While attending the Idaho-Oregon Grain and Oilseed Convention in Sun Valley last month, I didn’t expect a breakout session to shape my Christmas message, but it did – reminding me how we all need hope and, at times, help.
Managing farm stress is something I hear often as an editor traveling to different meetings. But this time I was moved by some of the personal comments shared in the room. One farmer bravely raised his hand and spoke openly about his experience with mental health struggles and how attending a seminar changed his perspective:
Mental health can feel like you’re drowning – whether in a 5-gallon bucket, a bathtub or the ocean. To someone standing on the outside, it may seem simple: “Just pull your head out of the bucket and you won’t drown.” But when you're the one going through it, you often can’t see if you’re in a bucket or out in the middle of the ocean. Drowning is drowning, he said.
His words reminded me of one of my favorite paintings of the Savior: The Hand of God by Youngsung Kim. It’s painted from the perspective of the Apostle Peter as he sank beneath the waves after his faith wavered while walking on water. From that vantage point, you can see Christ’s hand reaching down to lift him – or you and me – out of the water.
“But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him …”
—Matthew 14:30-31 (KJV)
I love this painting because we’ve all had moments where we felt like we were figuratively drowning – whether in mental health challenges, financial strain, caring for a loved one or something else entirely. Yet just like Peter, the Savior extends His hand, ready to lift us, steady us and help us carry on.
Christmas is a celebration of Christ’s birth, yes – but even more, it’s a celebration of the hope, help and joy He continues to offer each of us. We just have to reach out.
“For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.” —Luke 2:11 (KJV)
Merry Christmas, friends. May we all remember to check in with our neighbors, family and friends, not only this Christmas season, but often. It doesn’t take long to realize that we’re all going through something.
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