Here’s another brilliant guest post from Sharon, who’ll be releasing an AMAZING book on mental health next year. (Details to follow). Thank you my friend! Unforsaken: Bringing God’s love to a friend in the Mental Health Inpatient Unit “God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’” Hebrews 13:5 When someone is admitted to a Mental Health Inpatient Unit (sometimes still known as the psychiatric ward), it can feel as if they have really hit …Read More
Huge thanks to T for sharing her story, in this brave and honest guest post. I first got a diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) about 10 years ago. It was in many ways a relief, as there was finally a single condition that covered the different, seemingly disparate, symptoms that I had battled with over the years. It also validated the reality that the feelings and thoughts that often threatened to overwhelm me, and led to destructive behaviours, …Read More
Remember that Jesus comes for failures. He’s not shocked by this and neither does He condemn you. If you come to Him He will forgive you and restore you and redeem even your mistakes, “But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.” (Luke 22:32). Look to Jesus. The greater your sin, the greater the cross that carries it. Yes, you’ve messed up – (and worse …Read More
What it is Also known as emotionally unstable personality disorder, (EUPD). Borderline personality disorder (BPD) is a mental illness that makes it hard for sufferers to know themselves, control their feelings and impulses and relate to others. It’s called ‘borderline’ because in the past, mental illnesses were categorised as ‘psychoses’ or ‘neuroses’ and it didn’t fit into either category. What it’s not a myth chosen by sufferers untreatable How it feels: a disturbed sense of identity (not knowing who you are …Read More
Have you ever had your picture painted? It takes a gifted artist to capture a true likeness; but most of us will never have this experience. But what if you could? And what if, instead of having your portrait painted in oils, you could have it painted in music instead? That’s one of the ways that Epiphany, a group of Christian musicians, serve others. With their instruments and voices, they use improvised music as a means of creating a ‘sound …Read More
Cynicism is the new rock n roll. It tells the world: ‘I’ve been around the block a few times, I won’t be taken in, I’m savvy, street smart and most of all, experienced.’ It seems wise – but it’s completely anti-gospel. In Jesus, I’m called to the very opposite: faith, hope and love. Faith means embracing what cannot be humanly learned. It means receiving what cannot be humanly earned. I’m called to trust when the world, the flesh and the …Read More
How do you feel when times are tough? Like a tiny cork, bobbing on the waves? Alone and overwhelmed? Outnumbered and defeated? Don’t judge by what you see. In 2 Kings 6, the people of God seem to be outflanked and outnumbered by their enemies. Elisha’s servant runs in terror to his master and says, “Oh no, my lord! What shall we do?” “Don’t be afraid,” the prophet answers, “those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” Notice what …Read More
Acknowledge your feelings but remind them that you’re in charge. Think of them as a two year-old who needs reassurance and a bit of loving firmness. Remember, you have felt like this before; and it was all ok. If in doubt, stick to your usual plan/routine. (The one you made before your brain was flooded with adrenalin). But Don’t try to do too much. It’s tempting to over schedule when you’re stressed, but you need downtime too. Work out …Read More
Years ago, I remember praying with Glen. (We have prayed together since then but this one stands out). We were relatively new Christians and and he said something like, ‘Lord if suffering will bring us closer to you, then let your will be done’. ‘What?’ I hissed – ‘Are you asking for suffering?’ ‘Not exactly,’ he began… Elbowing him, I cleared my throat and in my prayer voice (louder), continued, “Sorry Lord, can we stop right there. I would like …Read More
Go with your heart. And follow your feelings. Keep it in. If you open up, they will reject you. Deal with it yourself. So, take control. For every look at Jesus, take 12 looks at yourself. Don’t hope and don’t try. You’ll fail and you’ll be disappointed. Live by the word ‘should.’ Everything is black or white. Good or bad. Success or failure. Put yourself first. Earn it. Do everything perfectly. You are worthless if you don’t. Stay away from …Read More
