God is with you in the struggle!

Dear church family,

Today while I was wandering Christian resources online, I came across an article about our God being the God of the Depressed.  I shared it with a few church members to get their feedback and they each shared that they thought it was a helpful article worthy of sharing with others.

 https://www.firstthings.com/web-exclusives/2016/02/god-of-the-depressed

In my sharing this article, I want to recognize that there are several people in our church family who are struggling with depression.  There are also several families in our church who have family members who struggle with depression.  Depression can be overwhelming to those who suffer from it.  Their experience is real. As their brothers and sisters in Christ, we can respond with gentle compassion, love, prayers, patience, listening ears, and a caring hand.

There are a few allegorical similarities between depression and cancer.  We know that cancer comes in many forms, some more or less life-threatening than others.  Each form has its own treatment plan - some more or less treatable than others.  Likewise, each person's experience with depression is different.  For some it is circumstantial or temporary.  For others it is a lifelong battle. For others it is somewhere in between.

For some people spiritual care, counseling, change in diet/sleep patterns, volunteer work/an external purpose, or just the passing of time bring about healing.  For others medication and medical intervention is also needed.  Regardless of the form, God is there for the depressed.  This is true even when God appears silent.

Those who struggle through depression are strong people. In many ways the struggle makes them even stronger.  Sharing with others the story of your struggle can also add to your strength.

Anyways, I wanted to share this article in hopes it might be encouraging to you or someone you love.  If you or someone you love struggles in this way, know you do not have to be ashamed.  God loves you!  God still has a plan for your life!  God is with you, even in the silence.  Your life matters!

If you know of someone who might be having suicidal thoughts, it is okay to ask them, "Have you been having suicidal thoughts?"  Then listen to their response and show them that you love them by getting the appropriate help.  They may not ask for help - you may just have to show the initiative to get it for them yourself. If you are the one asking for help and the first person you ask doesn't seem to get it, find another person, and keep searching for the help until you get it!

The Abbe Center for Community Mental Health is a good place to start.  Their number is: 319-398-3562.   If you or the person you know has a plan to take one's own life and has access to the resources to do so, please call 911 or drive the person to the local hospital Emergency Room immediately.  If you know someone who has been suicidal and all of a sudden they are unexpectedly happy, (Yes, you read that right, they are having the best day you have seen in a long time!) call 911 or drive the person to the local hospital ER immediately!

Let's be a community of patience, encouragement, and love for each other.  Know that if this is your struggle or a member of your family's struggle, you are not alone!  God does hear your cry!

Sincerely,

Pastor Stasia
New Disciples of Cedar Rapids

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