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Dear Family of our Lord Jesus Christ,
It has been another busy month here at FGGAM, thousands and thousand have visited the Daily CUP and FGGAM websites.
I have once again put on many miles on the “Jesus Car’ this month in my travels for our Lord.
I just figured for an upcoming end of the year report that For God’s Glory Alone Ministry has donated over $25,000 in promotional
space to Christian events over 2017. We do not charge for anything.That figure of $25,000 is a very conservative figure, but the
only figure I am comfortable in giving you. I would rather be under on this estimate than over! The report is for our Board.
God told me to never charge for any of our services. PTL for what God has done and is doing at the Daily CUP and FGGAM!
For years Sandy Harrington did a ministry program on KKIM Christian Radio in Albuquerque when I was manager. People loved Sandy on the radio, they loved her heart for Jesus and people. Today Sandy posted on her Facebook page that her Mother, Charlotte, has passed onto glory.
We are in prayer for Sandy and her family. We pray for peace and comfort for all, in Jesus name, Amen.
And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people. Ephesians 6:18
From Dr. Michelle Bengtson:
I’m coming to you today seeking your forgiveness. Seeking your forgiveness on behalf of the church and on behalf of the mental health community. In many respects we have let you down.
Not a day goes by that someone struggling with depression doesn’t walk through the doors of my private practice, or meet me for coffee, or message me to share the depths of the darkness of their depression with me.
Depression, an epidemic
By 2020, depression will be our greatest epidemic worldwide. Every year, one in ten American adults is diagnosed with depression, and one in four will be diagnosed at some point in their lifetime. Sadly, statistics predict this number will increase by 20% every year. And it’s not just in the world…some sources say that 70% of pastors fight depression (Why Are So Many Pastors Committing Suicide? – Charisma News).
That is why I feel the need to ask your forgiveness. As a neuropsychologist with over 20 years in the medical and mental health fields, as a Christian and a leader in the church, I feel we have failed. We have done something wrong if these numbers are increasing. We of all people should have the answers. Yet scripture clearly states in Hosea 4:6 that “my people are destroyed from lack of knowledge.”
Even Christians get depressed
Can I be so bold to say that even Christians get depressed! How do I know this? Because I was one of them. I was a Christian mental health provider treating patients with a myriad of medical and mental illnesses for 20 years when I experienced debilitating depression myself. But if my own story isn’t convincing enough, we only need to turn to the Bible and think of Jonah, or Job, or David for other examples of Biblical greats who suffered from depression to know that even those who love and serve the Lord are not immune to this devastating condition.
Addressing the spiritual component of depression
Sadly, when I fell prey to depression’s grip, I tried all the same treatment recommendations that I suggest to my patients. I tried therapy and counseling. I used medication. I ate healthy, exercised, and ensured I got enough rest. All these treatment components helped but they weren’t enough to truly eradicate depression from my life. It was only when God opened my eyes to the fact that we MUST address the spiritual component of depression if we want to experience true help, hope, and healing. Once I recognized that and cooperated with God to address the spiritual side of this devastating condition, I found true freedom.
Now, I address everything differently in life. I parent differently. I talk to myself differently. I counsel patients from this new perspective. And it has made ALL the difference. I believe that it’s not too late to reverse the trend. I ask your forgiveness for not recognizing this crucial component earlier in my career, but when God opens the doors for me to share what He has taught me now, I will walk through them, because this is good news that is too good to keep to myself.
Hope and Help for Depression
Scripture says the enemy is defeated by the blood of the lamb and the word of the testimony. God has blessed me with insights to break the bondage of depression, and I will gladly share that testimony. In fact, I have done so in my book “Hope Prevails: Insights From a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression.” I wrote that book largely as a resource that would extend beyond the four walls of my private practice.
As a result of reader requests, I then wrote the Hope Prevails Bible Study companion which just released October 25, 2017 to take readers deeper into the Word for greater help, hope, and healing.
People need help and hope more today than ever. Pastors and ministers, counselors, therapists, and coaches need to know how to address this growing problem from a Biblical perspective. I regret that I didn’t know this earlier in my career, but now that I do, there is no turning back. When God gives me the opportunity to share it in writing or speaking venues, or even in person over coffee, or in my private practice, I share from my own testimony the keys that I think will help set people free from depression and reverse the growing trend.
Because of Him, #HopePrevails!
For a Free eBook on How to Help a Depressed Loved One, click here: How to Help a Depressed Loved One eBook.
For more hope and posts like this, visit Dr. Bengtson’s website:https://www.DrMichelleBengtson.com or follow her on Facebook:https://www.Facebook.com/DrMichelleBengtson
To learn more about “Hope Prevails: Insights From a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression,” Dr. Bengtson’s newly released book, see: https://drmichellebengtson.com/hope-prevails-book |
