Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Never Give up; Life is Worth Living

In recent years I have had time to reflect on my own struggle with depression.  From 2000 to 2006 I fought a private and horrific battle with this illness.  Simple tasks such as getting out of bed in the morning, shaving, taking a shower, getting dressed, and facing the day seemed most of the time like way too much trouble.  Pursuits which once gave me tremendous joy and fulfillment began to feel hollow and unrewarding.  By the grace of God I did not give up.  I persevered through a number of dark and terrible days, I sought God’s help, and around the spring of 2006 I began to climb out of that awful pit. 

Having been able, with God’s help, to climb out of the pit of despair and depression, I now try to encourage others at every opportunity who are in a similar condition.  If I could offer just one piece of advice to someone struggling with depression it would be this; do not give up.  Life is going to get better and your situation will improve if you will hang in there and not surrender to the dark forces warring against you.  Life is indeed worth living.  The dark days you may be facing will get brighter and you will overcome.  Believe it, seek God’s help, and it will be so.   

I am grateful for a trend in society which is bringing the blues, sorrow, and depression out of the closet and into the open where they can be properly dealt with.  For decades people suffered in silence fearing that if anyone learned of their struggle they would be shunned.  Even today people are afraid of letting anyone know of their battle with depression for fear of what others will think.  Many of my colleagues in ministry who battle depression are fearful of letting it be known because they view such an admission as a ministerial career killer.

Whoever you are and whatever your station in life there is hope.  God loves you, cares for you, and there is a brighter day coming.  If you are struggling with the blues, sorrow, or depression talk to someone right away; a trusted friend, pastor, therapist, or your family doctor.  Resolve that you will rise up and take back control of your life.  Do not suffer in silence any longer.  Help is available.  In closing, let me share with you my ten reasons why life is worth living:
  1. Life will get better; give it more time.  You will be amazed at how things will have improved in a year from now.
  2. You are an individual of immeasurable worth and potential.  Never forget that.
  3. You are not here by accident.  You were created by God for a divine purpose.
  4. You are stronger than you think you are.
  5. There are people who love you and need you in their lives.
  6. The world is a better place with you in it.
  7. You may feel terrible, yet you can be happy again.
  8. God is perfectly willing to help you; just ask and He will be there for you.
  9. You possess gifts and talents from which others may benefit.
  10. Joy is coming if you will seek it and wait for it.
  Keep going and never give up.  Life is going to get better.  

Friday, May 6, 2011

Don’t Just Stand There; Get Moving

Exercise and temperance can preserve something of our early strength even in old age.  -Cicero (106 BC-43 BC) Roman orator and statesman 

In the midst of all the bad trends and unhealthy eating habits I observe there are a number of bright spots.  For example, I am finding many people who are getting serious about taking back control of their health.  They are throwing away their cigarettes, giving up soft drinks, cutting back on sweets and junk food, and developing exercise routines.  All of these will make not just a difference, but a profound difference.  Two weeks into an exercise program and you will feel like a new person with a fresh and exciting outlook – one which you have probably never before experienced.  Yes, it will be difficult, yet anything worth having is going to require serious effort.  Give exercise a try, for the rewards are well worth it. 

Unfortunately, our society is fostering lifestyles of inactivity.  Everyone needs a little down time, yet countless people think of their down time as sitting in front of a computer or staring at the TV.  This isn’t down time folks; this is more often than not a waste of time.  We are better off to seek to limit the amount of time we spend in front of the TV and computer and instead seek a more active and productive lifestyle.  Turn off the TV and open a book.  Walk away from the computer and go for a brisk walk in the park.  How about a little yard work?  Plant a garden or grow some flowers.  Anything we can do which gets us out of the house and engaging in physical exercise is a step in the right direction. 

I just had a conversation with someone and she was telling me about an exercise program in which she has become involved.  Four or five times a week she goes to the gym and engages in an exercise routine.  As I have stated before, you can exercise at home, however if going to a gym works for you, and then by all means pursue this.  This person was telling me how she exercises with a friend and they encourage each other and hold one another accountable.  Again, this is a great strategy for getting in shape. 

The question is, what are you waiting for?  The time is now and today is the day.  Start off easy; try doing basic calisthenics for 20-30 minutes a day.  From there you can vary your routine and add to it.  As with any new exercise regimen, be sure to check with your doctor first.   

It’s your life, my friend, and you must be the one to make positive changes and seek a brighter outlook.  No one else can accomplish this for you. Get going and get busy.  Brighter days are coming.