By Nancy Virden (c)2020
My son Jonathan climbed a tree with a steak knife in his hand. He was 8.
When he showed me his cut hand, he lied and said it was poked by a tree branch. The doctor met us at the hospital to sew up the wound. Jon was brave; both the doctor and I praised him for it.
Later at home, guilt and shame became too much for Jon to carry alone and he confessed.
Did I tear out his stiches? Of course not! Did I scream and call him names? Of course not. He did have to pay the price for lying which was to tell everyone the truth (and he lost some privileges for a short while). He became such an honest fellow, that at age 32 I trust him implicitly.
When adults lie, generally more lies are piled on top of it to cover it up. People exaggerate for vanity’s sake. True or not, gossip pleases the one who feels in-the-know. I wonder how much less pain we would cause each other if we had Jon’s soft conscience.
I’ve been guilty of all the above. Hopefully, no more. The great news is that God does not rip out our stitches when we fail him. He continues to heal broken hearts and sorrowful souls. He sees the insecurities and cowardice behind our lies. He knows we gossip because love in our hearts is not pure. He calls us to himself anyway.
We cannot take this generosity lightly. Our job is to focus on him and his Word, and change. It is not about earning his trust. He knows we are not trustworthy- none of us are- because he is holy and we sin. It is about letting him into our hearts so he can change us from the inside out.
Mental health often depends on peace of mind. One aspect of that is peace with God. Sometimes I’m an 8-year-old confessing my guilt. At other times I thank him for growing my faith.
Today’s Helpful Word
John 6:37
All those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away.
Always the Fight Ministries (ATFM) has been displaying compassion for those fighting mental illness, addiction, or abuse since 2012. Nancy is the founder and voice of ATFM and openly shares her emotional resurrection from despair.
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NOTE: I am not a doctor or a mental health professional, and speak only from personal experiences and observations. In no way is this website intended to substitute for professional mental or behavioral health care.
If you are 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. or go to your nearest emergency room. In the EU call 112. (For other international emergency numbers, go here ). Hope and help are yours!
Always the Fight 