Aaron T Lee
My "Why" in this life is to encourage others to never give up so that together we can live real lives.
“The problem is that contemporary people think life is all about finding happiness. We decide what conditions will make us happy and then we work to bring those conditions about. To live for happiness means that you are trying to get something out of life. But when suffering comes along, it takes the conditions for happiness away, and so suffering destroys all your reason to keep living. But to “live for meaning” means not that you try to get something out of life but rather that life expects something from us. In other words, you have meaning only when there is something in life more important than your own personal freedom and happiness, something for which you are glad to sacrifice your happiness." - Tim Keller (Walking with God Through Pain and Suffering)
I have been collaborating with a few others to start a blog about faith and our mental health journey.
I wanted to share this that I wrote in hopes that it helps someone who is suffering, today.
Suffering Does What? Broken hearted...That's the only way I can describe the last year of my life. A lousy year just doesn't cut it. The imagery of something shattered and broken is the most accurate way to describe how I've felt. Looking at my life, I see that it was like that old scene from The Brady Bunch, where the....
A voice for the single
Today marks a day that celebrates love. It’s a day that many pamper one another and remind themselves of their commitment. This isn’t the case for all of us…some dread this day. Whether you have been single most of your life, divorced, widowed, or are in between, this day can be a difficult one. No day celebrates your singleness.
As a fellow single, I want to be a voice for and with you. Here’s my challenge for us…
1.) Don’t diminish the love and faithfulness of others. Instead, be inspired and encouraged that some people are fighting for their relationships.
2.) See your singleness as a gift. Think about the focus you can have on your relationship with the Lord, yourself, and your family and friends. It’s a blessing, but it's all a matter of perspective.
3.) Love is not limited to romance. Jesus tells us, “They will know you’re my disciples by your love.” You and I have this unbelievable opportunity to share the love we have to give to others. We can help that elderly man in the grocery store. We can take food to the fire department. We can sit with those who are also alone. The possibilities are endless.
Today might celebrate romantic love, but every day is an opportunity to share your love.
Embrace your singleness!
Often times I read scripture and fall into the trap that God moved during Biblical times, but isn't working now. It's my own flesh that undercuts my trust in Him. But this isn't truth. The same God that parted the sea for the Israelites to get out of Egypt is the same God that sits next to you in bed when your heart is broken. The same God that raised Lazarus from the dead, is the same God that called you out of that sin in your life. The same God that healed a bleeding woman is the same God that hears your prayer about that cancer diagnosis. If you believe that our God is the same yesterday, today, and forever then you should believe that He is the same God.
Same God (Live from Passion 2023) | Elevation Worship & Passion Music The official video for "Same God" Live from Passion 2023 by Elevation Worship & Passion Music. "Same God" (Live from Passion 2023) is available everywhere n...
I'm so tired, and it's not the physical exhaustion that burdens me, but rather an emotional weariness. It comes from rejection, a subject surprisingly absent from our educational curriculum. Most have no idea how to deal with it. Throughout our lives, we encounter rejection in various forms, from the heartache of a divorce to the cold shoulder from those we believed reciprocated our affections. These experiences leave seemingly permanent scars and raise questions that too often go unaddressed. Why is rejection a recurring theme in our interactions? Is it a defense mechanism, a way to avoid difficult conversations, or perhaps an attempt to control?
This cycle of rejection does more than just hurt individuals; it erodes the very fabric of our community. While it's easy to dwell on the pain inflicted upon us, seeking deeper understanding is crucial. We should turn to our faith, asking God not only why we suffer but also why we cause suffering in others.
In moments of rejection, both experienced and inflicted, we are called to reflect on the character of Jesus. His way is not one of rejection but of boundless acceptance. Embracing this way of living invites us to transform our approach to relationships and could possibly change the world. Can we please be more like Jesus?
When the world collapses around you, remember Our God Reigns.
Our God Reigns - Lyric Video // Aaron Lee Our God Reigns - Lyric Video // written and performed by Aaron LeeVerse 1With a crown of majesty sitting on His head He laid the foundations with the words t...
When God asks you to wait…
When God Asks You To Wait, Do This! If you're anything like me, waiting is the worst. So what do we do when it seems that God is not answering our prayers; when it seems like he is asking us to...
What is the single hardest thing you are currently facing?
When God Says "no" To Your Prayers
When God Says "no" To Your Prayers You've prayed and prayed. You've tried doing all the things, but the moment comes when God says no to your request. This can truly challenge our view of God....
I’m trying really hard to learn these principles and I thought I’d share just in case someone out there is struggling too.
38...Doesn't feel like a very significant number does it? It's the age I'm about to step out of. It's the number where my future changed within this life. Ironically, as I struggled this week, it's the chapter of Job I’ve been reading. In this chapter, God responds to Job in the midst of his suffering.
If you know this passage, you know that God starts off by saying "brace yourself like a man..." before going into all the complexities of creation. That’d be a bit intimidating wouldn’t it?
When we suffer, there can be this coldness that makes God feel distant. It can feel like He is off tinkering with the big things of the universe and has no concern for our current torment. I imagine that’s how Job felt as he continued to plead and plead for God to give him an opportunity to be heard. Job didn’t know the end, he only knew the storm he was in the midst of. Hindsight is 20/20, but the present is often foggy and violent.
As I read, something comforting came over me. I couldn't help but see this not as a scolding of Job, but a powerful reminder of God's vastness and intimacy.
