One year ago, we lost Jarrid Wilson.
A brother, friend, mentor & pastor.
While it would be so easy to just write a memorial post, I want to use this time to not only honor the amazing life he lived, but rally the message which is still echoing today: Anthem of Hope.
Jarrid founded Anthem of Hope in 2016 with a passion to equip the church with additional resources for those struggling with depression, anxiety, self-harm, addiction and suicide.
Currently, the number of people struggling with such issues is estimated to be as many as one in four. Nearly two-thirds of people with mental health issues never seek treatment.
Before Jarrid passed last year, he started a Facebook group for Christians struggling with mental health. That small, organic group now has over 15,000 members.
This time last year, this group had a little over 2500 people and it is still actively growing by dozens a week.
I was blessed enough to know Jarrid through his work in mental health. As a young guy getting started out in ministry, It was hard for me to find someone that understood me, and Jarrid was that guy for me and I’m truly grateful for the words, hope and effort he poured into helping me and countless others become who we are today.
His vulnerability and work opened the door for me to know that I’m not alone in my struggles and that there is hope found in Jesus.
“Loving Jesus doesn’t always cure suicidal thoughts.
Loving Jesus doesn’t always cure depression.
Loving Jesus doesn’t always cure PTSD.
Loving Jesus doesn’t always cure anxiety.
But that doesn’t mean Jesus doesn’t offer us companionship and comfort.
He ALWAYS does that.” – Jarrid Wilson
Had he not himself succumbed to the crippling pressure of depression and suicidal ideation, Jarrid would no doubt be thrilled with the thriving community that group has become. But there is much more to do.
The original vision Jarrid nurtured is still alive today thanks to his wife, Juli, and his brother and sister, Christian & Kaylie. This team is currently working on additional resources for their movement called #yourlifematters.
If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts today, please visit the hopeline at Anthemofhope.org. Additionally, all profits from fearisaliar.co with the code ANTHEM will be sent directly to Anthem of Hope to help fight the stigma found in mental health.