 There is something profoundly wrong when I can say that not only I, but also my daughter and even my young granddaughter, have all lost friends to suicide. The world has changed—and continues to change—faster than many of us can keep up with. And yet, one truth remains: the pain of losing someone this way never truly leaves.
September is National Suicide Prevention Month, and for me, it is a deeply personal reminder. My heart still aches for my dear friend whose life ended far too soon. I remember the helplessness, the hopelessness, and the questions that haunted me. Why didn’t he reach out to me? Why didn’t he know I would do anything to help? With time, I’ve come to understand that suicide is not about those left behind. Even if I could have intervened in a single moment, there was always another moment of pain ahead for him. I miss him every day. I miss the chance to grow old together, to laugh about the “good ole days,” to simply have him here. And yet, I am deeply grateful for the years we did share. Looking back, the signs were there. The weight on his shoulders was unbearably heavy, though I believed he was stronger than life itself. What I did not understand then is that even the strongest among us can be broken by life’s challenges. That is why I am writing these words now. If there is someone in your life you are concerned about—do something. Don’t assume they are okay. Reach out. Ask. Listen. Sit with them in their pain. Encourage them to seek support. Pray with them if faith is part of your journey. And remember, you don’t have to carry the burden alone—pastors, counselors, therapists, and doctors are there to help. Young people especially need us. They are navigating pressures we can hardly imagine—social media, bullying, identity struggles, and the weight of a world that often feels unkind. Please, pay attention. Ask questions. Be present. Most importantly, know that help is available. If you or someone you love is struggling with thoughts of suicide, please call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7 in the United States. You can also visit 988lifeline.org for resources and support. We cannot undo the pain of loss, but we can honor those we’ve lost by choosing to see, to act, and to love more boldly. Someone you know might be silently carrying a burden too heavy to bear alone. Your call, your presence, your care could make all the difference.
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 Depression can feel like a heavy fog—an unshakable weight that colors everything gray. In those moments, simple practices that restore balance and clarity become essential. Meditation, though often misunderstood as mere “sitting quietly,” has emerged as a powerful tool in managing depression, with neuroscience research offering compelling evidence of its benefits.
When we meditate, we invite the brain to shift from cycles of rumination—the constant replaying of negative thoughts—into patterns of presence and calm. Studies using MRI scans have shown that regular mindfulness meditation decreases activity in the default mode network (DMN), the part of the brain associated with self-critical and repetitive thought loops that fuel depression. At the same time, meditation strengthens the prefrontal cortex, improving emotional regulation, and increases gray matter density in the hippocampus, which plays a key role in memory and mood regulation. In other words, meditation doesn’t just “calm you down” in the moment. Over time, it reshapes the brain’s architecture, helping us build resilience against the spiral of depressive thinking. Researchers at Johns Hopkins University reviewed nearly 50 clinical trials and found that meditation programs produced moderate improvements in anxiety, depression, and pain—results comparable to the effectiveness of antidepressant medications, but without side effects. Beyond the science, meditation teaches us to approach our inner world with compassion. Sitting in stillness, we learn that feelings—even the darkest ones—are not permanent. They rise, crest, and fall like waves. This gentle awareness offers hope: you are not your thoughts, and you are not defined by your lowest moments. During Suicide Prevention Month, it’s important to acknowledge that healing often requires many tools—professional therapy, support networks, sometimes medication, and practices like meditation. Meditation alone is not a cure, but it can be a lifeline—an anchor to the present, a reminder that even in pain, there is stillness and light within reach. If you are struggling, know this: you are not alone, and help is available. Meditation can be one of the ways you remind yourself that hope is not lost. With every breath, you are choosing life. And in that choice, healing begins. Pastor Mike Jr. Sweeps Stellar Awards — A Night of Grace, Power, and Birmingham’s Anointing9/9/2025 By: Sommer Walker  This past August, Birmingham’s own Pastor Mike Jr.—Michael McClure Jr., founder and senior pastor of Rock City Church—made gospel music history at the 40th Stellar Gospel Music Awards in Nashville. In a dominant display, he was nominated in nine categories and emerged victorious in every single one, including Artist of the Year, Album of the Year, Male Artist of the Year, Song of the Year, Producer of the Year, and Music Video of the Year.
