Comments on: Sinful Despair

By: Joshua

Joshua — Tue, 21 Aug 2007 12:45:46 +0000

Thank you for sharing that. I myself have been waking up mortified at the day and situations I’m dealing with right now. If nothing else, take solace in the fact that your post gave me some hope and helped re-affirm that God has a plan for you and I both and that one way or another he watches after his children. Thanks again so much :)

By: ~m2~

~m2~ — Tue, 19 Jun 2007 01:14:40 +0000

hey pastor - i hope this finds you feeling a bit better and on the upswing. i am glad to see you are still taking your meds and have to say that while i love c.s. lewis, i have to agree with the lin, above - despair is not a sin. mental illness and depression are also not sins, either venial or mortal. despair is as much a sin as perhaps a physical manifestation of an illness, such as a thyroid problem you had no control over (like nodules or something you could have done nothing to prevent). it is a chemical thing in your brain, unless you have drug issues you wish to discuss next ;)
just my two cents, dear one. will say a prayer for you this evening.
p

The Pistol fires back: I think “sin” here needs to be understood in a broader sense than just doing something wrong. Sin is “dis-ease”, something that goes against God’s good order. The condition of sin permeates all forms of illness - physical, emotional, spiritual. The key I think is that we use all resources at our disposal to combat its effects. By the way, I have had a few good days and am hopeful for more.

By: observantbystander

observantbystander — Sat, 16 Jun 2007 14:25:26 +0000

Hang in there. There are many of us who admire you and find your words well spoken and always gentle. I know your despair firsthand, so just take the time you need for yourself, friend. We’ll be here when you get back.
Also: My 20 year old son has just started on an antidepressant, after a long overdue conversation with him about this horrible chemical imbalance suffered by most of my own side of the family. It’s difficult to watch one’s only child sink into the black hole, knowing firsthand what it’s like in there. My heart aches for him, but I”m hopeful that medication and talk therapy will help bring him back.
I know you will find your way out of this. Peace.

The Pistol fires back: I’ll pray for your son as well.

By: Cathy

Cathy — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 15:53:44 +0000

Still here, still praying.
I know someone who is going through terrible grief over a marriage. Three months ago his wife announced that she didn’t love him any more. He says that every day since then has been a nightmare, in sleep and in waking hours. He feels that it has been eternal. You and I know that three months is not a long time, but when you are in hell it feels eternal. I’m sure depression feels that way. I say this because from where I sit, it doesn’t seem that you have been depressed that long. I haven’t “known” you through a bi-polar cycle (and I feel your blog is a way of knowing you) so I don’t know how long one might typically go.
Manic-depression runs in my family although I think I’m the least affected. I’m just moody, but don’t sustain the moods for long. Once I had a long period of misfortune. My sadness was broken one day by a sudden perception that my misfortunes were so bad they were ludicrous … and I was able to laugh.
I love your sense of humor and really enjoyed your Imus series. I also love hearing of your Christian experience, strength and hope. I look forward to your sharing more. Please.

The Pistol fires back: Thanks for your continued prayer.
So know you are lifted in prayer. and rest in His hands.

By: Delany

Delany — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 01:38:18 +0000

I’m praying for you my brother… Be assured the Lord comfort s the depressed and downcast (2 Cor 7:6).

The Pistol fires back: I feel assured.