For years, I've struggled on and off with fits of depression. It
generally involves some sort of unceasing inner self-criticism that
casts a shroud of gloom over everyone and everything around me, until
all that's left is a very lonely me sitting fetal in a very small room
that I seem to have made for myself. And then I remember my Christian
upbringing. Jesus set the model for someone that never allowed
themselves to be victimized. Regardless of who we are or what we've
done, there is always hope and forgiveness ahead, so long as we are
brave enough for the journey. More importantly, the ENTIRE dynamic of
Jesus' relationships was one of perpetual giving. He went out with
nothing, loved his followers intensely, and told all of them to go out
and to deliver the gift of love and
forgiveness to the world. My personal challenge to anyone reading this
(especially those who relate to the depression bit) is this: when you're
feeling down for whatever reason, stop what you're doing and go love
someone. Do something to help them physically, encourage them, listen to
them, etc. Shift your mental focus from yourself to someone outside of
you, and see if you were happier focusing on yourself or focusing on
others. Nowadays, we have facebook and acquaintances galore but we don't
have loving community.
