I'm not sure how many of you have ever attended a support group. Support groups come in all shapes and sizes and cover many parameters such as divorce, alcoholics anonymous, narcotics anonymous, overeating, gamblers anonymous and the list goes on. The sole purpose in my opinion is to be around others experiencing your same battle.
I sat in my support group this week and had a homeless woman on my right and an attorney on JT's left. It spoke to me in so many ways as we drove home that night. There are no race or socioeconomic boundaries on who has a mental illness, on who is an alcoholic, on who overeats, etc. We are all created as one in God's eyes. It is easy to lose sight of that though as we battle through daily life.
What does one say to a person diagnosed with a mental illness? Let's face it, it is not a "casserole disease". People aren't running to your door dropping off food. It's uncomfortable. Heck, I find it uncomfortable when someone has a death in the family or is diagnosed with cancer. There's one thing I have learned as I've grown older, it's better to risk saying the wrong thing than doing nothing at all. A simple, "I love you" is worth a mountain of gold.
What does one say to a person diagnosed with a mental illness? Let's face it, it is not a "casserole disease". People aren't running to your door dropping off food. It's uncomfortable. Heck, I find it uncomfortable when someone has a death in the family or is diagnosed with cancer. There's one thing I have learned as I've grown older, it's better to risk saying the wrong thing than doing nothing at all. A simple, "I love you" is worth a mountain of gold.
My devotion this morning brought my entry full circle and included one of my favorite verses.
"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Yet it was kind of you to share my trouble." Philippians 4:13-14
Yes, it is kind to share in each other's trouble. I love each and every one of you who are sharing in mine as I heal and....
I love you.
I love you.
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