Friends may have disappeared; family may have passed on or turned their head. 
The comforting surroundings of a social life may have gone quiet.
In this solitude we can find that we are not truly alone.
We actually have the opportunity to walk hand in hand with the one who will never leave our side.
GOD.
Strength is not found in numbers.
Our security does not depend on others.
One who walks alone with God discovers a long-lasting strength rooted in faith.

So shall we not teach our children also the benefits of silence. So that when it happens, it is but naturally peaceful. This journey isn't easy, but shall it reveal a heart that trusts in the Lord above all else. When human relationships fall short, and nothing can fill the void, Gods love fills that and satisfies our longings. 

Deut. 31:8 And the LORD, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.”

We can trust this truth and draw confidence in it.
We don't need human approval or companionship. When we are given a task that seems to be impossible. We will know we have the strength and skill set to complete this, because we are not alone. Because of the unfailing presence of our creator. Finding joy in solitary moments, listening to the voice of God. We can find our growth our peace our identity and relationship with the Lord.

​ Sure we may get lonely at times. Though in our weakness Gods strength is made perfect. We must know that we are loved and cherished beyond our understanding. We must surrender our need for support other than God and to embrace the divine connection with God. Walking alone with God will teach us to be grounded in our purpose, fearless trusting that we are never truly alone. When we stand alone with God its because our path requires a unique strength that we cant find in the world but in the silence with God. Society encourages us in validation and friendships and popularity as if we need others to prove our worth.

In honor of mental health awareness month Artbrain has created some great new shirt designs.
This month lets advocate by:

• Providing emotional support and advice to those with a mental illness.
• Speak up for those who cannot speak up for themselves.
• Help others understand mental illness, and those suffering with it.
• Chat with others about the importance of mental health.
• Reach out for mental health resources.
• Find out if the person is getting the help they need, help direct them.
• ​Remind them that help is available and mental health can be treated.
• Express your concern and support.
• Start a conversation.

People show emotional support for others by offering genuine encouragement, reassurance, and compassion. This might include things like verbal expressions of sympathy or physical gestures of affection.
Empowering someone is not enabling the person. Empowering lends helpful assistance and support without the responsibility for their recovery. Empowering builds someone up and helps them regain a balance over their life. Empowering is motivating, and it leads to self-confidence and autonomy.
The best mental health support is empowerment. The support you can provide from behind (rather than pulling from the front) in order to help the person take charge of their own mental health is a great way to empower someone. Though keeping in mind our own mental health in the process.
Social support can have a major impact on our overall health. On the other hand, a negative environment can cause harm.  People in our lives also can be toxic influences. Research shows negative interactions— whether it’s with a family member, significant other, friend, co-worker, boss, or someone else — also can cause problems. And if it’s a constantly negative relationship, it can have long-lasting, long-reaching effects. Symptoms of Toxic influences come in the form of:

• Anger
• Behaviors that affect your self-esteem (insults, downplaying your achievements, etc.)
• Controlling behavior
• Judgmental
• Manipulation
• Negativity
• Passive-aggressiveness
• Self-centeredness
• Drugs and Alcohol

If a friend, relative, or someone at work is causing a mental burden, try to spend less time around those people.  Empowering others is helpful when keeping in mind your own mental health as well.
​Empower someone today!