Tag Archives: depressed

Not Immune

Posted on April 15, 2014 by expressyourself4him

When the next mind boggling event occurs in America, I’m not afraid to question God, searching for answers to stabbings, shootings and tragedy in public places.  Sometimes I feel like God has removed his presence, moving on to another nation, where hearts are open to truth.  Yet, as soon as trials enter my own life, the Holy Spirit has reminded me this week that Jesus was not immune from heartache.

According to John 11:14, God reveals to Jesus that his friend Lazarus has died.  As He makes his way to the tomb, Jesus is met with a distraught sister, blaming him for her brother’s death, John 11:21.  A second family member has similar feelings, bringing Jesus to tears, John 11:32-35.  While using God’s healing power to raise Lazarus from the dead, John 11:38-44, Jesus’ grief continued.  One of his disciples betrayed him, another publicly denied knowing Jesus and finally the Jews convinced the public leaders to have him crucified.

Unlike the Curse of the Bambino for Boston Red Sox fans, the events of original sin can not be reversed, Genesis 3:16-24.  Perhaps, this may explain Hebrews 12:4, putting life into its proper perspective.  With the circumstances in life continuing to decay, no one is immune from pain.  Therefore, as you fight the good fight, 1 Timothy 6:12, hang in there, encourage the depressed around you and place your trust in the Lord, Proverbs 3:5-6.  Share how you have been helped or reached out to lend a loving hand.

by Jay Mankus

 

 

 

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Finding Solace in Sorrow

Posted on March 6, 2014 by expressyourself4him

Although inconsistent at times, I’ve tried to be a positive person in my spheres of influence, set on changing the mindsets of defeated souls.  In high school, one of my ministries was seeking out the depressed and down to bring a glimpse of happiness, laughter and joy to their sad faces.  However, now I find the shoe on the other foot as sorrow has moved in, keeping me company during the entire month of February.

Like a prized heavy weight slug fest from the Rocky series, my body has become a punching bag for Apollo Creed, scrambling for the ropes to hang on.  Repeated blows to the heart have erased any remnants of confidence, making room for sorrow to feel at home.  Since I lost control of my health weeks ago, I am finding solace in this helpless condition.  Stripping away my impurities, desolation has forced me to seek a higher power to be rescued from disappointment.

Sorrow has lead me into the furnace, testing my faith beyond what I expected, 1 Peter 1:6-7.  Stretching me like Plastic Man, I have a new appreciation for misfortune, viewing it as an opportunity to display a heavenly perspective, James 1:2-4.  After this hurricane, I will be a better man, able to see the sun on the other side of the storm.  With no easy way out, I am content to find solace in sorrow until the Lord calls me home.

by Jay Mankus

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The Sound of Defeat

Posted on February 1, 2014 by expressyourself4him

Silence, groans and hushed voices are just a few signs of losing.  Meanwhile, body language slumps, slows down and expresses defeat without a word.  On Sunday evening, around 9:45 pm Eastern Standard Time, the sound of defeat will visit one sideline after the final seconds tick off the clock in Super Bowl XLVIII.  As confetti falls, cameras flash and reporters get their microphones ready to interview the champions, the loser will slip away in obscurity, pondering what might have been.

In the arena of life, the sound of defeat is less subtle.  Sure, there will always be Debbie downers and depressed Davids, yet most will hide their emotions until no one is around or only their family is in view.  However, in sports, the agony of defeat occurs under a microscope, often with life shattering results.  Skip Dillard went to prison because he missed 1 free throw in an NCAA Basketball Tournament Game as a star for the Depaul Blue Demons.  Tonya Harding turned to thuggery in an attempt to win an Olympic Gold medal in figure skating.  Finally, Donavon McNabb, upchucked as the closing moments of the Super Bowl got too big for him, beyond what he could handle.

In biblical times, there was a different sound heard by Joshua and Moses as each had their own suspicion.  From afar, Joshua heard what sounded like the sound of war in Exodus 32:17.  Stepping in like a Jedi Knight, playing a similar role to Yoda, Moses corrects this young rising star, “It’s not the sound of victory, it’s the sound of defeat;” Exodus 32:18.”  Perhaps Moses understood the concept of 1 Corinthians 9:24-25, with 1 winner and multiple losers.  Therefore, instead of resting in a pit of despair, pick your head up out of the gutter and focus on a crown that will last forever so that the sound of defeat doesn’t cripple your soul for a lifetime.

by Jay Mankus

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Do You See What I See?

Posted on September 3, 2013 by expressyourself4him

Horse trainers have discovered that using racing blinders helps a thoroughbred stay focused on the task at hand, winning a race.  Instead of directing their attention toward opponents, spectators at the track and various other distractions that exist on race day, these horses have been taught to look straight ahead by their jockeys, keeping their eyes on the finish line.  Unfortunately, a growing number of people have bought into this mindset.  Subsequently, many individuals are acting like thoroughbreds, neglecting the world around around them, blind to the dejection, fear and hurt within the souls of mankind.

Recently, I have become an expert at putting on blinders, seeing what I want to see and moving on, refusing to accept the painful reality of this life.  My self-seeking nature has led to a “what’s in it for me” attitude, like Ray Kinsella at the end of Field of Dreams, forgetting the purpose of his existence.  While I am suppose to be a light for the world, Matthew 5:13-14, I resemble a flashlight, flicking light on or off when I want.  Thus, opportunities to encourage, lend a helping hand or share your time with a person in need are lost.

In Genesis 40:6-7, Joseph, son of Israel, sets an example for the world to follow.  Unlike the average individual, oblivious to people around them, Joseph notices 2 dejected men.  Although he could have ignored their body language and facial expressions, Joseph takes advantage of their depressed state, taking a risk by asking 2 prisoners a question.  Rather than run away from confrontation, Joseph becomes a vessel for healing, at least for the cup bearer.  In response to Joseph’s actions, one must ponder, “do you see what he saw?”  Or are you too busy to slow down like the first 2 characters mentioned in the parable of the good Samaritan, Luke 10:25-37, due to a full schedule?  Open your eyes and ears on this Labor Day or else the words of John 8:47 will be proven true, sealing your eternal fate.

by Jay Mankus

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