SCAPEGOAT HILL BAPTIST CHURCH – OCTOBER 2024 NEWSLETTER

All too often we greet each other with the words, “How are you?” and the usual automatic reply
comes hurtling back. “Yes, I’m fine thanks, you?” However, how closely do we really listen to the
answer? The person replying or indeed if it’s yourself may not be fine at all.

A few years back Roman Kemp, son of Martin Kemp of Spandau Ballet fame (a band from the 1980’s)
lost his best friend to suicide. This seeming carefree thirty one year old with his whole life ahead
couldn’t carry the burden of it, and his only way to find peace was to tragically end his life. Roman
was left obviously heartbroken at the loss of his friend, he simply had no idea how much he was
struggling. The external appearance of someone doesn’t always show the hidden turmoil inside, but
his death sparked a movement into mental health that continues to this day and to simply ask the
question “How are you?” twice.

Prayer is the tool that we as Christians are blessed with at trying to understand the situations that we
find ourselves in on a daily basis. It can help us in trying to understand why something has happened
to us and give our minds the chance to process our thoughts. Although at first glance prayer sounds
easy, it can often be hard to undertake. In school you were told to bow your head, often kneel down
and to place your hands together. The main reasons as to why you were instructed to do this
however was to stop you fidgeting; it had nothing what so ever to help you communicate clearer with
God!

There are practical ways in which to grow your ability to pray. Try setting time aside each day to just
sit still and let your mind process thoughts bringing them to God in your own words. Prayer is not
about impressive statements or a perfect delivery. Try using a prayer guide or exploring the bible
more. Pray with others, you can’t imagine how powerful this can be, and finally, try creating a journal
where you write down those thoughts. All these things will help you in making your mind healthier.

Prayer is our direct line to the creator of everything. It’s a gift we have available to us 24 hours a day,
in any place and in every situation; there are no imitations to it at all. The person on the end will
always listen, indeed, He longs for you to talk for as long as you want. He will not interrupt, He will
not bow His head in anger or frustration, and rest assured, He will remember everything you say.

Our faith isn’t an insurance policy to an easier life. It doesn’t mean we are immune from hurt, pain or
anger but it does mean we are never alone. If you have children or grandchildren the name Albus
Dumbledore will mean something to them. He once quoted, “Happiness can be found in the darkest
of times, if we only remember to switch on the light”. How many people do we know that need that
light switching on? As followers of Christ, we are His body on earth. Each one of us has gifts and
talents to flick that switch on in someone else’s life and to help illuminate the way for them. However
our own lack of confidence can often stop us doing just that.

Philippians 4: 6 states “Do not worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything
you need, always giving thanks.” Jesus walks with us every day. He knows exactly the emotions
we live through. He carries us through our pain even though we often don’t realise it or choose to
remember, and He listens when we are lonely, when sad, or in need of help or guidance. In the
happier times, He rejoices with us when we celebrate.

So, the next time you ask someone “How are you?” ask it again a second time, “How are you really?”
You may be surprised at the answer you get.

Chris B