Tropical Depression

According to the Office of Public Health Preparedness, "The 2019 Central Pacific Hurricane Season officially began June 1 and runs until November 30." At any time during these months, residents of our islands are encouraged to have a 14-day emergency supply of food, water, and other basic needs covered at all times - you can find instructions on how to prepare here. I can say without a doubt this is the first time in my life a plastic container with spam and rice can be found in my bedroom closet. 


In the last few weeks, we've had several tropical depressions, then storms, that could have upgraded into hurricanes that eventually downgraded or missed our islands. This language is a regular part of our news and vocabulary. Yet every time I hear the phrase, "tropical depression," I can't help but think about the mental health realities, or perhaps I should say un-health, of our area. This article from last year gives a good glimpse of the situation. 

Many of the statistics regarding mental health are deceptive, relying on individuals or physicians to report simply on those who have sought treatment for mental health issues. These stats also vary from island to island - with Oahu having greatest access to resources and the outer islands often flying patients into Oahu or doctors from it to care for their needs. 

From our personal and congregational experience here on the Big Island, the issues are far greater. Finding access to doctors and having insurance AND funds to cover these visits proves quite challenging for most individuals (though this problem isn't isolated to our islands), often putting you months out from getting an appointment. Lack of regular mental health care on top of the Big Island's rural isolation, influence of drugs, and poverty related issues mix up an overwhelming cocktail of mental health trouble. It's often overwhelming as pastors. Yes, Hawaii does have the longest life expectancy, but the underbelly to these stats is startling. 



So, what's a pastor to do with these realities? What's a follower of Jesus to do when you or a loved on experiences mental health illness or crisis? 

The ER, the crisis hotline are two very commonly utilized resources out here and a great start, but I find honest conversation about these realities more and more common in the life of our church. I'm also grateful for a couple counselors in our area we know we can refer to. We're choosing not to sweep these issues under the rug, or to believe they can simply be prayed away every time. These "issues" are attached to people who are truly trying to survive, and many truly trying to follow Jesus in the midst of a very frustrating battle, not unlike other health issues we may experience. Lots of compassion, patience, long-suffering, and hope are needed in these relationships. I personally have to be aware of the mental fatigue dealing with lots of crisis issues has on my own mental health. Depression is not a stranger even to pastors. 

In all of these things, I am thankful to be a part of God's church here in the Puna District. As part of the Church here we often clumsily fill the gap between the healthcare demands and the actual resources available. I am thankful that we serve a God who doesn't just look at these issues from afar wondering what these sad little humans will do next. No, we serve a God who came to be among us, in a real body, with a real mind, and who knows the strains of being human. I take comfort that our God knows grief, frustration, systemic injustices, poverty, and isolation. He is with us and is working to redeem these hard things - calling men and women among us to respond to these needs with various gifts. He's helping us daily to meet the needs we can, and providing more grace still on the days we simply can't do enough. 

May we see those struggling among us, and recognize they are beloved by Christ - just as you are loved. They may need you to believe that for them right now, and to embody that love for the long haul in their lives. Perhaps you need someone to do that for you right now. If you can, send a text to reach out to someone you trust. 

May we recognize the grace that Jesus is extending to us, when we can and can't "feel" it, and that He knows our situation and understands. That's the reason He came; He knows we need help and is lovingly responding. There is no shame to admit our need in the Kingdom of God.

"Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."
- Hebrews 4:14-16 - 

- Pastor Malorri

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