Greetings Fellow Praisers!!  I hope everyone is well and accounted for!  The weather conditions have been very unpredictable lately, with tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, and floods; yet the Lord God remains faithful.

Nationally, in June we celebrate fathers; whether they are present with us or dearly departed.  This year, Father's Day is observed on June 15, 2025, and what better way to kick off the celebration than by highlighting Men's Health Awareness?  I know it can be extremely difficult to talk men into going for doctor's visits.  If yours is anything like the ones I know, it can seem darn near impossible!  Some men feel as though they have many more things to worry about other than their health, and that is why many physical ailments go overlooked.

Let's discover more about how we, as women can better help the men in our lives see the benefits of practicing self-care.

1. Our Bodies Are Temples of the Holy Spirit 

   (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)

• Remind men that taking care of their physical health is a spiritual act of stewardship, honoring the body God has given them. 

2. The Silent Crisis: Men's Mental Health

• Address the often-overlooked issue of depression, anxiety, and stress in men, emphasizing that seeking help is not weakness but wisdom and courage.

3. Jesus Took Time to Rest — So Should You

• Encourage men to follow Jesus' example of rest and solitude (Mark 6:31) to prevent burnout and restore both body and spirit.

4. Regular Checkups Are Acts of Wisdom

• Promote annual physical exams, prostate screenings, and heart health checks as responsible and proactive steps in caring for one's body.  Heart Disease is the leading cause of death for men and women of most ethnic and racial groups (National Center for Health Statistics, 2024).

5. Breaking the Stigma Around Vulnerability

• Teach that real strength is found in humility and vulnerability — even Jesus wept and shared His burdens (John 11:35).

6. Faith and Fitness Can Go Hand-in-Hand

• Explore how regular physical activity improves health and can be a form of worship and discipline, much like prayer or fasting.

7. Nutrition as a God-Honoring Practice

• Discuss the value of balanced eating and treating food as fuel for service, ministry, and family life.

8. Overcoming Addictions Through Faith

• Talk about the struggle many men face with substances, pornography, or food, and how surrendering to Christ brings freedom and healing.

9. Accountability and Brotherhood Matter

• Highlight the importance of small groups or male accountability partners in supporting mental, emotional, and spiritual health.

10. Suicide Prevention Is a Christian Calling

• Encourage the church to be a safe place where men feel heard and valued, and discuss the alarming suicide rates among men as a call to compassion and action.

11. Purpose and Identity in Christ

• Address the confusion many men face about their role and identity, grounding self-worth in being sons of God, not in career success or physical strength.

12. Leading by Example in Health for the Next Generation

• Encourage fathers and mentors to model healthy living for their sons and young men in the church.

13. Stress Management through Prayer and Meditation

• Show how Christian practices like prayer, Scripture meditation, and worship are powerful tools for reducing stress and restoring peace.

14. Sexual Health with Biblical Integrity

• Discuss the importance of sexual health, self-control, and honoring God in relationships, resisting cultural pressures.

15. Navigating Chronic Illness with Faith

• Offer hope and support for men dealing with long-term health challenges, affirming God's presence in the storm (2 Corinthians 12:9).

16. Living with Eternity in Mind

• Remind men that while physical health is important, nurturing the soul is essential — prioritizing spiritual health prepares us for eternal life.

Reference

National Center for Health Statistics. Multiple Cause of Death 2018–2022 on CDC WONDER Database. Accessed May 3, 2024. https://wonder.cdc.gov/mcd.html