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Jim Bakker Is Dead. I’m Not Going to Pretend That Erases What He Did.

Jim Bakker is dead. He was 86 years old. And apparently this is the part where everybody is supposed to lower their voice, rearrange their face into something appropriately solemn, and begin discussing his “complicated legacy.” I am going to pass. Not because death is funny. It isn't. Not because an 86-year-old man's family isn't entitled to grieve. They are. His wife, children, friends, and people who genuinely loved him have every right to mourn him privately and publicly. Human beings are rarely one thing to everyone. But death does not operate a celestial reputation-laundering service. A pulse stopping does not transform a lifetime of documented misconduct into a misunderstood journey. An obituary is not holy water. And I have never understood the peculiar social rule requiring us to suddenly become dishonest about somebody simply because that person is no longer around to enjoy the revision. Jim Bakker died October 5, 2026, after spending decades as one of the most fam...
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The Mental Health Benefits of Owning a Pet


For many people, pets are more than just animals—they’re family members. And like any good family member, pets can positively impact our mental health. Numerous studies have shown that there are mental health benefits of owning a pet, including reducing stress, anxiety, and depression. Let’s take a closer look at some of the ways in which pets can improve our mental well-being.

Reduced Stress Levels


One of the most common mental health benefits of owning a pet is reduced stress levels. Pets provide us with companionship and unconditional love, which can be incredibly soothing when feeling overwhelmed or stressed out. In fact, research has shown that interacting with animals can lower our blood pressure and heart rate and release feel-good hormones like oxytocin and serotonin.

Improved Moods


Another one of the mental health benefits of owning a pet is an improved mood. If you’re feeling down or blue, spending time with your pet can help chase away the blues and improve your mood. Pets also give us a sense of purpose and responsibility, which can boost our self-esteem and confidence. Caring for a pet can also provide a sense of structure and routine to our day-to-day lives, which can be helpful if we’re struggling with anxiety or depression.

Increased Socialization


Pets can also help us to socialize more, which is another one of the great mental health benefits of owning a pet. When you take your dog for a walk or to the park, you’re likely to run into other dog owners who you can strike up a conversation with. And even if you don’t consider yourself a “people person,” caring for a pet can still help you to feel more connected to others—especially if you volunteer at an animal shelter or rescue group.

There are numerous mental health benefits of owning a pet—reduced stress levels, improved moods, increased socialization, and more. If you’re considering adding a furry friend to your family, know that you could be doing your mental health a world of good in the process.


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