Until Then…

August 19, 2026 Lakita_Reneeacceptance, advocate, anthem of hope, awareness, bible, bipolar christian, bipolar christians, bipolar disorder, blog, celebrate recovery, challenges, christianity, church, depression, diary, faith, forgiveness, God, grace, gratitude, health, hope, jesus, mental health, mental illness, Musings, obstacles, opinion, scriptures, struggles, sufferingLeave a comment

Hey readers/visitors! Thanks for rocking with me for the last two years. I really appreciate you all. Today, I feel like just unburdening myself with a thought💭

Many people who struggle with bipolar depression say, ‘Man, I wish I didn’t have bipolar.’ Or they question why God will not heal them. Many are frustrated about their suffering, desperately looking for a way out.

But, I am reminded of the scripture in 1 Peter 5:9 NLT that says:
Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith. Remember that your family of believers all over the world is going through the same kind of suffering you are. This let’s me know that we are not alone. That we do not face mental illness as some kind of punishment.

I am also reminded of the scripture 1 Corinthians 10:13 which states: “No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is faithful; he will NOT let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.”

So you see, God is faithful and his Word will not return void. Don’t let your frustration with your mental struggles get the best of you or make you angry because you are not healed yet. No one is exempt from pain & suffering.

Try to manage your symptoms the best way you can. Exercise your faith believing in God’s Word and know that even if he doesn’t heal you, you are still special and loved. For me, I believe I made “peace” with my illness (if that makes sense) a few years ago. You cannot spend your life angry about the things you cannot change. I’ve learned to be content in the areas he has blessed me in, celebrate the small wins and continue to pray for victory.

So until then, find your inner strength and be grateful 😊

Thanks for listening!

Only If You Could…

March 21, 2026October 1, 2026 Lakita_Reneeart, awareness, bipolar, bipolar christian, bipolar christians, bipolar disorder, blog, christianity, church, diary, episodes, faith, God, gratitude, jesus, Journal, love, mania, manic, mental health, mental illness, Musings, opinion, opinions, Vincent Van GoghLeave a comment

Hello readers! Its been a minute. I hope your new year is bringing you tons of blessings and that you are well and blessed 🙂

I was thinking about all the creative geniuses that have suffered with bipolar disorder and I was wondering how they felt about creative mania. Take Vincent Van Gogh for instance, did he do his best work when he was manic or did he fight against it?🤔 You know some people like the manic side of bipolar disorder.

So my question is what part of bipolar disorder would you keep if you could? Do you do better getting organized, are you in a happier mood, or do you feel more creative when you are manic etc?

I would say for me I can get things done faster. I feel like I can get multiple projects done simultaneously. I also experience waves of euphoria. All the typical stuff. But, I think I would prefer the middle part of the spectrum. I like my moods to be even kneeled. Mania just isn’t for me.

But, there is nothing wrong with people who love that side of themselves and really step into their creative side. The Bible says in Ecclesiastes 9:10, ‘Whatever you find to do with your hands, do it with all your might, because there is neither work nor planning nor knowledge nor wisdom in the grave, the place where you will eventually go.

So those are my thoughts for now.

Times, they are a changing…

September 5, 2025 Lakita_Reneeacceptance, advocate, anthem of hope, awareness, bipolar, bipolar christian, bipolar christians, bipolar disorder, blog, challenges, diary, forgiveness, God, grace, gratitude, Journal, joy, mental health, mental health advocate, mental illness, Musings, obstaclesLeave a comment

Hello readers,

Just thought I’d drop by and give my followers an update on my life and what’s been going on with me. I’ve been praying for revelation on my purpose and how I can contribute to the world. I know that one of my purposes is to be a good caretaker for my special needs daughter, as well as a good wife and mother to my family.

However, I get the feeling there is more in store for me. Maybe I haven’t discovered it, or God will reveal it in his perfect timing. I would love to finish my memoir. But, because of my memory loss issues I’m having problems remembering my past years and the alot of the details of my mental health challenges. It feels like a jumbled jigsaw puzzle. Frustrating to say the least…

But, in the meantime I do alot of adult coloring and reading. My Bible and prayer journal are still very much a part of my life. But, it can be triggering if I take in too much information. So it’s just one day at a time for me.

I pray that all is well with you as we enter the final quarter of 2025 and that you are blessed beyond measure 🙌

Take care!! 🙂

Comfortable in Suffering?

