I was diagnosed in 2013. I was 33. So I went over 30 years without a diagnosis, confused about my identity and doubting that God loved me. I’ve experienced what you call “church hurt.” I’ve been told to pray more, that I had a demon, that I had no faith, that I needed deliverance etc. It caused me many decades of pain and feeling unloved by people who were supposed to embrace me.

But, I’m here to tell you you are NOT sick because of your lack of faith!! Don’t believe the lies of people who do not understand mental illness or make you feel less of a Christian. Remember, our scripture 2 Corinthians 12:9. When we are weak he is strong. It is his grace that is sufficient for us. So if anything our faith is even stronger than most because we have to believe everyday. Not just on Sunday. We have to believe every moment. Because at any given time our minds can convince us otherwise. Mentally everyday is a struggle so therefore our faith is our hope and our hope is in Christ.

So, stop trying to stay in rooms you aren’t wanted. Stop holding on to people who choose to misunderstand you. Especially, people in the Church. No matter what they tell you mental illness is real and it does affect Christians just as much as anyone else. We have hearts and we love Jesus too!

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If you are on Facebook, join my new group called:

Bipolar Christians

https://www.facebook.com/groups/859723381792336/

Come be a part of a community of people who understand, need encouragement. or a place to share daily struggles.

Getting through the storms of Life

1. Worship music- find that song that speaks to your soul. Others may not understand the need to listen to the same song/music but it’s very helpful and sometimes what you need to get through the hard times.

2. Adopt a daily spiritual practice and stick to it matter what. It has been said that if you repeat the same routine for 30 days it becomes a habit.

3. Spend time w/ God daily. This is usually done through prayer. Even if it feels like God is not listening…do it anyway. He hears you.

4. Guard what goes in and what goes out. Watch your mouth. Watch who and what you listen to. The top 5 people in your life influence you the most.

5. Be willing to make changes. As you grow and evolve, you will notice things around you changing.

6. Learn and repeat The Serenity Prayer.

7. Be patient with yourself and trust the process. Remember, there are no mistakes in the universe. You are exactly where you need to be in life. You are not a victim.

8. Remove toxic people from your life or love them from a distance.

9. Do not isolate yourself. The enemy comes to steal, kill and destroy. He wants to isolate you and make you feel alone and that no one loves you. Challenge yourself to get up, get some fresh air, do whatever it takes. Force yourself to stay in reality. Fight the darkness!

10. Lean not on your own understanding. Proverbs 3: 5 – 6

11. Most importantly, remember God is bigger than man or any situation/circumstance we may face. He has a plan for all of us.