The Elephant In The Room -Part Two

Dealing with Mental Illness.

A series that our Church NLCC is walking through.Yesterdays topic; Put On Love.

Colossians 3:12-14, have a read it's so relevant to the topic.

1. Stigma- we see mental illness as a mark of shame.
"It's amazing to me that any other organ in your body can break down and there's no shame and stigma to it," Warren told the congregation. "But if your brain breaks down, you're supposed to keep it a secret…. If your brain doesn't work right, why should you be ashamed of that?"Rick Warren

2. Simple Answers. We are looking for a quick full time fix. So we give our opinions as if the person dealing with mental illness has not tried every approach to get well. Mental illness is not a casserole illness -we support and rally around people in hospital or other sickness- but draw the line at mental illness.

3. Spiritual Lies. Almost 50% of Evangelical Christians believe prayer and Bible Study alone will heal mental illness .Ed Stetzer. It's simply not true. When we spiritualize mental illness we blame sick people for their illness. Amy Simpson



Our hope is rooted in our knowledge that something much better is on its way. For no matter how deep the darkness, how painful life can be in this decaying world, as children of God we can always look forward to the day when “our bodies are buried in brokenness, but they will be raised in glory. They are buried in weakness, but they will be raised in strength” (1 Cor 15:43). - See more at: http://amysimpsononline.com/2013/05/a-conversation-about-mental-health-and-faith/#sthash.2ZGp5xN1.dpuf

How do we put on Love to those dealing with mental illness? Love by listening.

So simple, so profound.

We don't have answers but we all have ears to listen and hearts to exercise compassion.

PUT ON LOVE_-LOVE BY LISTENING .