LIVING ROOM MEMORIES  192 

(September 24, 2008)

This morning I read something in Isaiah 50:5-7 that was perfect for me to read at this time. Isn’t it something how God will give you words when you most need them? Words that you might at any other time overlook? I’ve copied this into my journal and plan to look at it often:

“I offered my back to those who beat me, my cheeks to those who pulled out my beard; I did not hide my face from mocking and spitting. Because the Sovereign Lord helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore have I set my face like flint, and I know I will not be put to shame.”

Fighting stigma takes that, doesn’t it? You have to be willing to take a stand, let them at you, and not run away – ever. And we can do that because “the Sovereign Lord helps [us].” And God has taught me that I need to fight with love, not with bitterness. That’s what keeps me feeling at peace, in spite of that rather vicious comment yesterday. “The Sovereign Lord helps me.”

Life has been moving hard and fast. I’ll be getting lots of opportunities I think to do some stigma busting….but perhaps I should just call it “educating.” Yesterday, that comment on canadianchristianity.com. Then an invitation to speak at a mental health awareness workshop for churches. And this morning I had a call at 5:15 asking me to do a pre-interview for a syndicated radio show. I also had a conference call with four people from a church in Victoria, wanting to know more about Living Room. They’re considering having a group at their church. I’ve had about forty requests for review copies of the book, mostly from the U.S. Almost feel like I should have an office somewhere.

But you know what? I’m staying stable through all this excitement. Quite amazing I would say. Thank you God!