My boss Jim and I were having a conversation today about how people mature in their abilities and personalities as they progress in business and of course as their experience mounts. This is true for every aspect of our lives and especially our spirituality. Over the years, I have been blessed with some exceptional examples of Christianity in numerous role models. I always noticed that the best Christians seemed to be the older folks. I do admit when I was young I didn’t like it when people would tell me how wise the older folks were and that I would understand things much better when I got older. That’s pretty common among youngsters. We have all been through that “know it all” stage. Now that I am thirty-nine, I am convinced I will never know it all, but I am thankful that is a lesson I have learned with age.
The last two weeks have been almost unbearable for me. I would be willing to bet that loss of loved ones is the number one cause of depression in the world. There are many tragic and traumatic events in a person’s life that can cause an onset of a manic episode, but the loss of someone you are close to and love dearly is unmatched. I have written in the past about manic episodes caused by the passing of my grandmother, father, etc., but in those cases, there were different circumstances. Illness was involved and there was a chance to say goodbye. My brother’s tragic death in an automobile accident two weeks ago tomorrow was shocking and heartbreaking. There was no way to say goodbye, prepare, or soften the blow.
I can honestly say I am so grateful to God for the maturity I have achieved as a Christian. I am grateful that I have faith in the unseen and that I have progressed to the point where I know God walks beside me all day long and that He will never put more on me than I can handle. Certainly, my heart is heavy and my mood is dazed and confused. I have reached out to close friends and been blessed with continual prayers. I am not the first or the last to lose a loved one in this tragic way. I have cousins who lost their brother and mother in this manner. There is a similar story in every family. It’s something that you don’t understand until you go through it. God has allowed me to find comfort in the knowledge that my brother and I will meet again and that all who believe and obey Him will know eternal life. Regardless of the ailment or obstacle a person faces in life, the first step in victory is faith in God.
I have no idea how any person can go a single day without calling on the Father. There is no rhyme or reason in this world without Him. Happiness, love, freedom, and prosperity are all things that we deserve, but in my maturing as a Christian I have learned never to be complacent or take for granted that God provides all things. He provided a deep love between two brothers for me and Tony and I am grateful for the impact he had on my life and the memories we created. I don’t question God at all, I simply ask for His guidance, comfort and love. It comes abundantly and freely.
Whether grief, addiction, finances, marriage, children, or jobs are factors in your depression, the first phase of healing is your relationship with God. Tonight, I am in my quiet place. I am meditating and talking with God. We each need that place in our minds and hearts where we can retreat and dedicate time to the most important relationship we will ever have. A friend said to me today that man or woman’s best friend is always God. We can’t even grasp the capacity of love that He feels for us. I am comforted just sitting, reading His Word, opening my heart and not being afraid to let the tears of emotion flow.
If you suffer from depression and you find that a manic episode takes you to “that place” and you know what I mean by that phrase, the first help you seek is from God. The next step is to talk to another person and let them know how you are feeling. I had to do that today and assign “accountability” to myself. Talking to another person will garner more prayers for your comfort and it decreases a depressed individual’s likelihood to harm himself. Finally, medical attention may be necessary and should never be ruled out due to shame or embarrassment.
In my quiet place tonight, I have prayed, cried, and I have written. I do this for you or your loved ones who may be suffering also. I do this for myself for accountability and healing. I do this for God, because I am proud to serve Him and proclaim that He is the answer for all things. All glory and honor to His name.
Love to you all.
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