Welcome to Dymphna's Diary

Although I am not Catholic, I find it interesting that "Dymphna" is the patron saint of those who suffer from clinical depression and other mental illnesses. Considering the purpose of this site is to offer inspiration and spiritual guidance to my readers, I felt it was only right I chose her namesake for the title.

In 2010, this site was set up to pass along personal information about how depression has affected my life and the lives of my family. Since then, it has EVOLVED. In 2011, I attempted to present posts that were INSPIRATIONAL to you, my readers. In 2012, I went even deeper with personal stories from people across the United States via touching videos, songs, and interviews. My hope was to show each of you that even when you feel that you are in a situation that no one else could understand, you are not alone. Through it all, my comments have remained to be my personal opinions and spiritual reflections. I will continue to occasionally post information that I feel is beneficial in removing the stigma of mental illness, but regardless I feel blessed to have been given this platform to spread God's love and compassion for ALL people. I wouldn't be where I am today without the strength I receive daily from our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. My hope is that this blog will help you find some comfort in your life. It most certainly is helping me find comfort in mine.

I want to make it perfectly clear, though, that when I make generalizations regarding mental illness, I am NOT giving advice to anyone. I'm just passing along information that I have found helpful in my life. I'm writing about MY PERSONAL experiences and thoughts. Mental illness affects everyone differently and your situation may not be reflective of mine.


Thursday, October 18, 2012

Personal Reflection...

Well, I've been in Seminary for 6 months now.  I look back and I can't believe that it's been that long, yet other times I feel like I have been reading these utterly confusing theological books for half of my life.  I've struggled with so many things along my journey this far... health issues - negotiating time between God, family, school, church, life - keeping my enthusiasm for what I am learning "in check" and trying not to push new thoughts on others - realizing that I can't be everything to everyone... and all the while having that nagging feeling in the back of my mind that I'm not qualified to pursue this calling. 
I have discovered when you are in Seminary, you become your own biggest critic.  As a result, I have found myself asking people to become my accountability partners.  It's been difficult to hear some things that have been revealed to me through them (I'm only human), but when I reflect back on the situations that were discussed, I do see where I have room to grow in those areas.  I need to know what I can change to become the best minister I personally can be, and I'm glad that God has placed mentors in my path that are able to openly share with me where they see room for improvement.
I am so blessed to have the support that I have had during the discernment of my calling.  I have the most wonderful family and friends that I could ever hope for.  I know that I have made huge mistakes in the past, and it is comforting to know that, not only God, but those close to me have forgiven me for those mistakes.  I know that I can count on so many of you for continued support during the next year and a half of my journey.  Thank you!

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