Mental Illness and the Church

Googling the two words above produces a ton of pages on the topic. From medical journals to blogs, from church websites to nonprofit websites, from university studies to anecdotal stories- the list is endless.

I googled this just now because the Lord has alternately challenged me with jobs, relationships, divine appointments, where the person/people I am relating with has mental health issues. But, I cry to God, "I do not know how to do this." "The river is so wide and my boat is so small." Can't I stick with children? But, no, He puts who He puts in my path for a reason. "Well then God, I need your guidance on this matter because it is not easy. It is like you asking Peter to walk on the water toward you. How Lord? How?"

Tonight at church, God burdened me to pray for a woman three rows up and when she arose to leave, I thought to follow her but then I was afraid to stand up mid-sermon and so I battled this decision for a while. Go or stay? Finally, it is clear to me- Just get up and go. So, I do. I go to the bathroom and there she is.

Terri is her name and she is changing clothes. We chat about the sermon and how she would've liked them to include, "God loves all people and nature including animals." She tells me about her life and about how she found a place to stay for tonight and how she wouldn't mind if it became a relationship even though she met him on the street. She tells me about how she used to have a home and opened it for the homeless. She is rambling. I listen, acknowledge her anger toward others maltreatment of her and others like her - "Those Who Carry Bags". I offer to pray and she declines and goes back in to service to which I follow her. She moves from sitting next to me back to her original seat.

So, what to do now? Keep praying but at this point, I can't hear God easily and the sermon, a historical overview of our church, which I have heard before and my feet are tapping, people around me are leaving, and still Terry stays. Finally, I can't take it and so I head for the bathroom then lobby. Praying. I don't know what to do. I never know what to do in these moments. Then, there she is, in front of me, saying "Goodbye" and leaving and I tell her I'll pray for her and she is thankful and I give her my name in case she wants to pray for me you know.

Now, at home on the computer, I type this out, if for anything to say this, "God loves the mentally ill even when we don't know how to. God will lead us and often times the issue is in the spiritual realm even though it is a physical issue. God was there tonight even though I felt blind as I proceeded forth. Terry is loved and it is my job to share that love with her no matter how she responds. What does it look like? It all depends on you and it all depends on me but I know that He is the only one who can infuse was with the capacity to love. I am a weak, self-centered person who is prone to want feedback and easy responses when I relate to others. I want to follow the plan and have the other person respond appropriately and ne'er does it happen that way. It happens as it does and will. It is my job to listen, be available, be willing to break the structure and demonstrate love in whatever way I can."

This is for us all to do. Shower love on those around us. Believe in the impossible that He can break through the layers that bind people. Be willing to not do it as its always been done and listen to Him who does guide us. For more thoughts, check out: and the book, "Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire" by Jim Cymbalta