March 17, 2025 Lakita_Reneeacceptance, advocate, anthem of hope, awareness, bipolar, bipolar christian, bipolar christians, bipolar disorder, blog, challenges, forgiveness, God, grace, gratitude, jesus, Journal, joy, love, mental health, mental health advocate, mental health awareness, mental illness, Musings, obstacles, psychiatrist, psychiatry, rain, religion, spirit, spiritual, spirituality, transparency, transparentLeave a comment

Are you comfortable in your suffering?? About 3 months ago I had to ask myself this very question. The last time I talked to my psychiatrist I shared with him how strange I felt that I was no longer having Bipolar symptoms. That my life seemed to be on the mend…

As many of you know I’ve been mentally struggling since I was 9 years old. I am now 45 and can finally see some light as the end of the tunnel. I think as humans sometimes we don’t realize how many “norms” we create for ourselves. I’ve heard people ask, “Is it just my personality or is it because I’m Bipolar??” Some people get so comfortable in the illness they can no longer distinguish between the two.

I thank God everyday for his grace and mercy and that I am finally feeling mentally stable consistently. Now don’t get me wrong, I’m not naive. I know there is no cure for mental illness. I’m just saying with each day my faith is increasing and my life is not the same. Something miraculous is gradually happening to me and I give God the glory. We may not understand the reasons why we mentally suffer. But, I am reminded of a few scriptures:

Jeremiah 29: 11 – 13 / For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.

Romans 8:28 / And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.

So just remember your suffering is not in vain and all storm clouds eventually run out of rain.

God Bless✝️

Don’t Fight It

January 21, 2025 Lakita_Reneeacceptance, advocate, anthem of hope, anxiety, awareness, bipolar, bipolar disorder, blog, challenges, depression, devotionals, God, grace, gratitude, health, jesus, Journal, joy, love, mental health, mental health advocate, mental health awareness, mental illness, Musings, obstacles, religion, spirit, spiritual, spirituality, transparency, transparentLeave a comment

You know life is more than stress and anxiety. So many people worry over the littlest things. While one person may see struggle as inevitable, another may see it as avoidable. It’s all about individual perspective.

When I first entered recovery for mental health, they taught us The Serenity Prayer. It took awhile, but I memorized that thing and held on to it for dear life. It really got me through the toughest years of my life and I still depend on it daily.

But, what happens when we fight against the things we cannot change? We literally send ourselves to an early grave. We indulge in things we know we shouldn’t. We react to situations from a place of emotion instead of rationale. We project our negative feelings unto others. We become stagnate, unable to move forward in life.

It took me awhile to accept my mental health for what it is. I had to realize that a bad day does not equal a bad life. I’ve been stable for the last six months, and though it feels strange not to experience mania or depression I have decided not to fight against my stability. To take each day as it comes. It will last however long it lasts. I am not nervously waiting for the other shoe to drop or the inevitable crash that depression can bring.

It’s strange. But, it’s the new me. Past mental health experiences do not define who I am today. I will not fight against whatever God is doing in my life. I thank him for my stability and I encourage my readers to do the same. Don’t fight against the things you cannot change.

Thank you for listening!!

Tackling the Taboo

October 23, 2024 Lakita_Reneeanxiety, bipolar, bipolar christian, bipolar christians, bipolar disorder, church, depression, God, health, jesus, mental health, mental illness, religion, schizophrenia, spiritual, spirituality, taboo1 Comment

Do you or a loved one suffer from anxiety, depression, or other mental health concerns as a Christian? You are not alone.

Over 50 million Americans – including Christians – struggle with mental illness. Many struggle in silence, but it does not have to be that way. While some espouse the belief that Christians should not have anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues, that simply is not reality. Having mental health concerns is not the result of a lackluster relationship with God. Nor is it a gauge of one’s spirituality. Being sick mentally is more akin to having a physical ailment that we need to learn to understand and treat, if possible.

-Consider myths surrounding mental health concerns and their truthfulness;

-Study biblical characters who likely dealt with mental health issues;

-Learn from the author’s own experiences with mental illness;

-Use different resources to cope with depression, anxiety, and other mental health concerns;

-Develop a suicide safety plan and make a commitment to live; and,

-Have open dialogue with your family and friends about depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts.

This book delivers vivid connections between the author’s life experiences — providing details about her struggles — and the Scriptures that give us hope as we navigate mental health issues. After reading this book, you will be better equipped to handle mental health concerns for yourself and those you love and better understand how Christians can cope with mental illness.

