The phrase ‘Pick up your mat and walk’ carries so much humility and power. Sometimes, I feel empowered by those words, yet other times, it feels like my only choice. On either side of the spectrum, I find that faith and resilience are incredibly important. Society can constantly trigger insecurities in our minds if we allow it to, causing worry, doubt, anxiety, and depression to infiltrate our state of being, ultimately leading us to a spiritual drought.

As I write this, I’m having a realization: I’ve been consistently praying to God for obedience. God loves when we obey Him, when we listen to what He is telling us to do. And obedience starts with picking up your mat and walking. Obedience is an action—dwelling in negative thoughts will only harm us. We can’t rely solely on our emotions to get through life.

So, whatever you are going through—and I say this with the utmost love and grace for you, but “Pick Up Your Mat and Walk!” Rise, beloved. Rise into the person God created you to be. I pray that you inhale the air of life filled with love, gratitude and patience. And exhale the torment of death filled with worry, doubt, anxiety, and depression. Don’t forget who you are, and walk as if water is beneath your feet, with our Heavenly Father standing proudly with His arms open, waiting for you to reach Him.

And in Jesus name,

Amen.