See… Job 38 is telling us that God is BIG enough to "command the morning to appear" but also deeply involved so much that he “provides food to the ravens when their young cry out…”
So if you’re suffering, remember that yes God is controlling the universe but He’s also sitting closely beside you as you cry out.
You can’t see through the storm, but God can. You can’t fight off the rain beating your brow, but God does. It might not be today when you’re out of the path of this destruction, but there is one, only one, who can handle it. Only one who can guide you through it. Only one who can tend to the wounds you will get from it. Only one who will bless your life from it.
I hope you all know this about me by now. Being real is a non-negotiable value for me. Sometimes I let my fear of rejection keep me from sharing something on my heart or admitting my mistakes.
A few nights ago, the pain and hurt was unbearable. So much so that I just laid in bed cried after laying my boys down. So many painful thoughts ran through my mind. For a brief moment I mustered up the request “God help me…” I kid you not within 30 seconds the door to my room opens and my son, Abram, walks in holding this heart made out of legos (see photo). He hands it to me, climbs into the bed, and says “I know you’re hurting daddy.” Ugh!!!! 😩 🥹😭 I lost it again, but not because of my hurt. I lost it because within a moments time God answered my prayer through a 9 year old who saw me in the pit of despair and climbed down into it with me. It didn’t matter that he was a kid and I was an adult, the Spirit of God brought that little boy into my room to show me how much I am loved! Without Abram knowing it, he told me “God loves you and will never leave you.”
I reluctantly admit that I wanted to give up on life that night. But God gave me an awareness of His love and reminded me of this…
“Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.”
1 Corinthians 13:7 NLT
Just recently my mom shared this with me. Honestly, we need less fixers and more people willing to sit in the struggle with you because life is tough!
🚨 NEW VIDEO 🚨 “You've prayed and prayed. You've tried doing all the things, but the moment comes when God says no to your request. This can truly challenge our view of God. Our worldly view of how life should go can create a false view of who God really is. When He says no, maybe He's teaching us to examine our hearts and place Him back where He belongs.”
When God Says "no" To Your Prayers
When God Says "no" To Your Prayers You've prayed and prayed. You've tried doing all the things, but the moment comes when God says no to your request. This can truly challenge our view of God....
When we suffer, the false god falls and we see the one true God for who He really is!
What To Do When You're Emotionally Hurting Are you emotionally hurting? Has life just handed you too many blows? It can feel like there's no Iight at the end of the tunnel, can't it? In this video, we...
Have you ever met someone that you could only describe as wise? Unfortunately, it's a pretty rare description in our world today. A good friend and mentor of mine, Dr. Dennis Kaufman, is one of those people I can say without a doubt exudes "wisdom." He has helped me in ways most people will never ever know. He just released a new book and I can't stress to you loud enough how you need to go pick it up. No matter where you are on this journey of life, I promise Dr. K's wise words led by the Spirit will help you in some way! Go now and pick it up!
There Is a Way: Nine Vital Skills for an Excellent Christian Journey There Is a Way: Nine Vital Skills for an Excellent Christian Journey
Emotions…What do you think about this?
Maybe you woke up this morning feeling defeated or exhausted from what you've been facing. I hope this is an encouragement to you today.
Is Peace Really Possible? Remember as you continue to fight that Jesus has already won the war. The white flag as already been raised.
This morning, I was reading through some material that I’ve been assigned in counseling (yes I go to counseling!!!) and this section blew my mind. Satan is so subtle, people, but our worth IS NOT found in things of this world!
The Lord wrote this song when I felt lost and depressed. Years later, I find myself in an even more challenge season of life, and it still comforts me. Thank you, Jesus! I hope it's an encouragement to you.
Battle Cry (Lyric Video) - Written and Recorded By Aaron Lee Official lyric video for Aaron's Lee's single Battle Cry. The new single Battle Cry is available on iTunes, Google Play, and Amazon Music.iTunes: https://itu...
https://youtu.be/twTGIk9iihg
A reminder to check out the newest YouTube video about Pain!
Does Pain Really Make you Stronger? Have you ever heard the saying "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger? Thank you, Kelly Clarkson! On the surface that really can be a frustrating statemen...
NEW VIDEO: “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger” Fact or Fiction? Let’s talk about pain!
Does Pain Really Make you Stronger?
Does Pain Really Make you Stronger? Have you ever heard the saying "what doesn't kill you makes you stronger? Thank you, Kelly Clarkson! On the surface that really can be a frustrating statemen...
You may move through life feeling unseen, but the world just doesn’t know how interesting you truly are!
A Podcast for Embracing Your Journey and Living Authentically
Hey I’m Aaron Lee, the host and creator of The Anxious Pastor Podcast.
Often I get asked “why are you doing this?” Well in short, I’m a pastor who struggles with severe anxiety and seasonal bouts with depression. I found that every time I shared authentically what was going on in my life, people would say “Thank you for sharing because I thought I was the only person who struggles with that.” It blew my mind how healing that interaction became for both of us.
The Anxious Pastor Podcast is all about encouraging you to be real and live an authentic life. When we do this, it creates awareness, community, hope and healing. Imagine a world that’s full of people who are honest and real about their struggles. We wouldn’t feel so alone would we? That’s a world that I want to be a part of.
That’s why I do The Anxious Pastor Podcast.