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Pastor-Speaker-Blogger
A devotion.
Sometimes you aren’t ready to understand a lesson. In group therapy I heard the same thing over and over again. It took me 13 years to fully grasp the lesson that a counselor had imparted.
A devotion.
In my journey to manage my mental health and explore spirituality, I encountered moments of intense emotion. Early recovery was difficult because I couldn’t distinguish emotion and spirituality from the symptoms of my mental health condition. My psychiatrist advised against pathologizing spiritual experiences. We will do this while reflecting on the scene at Lazarus’ crypt.
A devotion.
I never wanted help until I decided I needed it. The following describes my life prior to recovery, how dire things were and for how long, yet I didn’t seek assistance. My apartment was condemnable numerous times in my life due to my mental health condition, but I had no desire to ask for help. I was on the brink of physical and mental collapse constantly. I avoided reaching out. Why?
Read on to discover the journey of faith and seeking assistance in the midst of a mental health crisis.
A devotion.
This week I openly share my experiences with multiple mental health crises, shedding light on the overwhelming offers of help and unsolicited advice I encountered. Drawing parallels to Peter’s spiritual conversion of 3000 people in Acts, I explore the misconception that church communities can provide instant solutions to mental wellness. Join me in discovering the importance of grace and a gradual healing process in effective mental health outreach.
A devotion.
What imagery do you choose to embody strength? Explore the profound wisdom of Proverbs 27:17 and discover how choosing vulnerability can be as effective as strength in sharpening life’s challenges.
A devotion.
Today we consider embracing change. Explore the beauty in life’s transformations and how they parallel the change that surrounds us. We’ll delve into addiction, recovery, and mental health, discovering joy in progress and acceptance amid regression. Join me in recognizing the divine in the present moment.
This is my final article on codependency. What a journey this has been for me. Writing this series has meant looking very closely at my past, family, and relationships. After closely examining everything in my life, I thought I would conclude the three-part series by discussing professions that involve helping others. Sometimes, growing up around codependency means honing valuable skills that can be used to assist people.
In my second article on codependency, I delve into my role within a codependent family system, revealing personal insights about tactics such as anger, manipulation, entitlement, and more. I also discuss how my journey to recovery found support within the church community.
Join me in this three-part series as I share my experiences as a pastor navigating the complexities of codependency. Today we start all the way back in my teens when I first uncovered codependency. I’ll guide you through the grip of codependency and its impact on faith communities. Let’s uncover how candid conversations and community support can pave the path to healing.
A devotion.
Reflecting on John the Baptist’s imprisonment and my own experiences within locked hospital wards over 13 years ago. This devotion explores the transformative journey from confinement to liberation, highlighting how encountering the divine can mend missed opportunities and lead to true presence in life.