LIVING ROOM 3 (August 30, 2006) If only we did not feel such shame. If only it were safer for us to speak and tell others. If only there were no stigma… I can’t let this topic go. I first decided to come out in the open when I read the following by Dr. John […]
Read More...LIVING ROOM MEMORIES 2 (August 28, 2006) One of the main goals in my mental health work has been to reduce stigma. Recently I concluded that stigma was perhaps more responsible for depression, hopelessness and suicide than the illness itself. In my young and zealous “voice” back in August 2006, I wrote the following in […]
Read More...How could this have happened to me? For twenty years I worked hard to better the lives of people with mental health issues. Although I myself suffered from bipolar I accomplished much. Life was hard, but good. And then, a couple of years ago I came down with the worst and most misunderstood mental […]
Read More...The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. John 21:17 Have you ever done […]
Read More...As he went along, he saw a man blind from birth. His disciples asked him, “Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” “Neither this man nor his parents sinned,” said Jesus, “but this happened so that the works of God might be displayed in him. John 9:1-3 […]
Read More...DIARY: Waking up, flooded with painful memories once more. Having given all she had, yet robbed. Robbed of all she invested, all that had made her feel worthy. When something or someone is stolen from me while I’m rendered helpless because of mental ill health, the pain is excruciating. Being hurt in this way […]
Read More...A victim. Blamed for the cruelty of another. Not believed. A victim, Abandoned by those who once cared. A victim. Remorse, her one need denied. A victim. A child without mother to hold her close. A victim. Wrapped in undeserved shame. Forevermore? marja
Read More...Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions. Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin. Psalm 51:1-2 This was King David’s prayer for forgiveness when the prophet Nathan drew his attention to his having committed adultery with Bathsheba […]
Read More...…let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, […]
Read More...The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18 Have you ever felt so bad, so ashamed about how you behaved, you find it hard to live with yourself? You couldn’t help what you did. It just happened, and you wish you could go back and undo […]
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