Nosy Neighbor

The last couple of weeks I’ve noticed a lot of what’s been WRONG in the lives of my friends…. and in each case, I’ve WANTED to step up and do my Christian Duty to help them with their problems (by offering my expertise in each instance, of course). I mean, I’m sure they would welcome my point of view of what I think needs to be done to fix their problems… Don’tcha think?

Isn’t it funny that we can so easily see the flaws in others and ignore them in ourselves? Plus, I can almost immediately find a solution to someone else’s predicaments but when it comes to my problems, I can lie awake in bed for hours at night worrying over them and I never find an answer to straighten things out. Also, it sometimes drives me crazy when somebody can’t make a decision about something that seems so clear to me but often times I can’t even decide what color to paint my own toenails.

Why is it we can be so intolerant of others? Why do we have the capability of being so judgmental? And why does it never seem to astound us that others carry those same traits?

I try very hard to live my life by Jesus’ two Great Commandments found in Luke 10:27: He answered: " 'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind'; and, 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' " (It seems I tend to frequently come up short on the neighbor point…. But, I recognize that I’m only human and I continue to try to do my best.)

I don’t know, maybe it makes people feel better to know that their life may be a mess BUT it’s not such a mess as “so and so’s” life. Kinda like the reverse of “Keeping up with the Jones”! In any case, I’ve always written about “accepting a person with Mental Illness” and “spreading the word to release the taboo”…. I figured today I’d write about something a little broader like…. How ‘bout we just accept everybody, period.

Who has your back?

The most memorable people in your life will be those who loved you when you didn't love yourself. – Unknown

The following excerpts are from “We Are Not Meant to Live Alone” by Margaret Paul, Ph.D. - Dr Paul is the best-selling author and co-author of eight books, including "Do I Have To Give Up Me To Be Loved By You?"

….I have also heard that the number one killer in our society is not cancer or heart disease – it is loneliness. This is not a surprise to me, as loneliness is often the underlying feeling that so many people attempt to avoid with their various addictions.

The feeling of loneliness may be so painful that you turn to various addictions to avoid the feeling. Many people do not even know that they are feeling lonely because they respond addictively so quickly. They grab the food, the drink, the drug, the cigarette, turn on the TV, get busy, or get angry before they are aware of having a feeling, and then wonder why they cannot stop their addictions. Often people become addicted to a dysfunctional relationship and cannot leave for fear of the loneliness and disconnection. When people are not connected with themselves and their spiritual guidance, they may have a connection addiction, constantly pulling on others for the connection they so desperately need.

Without caring family, community, or friends to turn to, we lack the connection with others that we all need. However, in order to feel connected with others, we first need to be connected with ourselves.

Do not discount the power and importance of inner and relationship connection. If you want optimal health, you need to take the action in your own behalf to seek out loving and caring people and to do the inner work necessary to become a loving and caring person with yourself and with others.

To find more of Dr Paul's philosophy, check out - http://www.buzzle.com/articles/we-are-not-meant-to-live-alone.html

ONE TOUCH

by Nicole C Mullen

Been ostracized for 12 years, I’m used to being alone. Spent everything I had and now it’s gone.
I’m used to being put down, my issues tell it all. My only hope is anchored in this fall.

(CHORUS)
If I could just touch the hem of His garment, I know I’d be made whole.
If I could just press my way thru this madness, His love would heal my soul.
If only one touch…

So many people calling. How could He ever know that just a brush of Him would stop the flow?
If he knew would He rebuke me or shame me to the crowd?
Well I’m desperate ‘cause it’s never or it’s now.

(CHORUS)

Then, Suddenly He turned around. He said somebody has unleashed my power.
Well, Frightened and embarrassed I bowed. You see I told Him of my troubles and how…

I had to touch the Hem of His garment and I know I’ve been made whole.
And how I had pressed my way thru the madness and His love has healed my soul.

Then with one word He touched the hem of my garment and you know I’ve been made whole.
And somehow He pressed His way thru my madness and His love has healed my soul.

(This song is about the story in Luke 8:40-48 and Mark 5:21-34)

The woman in this story had suffered for so long. Not only had she physically suffered – EVERYONE she knew, and everyone she came in contact with, shunned her because of her disease. They considered her dirty and she was ashamed of her condition. She was so desperate and she went to see Jesus. She made her way through the crowd and pushed her arm between the people just so she barely touched the hem of His robe. She had that much faith in Him –“If I could just touch the hem of His garment, I know I’d be made whole.” Now, she must have been petrified when he called her out! Not only did she have to face Him for what she’d done. The whole crowd was watching – Jesus stopped what He was doing and put all the attention basically on her! Did she run and hide or crumble before the crowd? No. She met Jesus – one on one – forgetting the crowd. With her faith, He felt compassion and healed her. What an amazing testimony!

The taboo of Mental Illness has dissipated somewhat over the last decade or so. But many people are still ostracized by friends and family today. The same way the woman in this story was during her time. (Her infirmary was a bleeding disorder.) Maybe the reason for the distance between some people and their family members and friends in today's society is because a lot of people just don't understand the illnesses. Lack of education can be a scary thing. And, quite honestly, in my opinion, Hollywood doesn’t really do much to help the situation. Many times movies dealing with this topic are released more for their shock value.(One exception would be "A Beautiful Mind".) I urge you to do your best to educate others about Mental Illness. For yourself and future generations.

Photo - preacher1.wordpress.com

WHO ARE YOU? I Really Wanna Know!

