Tag Archives: Mental Health

The Message Behind the Music-January 11

Posted on January 11, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Inspiration Behind Go:

The lyrics of Go express self-discovery during times of uncertainty in life. As this world is constantly changing, sometimes human beings need to be nudged in the form of a call to action to avoid feelings of regret. Meanwhile, Go addresses the topics of being caught in between a series of emotions. Instead of giving into apathy and procrastination, the writer wants listeners to make a decision by stop wasting precious time.

Biblical Application:

In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. 18 But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds. 19 You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder, James 2:17-19.

Exegesis of Go:

Dig for victory, go for gold
I don’t wanna die before I get old
And I wonder where I’m going to
There’s some way out, there’s some way through

Seize the moments that you have while you are young. If you chase after your dreams now, you won’t have any regrets when you are older.

But I’m lost, I’m lost, I’m down again
My direction is changing, which way
Which way can I go?

Failure has a way of derailing hopes for greatness in life. If you decide to quit or stop pursuing a goal in life, uncertainty will consume your soul.

Get up and go

Stop wasting time. Make a decision and move on.

You start me up, you slow me down
No one can deny, you get around
When you’re hot, you’re cold, you’re in between
Keep asking myself, what does it mean?

This stanza addresses distractions in life. Whether this is a relationship that is on again and off again or words of discouragement, this is what you should expect if you want to succeed.

And I walk that tightrope, you should know
I’m losing my balance, maybe
Maybe I should go

Don’t hang on to your past. Make up your mind so you can press on with your future.

Get up and go
Just go
Get up and go

Stop hesitating and just go to pursue your next phase in life.

Face to face in sympathy
But now you turn your back on me
Turn a card and win, but you may lose
Fate only has that right to choose

Life isn’t fair. Some people are lucky, others get good breaks. The average and less gifted have to work harder than anyone else to reach their desired destination.

If you’re right, leave me here, I’ll die alone
You’ve got the time, you’ve just got time
You’ve got the time, just go

You’ll never know an outcome until you try. Don’t be afraid of failure. Face your fears and go.

Get up and go
Just go

Another call for action.

Get up and go
Just go
Just go
Get up and go

As Nike once said, “Just do it!”

Final Thoughts:

Asia was one of my favorite bands in Junior High School. Despite entering high school at 5 feet tall and 100 pounds soaking wet, I never let this interfere with chasing my dreams as an athletic. Although I didn’t reach all of my goals, I kept working to reach new heights. Go was an inspirational song that kept me improving as an athletic and now as a person.

by Jay Mankus

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Engaging Our Culture: October 9-Misunderstandings about Love

Posted on October 9, 2025 by expressyourself4him

Video of the Day: Clip from the 1994 movie “Forrest Gump”

Bible Verse of the Day:

“If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea. 7 Woe to the world because of the things that cause people to stumble! Such things must come, but woe to the person through whom they come! “- Matthew 18:6-7

Biblical Connection:

Forrest Gump is considered a cult classic from the 1990’s. Yet, the most horrifying aspect of this film is that Jenny was sexually abused as a child. Even as an adult, Jenny still has not recovered from her virginity lost and stolen as a child. When Forrest finds Jenny working at a strip club, he tries to save her from this decision. Unfortunately, Jenny is the one who doesn’t understand love.

According to a recent statistic, 63,000 children were sexually abused in 2024. Since many keep this to themselves, the numbers are likely much higher. Either way, a child is sexually abused every 74 seconds in the United States. When Jesus touches on this subject in the first century, modern statistics highlight how life altering it is when an adult causes harm to a child like Jenny.

Closing Song:

May today’s blog help you to see the real horror occurring to children across the United States and throughout the world. May you become a catalyst for healing this October, assisting and leading others to professional help. The real-life Jenny’s need support to clear up their misunderstandings about love.

by Jay Mankus

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Engaging Our Culture: January 30-Standing Up to Bullies

Posted on January 30, 2025 by expressyourself4him

Video of the Day: Scene from the 2005 film “The Pacifier”

Bible Verse of the Day:

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms, Ephesians 6:12.

Biblical Connection:

 After recovering from a failed rescue operation, Navy SEAL Shane Wolfe played by Vin Deisel is handed a new assignment. Unlike any other detail, Deisel is tasked with protecting the five Plummer kids from enemies of their recently deceased father. With Mrs. Plummer overseas helping with the investigation of her husband’s death, Deisel is faced with taking care of an infant, 2 children and 2 teenagers. When Seth Pummer played by Max Theiriot is bullied by his wrestling coach, Deisel’s intervention turns into an afterschool wrestling match.

