positive and negative results of independence within our society?

2. Why do you think seeking help is seen as a sign of weakness in our culture today?

3. Identify and discuss passages in scripture that encourage us to live in interdependence

4. Who has God placed around you that you can lean on in seasons of distress?

Join us Sunday morning at 10:30 online or in-person via our church app, YouTube, or Facebook.

See you there,

Pastor Mark Nsimbi