Jordan Crossings Blog
Navigating the Waters of Faith & Mental Health
Hold Space for the Heartbreak
I felt such shame because I didn’t believe I had a right to feel the way that
I did. There was so much good in my life and so much hurt in the world. What about the child
dying of cancer? What about those homeless and starving? What about the people being
bombed in Palestine? What about the Jews experiencing religious persecution? What about
what about what about??? I tried to make myself think about everyone else that was
experiencing actual pain. And yet that only made me disappear into the dark cave further and
further until I could hardly see a way out. We can lift the burden of having to judge heartbreak,
friends. We can hold space.
How to Change Your Unhealthy Thoughts
I sat in my car sobbing ugly tears. The angry thought running through my head repeatedly was, “Why do I ALWAYS mess EVERYTHING up?”
“I’m a failure.”
“I suck.”
“I just can’t do anything right.”
I was feeling defeated. I was ready to give up. I was stuck in an unhealthy thought pattern.
Does God Really See Me?
Have you felt rejected by God?
Have you ever prayed fervently just to feel like your prayer wasn’t answered?
Has rejection from God’s people ever left you feeling like you were rejected by God Himself?
Have you spent much of your faith journey feeling like the church was a club you’re just waiting to be kicked out of? Or one you weren’t allowed to enter in the first place?
Have you ever heard the words, “The Holy Spirit didn’t prompt me to invite you.”? (Ouch.)
Three Truths When Lies Consume
Several weeks ago, during a string of rough days consumed by depression and anxiety, intrusive thoughts attacked my mind: You are weak, you are unloved, you are unworthy, just give up now. In their wake, they left behind a tear-stricken face and warped identity.
Don’t Believe Everything You Think
Just like the heart can sway and dictate our feelings, our thoughts can direct our actions. The words we speak, the people we avoid, and even the psychosomatic reactions of our own bodies. A few years ago, I hung a phrase up in a prominent spot in our home so that the whole family could be reminded regularly: “Don’t believe everything you think.”
Now Seeking Guest Blog Posts!
Are you a writer? Do you have a story to tell? I am currently looking for guest blog posts about personal experiences with mental health and recovery from a Christian perspective. Whether you have a message or a testimony to share, I’d like to hear it! Fill out the form below or contact Megan for more details: meganjean@jordancrossings.org
