It’s been 13 years since my first hospitalization and five since the last. Both times, part of what sent me into the tailspin of mental illness were misunderstandings and false information. In our journey with this illness, my family has been misled by lies we were told, or truths withheld. These lies continue to mislead the church and keep people from properly viewing mental illness as what it is.
When you and I connect with one another, we empower each other to live well in spite of any possible daily battles with our disorder. Individually, no one of us has all the answers. But, together we have solutions for one another. Corporately we have answers for one another as we encourage each other and share what “works” for us as individuals in living well in spite of our bipolar disorder.
My friend, if you find yourself in a dark and painful point in your journey of this life, please know this: the Lord WILL take this and make it work together for your good. You are not suffering in vain. There is purpose in it. There is a blessing in it. He is for you. He loves you. You are not alone. As deep as your pain goes, joy will be high when He begins to redeem your pain. And please know this, you are NOT “less-than”. You are not broken merchandise. In fact, it is at your point of brokenness that you become the most usable for His work in your life and in His Kingdom. This is about redemption. The Lord is working things together for your good even in the darkest parts of the valley you are going through. And in the midst of the suffering and pain, there are gifts – precious gifts – that you can’t even imagine!
There’s an Elephant in the sanctuary! And pastors need to see this video to help them realize how serious their lack of understanding is regarding mental illness. Why? Because more people go first to a clergy than to their doctor, a therapist, a psychologist and/or psychiatrist combined! Pastors are on the front lines of the mental health crisis! Please watch this video and share it on social media, it’s one way to begin to address the “elephant” in the sanctuary!
David practices dealing with his enemies with the spiritual tool of meekness. Meekness is not weakness. Meekness is strength under control. Here are some ways we can use meekness to manage depression.
The first Christmas wasn’t perfect. Joseph and Mary couldn’t find a place to stay in Bethlehem and Mary ended up delivering Jesus in a stable. They stayed in a stable with animals. A manger from which animals eat.
The first Christmas wasn’t perfect. Joseph and Mary couldn’t find a place to stay in Bethlehem and Mary ended up delivering Jesus in a stable. They stayed in a stable with animals. A manger from which animals eat.
This interview is very insightful for the Church at large and caregivers regarding hopelessness. But, there’s a LOT of encouragement also for those who are hurting and feeling hopeless. No matter where you are “at” today, you’ll get a lot from this interview.
The first Christmas wasn’t perfect. Joseph and Mary couldn’t find a place to stay in Bethlehem and Mary ended up delivering Jesus in a stable. They stayed in a stable with animals. A manger from which animals eat.
For every $16.64 given annually, we are able to offer hope for one year to one person.
Any amount you are able to give will help bring hope to those who desperately need it.
We want to make sure that we send you information that will best serve your needs, so please take a few moments to fill in the information below.
(Please note that your privacy is our utmost concern. Fresh Hope will never sell your data and your information is kept strictly confidential)
English 
Spanish