“How could Robin Williams be depressed?” We wonder.
How could anyone with that much money, fame, and success become so despondent that they would fall into the despair of suicide?
The answer is simple. Regardless of wealth, status, or position, all people are susceptible to the discouragements of life. The causes of depression are not “a respecter of persons.” Continue reading
Filed under Depression
What causes depression?
Over the past few years I’ve probably read 25 books dealing with depression and emotional issues and have several more that I use for reference. So, I can tell you the causes for depression are many and varied depending on the person. While a person may suffer a chemical imbalance or a biological malfunction, conservative authors who write and counsel from a Bible-based value system believe that depression is most often caused by other factors. Continue reading
Filed under Depression
Mental health experts often refer to depression as “the common cold of the mind.”
At some point in life nearly everyone suffers some form of depression–ranging from just “feeling a little blue,” all the way to clinical depression resulting in psychological problems. Dr. Shelia Roberts, a practicing psychiatrist in Louisville, KY, told me that more than 75% of her patients are dealing with depression.
Since the tragic death of Robin Williams, there has been a greater national awareness and dialog regarding depression. So, yesterday we began a series on this vital topic. Continue reading
Filed under Depression
Shocked. Stunned. Saddened.
These emotions, among others, hit me when I first heard the news of Robin Williams’ death last week. At first, I thought it was an internet hoax. Quickly, it became apparent that it was not only true, but that he committed suicide.
Like so many others I have been entertained by the comedic genius of Robin Williams. While I chose to avoid some of his films because of the language or sexual content, my three favorite were: Dead Poets Society, Mrs. Doubtfire, and Patch Adams. Continue reading
Filed under Depression, Word of the Week
Max Lucado calls them “dynamite decisions.”
There was an old farmer, Sam, who always took the trophy in the fishing tournament with the biggest catch. While other fishermen caught a few, Sam would come in with a boatload of fish! Continue reading
Filed under It's Friday. But Sunday's Coming!
I don’t like to brag about my good works, or my unselfish acts of service to my country. But I must share this.
Yesterday I received a call from the United States Treasury Department. The nice man with an Indian accent said I qualified to receive $8400 from the government. Wow! My lucky day, I thought. Continue reading
There’s an old story about a Georgia farmer, ragged and barefooted, standing on the steps of his tumbledown shack, when a stranger stopped to ask directions. After giving the information, the farmer offered the fellow a cold drink, so he decide to pass the time for a few minutes and ask about his crops
“How is your cotton coming along?” he asked.
Ain’t got none,” replied the farmer. Continue reading
Filed under Great Bible Verses
“America is the most consequential nation on Earth, and in desperate need of God at the moment. If America falls, it will be a thousand years of darkness for the entire planet.”
Conservative political pundit Ann Coulter wrote the above words in a recent column entitled “Ebola Doc’s Condition Downgraded to ‘Idiotic.’” It was in response to Dr. Kent Brantly, the medical missionary, who contracted the deadly disease while serving in Liberia. He, along with co-worker, Nancy Writebol, have been transported to Emory Medical Center in Atlanta where they are receiving treatment for the virus that has a 90% mortality rate. Continue reading
Tony Campolo tells a touching story about a school teacher Miss Thompson and one of her fourth grade students, Teddy Stallard.
Teddy was a slow, unkempt student, a loner shunned by his classmates. The previous year his mother died, and what little motivation for school he may have once had was now gone. Miss Thompson didn’t particularly care for Teddy either, but at Christmas time he brought her a small present. Her desk was covered with well-wrapped presents from the other children, but Teddy’s came in a brown sack. When she opened it there was a gaudy rhinestone bracelet with half the stones missing and a bottle of cheap perfume. Continue reading
Filed under Word of the Week
In his devotional, Diligently Seeking God, Gary Henry raises the question, “How should we deal with the painful reality of regret in our lives?”
It’s a good question. Worthy of our consideration. Because we all have regrets. Angry words hurled in haste. Impetuous reactions to someone’s slight. A bad investment. An impulsive decision. An imprudent friendship. An improper relationship. These can all produce feelings of regret, remorse and grief.
But how do we deal with it? Continue reading
Filed under It's Friday. But Sunday's Coming!
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