A Safe Place

For many people talking about their mental health is difficult at best but God cares for all parts of our lives. Sts. MM&M is a safe place to seek support.

by Father Lee Davis on July 02, 2024

A Safe Space: Mental Health and Spiritual Growth

For many people, talking about their mental health can feel scary or embarrassing. It is a subject that continues to have a stigma attached, especially and unfortunately in the church. People are fearful because they are worried that they will appear weak or be judged or misunderstood. However, the ability to discuss mental health issues openly is crucial not only for a person’s well-being but also for fostering a supportive church community.

The Bible tells us that we are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14). Part of being fearfully and wonderfully made means that our entire human condition is equally important in the sight of God. Our mental and emotional health is as important as physical and spiritual health. If you are struggling with mental health issues like depression, anxiety, or stress it does not mean that you are weak or lacking faith.

God cares about every part of us, in Luke Jesus assures us of God’s intimate knowledge and care for us: “Indeed, the very hairs of your head are all numbered (Luke 12:7). In the Hebrew Testament we are reminded that God has plans for us, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:11) These verses help to highlight God’s meticulous concern for every detail of our lives, which includes our mental health.

Here at Sts. MM&M, we want to assure all people that this is a safe place to seek help. Jesus’ ministry was about healing and caring for people in every way possible. He healed the sick, comforted the brokenhearted, and gave hope to those in despair (Luke 4:18) In Matthew (11:28-30), Jesus invites those who are weary and burdened to come to Him for rest. If you are struggling with a mental health issue, know that talking about it is a way to follow Jesus’ example of compassion and care; it allows us, the community of Sts. M&M to support you fully and hopefully find peace and strength.

According to the According to the World Health Organization, one in four people will experience a mental health issue at some point in their lives. In any church, there are likely many people who are facing similar challenges. Opening up about your mental health can help you realize that you are not alone. It creates a space for others to share their experiences and support each other. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 tells us, "Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up."

At Sts. MM&M we are a place of refuge and understanding; a place where you can seek support without fear and a place where you will be met with compassion and care. Mental health and spiritual growth are connected. Taking care of your mental health can lead to deeper spiritual growth, and your faith can provide strength during mental health challenges. The church can help you explore this connection, offering a holistic approach to well-being. Philippians 4:6-7 encourages us to present our anxieties to God in prayer, promising that His peace will guard our hearts and minds.

If you are struggling with mental health issues, remember that you are not alone. Reach out to your church community, seek help, and know that God cares about every part of you.

If you or a loved one are having a mental health or suicidal crisis call the Lifeline at 988

About the Author
Father Lee Davis

After a diverse career in marketing and finance and a sudden realization of the love and power of God that he discovered aboard a Navy ship, Father Lee Davis has the distinction of being baptized, confirmed, and received for Holy Orders on the same Sunday. He studied at Bexley Hall Seminary in Columbus, Ohio where he received a Master's of Divinity degree in 2009 and then served as priest-in-charge of St. Andrew's in Hollywood, Florida as well as an assisting priest at St. Benedict's in Plantation. Father Lee also worked as a Hospice Chaplain. When he left after a little more than two years, St. Andrew's had grown in membership and under his guidance extended its outreach into the community. He was also a pivotal leader of the Jubilee Center of Hollywood, a vital outreach ministry to the homeless and hungry, and served on the Board of Directors for St. Lawrence Chapel, serving the homeless in Pompano Beach. He also served on several diocesan committees working with the youth of the diocese.


In December 2012, Father Lee was called as rector of St. Anne's Episcopal Church in Damascus, Maryland. During his 8 year tenure there the vestry of the parish noted that "His dynamic leadership, inspired preaching, creative ideas and compassionate pastoral care combined to bring a new level of excitement, commitment, and growth among the congregation." Through his leadership, he developed partnerships with other organizations in the community, helped establish a transitional home for victim's of domestic violence, began the process of developing affordable senior housing on some of the acreages of land owned by the church, and grew stewardship achieving their first balanced budget in over a decade. At the beginning of the COVID pandemic, he led the congregation into the development of an online presence and with a couple of dedicated lay members started a feeding program for families in need which continues today. He served in the Diocese of Washington DC helping in the implementation of a Diaconate Formation program as well as being on the Board of Directors of the Washington Episcopal Clergy Association and serving on the Diocesan Executive Council.


Amidst the COVID pandemic, Father Lee accepted the call to be our rector and began his tenure in September 2019. His leadership has already blessed our community.

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