The mentally ill wear stigma like a scarlet letter, but
Christ can make it a badge of honor.
Troubled Minds: Mental Illness and the Church’s Mission
Author: Amy Simpson
Publisher: IVP Books (www.ivpress.com)
Pages: 221
Troubled Minds
by Amy Simpson was a must read. My on and off relationship with Dave, who
suffers from mental illness, left me looking for help. Relating to troubled
minds is rewarding, but it can also be frustrating and draining. This book did
not disappoint as a reference and guide on a subject that has often been
neglected and misunderstood by the church. This goes a long way towards
bringing clarity and wisdom.
The author is more than a researcher presenting her
findings. She shares openly about her mother’s battle with mental illness and
how it affected her family. It is troubling to read how her mom, a pastor’s
wife, turned from her faith and wound up on the streets before being
incarcerated. When you read accounts like this, or when I think of Christians
who have Alzheimer’s, perplexing questions begin to multiply. How does this
relate to God’s promise to keep and care for his children? Why must this be?
What will be the outcome?
Fortunately, I kept reading. Simpson’s family story does
not end badly. The author succeeds in providing a comprehensive overview of
this subject from a Christian perspective. The wisdom found in these pages will
be a source of comfort for those who struggle and for those who serve a
population that is underserved.
I came away with greater compassion, which is no small
accomplishment. I like how Matthew 9:36 in the King James Version speaks of
Jesus, “But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with
compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep
having no shepherd.” Christ was moved
with compassion. When you catch in these pages a glimpse of the harassed
and helpless, who may be like sheep without a shepherd, don’t be surprised if the
Spirit of Christ moves you with compassion.
One of the rewards of this book is seeing what the church
should be in relation to the mentally ill. Simpson often shows where we fall
short, but she does not browbeat. She instructs out of the compassion born of
experience and learning.
It would be helpful if at least one member of every
ministerial staff could read this book and be familiar with the contents. I
recommend it for every church and theological library. It points the way
forward for the church to do better. It also provides resource information for
those wanting to start a ministry to the mentally ill.
They wear stigma like a scarlet letter, but Christ can make
it a badge of honor. I saw this with my friend, Dave, who asked me to write his
testimony (see the article at the end of this review). Even though he liked
what I wrote, he was fearful of being associated with it. He wants others to
know what Christ has done, but disclosures like this often lead to the mentally
ill being judged and ostracized, even in the church.
When asked what this book is about, I mentioned in the
presence of a non-Christian that it is an encouragement for the church to reach
out to the mentally ill including the depressed. In reply, she remarked,
“That’s good because a depressed person is not going to come to you.” Although
that may be true, change is possible. This book contains stories and
testimonies of churches that have successful ministries that are like magnets attracting
the mentally ill. People are drawn to the supportive atmosphere.
The author is careful to point out that the church should
not expect a quick fix for those who suffer in this way. This involves a long
term commitment. Too often someone who does not get better in a few weeks,
months or years may experience subtle rejection. Someone with this disease may
struggle for a lifetime. It may be more realistic to think in terms of
management rather than cure. It’s not enough to just refer people to
specialists. The mentally ill need the support that only the church can
provide.
This book shows that mental illness is more widespread
than most people realize. It’s an overlooked ministry that is challenging but rewarding
for all concerned. For those interested in the possibilities, this book is a
fine starting place.
Michael Dalton
Crazy for God! (David’s testimony)
Crazy for God! You may laugh or think me foolish, but since
1977 I have been mentally ill. It’s a
stigma I often bear, but Christ has turned it into a badge of honor. I don’t
have to be ashamed. Mental illness is not a moral failure.
It was a trait that I inherited, and my home life was far
from ideal. I witnessed promiscuity; my dad took me to an x-rated movie when I
was only 16. But it was being rejected by a woman that triggered
manic-depression and schizophrenia.
Since then many people have come and gone. I have seen the
inside of hospitals and psychiatric wards. I am misunderstood and rejected even
by other Christians. Although I should be able to find a place in a church, I
still find myself searching to connect with people.
But this is what makes Jesus so precious to me. Since I
trusted Him in 1975, he has never left me. Even more, he has given me a heart
to share the good news that all may come to him for forgiveness and freedom.
Who would guess that Christ would give me a ministry of evangelism?
I have lived in many places over the years. Everywhere I go
I tell people about Jesus. I have given away hundreds of tracts, and I ever
long for fellowship with God’s people. How many are fortunate to have that kind
of love?
God put it there. His Son was no stranger to rejection. He
knew scorn and abuse. When dying, after being nailed to a cross, he prayed
“Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34 ESV). Though
I express it imperfectly, this is the love that God has given me. Though others
may mistreat or forsake me, I keep reaching out.
Though I have wanted to marry, at least for now, Christ has
given me the gift of celibacy. The 40-year-old virgin has nothing on me. I have
been one for over 55 years. It’s been a struggle at times, but even when I feel
lonely or discouraged, Christ stands beside me.
He’s the friend that walks in when everyone else walks out.
He picks me up when I fall. He’s given me a love for the Scriptures. His Word
is a continual comfort and makes me feel like I have a treasure that many
people know nothing about.
I am not crazy, just crazy for God. It’s why you are reading
this article. I want you to know the God who will love you no matter what. Just
turn from going your own way and entrust your life to Christ. As Christian
recording artist Evie sang in an old song, “Live for Jesus, that’s what
matters/that you see the light in me and come along.”
David
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