Epic Family,

If you are feeling overwhelmed right now, that makes complete sense. You can pick one of the reasons below or a combination of them.

You’re still living through a pandemic.

Racial injustice continues to rear its ugly head in our nation.

Your kids are going to school at home.

We are two months away from a presidential election and our nation seems more divided than ever.

It has been exactly 6 months since your church has been able to meet in-person for Sunday gatherings.

And you are having to check the air quality every hour to see if it’s even safe to walk outside.

I don’t know about you, but I used to think that being overwhelmed was a sign of weakness. You know that feeling - if only we were stronger, we would be able to handle more in our lives. Well I’m here to let you know that being overwhelmed isn’t a sign of weakness at all...but it really matters what we do when life feels so heavy.

Here’s a moment from the life of Jesus when he felt the heaviness of it all. Observe this scene:

Mark 14:33-34 He took Peter, James and John along with him, and he began to be deeply distressed and troubled. “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death,” he said to them. “Stay here and keep watch.”

If Jesus was overwhelmed, it must not be a sign of weakness. But he did two things that we also need to do when life just seems a bit too much:

1. Invite God into the heaviness of your life. Jesus says, “Abba, Father, take this cup from me”, but also, “Yet not what I will, but what you will.” (see Mark 14:36) Express your desire for God to take things away or to make certain situations different than they are right now. And then surrender your desires to Him.

2. Invite a few people into what is overwhelming you. If Jesus knew he needed to invite his three closest friends into a hard season, then surely we would be helped by doing the same. Who are the people you could ask to be in the challenging moments with you?

The best way to face a challenging season is to be a part of a community that can help carry you in an overwhelming time. We have created over 50 groups to provide the connection, growth, and care we all need - especially in this season. You can go here to get into the one that works best for you.

Whatever is happening in your life, know that you aren’t alone.

Much Love,