The four temperament types:

Sanguine - The Sanguine temperament personality is fairly extroverted. People of a sanguine temperament tend to enjoy social gatherings and making new friends. They tend to be creative and often daydream. However, some alone time is crucial for those of this temperament. Sanguine can also mean very sensitive, compassionate and thoughtful. Sanguine personalities generally struggle with following tasks all the way through, are chronically late, and tend to be forgetful and sometimes a little sarcastic. Often, when pursuing a new hobby, interest is lost quickly when it ceases to be engaging or fun. They are very much people persons. They are talkative and not shy.

Choleric - A person who is choleric is a doer. They have a lot of ambition, energy, and passion, and try to instill it in others. They can dominate people of other temperaments, especially phlegmatic types. Many great charismatic military and political figures were cholerics. They like to be leaders and in charge of everything.

Melancholic - A person who is a thoughtful ponderer has a melancholic disposition. Often very considerate, melancholics can be highly creative in activities such as poetry and art - and can become occupied with the tragedy and cruelty in the world. A melancholic is also often a perfectionist. They are often self-reliant and independent.

Phlegmatic - Phlegmatics tend to be self-content and kind. They can be very accepting and affectionate. They may be very receptive and shy and often prefer stability to uncertainty and change. They are very consistent, relaxed, rational, curious, and observant, making them good administrators and diplomats.

I tried to discern which personality type I was and I really couldn’t decide. You see, when I’m depressed, I lean more toward the Melancholic temperament. When I’m Manic – the Sanguine. The rest of the time, I kinda float between the Choleric and Phlegmatic. I keep my husband on his toes… Bless his heart! Anyway, I hope you enjoy reading over the four temperament types and possible learning a little bit about yourself.

Information found on en.wikipedia.org
Photo - File:Lavater1.jpg from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Pop Quiz

Grab a piece of paper, write down your answer – Check your accuracy at the end.

1.One in (4 10 25) adults experiences a mental health disorder in a given year.
One in (7 17 30) lives with a serious mental illness such as schizophrenia, major depression or bipolar disorder.
About one in (10 20 30) children live with a serious mental or emotional disorder.

2.Major depressive disorder affects (5.8 6.7 12.6) percent of adults. According to the 2004 World Health Report, this is the leading cause of disability in the US and Canada for persons (15-44 23-50 18-48).

3.Anxiety disorders, including panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), generalized anxiety disorder and phobias, affect about (10.6 18.7 25.5) percent of adults.

4.One-half of all lifetime cases of mental illness begin by age (14 18 26), three-quarters by age (19 24 31).

5.Fewer than one-third of adults and (1/4 1/3 1/2) of children with a diagnosable mental disorder receive mental health services in a given year.

6.Suicide is the eleventh-leading cause of death in the Unites States and the (3rd 5th 9th) leading cause of death for people ages 10-24 years. More than (70 80 90) percent of those who die by suicide have a diagnosable mental disorder.

7.Over (25 40 50) percent of students with a mental disorder age 14 and older drop out of high school—the highest dropout rate of any disability group.


Maybe, just maybe, by talking about these statistics we can make a change in them. Mental illness doesn’t have to continue being a taboo subject. We can make a difference! It sometimes takes just one person to start a movement.

Statistical information: www.nami.org - Mental Illness: FACTS AND NUMBERS
“Simply put, treatment works, if you can get it. But in America today, it is clear that many people living with mental illness are not provided with the essential treatment they need.”
—Michael J. Fitzpatrick, executive director of NAMI National, National Alliance on Mental Illness, Grading the States 2006, Arlington, Va.

Answers:
1. 4, 17, 10
2. 6.7, 15-44
3. 18.7
4. 14, 24
5. ½
6. 3rd, 90%
7. 50%

Photo - www.course-notes.org

Footprints in the Sand

One night I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord.
Many scenes from my life flashed across the sky.
In each scene I noticed footprints in the sand.
Sometimes there were two sets of footprints,
other times there were one set of footprints.
This bothered me because I noticed
that during the low periods of my life,
when I was suffering from
anguish, sorrow or defeat,
I could see only one set of footprints.
So I said to the Lord,
“You promised me Lord,
that if I followed you,
you would walk with me always.
But I have noticed that during the most trying periods of my life
there have only been one set of footprints in the sand.
Why, when I needed you most, you have not been there for me?”
The Lord replied,
“The times when you have seen only one set of footprints in the sand,
is when I carried you.”


Author - Mary Stevenson

A Matter of Strength

I met a young girl today that really touched my heart. She had extreme TRUST issues. So much so that she may never be able to live the type of life that you and I would consider “normal”. You see, her “normal” for so long was not being able to depend on anyone in her life. Ever! She won’t allow herself to get close to anyone because she’s been hurt so many times before. It’s easier for her to go through life without close relationships because by doing so she is insuring herself she won’t be hurt again.

I held another young lady in my arms tonight as she cried for a relative that died in the hospital today. She told me that he had lived his life on the wild side... his death inadvertently may have been taken as a result of that life lived - another bad choice he made. Her heart was broken and she didn't understand it all.

When I was deep within my own walls of depression, I felt the same way these kids do now. To be totally honest, even though I am a firm believer in God's Love, there are times now, when things happen in my life, I still feel lost and alone. I think we all feel vulnerable at times. But with therapy and medication, I have learned that I don't have to feel that way 24/7.

I pray God comforts these young women. What they both are going through can be devastating. I hope they find peace and strength. I feel I am blessed because I have found strength through Jesus Christ and I know that He is there... especially when all strength is gone.


Photo - http://www.christianwomenonline.net/scripturetags.html