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Being affected by mental health issues, Terica uses her own experiences to help others afflicted with mental health concerns. She is a firm believer that the topic of mental health does not need to be avoided, and she advocates to remove the stigma surrounding mental health.

It’s Not Failure

September 29, 2024 Lakita_Reneeacceptance, bipolar, bipolar christian, bipolar christians, bipolar disorder, blog, challenges, christian devotionals, college, failure, forgiveness, God, gratitude, jesus, Journal, joy, love, mental health, mental health awareness, mental illness, obstacles, psychiatrist, psychiatry, spirit, spirituality, transparency, transparentLeave a comment

I remember when I went to see a psychiatrist when I was 9 years old. I had been taken away from my mother and placed with my grandparents for a few months because of my mom’s alcoholism.

I remember being so fascinated by the tranquility of the office, the music was soothing, the office was peaceful and the psychiatrist was really nice and a great listener. Even though I don’t remember much else about those sessions I knew that is what I wanted to do when I became an adult. Help people work through their problems. Help them understand their childhood and their behavior and put them on the path to recovery.

The 1st time I went to school to pursue my degree I obtained a 3.5 gpa. But, I had to quit because I had no one to watch my children while my husband worked. The 2nd time I tried to go was after I got sick and the stress of it all sent me into mania/psychosis. Then I realized I couldn’t process math beyond algebra so I couldn’t get the needed math credits for the degree.

Talk about devastated 💔 my heart shattered because that’s all I ever wanted to be. I find it ironic that the very thing I thought was my professional calling is the very thing I struggle with daily = the brain.

It took me years to stop beating myself up about it. It took me even longer to accept the reality that God had other plans for my life. Some days are still tough and its hard to understand God’s plan.

But, ITS NOT FAILURE!!!! Sometimes, we just need to accept that God had a different plan for our lives and move forward knowing that one day we will walk in our calling and purpose. That everyone has one and we are all unique. You may not be in the profession you dreamed of. Your life may not have turned out the way you mapped it out. But, that does not make you a failure. Accepting the things we cannot change is a HUGE part of our recovery!!!!

So don’t beat yourself up about your failures and disappointments. Know that you are still talented, loved, ambitious etc. Don’t fret. Your breakthrough is coming!! 👍

Bipolar Gratitude

August 3, 2024 Lakita_Reneealone, anxiety, awareness, bipolar, bipolar christian, bipolar christians, bipolar disorder, blog, dailyprompt, God, grace, gratitude, Journal, love, mental health, mental health awareness, mental illness, Musings, religion, spirit, spiritual, spiritualityLeave a comment

Hello readers. I pray you all are well and blessed! I’ve been taking it one day at a time. But, I’ve been experiencing a lot of unnecessary anxiety over minor things. My online church gave me the idea to create a daily focus word to keep us more grounded and I’ve been hearing the word: gratitude.

So what is gratitude? Gratitude is the quality of being thankful; readiness to show appreciation for and to return kindness. I think sometimes we are so focused on how big our problem is and we often feel like we are alone in the fight. Especially, mentally.

Gratitude can take us a long way. If we didn’t have the bad times how would we know how to appreciate the good? We should be grateful to God that we get to experience life on his terms no matter how painful. Gratitude helps us grow. It helps us to stay grounded and be thankful for everything we have. If we make a gratitude list, I wonder how long it would be? I bet we would discover things about our life we never knew we took for granted. We would discover that God is always in the midst of our situation and in the little things.

There is always something to be thankful for. Anyway, just sharing some late night thoughts! Have a blessed weekend.

May = Mental Health Month

May 1, 2024 Lakita_Reneeaddiction, alone, anxiety, awareness, bipolar, bipolar christian, bipolar christians, bipolar disorder, blog, God, grace, jesus, joy, love, mental health, mental health awareness, mental health awareness month, mental illness, Musings, religion, spiritual, spiritualityLeave a comment

New month. New beginnings. May is our month dedicated to breaking the stigma and raising awareness about mental illness. People all over the world create new ways to reach others and have impact.

This coming Saturday, I will be going to my 1st NAMI meeting. I’ve been putting it off for some years now. But, I realize I need community outside of my immediate family. There is also DBSA, which stands for Depression Bipolar Support Alliance.

So, this month, make sure you reach out if/when you are struggling. These organizations provide online and in person support groups as well as tons of education on the subject. Remember you are not alone!

