Brave

When I started this blog I wanted to use it as a place to open up and share my heart with my readers. I wanted it to be a place where others could be encouraged and feel connected. I hope that's what you find here. 

Ernest Hemingway said, "Write hard and clear about what hurts."

Red Smith said, “Writing is easy, you just sit down at a typewriter, open up a vein, and bleed it out drop by drop.”

As I sat down to journal several nights ago those two quotes never rang more true to my tired mind. Writing from the depths of one's soul is hard; and even though I was writing for my eyes only, it didn't change the fact that I had to open up the deepest parts of me and face everything head on.

I opened my veins and poured my blood out through my pen. After a while those emotions and doubts that were running through me like a stampede of wild elephants ceased and all I could think was, "My God, YOU make me brave."

I let my mind wander off for a bit to how much I love taking walks with my kids. When we go, I always go before them to make sure the path is clear before they tread it. As their mommy I desire to protect them, guide them and lead them. 

Sometimes, when I'm going through things and I'm called to be brave as I trust the road he’s asked me to walk, I have to remind myself that Christ has that same desire for me and he has done the same for me- he's done the same for all of us. 

He goes before us. He will be with us. 

"The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged." Deuteronomy 31:8

Whatever path he's asked me to take or whatever road I am on, he's already tread. He went before me, He made a way, and he will use it for His glory. 

“We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf.” 

Hebrews 6:19-20

He makes me brave and even when I can’t fully trust in my own strength- I can trust fully in him. 

'Back to school' week re-cap!

                                             

Jesus and Medication

I am so saddened by the recent loss of Actor/Comedian Robin Williams. He was one of my absolute favorites. As I've scrolled down various social media sites, I've seen several articles about him, his life, how he committed suicide and so on. Of course, that has spawned several articles on depression, mental illness and treatment for those disorders.
I've seen two extremes of article's on treatment for mental illness.
One is Jesus. The other is medication.
For some reason this really got under my skin.
Yes, as a believer and follower of Jesus Christ I totally believe that Jesus should be our first source of comfort, healing, and ultimate source of peace but I also believe that mental illness is just that- an illness. And just like we would go to a doctor for antibiotics for a cold or someone would receive treatment for cancer, I believe it's okay to be a christian and take medication to treat a mental illness. I also feel we, as a christian society should not paint the picture black and white. It's OKAY to need BOTH Jesus and medication.
Christ died to forgive us of our sins.Yes, He is the ultimate healer. Yes, He is above all things, before all things, and in Him all things hold together. He is the creator of life, the ultimate healer.
He is also the one who gave us doctors with the intelligence to treat us when we are sick.
And guess what? If you can conquer whatever your struggling with without medication that's even better, but for the love, do not let someone tell you or persuade you one way or the other. If you are a christian, listen to the holy spirit within you and listen to your body.
Maybe, I am overreacting a little but this is an issue that I feel so strongly about.
I'm curious to hear your thoughts on this issue.