Hi Jess, Thanks for sharing how God is teaching you reliance on Him...we all need that! I noticed you're from LeMars and I just wanted to let you know about a NAMI support group that meets monthly in Sioux Center the first Tuesday at 7 at Central Reformed Church. We learn about mental illnesses and discuss our own/family member's experiences.
I attended the Gathering in Sioux Center this past spring, thanks for coming to speak with us. I especially appreciate your point of focusing on what people CAN do...everybody serves!
What a wonderful opportunity to speak for a pro-life rally! Thanks for sharing your story, Sarah. Every life is a precious gift to be received with joy, just as your parents did. HOPE is powerful!
Great profile post on Notre Dame! The immensity of the architecture, the tragic loss by fire, and our Lord's enduring presence moved me, also, to write:
I just finished reading Unplanned about Abby Johnson, former director of Planned Parenthood clinic, who got out of the abortion industry and joined the pro-life ranks...powerful book that shows humanity on both sides of the issue; a worthwhile movie too!!
Michele, thank you for this article on bearing our cross, particularly the cross of mental illness. There is mental illness in my family, like many families, and it can be a heavy burden, especially in times of crisis. But there is hope and help in bearing each others' burdens as well!
Unfortunately, many people with mental illness don't have as much self-awareness as you. When the brain is affected, normal thought process and discernment are impaired so, often, the person does not realize they are ill or that their thinking/behavior is not tied to reality. Thanks for explaining the difference between schizophrenia and dissociative personality disorder...schizophrenia is NOT "split personality".
This has really got me thinking...is a true Christian a "fundamentalist"? We should be passionately devoted to Christ who said, "You are either for me or against me" which also divides the world into 2 "camps" but unbelievers are not our enemies (even if satan is)...they are fellow sinners in need of Jesus, our Savior!
Posted in: My Reluctant Dependency and Growing Empathy
Hi Jess, Thanks for sharing how God is teaching you reliance on Him...we all need that! I noticed you're from LeMars and I just wanted to let you know about a NAMI support group that meets monthly in Sioux Center the first Tuesday at 7 at Central Reformed Church. We learn about mental illnesses and discuss our own/family member's experiences.
Posted in: Becky Jones Joins Disability Concerns and Safe Church
Hi Becky,
I'm a volunteer disability advocate and graduated from Dordt College (now University) with a minor in art...nice to meet you!
Posted in: Five Ideas for Creating Belonging
I attended the Gathering in Sioux Center this past spring, thanks for coming to speak with us. I especially appreciate your point of focusing on what people CAN do...everybody serves!
Posted in: Life, Life, and More Life
What a wonderful opportunity to speak for a pro-life rally! Thanks for sharing your story, Sarah. Every life is a precious gift to be received with joy, just as your parents did. HOPE is powerful!
Posted in: Notre Dame Church Profile
Great profile post on Notre Dame! The immensity of the architecture, the tragic loss by fire, and our Lord's enduring presence moved me, also, to write:
https://madhatterpoetry.com/2019/04/17/our-lady-edifices-crucifix/
Posted in: What Books Are You Reading in 2019?
I just finished reading Unplanned about Abby Johnson, former director of Planned Parenthood clinic, who got out of the abortion industry and joined the pro-life ranks...powerful book that shows humanity on both sides of the issue; a worthwhile movie too!!
Posted in: On Crosses and “Why Me?”
Michele, thank you for this article on bearing our cross, particularly the cross of mental illness. There is mental illness in my family, like many families, and it can be a heavy burden, especially in times of crisis. But there is hope and help in bearing each others' burdens as well!
Posted in: On Schizophrenia and the Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde Phenomenon
Unfortunately, many people with mental illness don't have as much self-awareness as you. When the brain is affected, normal thought process and discernment are impaired so, often, the person does not realize they are ill or that their thinking/behavior is not tied to reality. Thanks for explaining the difference between schizophrenia and dissociative personality disorder...schizophrenia is NOT "split personality".
Posted in: On Mental Illnesses and Head Knowledge
Knowledge of truth helps all of us combat the lies in our own heads!
Posted in: A Window Into Islamic Thinking
This has really got me thinking...is a true Christian a "fundamentalist"? We should be passionately devoted to Christ who said, "You are either for me or against me" which also divides the world into 2 "camps" but unbelievers are not our enemies (even if satan is)...they are fellow sinners in need of Jesus, our Savior!
Posted in: Your Turn - A Call for Guest Bloggers
I'm not a pastor but I have a poetry blog and sometimes write about scriptural stories/characters. Check it out at: madhatterpoetry.com
Posted in: Prayers for Mass Shootings and Violence
Thank you, Grace, for putting words to emotions I could not express!