It is Mental Health Awareness Week and a post on facebook reads "Depression, anxiety, and panic attacks are not a sign of weakness. They are signs of having tried to remain strong for too long. Did you know that 1 in 3 of us go through this some time in our lives?"

I believe the strongest among us will face issues like this, mainly because they take the risk to care about others and their place in the world. To admit weakness is a strength, I believe, and, if we are willing to place ourselves in another's care, can help us turn unto the Creator and the Redeemer who can make weaknesses strengths for his purposes. There are many tools given to man to use to understand and function in this place with so many mists of darkness. And to use those tools and resources God has given us is wise. Reality is we are all weak and reliant on the mercies of God.

I mean, what is wrong with admitting we have weaknesses? It does not make us any less valuable or
important! God is omnipotent and all powerful and all knowing. I have no problem recognizing that and yielding to it. And I know he does and continues to use me in my weakness. I have found that these states of depression, anxiety, and panic can come at times of distress and, oddly enough, at times of positive experiences as well. I also know that yielding to his will and using all the tools and resources that are at
my disposal, including small acts of kindness from others can a great help. I hope I can lift another along the way too. So many suffer, even behind beautiful smiles...