When I visited Rock City Church in Birmingham, I felt a force that went beyond the walls. The worship was vibrant and anchored in deep sincerity. Pastor Mike Jr.’s presence pulsed with authenticity, wisdom, and undeniable anointing. Every word he spoke felt like an invitation to draw nearer to God—tender yet powerful, prophetic yet accessible. Experiencing that warmth in person primed me for why his victory at the Stellar Awards mattered so profoundly. Here is a man who hasn’t forgotten where he came from. He carried the essence of Birmingham with him to Nashville; he carried our dreams, prayers, and the voice of our community. Every award he lifted wasn’t just for artistry—it was for every person who dared to believe that our city could birth greatness. Pastor Mike Jr.’s win isn’t just a career landmark—it’s a spiritual declaration. It’s proof that anointing—when cultivated in humility, integrity, and dedication—transcends boundaries. Born and raised in Birmingham, he was once told to go to bigger cities like Atlanta or Nashville to make it. Instead, he stayed, built, and let the prophetic power of local ministry flourish. My visit to Rock City Church remains one of the most spiritually vivid moments of my year. This Stellar Awards sweep only magnifies what I saw firsthand: a genuine follower of Christ whose voice is anointed to lead, uplift, and transform. There’s a reason why so many traditions remind us to watch our words. In the Bible, Proverbs 18:21 teaches, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” In Buddhism, “Right Speech” is one of the steps on the Noble Eightfold Path. In many African and Indigenous traditions, spoken words are considered seeds—once released, they take root in the world around us. Across religions and philosophies, the message is consistent: what we say matters, not only to others, but also to ourselves.
When you speak positively, you aren’t just encouraging someone else—you’re shaping the atmosphere of your own life. Words carry vibration. They influence the way you feel, the way you act, and ultimately the way circumstances unfold. If you wake up each day saying, “I can’t do this,” your body, your mind, and even your energy start to align with defeat. But if you begin your day declaring, “I am capable, I am worthy, and today I will thrive,” you step into the day with strength and possibility. Think about how a single compliment can brighten someone’s mood, or how hearing criticism can sting for hours. The same principle applies internally. The conversations you have with yourself—spoken out loud or whispered in thought—are shaping your reality. Neuroscience now backs what spiritual leaders have said for centuries: positive affirmations rewire the brain, strengthen confidence, and reduce stress. Examples are everywhere. A person practicing gratitude daily may start to notice more things to be grateful for, creating a cycle of joy. Athletes use affirmations before games, reinforcing focus and resilience. Even in tough moments, people who declare hope and possibility often find the strength to push through challenges. The power of the tongue isn’t just metaphorical—it’s practical. The words you choose become the story you live. So speak with intention. Affirm your worth. Declare your vision. Use your words as tools for healing, for encouragement, and for creating the life you desire. September is more than just another month on the calendar—it is a reminder that lives are at stake, that silent struggles are real, and that each of us has the power to be a lifeline for someone we love. Suicide Prevention Month is not only about raising awareness; it is about raising our level of compassion and our willingness to truly connect.
