"I am a Christian, but I feel so very alone in my battles and struggles. I know I shouldn't, but I feel ashamed and embarrassed to ask for prayer related to my disorder. I guess I still don't want to "admit" I have it (bipolar disorder). In addition, I feel like a failure with regards to my career outside the home. Heck, I feel like a failure with being a stay-at-home mom and wife much of the time! I could go on and on, but what I really want to ask is what resources or support groups might be available to me that take into account that I have bipolar but I am also a follower of Christ? I need His strength, but I also yearn for the support of those who hold the same worldview/belief system."
So many Christians have this need. A need for support from fellow believers, yet afraid to tell them about their struggles with a mental disorder. Afraid that they're going to be thought of as a bad Christian. Afraid of being judged and rejected.
My heart goes out to this lady. If only there could be more Living Room groups for people like her. We need Living Room groups everywhere. And I pray to God that word of it will spread and that many more groups will be established. And I pray that the stigma within the church will be reduced. Please, God, help this happen.
If you live in or near Minneapolis, have a faith in Jesus Christ, and have bipolar disorder could you let me know? Or if you know of a faith-based support group in that area, please let me know so I can pass the information on to this lady. Please email me at marja@livingroomsupport.org. It would be so good to get such support for her.
If you want to read more about Living Room check this article which was published recently about faith-based mood disorder support. Does this inspire you? Is God calling you to get involved too?
8 comments:
Dear Marja,
Isn't it great that you're there for people? I think it's wonderful!
Susan
Susan,
If only I COULD help this lady. Frustrating when you know there's an answer but I can't reach it. We have to pray.
marja
I'll be praying with you that she finds the help and support that she obviously needs. I certainly can relate to her feelings, and I also know that God can encompass her with His love and give her assurance of His care for her. I pray that God will send the right people her way to encourage and strengthen her.
Thank you, Writing Works. Perhaps we bloggers can hold her up in prayer and be some support for her. Let her know that we understand what she must be going through. That we know what it means to bipolar. That we're praying for her and can be her virtual support.
Dear Marja,
My heart goes out to this lady. I most certainly can identify with her struggles. I pray that God will guide her to the helps and supports she need, and she will continue to know His love and sufficiency daily.
It is sad that there is still such a terrible stigma associated with bipolar disorder and depression, and as a result many sufferers are still suffering silently. Thank God that through living room and this blog, you are able to help fight the stigma and also help many sufferers. I have been trying to share with my church friends too so that they become more aware and more supportive of fellow believers suffering in these manner.
May God continue to strengthen you as you pour out your life for Him and others He bring into contact with you, and make you a blessing to all. Take care!
Praying always,
Nancie
Marja,
Reading the womans' email you received was heartbreaking. Support goes a long way, and for those who feel they don't have it well....it's just very sad.
I haven't checked in with you for a bit, but thought to tonight as my letter is being published tomorrow in the Surrey Leader.
Wanted to share that with you.
Pray you are well.
That's exciting, Tera! I wonder if I could get a hold of a copy of that paper. I'm in Burnaby. Maybe at the Newsleader's office?
I hope you'll feel very good about yourself, sharing your story. I'm sure it'll help a lot of people.
Nancie,
Thank you, as always, for your prayers and for caring so much.
You take care too, eh?
Love,
marja
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