HEALTH & WELLNESS
August is National Make-A-Will Month
by Alyson Breisch
Did you know that one study found that only one-third of Americans currently have a will and another study found that less than a quarter of Americans have a will? This is a good time to create peace of mind for yourself and your family by writing your will. If you previously wrote a will, it is a good idea to revisit it every 5 years to see if you want to update or edit some of the conditions you included.
Creating your will is a legal task but it is also about making thoughtful decisions today so the people you love don’t have to make those decisions later. A will lets you distribute your property and protect your loved ones after you die. Naming an executor of your will designates the person you want to be in charge of wrapping up all your affairs. The executor of your will becomes the trusted person responsible to close financial accounts, liquidate assets, settle debts, and communicate with your family and others listed in your will. When you die without a designated executor in your will, you leave important decisions up to a local court and your state's laws. If you don't choose an executor in your will, the court will pick one for you — and it may not be the person you'd want, or the person best suited to handle the job. Your written will does need to be executed, which generally requires you to sign your will in front of two neutral witnesses who also sign the will (neutral witnesses are persons who will not receive gifts from the will). Your witnesses watch you sign your will, sign their signatures, and can confirm in front of a court that the document is authentic. Louisiana is the only state that requires a will to be notarized by a notary.
You likely have more property than you realize: your home, vehicles, furniture, clothing, books, sentimental items, and more. Digital assets can include online accounts, such as Facebook or email, as well as digital files or property (photos, videos, domain names you own, etc.) – each with a security password. You can name a digital executor in your will to manage these on-line assets after you pass away. You can leave digital assets to specific people, and also explain how you want your accounts handled (if you'd like your social media accounts closed or memorialized). You can also include legacy donations to charitable organizations and name a funeral executor to manage your funeral service. There are several low-cost or free on-line options on the market that will help you quickly and accurately write your will. Check that the will documents are legally binding in all 50 states. The National Council on Aging offers an analysis and report on The Best Online Will Makers of 2026: Tested and Reviewed. An up-to-date will alleviates family burdens and misunderstandings and assures your intent is honored.
Walking as Prayer
by Alyson Breisch
Southern Conference Minister
for Health and Wellness
Isaiah 30: 21 Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way, walk in it.”
Walking is one of the most fundamental human activities. It’s simple, rhythmic, and universal, yet its significance goes far beyond the physical act of putting one foot in front of the other. How much of the time do we walk (or run!) through life without really being aware of what we are doing, how our body is responding, or what is happening around us? Taking a walk is good for our bodies, our minds, and our souls. Walking is deeply restorative. Walking activates the imagination and opens up our creative processes. A walk in gardens, green areas and forests lifts our spirits and decreases activity in brain regions involved in stress processing. A walk may double as an invitation for prayer.
Begin your walk with a prayer, asking that your eyes and ears be open as you walk in God’s way. Center yourself in the present moment. Use all your senses. What colors, shapes, and textures do you see? Become aware of the feeling of the ground beneath your feet as you walk, how your clothing touches your body, the sunshine, wind, or rain on your skin, the feel of a flower petal or the bark of a tree. Listen. Do you hear birds, wind in the trees, people, machines, animals? Be grateful for all you experience. Take the time to incorporate intentional reflections and prayers while walking. Pray for people who introduced you to life’s important lessons. Think of those who have touched your life in a special way. As you walk, let faces of people you have known come to mind, and express thanks for what they have taught you. Pray for someone who needs encouragement or forgiveness. As you walk become aware of your breathing. The Hebrew word, ruach, means the wind or breath or spirit that God breathes into us. It reflects the unconditional love you’ve received from God. May your walk bring peace and contentment in stressful times knowing that God is with you.