Guess I still have some symptoms of hypomania, though not very bad (I don't think).
I've been reading a lot and getting all excited about what I'm reading. Wanting to talk about it. Wanting to write about it. Not being able to let it go.
I just finished This Beautiful Mess by Rick McKinley, pastor of Imago Dei Community Church in Portland. It's about practising the presence of the Kingdom of God.
McKinley aligns himself with the emerging church movement, which suggests that a revolution is needed in the Christian church. Too many have forgotten that Jesus was a radical, not happy with the status quo. The way the world is today is no better - and probably worse - than it was in Jesus' time. If we're to be followers of Christ we need to be radical, as he was, not satisfied with leaving the world as it is. We need to work to fight injustice and poverty. We need to love others, remembering how God loves us. Jesus befriended the marginalized and healed them. He accepted sinners and ate with them. He did not stigmatize anyone. This is the Jesus in whose footsteps we're called to follow.
I don't know what I should do to calm down. To stop thinking so much about all this. To stop wanting to dig into books - deeper and deeper. I feel so hungry to learn. So hungry to understand what the Kingdom of God that Jesus talked about is. He said the Kingdom of God is upon us. It's not just tomorrow after we die. It's around us now, if we could only recognize it. We can practise the Kingdom of God by doing what Jesus did.
I know one thing: Living Room is one way in which we can practise the Kingdom of God. And I know that God is there at the meetings. It's God's work, and I rely fully on him to make it what it is. That explains the holy joy I feel afterwards.
I was going to write an essay on all this. However, perhaps one way I could calm down and let this all go a bit is by not doing that after all. Perhaps I'll spend my time instead creating invitations for my book launch coming up on July 12th. It's time to change gears.
About Me
- marja
- As a person with bipolar disorder and a faith in Jesus Christ, I write about mental health issues, esp encouraging a more understanding view by the Christian church. In an effort to help my church give support to people with mood disorders, I started a support group called "Living Room." Now groups are starting up elsewhere. I'm in my mid-sixties and feel I have a lot to share - the fruits of a "long" life - and I love doing that.
A Firm Place to Stand
Riding the Roller Coaster
Riding the Roller Coaster
Marja Bergen
6 comments:
Dear Marja,
No wonder you're hypomanic. Don't you just love the first event for a book launch?
Susan
Yeah, that book launch will be an exciting event. We have a big yard, so will have a garden party. I'm inviting a lot of people, including the neighbours. Hope the weather cooperates.
Your thoughts on the Kingdom of God were soothing to me, much appreciated. Good luck with your book launch!
Welcome to my blog, ME. I'm very happy you found this post meaningful. You made me think that perhaps I should post more on this topic, especially since I'm so caught up with it right now. I've been avoiding doing this because I thought it was kind of off the theme I created this blog for. I'll see.
What refreshing thoughts, Marja!! I am on a "heaven" theme myself these days. I keep longing for heaven. You reminded me that we are on earth to practice for heaven. We practice our worship here. We need "bring a little heaven here". That's a song by a group from years ago. I can't even think of their names off hand!!
Goodpost, Marja. And, I hope your party is fantastic!!!
Thanks PJ. You and ME, as well as the reading I've been doing have encouraged me to write more on spiritual issues.
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