The apostle Paul points out a key fact about all bullies. Although certain types of people will rub you the wrong way, there are spiritual forces going on behind the scenes which prompt bullies to act out. Meanwhile, bullies often have a back story, something that triggered this type of behavior within them. Therefore, the next time you encounter a bully, you might want to pull them off to the side and start asking probing questions. If there aren’t willing to listen, wait for another moment as you pray for them. The more you see people through the realm of Ephesians 6:12, you’ll begin to understand why bullies act the way that they do.

Closing Song:

Don’t allow bullies of your past to continue to push you around. Rather, put on the full armor of God so that you can take your stand against the Devil’s schemes.

by Jay Mankus

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Getting Your Emotions Under Control

Posted on May 16, 2022 by expressyourself4him

One of Israel’s former kings describes time in the context of seasons. Just as Christmas is associated with winter in the northern hemisphere, every month brings with it a series of emotions. In Ecclesiastes 3:4, King Solomon follows sorrow with laughter. Since nobody knows what tomorrow will bring, James 4:13-14, you have to be ready to keep your emotions under control at all times.

Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition ([b]definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God, Philippians 4:6.

In a letter to the Church at Philippi, the apostle Paul touches on mental health. Apparently, members of this church with dealing with a growing amount of anxiety. Rather than try to handle this on your own, Paul encourages Christians to actively pray for the circumstances that are bringing you stress. Instead of becoming overwhelmed by emotions, be thankful for any little victory that you experience daily.

And God’s peace [shall be yours, that [c]tranquil state of a soul assured of its salvation through Christ, and so fearing nothing from God and being content with its earthly lot of whatever sort that is, that peace] which transcends all understanding shall [d]garrison and mount guard over your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus, Philippians 4:7.

When you create a list of things that challenge your mental health, include these petitions as a daily part of your prayer life. Building on the words of Luke 1:37, the apostle Paul suggests that God has the ability to give you the strength to endure any situation that you face, Philippians 4:13. If you search for the peace of Christ, this tranquil state will enable any believer to get and keep your emotions under control.

by Jay Mankus

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Supreme Expression

Posted on January 20, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Pixar’s 2015 Inside Out follows a girl named Riley from her birth. Rather than express Riley’s life in a typical manner, emotions inside of her like joy, sadness, anger and fear steer the way. This creative twist of events provides a unique perspective of what goes inside the mind of a child. If only a spiritual element was added to this film, supreme expression could be realized.

You see that [his] faith was cooperating with his works, and [his] faith was completed and reached its supreme expression [when he implemented it] by [good] works, James 1:22.

Expression is the process of making known one’s thoughts or feelings. Whether this is communicated through an articulation, declaration or proclamation, words begin to express what’s going on deep inside of you. According to Jesus’ earthly brother, when faith, good works and words are implemented properly, you reach what the Bible refers to as supreme expression.

You see that a man is justified (pronounced righteous before God) through what he does and not alone through faith [through works of obedience as well as by what he believes], James 1:24.

Yet, what if you are extremely shy? Or like me, born with a severe speech impediment. What do you do to experience supreme expression? This is the dilemma faced by a man from Decapolis. According to Mark 7:32-35, Jesus said, “Ephphatha” which is a prayer to open and loosen your tongue. When you add belief to this prayer, Matthew 21:21-22, supreme expression is possible to achieve through Christ who gives us strength, Philippians 4:13.

by Jay Mankus

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The Balance Between Trusting Medication and God for Mental Health

Posted on October 15, 2021 by expressyourself4him

A 2018 article in Psychology Today addresses “The Voice Inside Your Head.” Author and Doctor Steve Taylor talks about his own personal experience as a teenager. This voice, whisper or thought does have a series of explanations. One could be your conscience designed by God to regulate and steer your body toward doing what’s right. The whisper could be advice imparted to you as a child or inner demons that attempt to drag you down. Meanwhile, thoughts can be the contemplation process in action, weighing the pros and cons. Yet, what is the balance between trusting medication and trusting God for your mental health?

But for [a]Cain and his offering He had no respect or regard. So Cain was exceedingly angry and indignant, and he looked sad and depressed. 6 And the Lord said to Cain, Why are you angry? And why do you look sad and depressed and dejected? 7 If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin crouches at your door; its desire is for you, but you must master it, Genesis 4:5-7.

