Status Updates From A Christian's Guide to Ment...

Ch 30 What Good Comes Out of Mental Illness? What a good chapter to end the book on. For we can often question God forgetting that he is sovereign and working in a suffers life for their good & their own sanctification, if they are a child of God. M.I. is not pointless & profitless God uses it for fruits in the suffer & caregivers. God is still working just like he is working in one who has diabetes or leukemia!

Ch 29. How Can We Prepare for Mental Illness? The truth is M.I. is all around us. We need to be prepared to help when it hits close to home o r those in our churches. Begin by educating yourself with good resources Prepare with reading the scripture to help those in suffering, Help teach the church by praying for those who have M.I. Maybe not by name but in general. A praying chruhc is a prepared church.

CH 28 How Can We Reduce the Stigma of Mental Illness. This is really a critical juncture in the life of the church. Not nearly enough discussion from pulpits, elders, and other leaders in the church. Education helps Reduce stigma, which is important. Investing in the lives of those who struggle reduces stigma, very important as most people run. Positive results from growing togther with sufferers helps the stigma.

Ch27 How can we Care for Caregivers? Ministering to those who are on the front lines of those with M.I. is really crucial these individuals need love and support from their families friends and especially their church. They need prayer, support, boundaries. The life of a caregiver is 24/7 and needs to know they are loved and supported because they often can feel alone and overwhelmed. #goodreminders"

Ch27 How can we Care for Caregivers? Ministering to those who are on the front lines of those with M.I. is really crucial these individuals need love and support from their families friends and especially their church. They need prayer, support, boundaries. The life of a caregiver is 24/7 and needs to know they are loved and supported because they often can feel alone and overwhelmed. #goodreminders

Ch 26 How Can I Help Someone who is Suicidal. One must know the signs, know what to say and know what todo if one is going to be helpful. It is okay to ask a person If they are thinking about it. Initiate nonthreatening conversations & ask questions. There are several good questions to help engage a sufferer. With the increase of suicide it is important to know how to interact and help those suffering. #itsreal

Ch25 What Should We Do When a Sufferer Falls into Temptation? One of the greatest challenges when dealing with a sufferer is to react wrongly when sin happens. We should be faithful & remember our own weakness, the sufferers weaknesses, God's Strength through his Holy Spirit & Jesus Salvation (Gospel). Remembering "No one moves from selfish sin to selfless serving w/o going to Jesus for his selfless salvation!

Chp 24 What are some things to Avoid in Ministering to Sufferers? Again all to brief & things I have had to learn the hard way. Educating oneself with a sufferer is helpful in knowing what to say. This is not to coddle them but to help them in their moments of suffering. Common pitfalls are; platitudes, silence, & error. Good bridges involve confession, learning & prayer. Avoid pitfalls & build bridges!

Ch23 What are the Roles of Scripture, Prayer, &theSacraments in a Sufferer's Life? The authors articulate the importance of the ordained means of Grace in a suffers life. Friends, family & pastors need to help suffers implement the godly disciplines in their life both in public worship & private worship. Helping suffers look back & see God's goodness & look forward w/hope to his continued faithfulness & promises.