Mental Illness and the Church

MENTAL ILLNESS.........two devastating words one could hear about themself or a loved one. With those words can come a lifetime of stigma and heartache.

In Montgomery, there are many people who have a mental illness....my family included. Three of the 4 of us are living with it in our household. It is a journey that is full of surprises, insight, struggle and joy. Along with the struggles, my family members have more insight that most of us. They are, most of the time, more sensitive to others pain and more than not, more patient and forgiving of me than I am of them.

I had a conversation with a pastor recently and we both agreed that most people in our churches are willing to minister to people with mental illnesses who have need but are not equipped to do the things that would be helpful for them. And when you are not equipped, it can make things worse, not better. Mental illness crosses the boundaries of economics, age, race, gender and religion. It can devour a persons soul and bring families to a point of despair.

So why am I bringing this up on a "Greater Montgomery" prayer list? Because in Alabama, 1-4 people will be diagnosed this year with a mental illness, and 1-17 with a chronic mental illness. Less than 1/3 of adults and more than 1/2 of children with a diagnosed mental illness will receive treatment for it. As the church, we have been given the opportunity to minister and give a cup of cold water in Jesus name to people who struggle daily with MI.

The church can give HOPE to those who live with mental illness every day. We can surround them with care and compassion. We can learn all about their illness so we can understand them better. We can pray with them and for them. Most people I know, including my family say that praying with them is one of the BEST things someone could do for them. Then, advocating and tangible acts of kindness.

Prayer this week?
1. Pray for Greater Montgomery. Remember 1 in 4 Alabamians have a Mental Illness. Those you know, those you don't know right HERE in our area.
2. Pray for peace of mind for those seeking treatment.
3. Pray for wisdom and education in being Salt and Light for people-some of whom live in darkness of the mind-all the time.
4. Pray for more resources to become available for this illness. Not much is available in Alabama.

And lastly....pray this prayer for those you know and love...

Phillipians 4:6-9
6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. 7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.   8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. 9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.