Friday, April 11, 2008

Thankful

I feel so very grateful for where God has brought me. Somewhat overwhelmed when I let myself truly think about it.

I was talking to a friend yesterday about how I had never been able to have a regular job because of my bipolar disorder. I had truly wanted to work and to be "something" and to help contribute to our family income. Many times I tried, but even part time jobs proved to be too stressful. I did work for a couple of years as a freelance photographer, but eventually had to give that up as well.

This friend told me, "But you're working now." And I realized that - although what I do now is not a paid job - I am working pretty steadily at keeping Living Room going and trying to help others set up. As part of that work I give support to individuals within the group when they need it, acting as somewhat of a counselor - a peer counselor - but mostly just being a friend. And then there's my writing and publishing my second book that I will - hopefully - have ready to distribute in a few months.

I'm feeling so very blessed to know that I am now able to work at something worthwhile and that it's not too hard or too stressful for me. In fact, I'm finding great joy in this work and would not think of giving it up.

When I think back to where I was 43 years ago...a young person in a mental hospital, behind locked doors and with bars on the windows.... I was psychotic for so long, paranoid, thinking there were men trying to kill me because I knew of their secret plan to destroy the world. During the day I marched up and down the hospital hallway, away from the windows where my enemies would see me, singing Onward Christian Soldiers in an effort to make them think I was not afraid. I have read my hospital records from that time. Doctors did not hold out much hope for me.

But twenty years later I found God and he has made a big difference in my life. Gradually he has been transforming me until I've become the person I am today - a leader. I still have frequent trouble with symptoms, but I'm able to live with confidence, able to weather the storms when they come.

In the past few years, during times of struggle, I've gone to Jeremiah 29:11 and found encouragement and inspiration there:

"For I know the plans I have for you,"declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

God has a plan for each of us. We just need to learn to let God lead. It's amazing what God can do in our lives when we truly trust him.

I'm so very thankful for where God has brought me.

5 comments:

Spin Original said...

Wow, Marja, that is an amazing testimony!! God certainly has done a work in your life! I wondered what your 'story' was, so to hear, even a little bit, is a blessing to me. Sure helps me appreciate where I am and that things could be worse!! :)
I think you are working - working for the kingdom of God. You are storing up for yourself treasures in Heaven; the most important place to them.
God bless you as you continue to serve Him and share your story with others.

Nancie said...

Marja, it's very encouraging to read of how God has helped you and is using you. I am going through that stage now of not being able to find fulltime or even parttime job. But I am learning to find joy too in serving the Lord through my blog and other small things in church and at home. Truly, God has better plans for us and we can serve Him and be useful in our unique places! May God continue to bless your labours at Living Room and bring encouragement to all who are suffering due to mood disorders. Take care. Hope you have a blessed weekend and Lord's day.

JC said...

I am so glad that you are able to find fulfillment in what you do... whether it is bringing financial income to you or not, it is work, it is blessing others, and it is something that you are created especially to do. You are so gifted and it is so inspiring to see you use those gifts. You touch so many lives, including mine.

Unknown said...

Thank you for a wonderful testimony.

Being thankful releases me from fear and worry. The presence of worry could mean a believer doesn't understand who God is in order to trust Him. In my life, I have learned to trust every situation to God's sovereign control. "God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work." (2 Corinthians 9:8).

sbwrites said...

Marja,
Whether you work for "money" or because it's your calling, you have accomplished great things. It's not just what you do for Living Room, but it's your book, Roller Coaster, all the things you write for Christian publications, your blog, and all the help and advice you give to others. In terms of accomplishments, you're one of the most accomplished people I know!

Susan