M erry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, and Happy Kwanza. Once again, a time of joy, bliss and much happiness. A time for old family traditions, great food and family get togethers. Which Holiday you celebrate, I hope it’s a happy one. “Tis the season to be Jolly” as the famous Christmas song goes, but as a Mental Health Counselor I want to bring awareness to the most difficult and depressing time of the year for many people. Many parents get stressed out, the pressures of buying gifts for their kids they can’t afford, as well as other financial strains like costly dinners and inviting family and friends over. Tis also a time for thieves and hackers to steal your identity, break into homes to help themselves to cash, jewelry and other valuables. We’ve all watched enough commercials showing families happily snuggled up by a yuletide fire, snowflakes falling while good ole Saint Nick is bringing toys to those good little girls and boys. Unfortunately, he seemed to always miss my house growing up on 18th Street. So, I didn’t get the coolest toys and gadgets. Looking back, the thing I did get was greater than any toy I could have gotten for Christmas, the love of a hard-working single mom, and a grandma who not only raised her kids but helped to raise her grandkids along with all my aunts, uncles and cousins. I realize now this love I had was priceless, and better than any toy I could have wished for. As people celebrate the holidays, I pray all will experience love like I had growing up as a child. However, I want to tell you about an even greater love, the love of Jesus Christ. This love is so great that God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him would not perish but have everlasting life-John 3:16. Now that’s what I call true unfiltered love! Please know whether you celebrate Christmas, another Holiday or no Holidays at all, Jesus loves you and He gives you the choice to accept Him or reject Him, regardless, He still loves you. He has a plan and a purpose for your life and His plan is to prosper you and not to harm you, a plan to give you hope and a future according to Jeremiah 29:11. Not everyone is happy this time of year, individuals of all persuasions attempt to take their own lives. Unfortunately, some succeed. I’ve never seen a commercial talk about suicide prevention. I want to address it now. If you are reading this article and are having thoughts about suicide, immediately contact the National Suicide Prevention number at 1800273-8255. I want to let you know that your life is worth living. I don’t care what you did or didn’t do, Jesus has the power to forgive and heal you from anything you may be going through. Let’s talk about hurts that may be causing you to feel like you don’t want to live anymore. Be it finances, fears, failures, or struggling with recent or past hurts, mental or physical abuse. You may be suffering with PTSD or other mental illnesses. Perhaps you don’t feel loved or feel you don’t bring anything to this world. I want you to know Jesus loves you. Your life has meaning and purpose that you may not see now. Some of you may be going through a divorce or gotten a divorce, I want you to know there is life after divorce and God extends grace and mercy. There is help for any situation you are going through. I know you may be saying to yourself: “I’m already getting counseling, taking my meds, I don’t feel like I’m getting better, or I have Jesus.” God answers prayers. I know from personal experience with deep depression and negative thoughts, things do and can get better. I didn’t give up, God brought me out more than a conqueror, and He will do the same for you if you let Him. Whatever you are going through this Holiday be encouraged and know Jesus loves you. There is help, (PLEASE) don’t suffer in silence. Tell a friend, a pastor, or a loved one you are feeling depressed or having suicidal thoughts. Call the National Suicide prevention hotline at 1800-273-8255. You can call the office of Thomas & Associates Counseling & Consulting for Counseling. Have a Safe and Blessed Holiday Season. Happy Holidays Caleb Thomas M.A. LMHC 319 206-0651 thomasacc.com Thomas & Associates Counseling & Consulting Counseling with a God given purpose! 33
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