Miss USA is resigning from her position. When I read about this, I imagined how hard it must be to step down from such a prestigious status.
I have no idea how hard it must be to succeed in pageantry. I confess that my limited perspective has assumed it’s just about standing up in high heels and looking pretty and not botching your answers to questions about world peace and climate control.
I realize that the pressures and preparations are much more than that. So much so, that Miss USA has compared the benefits of her crown with the blessings of mental health. And that’s why she is resigning.
She cites the need for personal wellbeing and taking care of herself mentally. In order to do that, she cannot continue to serve in a coveted role that many young ladies covet.
I’m proud of her for that. Mental health is real and important. Our thinking, our mind, our resilience for facing hardships, it all matters more than our culture is willing to admit.
Having recently watched the Barbie movie, I must say that the fantasy in that movie is based on a lot of reality.
Who am I? What is the best version of me? Who do I allow to tell me who I am? How do I approach each day — its tasks, my relationships, the unexpected — in a mentally healthy way?
While I’m not aware of the spiritual beliefs of former Miss USA Noelia Voigt, I can tell you this. Mental health is a work of God.
The thoughts and emotions of a Christian can be shaped, reshaped, solidified, and expressed in ways beyond any person’s ability. Yes, by Jesus Christ himself, and the divine blessing of God the Holy Spirit.
“Those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace” (Romans 8:5,6).
On our own as creatures of “flesh,” we are severely handicapped when it comes to mental health. The Bible says it leads only to death. However, a mental state of mind that is governed by God, that results in “life and peace.”
That’s what Jesus did. His mind tuned out trash.
His mind identified lies and fought against them successfully.
His mind found his identity as given to him by his Father and not anyone or anything else.
His mind humbly and confidently related to others.
His mind rested without being controlled by anxiety or depression.
His mind knew and believed only what is true, what is divine and from God.
What about us believers? Start by believing this promise: “We have the mind of Christ” (1 Corinthians 2:16).
So, give thought to your thoughts. Ask yourself meaningful questions like those above, and don’t be satisfied until your answers all come from God. Then, review those answers regularly.
PRAYER: Jesus, mental health is real and important. It is real and important for you, and I pray that your mind governs mine more and more. I pray for all who struggle with mental health, and ask that when needed, I love and serve them well. And when I need it, I ask that I receive your mind in new ways that bring life and peace. Amen.
EVANGELISM ACTION: Share this with a friend struggling with mental health. Be there. Listen. Open up about your own journey.