By Rev Dr Huntley Brow
Good morning, friends!
We want to share with you some inspirational words from Rev. Dr. Huntley Brown,
For many, the holidays are the most wonderful time of the year, and still for some, it’s the worst time of the year.
How are you doing at the beginning of this new year?
Did you struggle this past season?
Do you despise the holidays?
It’s okay if you’re still dealing with the “holiday blues.”
Today, we want to make two recommendations: one spiritual and one physical.
Spiritual
Follow the example of David.
Psalm 42:5 NIV
“Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise him, my Savior and my God.”
First, David asked himself: why are you downcast my soul? No one can see another person’s soul. Many times people get depressed and don’t know why they are depressed.
Do you know why you are downcast?
If not, go to prayer.
Second, David made a decision to put his hope in God. Notice, when David made this decision, his circumstances had not yet changed. This was a faith based decision, one that said I am going to praise God in spite of my circumstances. We need to do the same. Praising God in the midst of a challenge will soon change your perspective on the challenge.
Physical:
There are physical things you can do to counter the post holiday blues or any time when you are feeling down. Working to stay positive amidst difficult times can be challenging, even during the best of times!
Here are a few tips to help you boost your mood naturally:
- Keep moving – especially if you can get outside! Many studies confirm that exercise produces happy hormones called endorphins. Have you ever rolled out of bed, felt kind of down, but once you started exercising felt your mood dramatically improve? People who exercise regularly are far less prone to anxiety, panic, and depression. If you struggle with staying on track, set a reminder on your calendar. Find an accountability workout buddy. Walking, running, biking, swimming, pickleball, tennis, golf, water fitness classes, gym workouts, Pilates, yoga, weight training – the options are endless!
- Connect with people! Being together creates a sense of purpose, connectedness, and bonding. Most of us long to have great relationships. Video chat with those you cannot connect with in person. Be the initiator and plan something! Join one of the many groups or clubs available.
- Eat foods that nourish the body! We all know the saying, “junk in, junk out!” Avoid processed poor-quality so-called food and eat a diet high in fresh foods – especially vegetables and healthy fats such as green leafy vegetables, cruciferous vegetables, wild caught fish, avocado, olive oil, nuts and seeds such as flax and chia. Add probiotics to your daily routine, including natural plain yogurt, sauerkraut, kimchi, miso, and pickled vegetables. Choose whole grains such as quinoa, brown rice, millet, and wild rice. These foods are rich in B vitamins needed to produce neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine which help regulate mood.
- Work on your spiritual health. Whatever method fills your spirit, add this regularly to your life. Studies show that deep breathing, meditation, faith in God, and prayer, all enhance quality of life, decrease depression, calm, restore, and revive.
- Read! Studies show that reading, especially fiction, promotes empathy and a better ability to read others’ feelings. Reading fiction puts us into the minds of others. We can learn a different perspective and understand how and why other people feel the way they do, thus taking our minds off ourselves. There are many Christian fiction authors to choose from! Pick up a book and disconnect!
Let us be the light of Christ to others. May our lights shine to the whole world that we are different because we are in Christ and may the Holy Spirit guide our thoughts, words, and deeds. Let us take our needs to Christ. He asked us in Mark 10:46-52 “What do you want Me to do for you?” He loves us and wants the best for us.
HBF Ministry Update as we close the year 2021 and move into 2022:
We know that this year has been a difficult one for many ministries, individuals, and businesses. Thus, we thank God for His faithfulness and are excited to report on the progress made with the foundation. Through our volunteer team, we were able to launch the HBF website, blog, Instagram, and Facebook pages. We established a method for giving and are thankful for those who were able to give to get the ministry started. We have received 6 instrument donations, including guitars and a keyboard. We are hopeful to award upcoming scholarships to needy students in the near future, as well as distribute instruments to those in need. Thank you for partnering with us.
Happy New Year! May your 2022 be filled with new opportunities, growth, revival, peace, and love.
Blessings,
Huntley
Huntley Brown Foundation
Huntley Brown Foundation 