IT,S DARK HERE

On my journey with life, I had an encounter with depression .  This is not a joyful subject for me to talk about. Depression comes in my types and sizes.  To many lives become hijacked by this.  One moment happy, the next moment sad.  Darkness  engulfs  life .  Life means nothing if the mind is in torment.  19 million Americans suffer from this,  In the United States, 2 percentage of grade kids have depression.  While 1 out of 10 teenagers experience it.  Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness plagues the mind.  Life events, financial difficulties, job problems, relationship troubles, separation, bereavement are among many reasons for such a state.    What happens is that the brain is in a trauma mode and it affects the whole  body - not just the mind. Many will try to hide their depression because of shame.  Depression is not a sin... is what I would like to state first.

People in the Bible struggled with depression.  David in Psalms 38 "My guilt has overwhelmed me like a burden too heavy to bear.  I am bowed down and brought very low; all day long I go about mourning.  I have become like a man who does not hear, whose mouth can offer no reply.  I am feeble utterly crushed.  I groan in anguish of heart."

Elijah the great prophet, who did mighty deeds for the Lord.  Listen to his words "Eliah came to a broom tree, sat down under it and prayed that he might die.  Lord take my life; I am not better than my ancestry"

After a failed marriage and ministry, I fell into depression big time.   Sin added to my depression as I was acting out and taking on addictive behavior patterns.  Life was a dark tunnel with no ending and no hope.  I was ashamed of this state.  I was taught by legalism that it was a demon in me and that I was less a man.  I felt so much of no self worth and had no self esteemed.  Would battle the events of life, instead of joy was always struggling.  Come to find out, there are many in the Christian world that struggle with depression.  I went to see the Dr and he recommended that I go on antidepressants.  Again, I struggled with the decision.  I went on them.  It helped some but I stilled battled. I decided enough is enough

I am so thankful for the grace of God.  He loves us no matter how bad things are.  He started to pour his Love into my soul.  I was finally saw a light at end of the tunnel.  I surrounded myself with positive people.  Had my conversation speak of good things.  The negative images started to disappear.  I learned that it is not a shame to have experienced depression.  Handling life was becoming better.  Gospel music and good reading helped.  Most important was God,s word.  Speak it to the enemy when he tries to dim the outlook of life.  Psalms 34: 1 - 3 "I will praise the Lord no matter what happens, I will constantly speak of His glories and grace.  I will boast of all His kindness to me."

To those reading this, it is difficult to be transparent of this part of my life.  But it is a mandate from God to do so.  Instead of self being seen, Christ is shown of His wonderful grace and power.  There is hope.  This is the reason for  toll free number called HOPELINE  1 -877-684 -HOPE.  We have been there and have empathy to those hurting.  My friend ... you are special to us.  Confront and declare victory.  We are here for you.

I WANT TO BE AN ENCOURAGER

The year has come to an end and we are starting into a new year.  Everyone makes resolutions of change and what they want to do differently for purpose.  I thought, what do I want to do differently this year than I did last year.  I read in Acts 4:36 "Joseph, a levite from Cyrus, whom the Apostles called Barnabas which means Son of Encouragement."

We live in a world full of negative thoughts, negative sayings, negative energy, negative influence and etc.  The economy has families who have lost their jobs, addictions have taken individuals to a level of no control, religious bullying has become a way in many churches and individuals are leaving because of feelings  no self worth, depression  in lives being felt on a daily  basis, divorce, homelessness, self esteem issues, ghost of the past, sickness that has gone on for years with no answers,  etc.  Everyday I see people sad faced and no hope in their eyes.  

I have always had a heart for hurting people.  Those that are put on the shelf of life, because of past mistakes.  Individuals that most of the church world, sees no use for.  Will let them drive a church van but never allow them to do the ministry that God has called them for.  I have a heavy heart for such.  The strays of life...I search for.  I want to be a Barnabas to them.  Out in Detroit I remember one time that a manager that I made delivers to...lost his mother.  I sat down with him as he was crying, telling me , and I cried with him.  The one that just found out his wife was having an affair..I listened as he expressed his anger ...and put my arms around him and told him he was a good man and prayed with him.  

I Thess  5:11 "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up.."  Encouragement is needed by all.  Synonymous words are console, help, give relief, cheer up and exhort.  

2013 I want to be a Barnabas - son of encouragement.  Give a smile to the one I meet at the store counter and thank them for their help.  Open the door at the hospital for an elderly person who can hardly walk and tell them have a great day.  Shake the hand of the depressed and tell them they are loved and wanted.  Tell someone that has no self esteem "you are the best."  Make a phone call to someone that is hurting.  I want to be a better encourager.  Hold up the hand of one that feels life is unfair.  I weep for the hurting.  Many hours at night, I spend time in prayer for those I know that are battling things in life.    All I can give is encouragement which sometimes is worth more than an dollar value.

To you that are reading this...I appreciate you.  You are loved and appreciated.  This is the reason for Restoration Ministries.  Reach for the broken and encourage all.