Mental illness is no laughing matter

I write this post with a grieving heart. However, I must use my voice to speak out against injustice and inaccurate teaching.

Last night, a "buzz" started on facebook about a sermon preached near me. I decided to listen to this sermon this morning. I ended up in tears. Why? Because this preacher made fun of mental illness with inappropriate jokes and inaccurate Bible metaphors. Let me explain.

Mental illness is NOT a sin. Can it cause sin issues? Yes. Is it a sin itself? No. I listened as this man made fun of ADD, people who cut themselves, and people who choose medication. I heard as the undertones of this message compared the demon possessed man in the scripture to mentally ill people. I heard as it was implied that these people need to take care of their sin problem.

WHOA! Stop right there. I guarantee in that audience was someone who suffers. Probably, after that message, in silence. And we wonder why people walk away from God. We wonder why no one opens up about such issues in churches. Because if this is the God that is preached, who wants Him? Thankfully, this is NOT my God. My God saves. My God gives grace to people who suffer from ANY ailment, physical or mental.

In that audience were people who care. People who care about God. People who care about their sin. People who want to do right. And yet their mind suffers. I was / am one of them! I almost walked away from God and life because of such teaching!

And let me tell you, to even imply that the sin is the source of the problem is a HUGE HUGE mistake. I'm not saying (again) sin issues may not be involved. But we must be OH SO VERY careful how we address such tender and serious subjects. Not with distasteful jokes. Not with misunderstanding. But with kid gloves. And the man of God who preaches from the pulpit must be especially careful with his words!

I will NEVER stop fighting for you, Denise

Yesterday was one of the rough ones. . .

Then last night, in the arms of my beloved, I heard words I will cling to for a while, "I will never stop fighting for you, Denise."

I want to write them on my forehead. Place them on my mirrors. Rehearse them daily when the fight just seems too hard. Because yesterday, I didn't want to fight. I was tired of fighting. And I figure this: if my imperfect husband feels like that toward me. . . how much more does my Heavenly Father feel that way toward me.

He will NEVER stop fighting. Humans will stop fighting for me. Man will give up on me. Friends will get frustrated with me.

But not my FATHER. He will NEVER stop fighting for me. And so for Him, I pray for the grace to fight a little more. To become a little more sanctified. And to pray that He will use my struggles for something beautiful!

"Considerably rumpled in spirit. . . "

I like Anne. . . she reminds me of someone. . .

Been a little introspective today, and I couldn't help but think of Anne Shirley and her famous quote.

I've been "considerably rumpled in spirit lately" and a bit out of sorts. Granted, I've pretty much felt like I've had the flu since, oh, January. . .

This morning, I woke up, once again, sick as all getout. And I got frustrated. And mad. And grumpy. (seems like a tendency lately). Thankfully, I have the Lord and his wonderful still small voice. Aren't you thankful for that wonderful, still small voice? I was challenged by that voice to ask myself WHY I'm rumpled in spirit.

God has given me health challenges. I have the decision on how I react. Lately, not so good. I couldn't help but think. . . If you and I ate junk food all the time, what would happen to us? We wouldn't be terribly healthy would we? Yet, in this world, it's TERRIBLY easy to consist on junk food. Think about it, between iphones, laptops, internet and tv, we have a constant diet of junk food. (metaphorically speaking of course)

I know when I'm not feeling well, it's much easier to hit the "on" button on my TV than to open my Bible or listen to a sermon. Then I probably shouldn't be surprised when I become "rumpled in spirit."

I can't consist on junk food and be healthy. So today, I'm challenging myself to a new diet. (if any of my friends reads this, you are more than welcome to check on me!)

Depression is NOT a sign of weakness - my church service this morning

This morning, our visiting speaker preached on Psalm 88. It's an interesting Psalm for a sermon. It's a Psalm of Lament. Unlike most Psalms of Lament, there is no turning toward heaven at the end of the Psalm. Instead, the Psalm ends in a dark place.

I have days like that. Shoot, I've had weeks like that. So I was intrigued by this message from the beginning.

The speaker said a sentence that I'm not sure I will EVER forget. He basically said that depression is NOT a sign of weakness. See, I have known for a long time that depression itself is not a sin. But I'm not sure I will ever feel as strong as other Christians. I often look at myself as the "weak one."  I still often think that if I were a good, strong Christian, I wouldn't have this struggle. What a balm again to remember that is NOT the case.

A few very rambling notes from the message this morning:

• If there is any hope for us, it must be in the God who saves. 
• Our standing before God has NOTHING to do with how we're feeling (is not based on how we feel). 
• We can take our despair and depression before God. 
• We can appeal to the mercy of the Lord. Without His intervention, we have no hope. 
• The psalmist persevered in his prayers. The reason we have this Psalm is because the Psalmist never quit praying, even in his despair. 
• While in our depression, we may question where God is.  He is ALWAYS with His people. In His covenant love, He promises to never leave or forsake his children. 
• Coming to Christ, we are ALWAYS received, always welcomed, always loved.  

A few years ago, I was ready to walk away from God because I could not be strong enough. I'm so thankful for my journey to the place where I realize, His strength is enough. 

