This morning I read something in Isaiah 50:5-7 that was perfect for me to read at this time. Isn't it something how God will give you words like that when you most need it? Words that you might at any other time overlook? I've copied this into my journal and plan to look at it often:
"I offered my back to those who beat me, my cheeks to those who pulled out my beard; I did not hide my face from mocking and spitting. Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore have I set my face like flint, and I know I will not be put to shame."
Fighting stigma takes that, doesn't it? You have to be willing to take a stand, let them at you, and not run away - ever. And we can do that because "the Sovereign Lord helps [us]." And God has taught me that I need to fight with love, not with bitterness. That's what keeps me feeling at peace, in spite of that rather vicious comment yesterday. "The Sovereign Lord helps me."
Life has been moving hard and fast. I'll be getting lots of opportunities I think to do some stigma busting....but perhaps I should just call it "educating." Yesterday, that comment on canadianchristianity.com. Then an invitation to speak at a mental health awareness workshop for churches. And this morning I had a call at 5:15 asking me to do a pre-interview for a syndicated radio show. I also had a conference call with four people from a church in Victoria, wanting to know more about Living Room. They're considering having a group at their church. I've had about forty requests for review copies of the book, mostly from the U.S. Almost feel like I should have an office somewhere.
But you know what? I'm staying stable through all this excitement. Quite amazing I would say. Thank God, eh?
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4 comments:
I love that quote from the Bible. It is so powerful! Thank you for sharing it with us.
You are doing such powerful stuff, educating people and dispelling myths about mental illness. You certainly do have lots of opportunities and it sounds like you're really keeping on top of them! God has given you this job and he is helping you get through it. Keep your eyes on him, because it's His work, and you're the vessel. You'll stay stable.
Thank you, Jena. That's the only way I can do what I do - knowing this is not my work but God's. I just have to be His hands and feet, doing one little task at a time.
Marja, thank God for giving you grace, strength and wisdom to serve Him in fighting the stigma. I read the unkind comment on canadianchristianity.com. It is not easy to fight the stigma but God will continue to give us the grace and strength to serve Him in this unique calling. Thank God for giving you much peace and opening new doors of opportunity to educate and share with us. May God continue to strengthen you and make you a blessing to many. Hopefully by and by more people will reach a greater understanding and the stigma will reduce in God's timing. Meanwhile, may you press on in God's grace and strength, and continue to share God's love with others in coping with a mood disorder. We serve a Great God Who is sovereign in all things, Who love us with an everlasting love and Who is working all things for His glory and our good, and Whose grace is sufficient for us! Praise Him!
Nancie, Thank you for those beautiful, encouraging words. You're very much doing your own part in fighting stigma and I'm grateful we are together in this.
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