Some times it’s important to go back to the very basics of who we are and how we were created.
Michael Todd’s sermon series on Damaged goods offers an in depth view of how God created us in Mind, Body, and in Spirit. It is crucial to understand how mental illness effects each part of you.
For years, I have struggled with how to move forward and heal after being diagnosed, and especially after my suicide attempt. I have spent years in therapy trying to figure out what to do and how to do it. I, for years, could not reconcile the medical side of my illness with the hole in my soul. Yes, I had issues in my past that were impacting my way of thinking, but I also had a real illness that needed to be addressed. I needed a therapist that could do more than provide scripture and surface level encouragement. I needed someone that would address my medical issues, (get a proper diagnosis), and help me change my thought process, my behaviors, and spiritually support me. That day finally came, my therapist finally forced me to see how my thoughts were a prison I had locked myself in.
Fast forward to 2018, I saw this. I was finally able to reconcile the spiritual and the mental into one being, ME. I am three components, all created by God, all working together, all needing to be nourished. I’m not always good at tending to all three equally, but I know it needs to be done. I know that I can’t ignore one for the sake of the other. It is definitely a balancing act, but its necessary.
I had to understand that I needed to compartmentalize myself, but always with the bigger picture in mind. I am the bigger picture. I must feed my spirit in order to keep a healthy connection to God. My physical body needs to be healthy to support the work for the purpose I need to fulfill. My emotions need to be controlled and understood in order to protect my spirit. If I become overly distrusting, I won’t be able to let the people in that God has called to pour into it. If I am not careful, I will allow anything and anyone into my life and therefore my spirit. Discernment is necessary.
Take some time to listen…
