IN A SNOWSTORM YET In March 2008 a big snowstorm surprised us on a Living Room day. And it was almost April! Snowflakes fell, huge and thick and fast. They were sticking to the grass and to the trees. With all that snow, we expected to have a smaller turnout than usual. We made […]
Read More...I WILL NOT HIDE – Excerpt 3 The faith-based peer support group called Living Room went into the planning stage. It was an exciting time, but not without its anxieties. I’ll never forget one meeting I had with the pastor shortly after I heard the call to start a faith-based group. I told him […]
Read More...PLEASE NOTE: I will be sharing six or eight excerpts from various parts of the book. I Will not Hide awaits editing and publishing. A VISION FOR FAITH-BASED SUPPORT IS BORN In 2005 I was attending a group support meeting at the Mood Disorders Association of BC. (MDA). My turn came to talk about what […]
Read More...Peer support groups like Living Room are special. They offer what isn’t available from groups facilitated by those who haven’t experienced mental illness. When the facilitator hasn’t had lived experience, there’s a danger that they will give messages of Christian platitudes like: “Pray, and you’ll be okay.” or, “Stay close to God and he […]
Read More...I had been an innovative leader in 2006, with the help of God doing much to help people with mental health problems. But a few years ago I left the church, shunned by people who used to be friends. I’ve been reviewing my old journals and blog posts, trying to make sense of what […]
Read More...Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7 Dear friends, Today I want to share with you my […]
Read More...Five theoretical frameworks have been used in attempts to explain the effectiveness of self-help groups. Solomon, Phyllis (2004). “Peer support/peer provided services underlying processes, benefits, and critical ingredients”. Psychiatric Rehabilitation Journal. Social support: Having a community of people to give physical and emotional comfort, people who love and care, is a moderating factor in […]
Read More...In 2006 I founded the Living Room group support ministry. As time went on, and especially after being featured on the TV show 100 Huntley Street, enthusiasm grew. The number of groups increased steadily. After four and a half years the ministry had grown to thirteen groups and there were reports that more were […]
Read More...He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Psalm 40:2-3 Since 2006 when I founded Living Room […]
Read More...LIVING ROOM MEMORIES (May 15, 2013) God can do anything, you know – far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams! He does it not by pushing us around but working within us, his Spirit deeply and gently within us. Ephesians 3:20-21 (MSG) That is so very true! […]
Read More...© 2019 Marja Bergen
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