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.