CATEGORY: Depression and Faith
WHEN GOD’S SPIRIT GAVE ME WRITER’S BLOCK
The Story of an Unfinished Poem I haven't ever tried to kill myself, nor have I been whisker-close to doing so. But I have thought that death would be preferable to living. A lot of times. When a pall of depression overwhelms me, negative thoughts vie for control...
4 TRUTHS THAT HELP ME FIGHT DESPONDENCY IN MINISTRY
Bible Truths to Sustain Volunteers as well as Vocational Christian Leaders Opposition to goals. Lack of visible results. Self-condemnation over mistakes or failures in life or ministry. Frustration over continued vulnerability to temptation. Spiritual...
THERE IS A KIND OF HEALING MORE IMPORTANT THAN PHYSICAL
Chronically ill? Recently lost a loved one? Recurring episodes of depression? Physical disability? If any of these conditions describe you or someone you love, absorb the perspectives and comfort of Joni Eareckson Tada's Beside Bethesda: 31 Days Toward Deeper...
THE AUTUMN YEARS OF MARRIAGE
Perhaps my greatest earthly support in battling depression is my wife, Dolly. Her unconditional love and loyalty anchor me and remind me of how blessed I am even on days when I’m feeling downcast. On June 5, 2018 we will celebrate 47 years of marriage bliss (46...
Must Feelings Control Me When I’m Depressed?
God created us with the wonderful capacity to feel. Whether it's the unfettered joy of holding a new grandchild for the first time, the subtle exuberance when we accomplish a hard-won goal, or the awe-inspiring appreciation for a roseate sunrise, feelings are a...
A Threatening Encounter
This is a different kind of post. It’s a story of spiritual warfare and my understanding of what happened. Before reading it, I encourage you to read or review my previous post on the role of God’s Word in battling depression: “Spiritual Bromide or Fuel for Faith?”...
SPIRITUAL BROMIDE OR FUEL FOR THE SOUL?
What is the role of God's Word in the fight against depression? I first wrote this post (Fall 2017) for Bryan Lowe’s website, “Broken Believers.” But its message is so central to the purpose of my blog, I want to put it on my site. Due to a link I sent to Twitter...
ANSWERING QUESTIONS ABOUT DEPRESSION
An Interview with Dr. Stephen Farra I interviewed a colleague who helped develop the Psychology Program at Columbia International University, Steve Farra. Steve has extensive practical experience in counseling and psychotherapy, as well as top-notch academic...
One Weapon To Wield When Combating Depression
The Life-Changing Effects of Gratitude A good book informs you. A great book forms you. Why do I consider Nancy Demoss Wolgemuth’s Choosing Gratitude a great book? Because its content is wedging its way into my daily consciousness and is in the fetal stages of...
AN ESSENTIAL TRAIT FOR DEALING WITH DEPRESSION
Pride keeps a person from exhibiting this trait. We don’t want others to think we are weak and needy, or to see that we don’t have it all together. We erroneously equate expressions of this trait with spiritual immaturity and self-centeredness, because...
How Can A Spouse Help with Depression?
What a husband or wife does or says in relation to a depressed spouse can either exacerbate the symptoms or help relieve them. Dolly, my bride of over 46 years, doesn't understand depression experientially. She's optimistic, outgoing. Her emotions stay on an even...
A DOGGONE GOOD IDEA FOR DEPRESSION-PRONE PEOPLE
The Value of a Dog in Coping with Depression The lot on which my house sits is relatively level, but some days, as I walk from the driveway to the entrance, it feels like I’m trudging uphill with a weight on my shoulders. The figurative weight of a depressed spirt...
