|
| Mental Health Issues and Faith in Christ |
| 16.10.05 |
My friend Rand posted a few days ago about Christians and Depression. The comments left inspired me to post about Mental Health issues.
I have worked in the mental health field in many different capacities for the better part of 13 years now. It is a difficult field to work in for several reasons: most in the field are liberal and anti-Christ; many of the issues are difficult to observe without challenging your faith for at least a time; the use of medication is sometime a crutch that should be unnecessary, etc.
I believe some mental health issues are valid and unavoidable for those dealing with them. Others, however, are the effect of sinful living- using drugs (including alcohol), acting in a way that causes guilt, laziness in dealing with problems and stress, along with many other avoidable issues.
Regarding unavoidable (the "chemical imbalances" if you will): I have seen some people who truly have a definite loss in their sense of reality. Some may be demon possessed, but I would think it is the rare occurrence in the United States. Most are struggling with their lot in life.
I have a close Christian friend who struggles with mental illness. She has had times of psychosis in which she thought she was deaf and only communicate in sign language for a period of nearly a week (on a mental health unit) and another time when she only spoke Spanish (although she does not demonstrate this ability normally, she only took in in college and remembers little for every day use otherwise). She struggles with why this is a part of her life. She is afraid of going to new churches because she fears the rejection she may face due to her mental issues. Another friend,Doug, stated the following in the comments on Rand's post:
Christians who have a natural chemical imbalance, not one caused by drinking/drugs, are nearly unheard of in the church. Not because they don't exist, but because of the stigma attached to mental illness/depression. We sing hymns about "a wretch like me" and then do all we can to never show weakness or fault in front of our brothers and sisters. As if the wretch part was only part of our unsaved past, but now that we are Christians, we would never be wretched, or depressed, or weak, because that would be a bad witness. This is so true. Instead of seeking a perfect-looking church body, we should be willing to assist those with obvious issues and imperfections. Let's be real, we all have things that are shameful or imperfect. Most of us just hide them well.
My friend has asked me about what she is dealing with. I have given her Scripture as encouragement and she has responded by seeking God and seeking to please Him despite the difficulty she has. She quoted me the following yesterday regarding having to deal with mental issues and treatment: But rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed. (1 Peter 4.13 NIV) She believes that as she strives to honor and glorify Christ despite her issues, she "participates in the sufferings of Christ." I cannot say that I disagree with her. Her serving Him despite the obstacles and mockery (even by those who are members of "churches") she has the opportunity to gain a small understanding of His trials and suffering and as she points to Christ anyway.
As for the avoidable issues, I see many of them. In fact, most of what I see is a result of goofballs getting drunk and making suicidal statements or people getting overstressed because they live in rebellion to God's Word and His way. They tend to think medication is the way to fix the problem, but it is not.
And the adults who come in with 5 to 10 year-old children because they have behavior problems- these people get little compassion from me in almost every case. Be a parent already! There is this thing called "DISCIPLINE!" It's not necessary to beat a child, but a spanking now and then (when and if necessary) does a world of good. But these people seem to want to drop their kids off at a mental health facility so they do not have to deal with their parental responsibility. They liked creating the child, but they do not like taking care of junior. They are a disgrace. (Sorry, that is something that steams me and we have to deal with it daily- it's like the "parents" come to us and tattle on their children. I have little patience for that.) |
posted by pregador27 @ 16:27   |
|
|
|
| Just Give me Jesus |
| 15.10.05 |
The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD,
And He delights in his way.
Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down;
For the LORD upholds him with His hand.
I have been young, and now am old;
Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken,
Nor his descendants begging bread.
He is ever merciful, and lends;
And his descendants are blessed. -Psalm 37.23-26 NKJV
I have been realizing how faithful God is to His children (John 1.11-13). It's not something I did not know, but it has become more real over the past month and a half. It has been ultra-stressful with the sale of the house and financial pressures and changes of plans. Honestly, I have struggled over that past month as previous posts may imply.
With all that having been said, God has proven Himself over and over. He has no need to prove anything to me, He is the Sovereign and All-Powerful King of all existence. He chooses to prove Himself anyway- out of His love for me. That is the love that sent His Son to die on the cross to pay a penalty for sin (Romans 3.23; Romans 6.23) that I was in no way able to pay on my own. Through my own fault I deserve death, as I have broken the Commands of God over and over again. Through His grace and mercy I am received as His child through Jesus' sacrifice and His love.
I see how wonderful He is. Sometimes He reminds me of my sister, Diane. Somehow He uses this to encourage me. I remember times we had fellowshipping and even working to share the Gospel. I remember her pushing me to improve things about myself. I am a better person because He placed Diane in my life.
Other times, He uses people like my pastor, LaVaugh McNary, to encourage me with the respect he shows me and how he listens to what I have to say. I am blessed to be a member of Antioch Fellowship Baptist Church.
The ways and sources God uses to lift my despair are many. I am enamored with Him. Some might want to call Him a "crutch" or to call me a "right-wing fundamentalist," but I do not care. I have been assured that if I love and follow Christ the world will hate me. That is fine. Just give me Jesus.Labels: Bible |
| posted by pregador27 @ 12:12 |
|
|
|
| WorldNetDaily: Robertson: Disasters point to 2nd Coming |
| 10.10.05 |
Pat Robertson is being quoted again, but it's not so bad this time. He has some evidence to support his position and actually uses the Bible. He feels that the increase in hurricanes, tidal waves and other natural disasters are prophesied in Scripture.
This is not a baseless statement:
...the U.S. Geological Survey data indicates earthquake occurrences are increasing. In 2000, there were 22,256 recorded earthquakes worldwide. That number has steadily increased to 31,199 earthquakes in 2004. (from a WND article)
So, Pat is getting Biblical. That may be a good thing. Now this is one I do not expect him to recant. |
| posted by pregador27 @ 10:14 |
|
|
|
|
|
