Repost
A good number of years ago, I received a letter from a young woman who wrote about needing
help with her Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and her Major Depression. Recurrent.
She said “You talk about
Hell; I had OCD in high school and did not know it. I had never heard of
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and the form I had wasn’t the textbook
type. It took the form of scrupulosity where I obsessed about how self-absorbed
and sinful and evil I was. I was a Christian but not a strong one. My pastor
even came out and met with my parents and me, but he did not recognize that I
had an illness and he was totally out of his element.He absolved me through
confession and talked a little but it did not help. That’s why I really think
that church professionals need to be aware of mental illness and trained in how
to help people who have it. I could have
found relief and avoid years of suffering if my pastor was familiar with mental
illness. God bless him; he was a wonderful pastor, but he couldn’t meet my
needs because he hadn’t been equipped for it. That’s why I think what you are
doing is important. Well, thanks for the encouragement. "
" Your book Broken Minds Hope for Healing When You Feel Like You're Losing It, has made me decide to try again at
finding the right medicine for depression because I have been trying to “change
my own brain chemistry.”And it is just too big of a boulder to push on my
own. Trying to change biological
depression, is like trying to empty and sand box with tweezers. What do you
think about Lexipro? It has cured my OCD but left me with depression, and no
other antidepressant has helped me with OCD. So I need something for
depression. Speaking of which, the sun is out and I better get outdoors.” Anon.
Here is a review from a pastor who has read the book
which will be coming out soon. It too is published by Kregel Publication, Grand Rapids, MI. I applaud Steve’s courage and professionalism in coming forward with this much needed book. The church is made up of everyday, real people and mental illness is a real problem that cannot be swept under the rug. As God gave us doctors to help us with heart attacks, back surgeries, and diabetes, he also gave us doctors to help us with mental illness. Of course God can heal somebody immediately of any disease or illness, but oftentimes he uses doctors, medicine, and other tools to help. In that regard, I believe Steve’s book is a godsend. It gives pastors the knowledge, information, and tools they need to successfully and confidently address this critical issue with those they oversee. God bless you Steve for having the courage to come out of the darkness and shine a light on your own experience so that others may be helped, healed, blessed, and God glorified throughout. Steve Bloem delivers the information in a way that will help pastors and impact
the kingdom of God today and in the ages to come. God has used Steve’s personal journey mightily to help him understand the tragedy,effects, trauma, solutions, and answers for dealing with mental illness. This book is a
must read for every pastor and I believe should be taught as a course in every seminary.”
Jack Alan Levine,Executive Pastor,
Purpose ChurchOrlando, Florida
Our website is heartfeltmin.org