Marja Bergen

author, mental health advocate, follower of Christ

Category: Mental Health and Faith (page 28 of 41)

Walking on water

LIVING ROOM MEMORIES  241  (June 19, 2009) A couple of weeks ago I told you about the Bible study Living Room would be starting today, John Ortberg’s “If you want to walk on water you’ve got to get out of the boat.” It’s based on the story of Peter, leaving the boat in the midst […]

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Will God accept me?

LIVING ROOM MEMORIES  188  (September 7, 2008) I had questions from a reader that I’d like to address. There may be some with similar problems. She sounds in deep pain. I hope this post will help. B. wrote, “I did things as a result of my impulses and emotions and feelings from my mania that […]

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The holes in our heart

Even my close friend, someone I trusted, one who shared my bread, has turned against me Psalm 41:9   I’ve been thinking of the elderly lady I met in the hospital recently. She was only a few years shy of a hundred but proud of her independence. Yet, as we talked, she shed a few […]

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In company with Jesus

  So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any incentive of love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfishness or conceit, but in humility count others better […]

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Abandonment issues

LIVING ROOM MEMORIES  134  (February 21, 2008) This is a piece I wrote for my new book, A Firm Place to Stand. …God has said, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5) My worst moments are occasional feelings of abandonment. I usually experience these at night. I have a sense […]

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In the name of love

He (God) comes alongside us when we go through hard times, and before you know it, he brings us alongside someone else who is going through hard times so that we can be there for that person just as God was there for us. 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (MSG)   We who live with illness and […]

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At the age of 42…and by following God

LIVING ROOM MEMORIES  110  (November 5, 2007) I need to explain something that has been of utmost importance in my life. At the age of 42, after spending most of my life up to that point not believing in God, I decided to give him a try. I was going through a particularly horrendous time […]

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“I’ll love you anyway”

LIVING ROOM MEMORIES  108  (October 29, 2007) Yesterday our pastor ended his sermon by talking about a beautiful Hebrew word for which there is no single English word. “Hesed” can be variously translated as “loving kindness”, “steadfast love”, “loyal devotion”, “mercy.” Hesed is descriptive of God’s relationship with his people as well as relationships among […]

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Closer to God through thankfulness

LIVING ROOM MEMORIES  104  (October 13, 2007) The ladies’ group I attend is examining prayer. We want to learn how to pray better. I know there’s no right or wrong way to pray – after all, it’s only talking to God. Being yourself with him is the most important thing. But I do have trouble, […]

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How faith helps

LIVING ROOM MEMORIES  92  (August 18, 2007) The symptoms of bipolar disorder can be unbearable at times. But the question is, what kind of person do you become as a result? If you don’t become bitter, you become better. (I’m quoting someone here, but not sure who.) I truly believe that. If we can survive […]

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