Jesusluvsall's Blog

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We can all feel alone in life at times or perhaps lonely. For people living with chronic illness, there are times we can feel excluded from life because all of a sudden we have a flare up or we experience fatigue to the point of needing to stay home and rest.

If someone struggles with clinical depression, anxiety, an eating disorder, bipolar, PTSD from trauma such as abuse, or any other mental health issue, there is the added component of stigma that piles on top. The feelings of shame or the feelings of being misunderstood cause us to feel separated from others.

Last year in the summer I started on medication for depression and anxiety. I tried for a long time to handle it through my prayer life and my faith, but due to living with chronic illness such as Fibromyalgia, among others. made it increasingly difficult to do so. I knew I need to do something, so I offered to resign my ministry if taking medication would mean others could not understand. Sadly, there is stigma even in the church for mental health issues. But when I offered to resign, the pastor who my ministry is under told me, “This is a medical issue. You won’t resign.’

I share my story for a few reasons. First of all in hopes that someone else who is struggling might read my post and be encouraged. Secondly to be willing to raise my voice with others who struggle in hopes of addressing stigma.

Thirdly and most importantly to me, to reassure that no matter what we go through in life, Jesus is there by our side if we want him to be. We may not feel it, but he is there. He knows us by name. He knows us better than we know ourselves and he loves us. He loves us so much that he died for us and defeated death for us.

He knows your name dear reader. He is with you right now. I want to share this music video ‘You Know My Name” by Tasha Cobbs Leonard. It is a beautiful song that reminds me that Jesus is with me and he knows my name. He knows me and knows my struggles. I hope it blesses you too.

Thank you for reading. God Bless.