"And is it too much of a stretch to believe that Christ’s body and Christ’s blood was broken and spilt two thousand years ago and forever after in every act of communion?" Phew. Gorgeous hope.
I’ve ministered in both camps, mental health and the church. Love this analogy: “ Of all the neurons firing and spinning and colliding around in my brain, is it not amazing that these little pills—these small mustard seeds—are able to move the mountain that is my mind—are able to make me feel like myself?”
Constance, thank you for being someone who wants to hold both camps with gentleness. I mourn when people aren't able to see how psychology can serve Christians. I'm not arguing that psychology is equal to Christianity, but I believe God can use psychology to bring us health! It has been very beautiful in my own life. Thanks for being you :)
Your telling of your healing and how you felt God’s love without a doubt: beautiful and powerful and so real I absolutely believe it too. I also believe in miracles both supernatural and clinical! God made you exactly who and the way you are, to be able to write this exact piece, to be able to touch others who also feel question struggle. Keep taking and believing in both healings so you can keep writing for Him and for us!
Ali, that is such an incredibly kind and thoughtful comment to make. The internet can be SUCH a tough place, but people like you remind me how beautiful it can be too! I'm grateful for God's faithfulness in my life, and I'm grateful to share pieces of my story with others :)
I started taking Zoloft, after my son's birth. Each morning, raising the pill and the water to my lips, I would pray: "I believe I shall see your goodness in the land of the living." And I did, though these were the darkest days of my life. And--he kept me in the land of the living. He answered my prayer. In more ways than one. Now, I'm taking Prozac. It's performing wonders. A miracle.
Oh Christianna I am so sorry you have had to journey through this, but I am so encouraged by your words and by the way God has shown up in your life. I'm glad Prozac is performing wonders :)
Chris, oh my goodness I forgot to mention that in the piece itself. I've been thinking about this connection for a while, but it was Chris's song that helped me articulate my opening lines! Yes! That song is HUGE for me!
Yesssss I agree. So much of the West grows out of the enlightenment and the need to analyze and understand. Which is helpful to an extent, but it attempts to remove all mystery.
God is so good to us for providing multiple ways of healing. Our pastor would say “we pray for healing here (church) or there ( doctor office) but either way we are grateful! “
The back and forth nature of this piece—Communion Clomipramine Communion Clomipramine, and so on—is so characteristic of a mind straining to find a way (the "right" or "best" way) forward. But what beauty to land this piece with the two held in tension and that only possible because of the Blood. Communion and Clomipramine. Truth and Grace.
"And is it too much of a stretch to believe that Christ’s body and Christ’s blood was broken and spilt two thousand years ago and forever after in every act of communion?" Phew. Gorgeous hope.
Sara, thank you :) Really, that means so much to me that you'd read and feel moved by that line. Always a fan of you!
I’ve ministered in both camps, mental health and the church. Love this analogy: “ Of all the neurons firing and spinning and colliding around in my brain, is it not amazing that these little pills—these small mustard seeds—are able to move the mountain that is my mind—are able to make me feel like myself?”
I was impacted by that same phrase.
Constance, thank you for being someone who wants to hold both camps with gentleness. I mourn when people aren't able to see how psychology can serve Christians. I'm not arguing that psychology is equal to Christianity, but I believe God can use psychology to bring us health! It has been very beautiful in my own life. Thanks for being you :)
Your telling of your healing and how you felt God’s love without a doubt: beautiful and powerful and so real I absolutely believe it too. I also believe in miracles both supernatural and clinical! God made you exactly who and the way you are, to be able to write this exact piece, to be able to touch others who also feel question struggle. Keep taking and believing in both healings so you can keep writing for Him and for us!
Ali, that is such an incredibly kind and thoughtful comment to make. The internet can be SUCH a tough place, but people like you remind me how beautiful it can be too! I'm grateful for God's faithfulness in my life, and I'm grateful to share pieces of my story with others :)
I started taking Zoloft, after my son's birth. Each morning, raising the pill and the water to my lips, I would pray: "I believe I shall see your goodness in the land of the living." And I did, though these were the darkest days of my life. And--he kept me in the land of the living. He answered my prayer. In more ways than one. Now, I'm taking Prozac. It's performing wonders. A miracle.
Oh Christianna I am so sorry you have had to journey through this, but I am so encouraged by your words and by the way God has shown up in your life. I'm glad Prozac is performing wonders :)
Thank you, Drew. I'm thankful these words can encourage you!
This juxtaposition is gorgeous.
Molly that is so kind--thank you for saying that!
Beautifully written...my story as well.
Well done.
Cheryl, I'm sorry you've had to experience the harder edges of this as well, but I'm glad we are able to relate in our journeys!
Have you heard Chris Renzema's song "God and Prozac"?
Chris, oh my goodness I forgot to mention that in the piece itself. I've been thinking about this connection for a while, but it was Chris's song that helped me articulate my opening lines! Yes! That song is HUGE for me!
This is such a beautiful piece, thank you so much for sharing
Mica, wow, thank you for your kind words! It meant a lot to me to write it, so it means a lot to me that others are able to connect with it.
Your writing keeps inspiring me.
My writing is the result of your teaching, Dr. Bentz!
Stunning writing, Drew. I felt at home and seen, in the best way. Thank you.
Erika thank you! I'm so so so glad you felt seen :) Happy Easter!
Wow. What a lovely piece of writing. I do wish here in the West we were better at accepting without needing to dissect every tiny part.
Yesssss I agree. So much of the West grows out of the enlightenment and the need to analyze and understand. Which is helpful to an extent, but it attempts to remove all mystery.
Brilliantly written and encouraging 🖤
Jamal! Thank you for your kindness!
Yes, Yes, and Yes and Amen.
God is so good to us for providing multiple ways of healing. Our pastor would say “we pray for healing here (church) or there ( doctor office) but either way we are grateful! “
The back and forth nature of this piece—Communion Clomipramine Communion Clomipramine, and so on—is so characteristic of a mind straining to find a way (the "right" or "best" way) forward. But what beauty to land this piece with the two held in tension and that only possible because of the Blood. Communion and Clomipramine. Truth and Grace.