[Beloved] "and the mercy of the fallen"

[hermionesviolin]

At CAUMC last night, we read a portion of the "Broken" chapter of Nouwen's book. Excerpt:Living our brokenness under the curse means that we experience our pain as a confirmation of our negative feelings about ourselves. It is like saying, "I always suspected that I was useless or worthless, and now I am sure of it because of what is happening to

Comments

mental illness

[onwingsofeagles]

I have finally stopped struggling, and just accept mental illness as one would physical illness. Kind of a "things break" way of thinking. The way I used to struggle was if "God never gives you more than you can handle" how do you explain your very self breaking? I refuse to think that God uses mental illness as some sick form of character building, but I do know that God's grace exists everywhere and that out of the fire, the pressure, the pain, can come pure gold, precious diamonds, and beautiful people. I believe God does not "will" the bad stuff but God can transform it. I also believe that God holds every tear and weeps with us.

And yes, when we hold another's pain, we are on holy sacred ground, doing the work of embodying God's love.

I love that bit about brokenness. I may have to share that with my study group.

[hermionesviolin]

You're so welcome.

(Huh. I dunno what's up with Magpie Girl site -- it's not working for me either now. I excerpted the bulk of her post, though, so you're not missing too much.)

[wisdomeagle]

After all, [my gremlins] did have my best intentions at heart. They were trying to protect me - to keep me from doing anything scary, or potentially painful, or too awfully adventuresome.

MY GREMLINS WANT ME DEAD.