Sadness

I think I am going to have to make blogging a spiritual discipline and then maybe, maybe I would blog as much as I would like to. Instead I have an idea, I think about it, I form a blog post in my head and then I go to sleep and forget everything!

Anyways…

I've been sad a lot lately. I've even cried a lot lately. And I don't think it is a bad thing—as matter of fact I think it is an indicator of my growth in grace and Christlikeness. You see it isn't things like the Lions losing or my motorcycle not running like I want it to that has been making me sad. It is the way people treat each other and creation that has been making me sad. When I see people being abused or oppressed I want to cry. When I see creation being abused and pillaged I want to cry. I'm developing a tender heart (as my friend Joe Skillen would call it). I think Jesus is sad when he sees how we treat others and the world around us. I think God grieves when we use the things we should be enjoying as pawns to manipulate others. I think the Holy Spirit groans when we use our talents to pursue power. 

But then I see something like the little video (see below) on Facebook this morning and I weep—not tears of sadness, but tears of joy! I'm reminded that we are created Imago Dei and no matter how much darkness is heaped on that, the image of God can still shine through—and brightly at times!

Weep with Joy

DEPRESSION

If you are fighting depression you are not alone. Depression seems to have been the bane of many of life’s great leaders. In the Bible, Moses, Elijah, David, and Job had to deal with it. In the world, Sir Winston Churchill called depression his ‘black dog’, and Ernest Hemingway referred to it as ‘the artist’s reward’.

President Abraham Lincoln battled depression and suicide all his adult life. There were times when for his own safety he would not allow himself carry a knife. Lincoln often turned to the Bible to relieve his depression. Let the Scriptures help you just like they have helped so many of us.

This little prayer helps me as I meditate on each line:

Be still and know that I am God

Be still and know that I Am

Be still and know

Be still

Be

(Based on Psalm 46:10)

More Scripture passages:

Anyone who is among the living has hope (Ecclesiastes 9:4)

The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms (Deut 33:27)

Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous fall (Psalm 55:22)

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and PEACE as you TRUST in him, so that you may overflow with HOPE by the POWER of the HOLY SPIRIT (Romans 15:13)

Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering…but rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ (1 Peter 4:12-13)

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you (1 Peter 5:7)

As Rev. Fred Prince always reminded his congregation "Remember you are loved!!!"

PDD

I am suffering from post-dissertation depression. I have not wanted to read or write since finishing the dissertation. I've tried everything and I truly thank you if you offered a suggestion. However, the good news, evident by this blog post, is that I believe I am emerging from this funk. I even took my Kindle to lunch with me today. It is important that I read and write. 

My calling as a pastor mandates that I read and read widely. A pastor that doesn't read doesn't...well I will let you be judgmental and finish that sentence :-) It is important that a pastor stays current on theological issues, social issues, entertainment issues, etc... and the best way to do that is to read. 

Who God has created me to be mandates that I write. Being in the image of God who created me, I have a desire to create. My outlet for creating is writing. I need to write to feel like Terry. My second favorite fictional character once said "If I don't have a good shower, I am not myself. I feel weak and ineffectual. I'm not Kramer." I'm not Terry if I'm not writing. I have had a novel brewing inside me for a number of years. I'm about ready to pop the cork and start writing it. I envision it having a similar impact as The Shack (I'm anticipating a let down). 

Anyway if you've been concerned about me don't fret I think I have turned the corner.