Not Alone

March 12, 2024 Lakita_Reneealone, anxiety, bipolar, bipolar christian, bipolar christians, bipolar disorder, blog, christian devotionals, devotionals, forgiveness, God, grace, isolation, jesus, Journal, joy, love, mental health, mental illness, Musings, religion, sadness, spirit, spiritual, spirituality, transparency, transparentLeave a comment

Hello followers! I apologize for my silence over the last couple months. But, I’ve been processing the changes in my seasons of life. I don’t always do well with change.

My husband had shoulder surgery at the end of January and I’ve been just trying to be the best wife and mother I could be for my family. Please keep him in your prayers 🙏

Anyway, the reason for this post is to remind you that no matter what, we are not alone. You may be going through something right now that feels so isolating, and you can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel. But, I assure you it’s there. Hope is what gets us through. Hope in Jesus that while you are yet suffering, he also suffered for the sins of the whole world. But, because of him, our suffering is not in vain, and thank God it will not last forever! 🙌

Just like God told Joshua in the Bible, he was not alone and that he would always be with him (Joshua 1:9). We can be sure he is telling us the same thing. So let’s hold our heads high and put our hope in Jesus ✝️

Have a wonderful week 😊

In Unsure Times

December 26, 2023 Lakita_Reneeanxiety, bipolar, bipolar christian, bipolar christians, bipolar disorder, blog, christian devotionals, condemnation, devotionals, God, grace, jesus, Journal, joy, love, mental health, mental illness, Musings, punishment, religion, spirit, spiritual, spirituality, transparency, transparentLeave a comment

Romans 8:1 –

Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

Many Bipolar Christians doubt their faith when they go through stages of depression. In fact, in our community, this is a major struggle.

I think it’s important to memorize scripture that will ensure our faith and let us know we are secure in Christ. Part of my diagnosis with having psychotic features is that I have a fear of eternal damnation or religious persecution. I have to remind myself daily of Romans 8:1 (listed above) that I am not being punished and my soul is not in danger.

Meditating on scripture in the hard times is how we push through the unsure times. Intuitively, we know there is light at the end of the tunnel even when we can’t see it.

Followers, you are loved and you are not alone. Ever! Our future is secure. Philippians 4: 6 – 7 tells us not to be anxious for anything. So ease your mind of the anxiety that you are not saved. Pray for peace. Peace that surpasses all understanding.

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I hope your Christmas was everything you hoped it would be and I’ll hopefully see your comments and get to know some of you in the new year🎉🎉

Things We Do Deserve

July 16, 2023July 16, 2023 Lakita_Reneeanxiety, bipolar, bipolar christian, bipolar christians, bipolar disorder, blog, christian devotionals, devotionals, God, Journal, mental health, mental illness, Musings, religion, spiritual, spiritualityLeave a comment

You know it’s really sad the things we project unto ourselves when we feel misunderstood or unloved. It literally causes us to withdraw and isolate and blame ourselves for the way we feel. Even when those triggers come from people who do not have an influence in our lives. I’m sharing this here because for far too long I’ve let the opinions of others make me feel a certain way or second guess myself. I’m learning I don’t need to defend myself to people that don’t really matter. Sometimes you have to let people be people and move on. Don’t let anyone get you outta character. We are responsible for the way we respond.

So I went to see my therapist on Friday and I shared with him what I was talking about in my previous post. As usual, immediately I wanted to erase what I’d written thinking I’m just overreacting. But, for some reason I decided to share my thoughts with him.

My therapist gave me alot of encouragement and he said no one deserves to get bullied. Especially from Christians who are supposed to know better and all about spreading the love of Jesus. No one deserves to feel invalidated. Every human has feelings and you shouldn’t feel less than by people who are supposed to love you.

He said people who don’t deal with mental illness do not realize how their words can affect someone who does. It can be very triggering and literally cause suicidal thoughts from people who refuse to see where you are coming from or insensitive to your situation.

You don’t deserve to be mistreated because of your mental health. You don’t deserve to be talked down to and judged because you choose medication and the Bible. Because you choose therapy and the Bible. Because you choose your mental health over their opinion and judgment.

So, I thank God for mental health medicine and doctors. I thank God for the Bible that gives me hope to keep pushing every single day. I pray this blog will be a place for people like us to feel loved and accepted just the way we are!!

So remember it’s okay to stick up for yourself and only accept the things you do deserve…now that’s real self-love!!

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