When I was growing up, my family would often argue on the way to church. It must have been the stress of getting everyone dressed in a hurry that did it. However, somehow, someway, by the time we got out of the car, we all knew that we had better put on our Sunday best smiles and walk in as if we were the perfect family. Sometimes people think that as Christians they should never have a bad day, or be in a bad mood or experience challenges in life. They also think that on the rare chance they do experience those things, they should never, ever show it. If you are one of them, then let me bust that bubble right now. It’s okay not to be okay.

Not only is this a core value at ARISE, it is also Biblical. In fact, Matthew 11:28-30 says this, “28 “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” I love this verse so much because it tells us that we do not have to pretend to have it all together. In fact, it says just the opposite. This verse tells us that when life gets hard, we need to run, not walk to Jesus. Through prayer, we will find the wisdom and comfort that we need. Through our new friendships, we find those who will accept us just as we are. So, know this… it’s okay to not be okay, just know that you don’t have to stay that way.