Boundless Salvation: A Holistic Journey

Boundless Salvation: A Holistic Journey

It’s Mental Health Awareness Week. As I reflect on the importance of this week, I am reminded that as a nurse and a Salvation Army officer, I can never disconnect spirituality, mental health, and physical health. We are holistic people, with holistic needs, holistic thoughts, and holistic feelings. Our health and wellbeing are interconnected, whether spiritual, mental, or physical.

Scrolling through social media over the past few days, I have been encouraged to see many expressions of The Salvation Army engaging with this holistic spirituality. Churches across the country are finding creative and diverse ways to connect with people and care for their whole selves. From pioneering boxing sessions designed to support those who have experienced trauma, to walking clubs, arts and craft groups, karaoke church, coffee mornings, and so much more — there’s a sense of innovation and community spirit in the air.

It makes me wonder: What is God saying to The Salvation Army in this season?

William Booth, the co-founder of The Salvation Army, spoke of social and spiritual salvation as two sides of the same coin — you can’t have one without the other. Boundless salvation, the whole world redeeming. It’s a holistic vision, deeply rooted in our identity. N.T. Wright might describe it as New Creation — the transformation of the whole person and the whole world.

Perhaps God is rising up The Salvation Army to reaffirm that vision of boundless salvation. Not to turn our movement into a gym or a wellness spa, but to remind us that our spirituality, mental health, and physical health are inextricably linked. To remind us that salvation is for the whole person, and for the whole world.

As I continue to reflect, I am reminded that looking after our whole selves is not just a good idea — it’s a holy calling. Sometimes that might mean going for a walk, getting involved in a craft group, attending a coffee morning, or even taking up something as radical as boxing. Other times it might mean finding a quiet space to refocus and re-centre on God.

So, how is your mental health today? Perhaps you need to reconnect with nature, be creative, spend time with others, or take a moment to reflect. Whatever it is, let’s commit to looking after ourselves and each other — our whole selves: spiritual, physical, and mental.

I believe God is saying something to us in these days. Let’s be attentive to His voice and intentional in our care for one another, embodying boundless salvation through holistic, compassionate living.

Take care of your whole self today. You matter.


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