Compassionate Love: Displaying compassion for those who struggle with mental illness Nancy Virden (c)2013
At first, she was so small that many believed her insignificant. Any moment she might be stomped, eaten, or drowned in torrential rain. She survived her earliest days, yet the challenges continued.
Driven by a natural wish for independence, she ventured out from what little security she knew. Reactions varied. “Ugly!” “Cute!” “Avoid that! ” “Soft and fuzzy!”
She was wary as people ran screaming at the sight of her or dangerously studied her with curiosity. She tried to blend in to her surroundings, hoping to hide in plain sight.
No one seemed to care who she would one day become.
Unwilling to live among such danger and rejection, our heroine decided to look up. Maybe higher she would find a place to rest! Climbing day after day, she searched for peace and a safe place to belong.
The endless trek nearly depleted her strength. She wondered if the promise from her Maker would come true. At last overwhelmed, she stopped trying. Wrapping herself in seclusion, she waited for the end.
From the outside, no one saw anything but a dry, presumably dead leftover. Nonetheless, buried inside her despair, our champion-in-waiting put up the ultimate fight. Placing hope in God’s promise, she surrendered what little energy she had left. God taught her to use it wisely. Her woefully slow task of change was wrenching and tedious. She cried in agony.
Beyond the scope of disparaging eyes, metamorphosis took place. After a long time, she cracked the dead outer shell and peered through the sliver of light. Uncertain yet brave, she completely broke it open and saw sky. God whispered, “Trust me. Take a leap of faith.”
People rejoiced at the sight of such vibrant color showcased against the brown, withered past. A few joined her in praise to God as she stretched out new wings, and flew into freedom.
Today’s Helpful Word
Psalm 119:71
My suffering was good for me, for it taught me to pay attention to your decrees. – King David
******COMMENTS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME.
NOTE: I am not a doctor or mental health professional. I speak only from personal experiences with and observations of mental illness, abuse, and addiction. In no way is this website intended to substitute for professional mental or behavioral health care.
If you are struggling emotionally today or feeling suicidal, or concerned about someone who is, in the U.
S. call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255), or for a list of international suicide hotlines, go here.
If you are suicidal with a plan, immediately call 911 in the U.S. (for international emergency numbers, go here ), or go to your nearest emergency room. Do not be alone. Hope and help are yours.
Pics: Butterfly by WEIRDVIS , caterpillar by MICHAELAW, both of rgbstock.com
Always the Fight 