On this edition of Words to Live By you’ll hear stories from two women who desperately needed the assurance of God’s love in the midst of their pain. The childhood abuse that caused brain trauma thrust LaKisha into a lifelong battle with clinical depression. And Amy’s family cared for her mother, who struggled with
schizophrenia. Discover how they learned that nothing can separate you from God’s love—not even mental illness.
Nothing can separate us from the love of God
David on April 30, 2016 at 4:35 pm
My son is agoraphobic, and paranoid, with high anxiety. He won’t let anyone talk to him because of his great paranoia. I’ve sought help for myself, to get help for him. But they just tell me that unless he agrees to getting help, there’s nothing I can do. I pray all of the time for him, and continue to encourage him to see someone, but things never change.
Sandra on May 1, 2016 at 3:53 pm
I don’t know where you are located but here in Boca Raton, FL, there is a support group called CAMI (Christian Afflicted with Mental Illness) that meets one night a week; they helped me when I was in a tough spot with my young adult son who had been diagnosed with schizophrenia and who had been delusional and getting violent with me. We went through a rough time. Someone coming to group encouraged me to get him hospitalized (Baker Act); it was a difficult thing to do. I had to be his advocate while he was in the hospital to get the doctor to switch his medication. Now, he has a part time job and is doing so much better. Steve and Robyn Bloem have a website http://www.heartfeltmin.org and he has a blog sbloemreflections.blogspot.com. It helps to have someone to talk to and encourage you. Often, people do not talk about mental illness and you feel quite alone.
Gregg on May 1, 2016 at 9:17 pm
Sandra, My name is Gregg. I am a Christian, who struggles with schizophrenia. I am interested in the contact information for CAMI. This is the first time I have heard of this organization. Would you please reply on how to get ahold of them. Possibly, I would like to start a chapter here in Spearfish, South Dakota, where I live. Please reply.
Amy Simpson on May 20, 2016 at 11:51 pm
Gregg, in addition to the resources Sandra mentioned, you may also want to consider the ones I listed for David (Fresh Hope (freshhope.us) and the Mental Health Grace Alliance (mentalhealthgracealliance.org), both Christian ministries) as possible starting points. Both are national, growing ministries that provide Christian support groups and mental health coaching for people with mental illness and their families.
Gregory on May 23, 2016 at 5:07 pm
Amy, even though you were addressing David, I thank you for the information.
Amy Simpson on May 24, 2016 at 11:52 am
You’re welcome!
Amy Simpson on May 20, 2016 at 11:49 pm
David, a couple more resources you might want to consider are Fresh Hope (freshhope.us) and the Mental Health Grace Alliance (mentalhealthgracealliance.org). Both are national, growing ministries that provide Christian support groups and mental health coaching for people with mental illness and their families. I know this is a very hard situation to be in, with a loved one. My family has been there too. I encourage you to keep getting support for yourself. God bless you.