Marja Bergen

author, mental health advocate, follower of Christ

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

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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Finding meaning through illness

LIVING ROOM MEMORIES  91  (August 16, 2007) My most recent article about finding meaning in my life with bipolar disorder was published today. I hope you’ll take a look. There has been one comment, one I’ve responded to. The person vehemently disagrees with my efforts to take a positive spin on things. And perhaps you […]

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My peace I give to you

  Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid. John 14:27   This young child was mesmerized by the holy moment, singing a Hanukkah song by the menorah. She reminds me […]

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Faith and mental health

LIVING ROOM MEMORIES  72  (June 9, 2007) Studies have been done about the benefits of faith to our health, including our mental health. Most of them have found that religious people have a greater ability to cope than people without a faith. One of the top researchers in this field is Dr. Harold Koenig of […]

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Thoughts like a butterfly

  Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with […]

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Nobody knows

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 well. […]

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