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...I’ve spent much time trying to write my Living Room history. There’s a lot I haven’t covered and, as I’ve said, I would like to move on. But I do want to leave this capsulated form of my history. It offers a clearer overall picture of how things went for me. 2005 or so […]
Read More...On June 14, 2010 I wrote the following: “I do love to care for people and to make Living Room things happen. Living Room is exciting. So many people coming to believe in it and wanting to start their own group. While I was away I read a book that drew my attention to Isaiah […]
Read More...LIVING ROOM MEMORIES 269 (March 12, 2010) I’m healing. Feeling rather quiet and not carefree yet, but healing. This morning I talked to the person who I had hurt and his response to my apology was comforting. I knew he would forgive, yet I did need to talk to him personally and hear him say […]
Read More...© 2019 Marja Bergen
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