He is not finished with me

So friends, I pray this blog series has helped you in some small way. If you read this, and think, I know that girl, what a hypocrite. I’ll be the first to admit to you: I AM! The biggest one of all. Yet all sinners are hypocrites in some form. We sin. We know the truth and sin anyway.

That’s why there’s grace. We begin and end with the gospel. Jesus saves. On my good days, He saves. On my bad days, He saves.

Romans 7 states that in me “dwells NOTHING good.”

24 Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? 25 Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!

And frankly, whether you’re healthy or whether your health is failing, we’re ALL living in bodies of death. We need hope. Jesus Christ’s work on the cross is the only deliverance.

Spiritual or physical?  (beware, rambly post)

*Disclaimer: None of the things I suggest here should be taken lightly. ALL changes should be carefully examined and controlled by a doctor. And when possible, find a good Biblical counselor who does not blame you for your depression, but find one that will help you deal with it. 

I have discussed depression and its spiritual aspects.

Only you can decide whether your depression is physically or spiritually based. It takes great wisdom to know the difference. And sometimes the physical and spiritual are SO intertwined, it’s difficult to know. Therefore, it’s good to attack your depression from all sides.  Physical problems can cause depression. Depression can cause physical problems. So, this question can be a tough one.

And don’t let anyone else tell you what it is or isn’t. HOWEVER, don’t be quick to judge either.  I have personally had someone look at me and tell me the depression was ALL MY FAULT. Those words haunt me to this day. But I know myself best.  The person who said that to me doesn’t know me at all.  Nor did that person really try.

I feel the reason depression is mistreated in Christian circles is that, frankly, it’s become the catch all diagnosis for all sorts of bad behaviors. Bitterness, worry, and a host of other sinful choices can all lead to depression.  (take a pill, dull it down but continue to live as I want). Not that I’m against medication at ALL. You should carefully discuss options with your doctor. I have two cautions for you to consider. First, medication can easily become the answer instead of Christ. Also, medication can keep you from knowing the REAL physical issue.  It’s like putting a bandaid over an oozing wound that is really infected. You need to find the source of the infection and get rid of it. Don't take that to mean medicine is evil. Just go into it aware of these issues. Medicine can be life saving. I personally can't take it due to side effects. Find a trustworthy doctor.

So the big question is: is depression the source or the result?

When the entire world was telling me depression was the result of my choices, I KNEW it was the cause. Maybe this fact doesn’t make sense to you. And I am in no way excusing my sin, but I KNEW something was very physically wrong with me. I had to retrain myself in new ways of dealing with it, but the depression IS REAL and very physical.

IT can be very difficult to sort through these issues as well. Frankly, it’s hard to be spiritually right when you feel SO awful. So feeling better can often lead to spiritual strides.

However, feeling awful doesn’t excuse sin. See? No wonder I (and maybe you) get tempted to give up. But we are compelled to obey and not sin no matter how we’re feeling. So we work on these things side by side.

 

So let’s talk physical well being. Your body is a temple and we should do the best we can to care for it. (I don’t always. Maybe this preaching at myself will help).

1. Get a physical. Rule out thyroid issues, hormones issues or a host of other issues that can cause depression. Sometimes, the answer is simple.

2. Exercise. 

3. Diet. OH how we hate to change our diet. Do you know sugar can cause depression? Gluten allergies? Other food allergies. . . there are steps you can take to eliminate foods and figure out what causes you issues.  I can’t believe how many people suffer but refuse to change the way they eat. Get rid of processed foods, add fruits and vegetables and get rid of sugar. It’s not the end of the world, but it might be the end of your struggles. Resources exist to help. But it takes some sacrifice and work.

4. Supplements. Do you know low vitamin d can cause depression? As can other things. Get checked out by a doctor and make sure you’re not vitamin deficient.

I hope some of these tips help you. If I call my counselor on a bad day, he will ask. How are you eating?  How are you sleeping? Have you exercised?

Good questions to ask yourself or someone else who’s struggling.  And I’m telling you, if you’re struggling, the answer isn’t easy. You have to tell yourself, I will FIGHT and work and do what it takes! No one can help you if you give up! 

A little aside: you may not find the cause of your physical problems. There are times I’m doing everything I know to do, and I still become VERY depressed. These are the times when I’m reminded. God doesn’t always promise to take our thorn in the flesh away. But He does promise grace to get through it.

If someone doesn’t believe in you, find someone who will! God does and I do!

Grace and peace!

The ordinary means of grace

Question 88 of the Westminster Shorter Catechism asks, “What are the outward means whereby Christ communicateth to us the benefits of redemption?”

Answer:
The outward and ordinary means whereby Christ communicateth to us the benefits of redemption are his ordinances, especially the Word, sacraments and prayer; all of which are made effectual to the elect for salvation.

Maybe you’re saying, huh, what does that mean?  One of the great benefits of redemption is grace. And God gives us channels of grace. The importance of the Word, the sacraments (baptism and the Lord’s supper, and prayer cannot be overstated. He has given to us the means of grace. We are compelled by scripture to be committed to the ordinary means of grace.

Make sure you are a part of a Bible believing and preaching church.

Regularly participate in the Lord’s supper.

Read the Word and pray.

They really aren’t difficult, but oh, they will change your life!

One of the questions my counselor asks me when in a difficult time, “Are you using the means of grace?”