Compassionate Love: Displaying compassion for those who struggle with mental illness   (c)2013 Nancy Virden

Mothers and infants in Malawi are dying or maimed in the course of childbirth, a result of days long, natural labors.

A twenty-one year-old on his way home from college somehow disappears.

Greedy power-mongers design ways to abuse the poor for personal gain. 

Have you seen enough of these horror stories on the news?  Some of us have seen or experienced trauma. We have reactions such as survivor’s guilt, repressed memories, flashbacks, post-traumatic stress, guilt, and nervous breakdowns.  Complex humans vary in response to suffering.

Can anyone be whole?

I used to think “whole” meant “pain-free.” It does not. Wholeness comes from being complete, being one within, and not shredded in our mindsets into little pieces.  

What I am learning is that wholeness is ultimately a result of, not an escape from suffering. Testing develops perseverance; perseverance refines us over time as we learn what is truly important and real. Then we become mature and complete, not lacking anything. Whole. Does this concept sound familiar? If you are a Bible reader, you may recognize James 1:2-8.

My faith is in Jesus Christ. He loves me and is not expecting me to get my act together before he will keep his promises. When that faith is challenged by fear or circumstances, I can persevere or turn my head and betray what I know to be true.

Sticking it out, even in the face of social rejection and dispute makes me stronger in my reliance on Jesus. Do you see? Then I learn that no matter what happens to me,  he is with me and will not let me go.

That’s being whole – unconflicted, not double-minded. This is why James wrote, “Consider it pure joy… whenever you face trials of many kinds.” I want to be whole,  one within, reliant on my God and strong in faith.

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NOTE: I am not a trained or licensed mental health professional. I am not a doctor. I speak only from my experiences with and observations of mental illness. In no way is this website intended to substitute for professional mental health care.