Shelia Walsh’s Message at the 2017 Night of Inspiring Hope

In this edition of Fresh Hope for Mental Health Sheila Walsh talks openly about her struggle with depression and her walk with the Lord.

Four years ago the Warrens youngest son, Matthew, lost his battle with a mental illness. And in the three years that have followed the Warrens have become advocates for hope for mental health. I had the privilege of being on a panel for their first Gathering on Mental Health and the Church. At Fresh Hope we are thankful for the encouragement of the Warrens regarding our ministry. The Warrens are the real deal. They have had pain and have suffered deep pain.

I am living a full and rich life in spite of my
disorder. My relationships are better than they have ever been. A new love has covered my marriage. I’m being able to take care of and enjoy my parents and my children. I have new friends. New goals and dreams. I have taken on new projects. I am serving the Lord with gladness in my job and ministries at church.
Don’t get me wrong- I still have bad days. There are still days when it is hard to get up
and get moving. But even on bad days my hope tank is full. I manage my illness and it does not define me. I am thriving.
How did I get from surviving to thriving? To me, it happened in 3 simple but powerful steps.

Check out Keith O’Neil’s hope-filled keynote address from last Thursday’s Night of Inspiring Hope.  It’s a message about never giving up and one of God’s redemption in his life.