The Power of Being Present Sometimes, what saves someone is not a grand gesture, but the simple act of being fully present. Asking, “How are you—really?” and then being willing to sit in the silence while they search for an answer. Choosing to listen instead of fixing. Offering a hug, a ride, a warm meal, or a safe space when words feel too heavy. For those walking through the valley of despair, the knowledge that someone is with them—not rushing them, not judging them, not abandoning them—can make the unbearable feel survivable. Faith and Hope in the Midst of Struggle Scripture reminds us in Psalm 34:18, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” And while God’s nearness is a comfort, He often uses us as vessels of that closeness. We are called to reflect His compassion by standing with those who feel unseen and unheard. More Than Words—Practical Support If someone you love is struggling, don’t assume they’ll “figure it out.” Offer to sit with them as they make a call, drive them to an appointment, or simply hold space until they’re ready to take the next step. Connection is action. Presence is intervention. Resources in Miami-Dade County If you or someone you know is in immediate crisis:
You don’t need a degree in counseling to be a lifeline. You just need to care enough to act. To check in, to listen deeply, to share these resources, and to walk alongside someone who may not see a way forward. This month, let’s commit not just to awareness, but to presence. To standing in the gap for those who are weary. To reminding the people we love—and even those we barely know—that their life matters. Because it does. In today’s fast-paced and often stressful world, maintaining mental health requires intentional effort. While professional resources such as therapy and counseling are invaluable, there are also everyday practices we can adopt that help foster resilience and emotional balance. Five of these practices—picking up a hobby, learning something new, staying physically active, cultivating community, and practicing mindfulness—can make a significant difference in our well-being.  1. Picking Up a Hobby
Engaging in hobbies such as painting, gardening, or even cooking can provide a creative outlet that relieves stress. Hobbies give our minds a chance to focus on joy and curiosity rather than worry, offering a sense of accomplishment and calm. 2. Learning Something New Challenging ourselves to acquire new knowledge—whether it’s mastering a musical instrument, trying a new language, or taking an online course—stimulates the brain. Lifelong learning fosters confidence and reminds us that growth is always possible, regardless of age or circumstance. 3. Staying Physically Active Exercise is one of the most effective ways to maintain mental health. Physical activity releases endorphins, reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression, and promotes better sleep. Even a daily walk can help clear the mind and restore perspective. 4. Cultivating Community Building supportive relationships and staying connected with others is essential for mental health. Isolation can intensify stress, while community provides encouragement, accountability, and belonging. Whether through family, friends, faith groups, or clubs, connection is a lifeline. 5. Practicing Mindfulness Taking time to pause, breathe, and reflect allows us to remain present. Mindfulness practices—such as meditation, prayer, or journaling—help us manage negative thoughts and anchor ourselves in gratitude. When combined, these practices form a holistic approach to maintaining mental wellness. Picking up a hobby, pursuing new knowledge, moving your body, connecting with others, and cultivating mindfulness are not just “extras” for life’s spare moments—they are investments in resilience. By making space for them, we create a foundation of stability and joy that helps us navigate life’s challenges with greater strength and clarity.  We live in a time when political climates in the United States and around the world feel increasingly unstable. From divisive elections to global unrest, many people find themselves anxious, uncertain, and even fearful about what tomorrow might bring. As people of faith, we are called to stand on something far greater than shifting political landscapes—we are called to remain steadfast in our trust in God.
Scripture reminds us in Philippians 4:6–7, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” This truth assures us that no matter who holds office or how policies change, our ultimate peace does not come from governments but from God. Remaining faithful during uncertain times means remembering that history itself is in God’s hands. The psalmist declared in Psalm 46:1, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” That verse is not limited by borders, parties, or political seasons—it is a timeless promise. Faith calls us to respond not with despair, but with hope. Isaiah 40:31 reminds us, “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.” Waiting on God means anchoring our confidence in His sovereignty rather than the instability around us. Our role is to pray for leaders, act justly, and love mercy while trusting that God’s purposes will prevail. The Apostle Paul encouraged believers in 2 Corinthians 5:7, “For we walk by faith, not by sight.” Though circumstances may suggest fear, faith teaches us to see beyond what is visible. In these challenging times, let us remain grounded in prayer, rooted in Scripture, and unwavering in our trust. Political climates may rise and fall, but God’s Word assures us that His kingdom is unshakable. |
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