Spirituality as a Recovery Tool
Sue Bergeson
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
I'm not sure if I have shared this deep, dark secret with many people, but at an earlier time in my life, I worked in a series of Lutheran churches as a deaconess. Back in the day (I am 49, after all), women were still not allowed to be clergy, so becoming a consecrated deaconess was a way of wor...
This entry was posted on Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Margaret
Thursday, July 26, 2007 at 05:34 PM
Greetings from a fellow Lutheran.
I know for sure, that if I didn't have the Lord to help me, I would never have survived as well as I have. The power of prayer is awesome and I'm Thankful for the privilege of praying and Thankful for all the prayers said for me and others.
Couldn't have done it without Him.
Hugs,
Margaret
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John McManamy
Friday, July 27, 2007 at 01:41 PM
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JC
Tuesday, July 31, 2007 at 12:39 PM
Dear Sue,
Thank you for sharing this. Spirituality is a great topic which deserves much attention and consideration as a recovery tool.
For me personally spirituality means a close, abiding relationship with Jesus Christ. Striving to incarnate Him in my life through a life of loving obedience, while trying to humbly love others and treat them as I would like to be treated, is for me the most important way I can move beyond my diagnosis, get outside myself and be a blessing to others. For me this is where my illness ends and my recovery begins each and every day.
Thanks again for the post. I'm looking forward to the conference next month!
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ctrygirl
Tuesday, July 31, 2007 at 04:53 PM
Thank you so much for this post....
I have found that since I have been diagnosed that the Lord has become a constant companion to me. It seems for years I simply didn't recognize, look for, or acknowledge his presence beside me always....but being BP has made me a little aware of my own need for his strength and love. You are so RIGHT spirituality is a BIG BIG factor in recovery, regardless of the denomination/type. To know that we can lay our burdens at our Maker's feet, know he will see us through, TRUST in that, and be able to face the next dilemma BP is constantly throwing at us is such a refreshing perspective and truth. If we couldn't unburden ourselves, I can't imagine making it to the next day. I constantly read the bible....and literally TALK to Jesus in my mind (silently of course or else i'd be locked up by now for few seem to think that it is okay to see HIM as a friend, and talk to him accordingly...most do it only on Sunday in the pews, IF they aren't distracted by the person's outfit beside them...sorry, but really got BURNT on organized religion/facilities/gatherings)....SOOOO I believe heart and soul that the Lord is with me when I sit reading under my oak tree, or curled up in a blanket on a chair, alone or with my husband and /or kids.....but i do do do know this...
Through HIM I can do all things, including facing BP....we all can, the shoulder is broad, the promise eternal, the TRUTH will stand beside you no matter what man in all their SELF made glory may throw our way....
Faith, religion of whatever sort you are privy to, and LOVE are great for everyone, therapy or not.....BP or untouched by mental illness....young and old.....intelligent and challenged.....it matters not....the feeling is the same...INTENSE acceptance and Love....
THANK YOU for reminding us in this chaotic, scary, violent world that there is a place.....a very real place....where we can all escape to....
Without the Lord, I know without my belief, I personally couldn't have made it to the point at which I now am. On the way to recovery......i hope!
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Amy
Sunday, August 26, 2007 at 08:08 PM
hello,
I am bipolar and have gone untreated for close to twenty years. Three years after diagnosis I dropped my life and traveled searching for the meaning of life. I found it. It was in my spiritual view of life. This has been my strenght to endure all that life is. It was nice to read your letter. Thank you.
Amy
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Nancy
Thursday, September 20, 2007 at 09:10 PM
I am currently embarking on a spiritual journey that has actually been building up for years. I have bipolar disease with added psychosis when I have excessive mania. As my faith grows stronger, I am getting more and more help with my illness. Sometimes it scares me to talk about God because so many people are disbelievers. I feel that they may think it is part of the psychosis. But mostly it empowers me. I am becoming more and more outspoken about how I feel about God. I used to be afraid to talk about Him to people. Now, I find that the more I bring up the subject, the more other people start to open up themselves.
All in all, I am now trying harder and harder to follow the principles of the Bible and learn more about greater powers. This is continuing to help me, and is actually starting me on an exciting new path for my life, and help with this terrible illness.
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