My blogging break is over and although I never intended to be away for this long, an unanticipated back surgery prolonged my absence. Life is never ordinary, is it? Whether we’re facing unexpected sorrows, or surprising joys we have the opportunity to say yes, when God calls.
A New Calling
In February of this year, I told you about my new job as the Director of Mental Health and Communications at His Heart Foundation. I jumped right into a whirlwind of serving the local churches in our area with counseling referrals (over 130 in 9 months) and mental health education through online articles and Youtube videos. It’s been amazing to see God at work, even when I was flat on my back, recovery from surgery.
Throughout this time, an important question kept rolling over in mind: How can I serve my friends and readers at No Ordinary Days? Over the past five years, many of my most popular posts have been written on mental health, so I know that this topic is important to you. Here are some your comments:
Breaking the Stigma
Your words have inspired me both in my work and in my daily life. I’m no longer satisfied with simply sharing our personal family story, but feel a calling for: Breaking the Stigma of Mental Illness Among Christians.
As followers of Jesus, we have the opportunity to shine a light in the darkest places of hopelessness and suffering. We can speak life and truth to those who have been told that it’s their fault they are struggling with mental illness. Pastor Chris Hodges says it best:
You’re either going to set the culture, or you will reflect the culture.
We can choose to influence and affect the church culture, by breaking the stigma of mental illness. Or, we can reflect the culture of silence and judgement. I believe we will choose to set the culture, because the light of Christ lives in us. It’s our calling to treat each person with love, dignity, and respect—regardless of the challenges that they may be facing.
Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven. Matthew 5:16 (KJV)
How Can You Help?
Will you take a quick survey so that I’ll know how to best serve you? I’m offering a $10 Amazon gift card to one random participant!
Click this link – Fighting the Stigma: QUICK 3 QUESTION SURVEY
Will You Join Me in the Journey?
Subscribe to my YouTube page
Follow the Instagram Page
Like the Facebook Page
You can make a difference!

mareedee2016 says
Angela, I am glad you are back from your break and it looks like you are going strong. Today on my blog I nominated you for the “Liebster Award.” I love your message and my hope is people will hop on over and visit your blog. It was an honor to nominate you. https://www.embracingtheunexpected.com/honored-liebster-award/
Angela Howard says
Thank you for nominating me Maree! I’ll pop over to your blog right now and check that out. What a blessing.
Rachel Lee says
Angela, WONDERFUL that you are helping to bring awareness to this subject! Bless you for your obedience to God’s call.
Your neighbor at Tell His Story,
Rachel
Angela Howard says
I appreciate your comments Rachel. I definitely feel that calling and sometimes can be tempting to give up. You’re right–obedience is key.
Lori Schumaker of Seaching for Moments says
Angela,
How good it is to see you again! And I love what you are proposing to do! You have all my prayers and support for this extremely important topic!!!!
Hugs and many blessings,
Lori
Angela Howard says
Thank you for your kind words of encouragement Lori! It’s so good to hear from others who share my passion for this topic and a big hug for your prayers.
Tami (@ThisMomsDelight) says
I have been experiencing anxiety for a few years now. A mixture of Bible, prayer and Inositol seems to make it better.
Thank you for contributing to Literacy Musing Mondays.
Angela Howard says
I’m sorry for your struggle with anxiety Tami. We must support one another through these difficulties.