The passage above unveils the conversion that many struggling believers have with God. When things don’t go your way, you may become envious or jealous of that person you know who seems so blessed by God. This was the dilemma facing Cain as his younger brother had become a successful shepherd. Meanwhile, Cain was working his ass off as a farmer, but to no avail. As Cain became depressed about his lack of success in life, a root of bitterness began to take hold of Cain’s heart. Concerned by what Cain was thinking, God sought to intervene, Unfortunately, it was too late as Cain had already made up his mind, James 1:14-15. There was no medicine available at this time to alter Cain’s mental state.

And as Jesus reclined at table in the house, behold, many tax collectors and [h][especially wicked] sinners came and sat (reclined) with Him and His disciples. 11 And when the Pharisees saw this, they said to His disciples, Why does your Master eat with tax collectors and those [preeminently] sinful? 12 But when Jesus heard it, He replied, Those who are strong and well (healthy) have no need of a physician, but those who are weak and sick. 13 Go and learn what this means: I desire mercy [that is, [i]readiness to help those in trouble] and not sacrifice and sacrificial victims. For I came not to call and invite [to repentance] the righteous (those who are upright and in right standing with God), but sinners (the erring ones and all those not free from sin), Matthew 9:10-13.

Following a meal with religious leaders, Jesus began to open up about the balance between trusting medicine and God for your own mental health. Jesus makes a clear distinction between the sick and healthy. The spiritually mature tend to be able to manage whatever conditions arise, learning how to take care of themselves. Meanwhile, it’s the sick who need the help of a doctor. Whether you’re talking about addictions, bad habits or internal cravings, medical physicians will prescribe what needs to happen before a full recovery can be made. Sometimes this condition requires drugs and other circumstances call for discipline. The ultimate goal is to find that ideal balance between trusting God and medicine.

by Jay Mankus

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Strength for the Struggle from Within

Posted on September 29, 2021 by expressyourself4him

Mental Health isn’t mentioned directly in Paul’s letters to the Church at Corinth. Yet, beneath the surface, two chapters a part, there are signs of a struggle from within. While writing to a city known for their philosophers, Paul suggests that there is an invisible solution to overcome the mind games that human brains play on fragile psyches. Paul claims that spiritual weapons are the best way to find strength from the struggles within your soul.

For though we walk (live) in the flesh, we are not carrying on our warfare according to the flesh and using mere human weapons. 4 For the weapons of our warfare are not physical [weapons of flesh and blood], but they are mighty before God for the overthrow and destruction of strongholds, 5 [Inasmuch as we] refute arguments and theories and reasonings and every proud and lofty thing that sets itself up against the [true] knowledge of God; and we lead every thought and purpose away captive into the obedience of Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One), 2 Corinthians 10:3-5.

Human beings are good at fighting someone or something that they can see. Yet, when flesh and blood become vessels of the Devil to claw, dig and gnaw at you, many fight a losing battle day after day. Meanwhile, demonic strongholds often expand, causing friction and unusual occurrences that can wear down your soul, Ephesians 6:12. If you try to fight this battle alone, oppressive spirits and powers of darkness have the ability to defeat any strong Christian.

But He said to me, My grace (My favor and loving-kindness and mercy) is enough for you [sufficient against any danger and enables you to bear the trouble manfully]; for My strength and power are made perfect (fulfilled and completed) and [b]show themselves most effective in [your] weakness. Therefore, I will all the more gladly glory in my weaknesses and infirmities, that the strength and power of Christ (the Messiah) may rest (yes, may [c]pitch a tent over and dwell) upon me! 10 So for the sake of Christ, I am well pleased and take pleasure in infirmities, insults, hardships, persecutions, perplexities and distresses; for when I am weak [[d]in human strength], then am I [truly] strong (able, powerful [e]in divine strength), 2 Corinthians 12:9-10.

This may explain the apostle Paul’s words in the passage above. The context of this verse begins with Paul opening up about a mysterious illness. It’s unclear if Paul was afflicted with a physical or spiritual condition, but he shares this low point in his life. The lesson learned through this ordeal is that the weaker human beings become, the potential for Jesus to be stronger increases. Perhaps, if you get out of the way, Jesus will give you the strength to conquer any struggle from within your heart and soul.

by Jay Mankus

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Why Did You Do It?

