Rest Day Party

The first time, they didn’t believe it. They tried to stock up on what they thought they’d need. They must have been afraid as well as disgusted the next morning when instead of breakfast, they found slime and maggots. God had told the Israelites He would feed them,...

Magic 20

It was a stark moment. The kind that punches the gut and then swings for the head. The whole mental illness journey was quite new; we were only a few months in. It felt like forever. We sat in the psychiatrist’s office. We were concerned about everything, but it was...

Not even Begun

The first time we brought Nicholas to the psychiatric emergency department, I thought I had used up all my courage. I could not imagine ever being able to exercise more fortitude than that act took, or overcoming more mental and emotional resistance. I had no idea God...

Need a Hug? Reassuring a Kid with Mental Illness

We are kind of a huggy family. “Good morning” and “Good night” and “See you after work; hope you have a good day” are all accompanied by a hug. My six-foot man-children regularly give me a hug just because, even in public. I know this isn’t the norm for all families....

Kiss of Righteousness and Peace

“Lovingkindness and truth have met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other.” Psalm 85:10 So many time I have been stymied by how to respond to my kid with mental illness. Actually, my difficulties began way before his illness emerged, back when I had...