Principles of Overcoming
The Fresh Hope Teen Principles of Overcoming are the guiding principles which empower the teens within a peer-to-peer safe setting where they find a safe environment to share, encourage and overcome.
My life is affected by a mental health challenge and my life can be out of control and seem hopeless, especially if I try to do it alone. I choose to get the help and support of others to get through struggles and find joy in my life.
Together, we have understanding. We remind each other of the Lord’s love, and that He alone can do all things. He is the source of our hope, and in Him we can overcome all things.
“I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.” Philippians 4:13 (NIV)
My mental health challenge has affected my friends and family as well. I choose to get better for my self and for them.
Together, we commit to speaking the truth in love, healing broken relationships and viewing each other as the Lord views us.
“So let’s pursue those things which bring peace and which are good for each other.” Romans 14:19 (God’s Word Translation, 1995)
Sometimes I can use my mental health issue as an excuse for my behavior. I choose to believe I can live a full and rich life in spite of my disorder, and to accept help from the people who truly want to help in my recovery.
Together, we do better than trying on our own. We will hold one another accountable for learning, growing, and choosing to push through in hope.
“Therefore, encourage one another and build each other up.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV)
My disorder can make me feel hopeless. I choose to believe, no matter what I feel, that there is help and hope for my physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual health.
Together, we remind each other that our hope and joy come from the Lord. He alone is able to fulfill our needs in every aspect of our lives.
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
While medicine may be very important to my recovery, it’s not the only answer. I choose to find new ways of thinking and acting in my daily interactions.
Together, we choose freedom over suffering, and joy in living through self-knowledge in action.
“We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” II Corinthians 10:5
Sometimes I allow myself to be a victim of my disorder. I choose to overcome and live in hope and joy, in spite of my disorder.
Together, we share in each other’s victories and celebrate the whole person.
“For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and a sound mind.”
II Timothy 1:7
Our purpose here is to encourage one another to choose God’s fresh hope for our daily life and future.
Who we see here remains confidential. What is said here stays here.
We don’t judge; nor do we lecture. We listen, we share and we grow.