Marja Bergen

author, mental health advocate, follower of Christ

Category: Following Jesus (page 1 of 7)

Come unto me

HIS INVITATION I wrote the following during a time when I suffered greatly because of how hurtfully I had been treated by a person who used to be a friend. In my time with Jesus, I drew close to him by picturing myself in his presence at a time when he was living among us […]

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What’s in a name?

IN THE NAME OF JESUS, REVISITED Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Father may be glorified in the Son. You […]

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God drew me close – a story

A LIFE WITH BIPOLAR Many years ago, believing that people with mental health challenges should be better accepted, I thought that a way to do that was to be open about my bipolar disorder. To tell it as it is. How else could it be known that there should be no shame connected to such […]

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A message to the Church

IN THE NAME OF JESUS I am concerned. Because I, and others with mental health conditions, are not being heard. Although I’m not a trained counselor or pastor, I have known Jesus for a very long time, especially close to him during times of suffering. Through him and the words he has given me, I […]

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As Jesus healed, so must we

People with mental health challenges live with the following: They are looked down on, They are not understood, Their truths not believed, They are shunned, rejected, excluded, They are made to feel ashamed, Their intellect is often underrated, Their opinions not respected. They are not taken seriously in the way well people are. This should […]

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Why reduce stigma?

  HEALING THE EFFECTS OF STIGMA I only wish I were younger so that I would have more time to speak to the wrongs I see in the world – to help a well-intentioned world see that there is something important missing in their efforts to reduce the stigma of mental illness. What is missing […]

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Walking with Jesus

So good sometimes just to spend some time with Jesus and leave everything else behind.. August 2018 For from the very beginning God decided that those who came to him—and all along he knew who would—should become like his Son, so that his Son would be the First, with many brothers. Romans 8:29 (TLB) In […]

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He heals us with his love

CHRIST’S LOVE   Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. 1 […]

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Another gift – he calls us to come

FAITH AND MENTAL ILLNESS “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” […]

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Nobody knows the trouble I’ve seen

December 2018 My heart says of you, “Seek his face!” Your face, Lord, I will seek. Psalm 27:8 Nobody Knows the Trouble I’ve Seen, an African-American spiritual that originated during the period of slavery came to mind this morning. I could very much relate to the words and I’m sure some of you might as […]

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