As the body of Christ, we are uniquely suited to extend care, comfort and support to people struggling with emotional and spiritual health issues. Lutheran Laymen’s League of Canada would like to support you with resources to support and care for those struggling to find Hope!
Journey Through The Rat Race
Does life feel like a never-ending to-do list of duties and obligations? Tending to the pressing needs of work, family, finances, and more can run us ragged, diminishing our hopes and dreams, in the process. It’s sad but true—and without addressing these issues, things are not likely to change.
In Journey Through the Rat Race, you’ll find a supportive voice to help identify and manage the perils of a life too full. Road-tested insights are combined with self-assessment exercises to help readers find the best path forward. Key Scriptures highlight God’s desire for our lives to be balanced and centered on Him.
If you would like to purchase a copy, click here to visit our store.
Ideas to try:
- PRAY! Ask God for help as you try new ways to slow down.
- Scripture before phone! Set the tone for the day by starting out reading or listening to the Bible.
- Go for a walk. Walking can ground you in the present moment, reduce stress and promote wellness. You could pray or listen to scripture as you walk alone. Or find a friend to walk with and keep each other accountable – this adds the bonus of connecting regularly with a friend!
Journey Through Anxiety
Anxiety is something we all experience. Threats that are both perceived and real rob us of our wellbeing, leaving us hamstrung by fear and living way below our capacity. We may also question our faith in life’s most anxious moments. God knows what unsettles us, however, and His Spirit gives us the power, love, and self-control to face our fears—and emerge victorious.
Our anxiety can be managed. Author expertise gives welcome insight into exposing some root causes behind our fears and the reasons why they persist. Ten creative exercises help readers explore personal anxieties from various angles to unmask their fears, attain clarity, and gain skills in moving forward. God is with us in our anxieties, but we need to intentionally engage the process of getting through our fears.
If you would like to purchase a copy, click here to visit our store.
Ideas to try:
- JOURNAL! Name that anxious feeling by writing it down. Recognize it as a valid emotion rather than a threat. Ask God to help make intentional choices in how to respond.
- Engage in something that brings you joy. Anxiety thrives when we isolate ourselves. What brings you joy? Creative expression such as art, music writing? Or connecting in meaningful ways such as a heartfelt conversation with a friend, volunteering or spending time with loved ones.
Journey Through Depression
Journey Through Depression offers information and suggestions for those experiencing depression and for those assisting them. The sources of depression are many–physical causes, a biological predisposition, physical trauma, profound grief or loss, and more. While the struggle is real for all involved, God reminds us that there is comfort in His Word and Sacraments and in His body, the church. Topics like physical care, finding expert help, medications, counseling, and myths about depression are addressed.
If you would like to purchase a copy, click here to visit our store.
Ideas to try:
- Find your people! Reach out to friends, family or a local church. Isolation often deepens depression. Connecting with others can provide comfort, encouragement and a sense of belonging.
- Set small achievable goals. Small steps can help rebuild motivation and a sense of accomplishment.
- Sleep well. Lack of sleep can make depression worse, while good qualty sleeps helps regulate mood and energy. Research some sleep routines and ideas that will work for you.
Journey Through Addiction
Our unmet human needs lead us to seek ways to numb our pain, even harmful and self-centered ways. This can result in addictions–to drugs, alcohol, sex, food, internet, and more–which disrupt our lives. Who can get us out of this mess? God can. God’s answer is to surrender our needs to Him, accept our powerlessness, and daily look to Jesus, the One who has conquered all things, including our addictions.
If you would like to purchase a copy, click here to visit our store.
Ideas to try:
- Give Thanks to God! Gratitude can be a powerful tool in overcoming addiction. Instead of focusing solely on the loss or hardship caused by addiction, shift your mindset to the good gifts your Heavenly Father has given you. Start a gratitude journal to help focus.
- Reach out to a local church to inquire about a support group. Healthy relationships can also offer emotional support and reduce the temptation to fall back into old habits. Being part of a community where others share similar struggles can provide the encouragement and perspective you need to stay committed to recovery.
- Develop Healthy Coping Strategies. Overcoming addiction requires replacing harmful behaviors with healthier alternatives. This can include prayer and devotion time, engaging in physical activities like exercise, or developing hobbies that bring joy and fulfillment.
Online Courses through LHM Learn
Stress & Worry in the Life of a Christian
This course explores stress and worry: the causes, effects and strategies to manage them. It will equip you through God’s Word to look to Him as the source of strength. At the end of this course, you will carry out intentional actions to manage your own stress or worry and also reach out with Christian support to someone who is dealing with stress or worry.
Finding Peace in Conflict
This course explores a biblical approach to handling conflict and the peace that reconciliation brings. It will equip you to seek reconciliation with God and others in everyday situations. At the end of this course, you will actively seek reconciliation with another person.
