My mom had an old friend who struggled with depression. As a very young girl, I didn’t understand what that was – all I knew was that this sad lady would call every few years and my mom would talk to her for at least an hour. I never even heard my mom’s end of those conversations, so I can’t confirm what was said, but I’m pretty sure I know how my mom spoke to her clinically depressed friend.
She probably started by quietly listening until the friend said something along the lines of: “I just don’t know what to do”. That’s when my mother most likely began spewing her well-meaning bullshit. “Have you been reading your Bible?” or “You need to bury yourself in the Scriptures and God will send healing/comfort.”
I know, I know. That sounds heretical or something. But honestly? No, Mom. she’s not reading her Bible. She’s not praying. Your friend is CLIN-IC-ALLY depressed. She’s not doing anything that requires focus. You can pray with her and for her, but she also needs to see a person with at least one degree who can help treat her mental needs.
Mom didn’t subscribe to the truth that a person maybe needs more than a sermon, though. Whenever my mom would talk about her friend, she’d of course lead with a request that we all keep her in our prayers – then she’d begin to tell us that depression is a sin and the only way to conquer said transgression is through Bible study and repentant prayer.
There were times over the years when one or another person in or family failed to keep up with their daily reading. My mom would tell them that it didn’t matter how they felt, they needed to “Just do it”. That directive was applied to any responsibility we did not appear motivated to complete, but especially our works of faith – even church attendance. Feelings and emotions were simply “stumbling blocks” that kept us from becoming close with God.
I am not sure how that friend is doing mentally, today. Hopefully she found better help than someone telling her that her mental illness is just a repercussion from not keeping up with daily devotions. I do think of her often, though. Mostly it’s when I know that I’m struggling mentally, and the question “Are you reading your Bible?” hovers within the dark cloud I am carrying on my shoulders. It is difficult because yes, I AM a Christian. I DO want a solid relationship with God.
Thankfully, even as I bitterly type through that memory, I know I am not stuck in a circle of depression and guilt like my mom’s friend. I have learned that it’s ok to sometimes be not ok. Sometimes I need a doctor with knowledge I won’t find in between Genesis and Revelation of my Bible, and sometimes, SOMETIMES, it’s ok to not be able to read my Bible.
Creating Peace From the Pieces 