Posted on November 15, 2019 by expressyourself4him

A strange string of current events in my local newspaper has caused me to wonder, “why did you do it?” One couple turned their hotel room into a drug dealing center. Another adult male thought it was a good idea to fill his home with a number of bombs recently uncovered in connection with a local explosion. As I was writing this blog, I heard the news update that the latest school shooter just shot five classmates and himself on his birthday. If this teenage shooter dies, no one will know for sure, why did you do it?

Now the serpent was more subtle and crafty than any living creature of the field which the Lord God had made. And he [Satan] said to the woman, Can it really be that God has said, You shall not eat from every tree of the garden? And the woman said to the serpent, We may eat the fruit from the trees of the garden, Except the fruit from the tree which is in the middle of the garden. God has said, You shall not eat of it, neither shall you touch it, lest you die. But the serpent said to the woman, You shall not surely die, Genesis 3:1-4.

The only logical conclusion that makes sense to me is that all of these individuals were deceived by the Devil in some manner or form. While they didn’t have a face to face conversation like Eve in the Garden of Eden, some type of justification and rationalization process occurred within their minds before acting out. Whispers of evil and possibly a desire for 15 seconds of fame has overruled the human conscience. Thus, free will was exercised to do the opposite of what many were taught.

For those who are according to the flesh and are controlled by its unholy desires set their minds on and pursue those things which gratify the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit and are controlled by the desires of the Spirit set their minds on and seek those things which gratify the [Holy] Spirit, Romans 8:5.

The Bible’s rationale to explain sinful acts is the mental war between the human flesh and Holy Spirit. The apostle Paul devotes an entire chapter of the Bible to his own struggle to do that which is right. This battle is detailed in Romans 7, followed by the spiritual connection in Romans 8 as sinful minds are hostile to God. Thus, as souls straddle the fence between right and wrong, the longer you allow enticement to reside in your mind, the easier it become to pull the trigger, indulging in wrongful acts. May this latest incident turn the attention toward mental health and not just guns.

by Jay Mankus

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Maintaining Consciousness

Posted on October 27, 2019 by expressyourself4him
Consciousness in its simplest form is awareness of internal or external existence.  Infants, children and adolescents rarely think about consciousness, unaware of the intricacies of the human body.  As time takes it’s toll on the life, maintaining consciousness becomes an unavoidable challenge.  Between the rising concerns surrounding mental health and numerous complications with old age, staying alive can be a weekly grind.
Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ, 1 Peter 1:13.
Unfortunately, nobody knows the exact day or time of their deaths.  Some may receive inclinations, warning signs or visions, but few people live their lives as if today or tomorrow will be their last.  Thus, maintaining consciousness is in God’s hands.  Unless of course a drunk driver exercises their own freewill to use their vehicle as a tool of death.  One day you could feel great and the next you’re stricken with cancer.  Meanwhile, others show no signals of decay until an aneurysm, heart attack or gun shot wound tragically ends a life.
Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect, Matthew 24:44.
While coping with this uncertainty, the Lord desires individuals to exercise a spiritual consciousness.  One of Jesus’ former disciples writes about preparing your mind for action.  This can be executed with a sober mind set fully on the grace of God.  Another disciple devotes an entire chapter on Jesus’ teaching of eschatology, what will happen in the last days.  Until these days arrive, maintaining consciousness is the least that you can do, health permitting.  Draw near to God and God will draw near to you.
by Jay Mankus

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Stopping to Take a Deep Breathe

Posted on September 23, 2019 by expressyourself4him

The idiom “taking a deep breathe” refers to pausing for a moment to calm and compose yourself. If you work in a stressful environment like me, taking a personal day or vacation is essential to prevent emotional or physical burnout from occurring. Removing yourself from deadlines, hectic circumstances and pressure for a while is good for your own mental health.

“Be still and know (recognize, understand) that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations! I will be exalted in the earth,” Psalm 46:10.

One of the Psalms of the Bible is entitled God the Refuge His people. This chapter is dedicated to the chief musician. The sons of Korah wrote this song, Psalm 46, set to soprano voices. The end of this piece contains one of the most famous and quoted stanzas of the Bible. When disappointment, hardships or trials begin to stress you out, the Psalmist urges believers to slow down by being still before God.

The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our stronghold [our refuge, our high tower], Psalm 46:11.

No matter how many friends or relationships you may have, there will always be at least one moment in time where no one will know what to say to you. When comfort can not be found by human means, the Lord is always available. Thus, when you reach a point of despair, stop to take a deep breathe. As you do, pour out your heart to God in prayer so that Selah is achieved, a peace that surpasses all understanding.

by Jay Mankus

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