By Nancy Virden (c)2023

What if your mental health challenge or disorder is perceived by others as if you are not trying, are lazy, or are weak? Judging and jumping are two of society’s favorite sports. We tend to judge by outward appearance and jump to conclusions readily.

Anyone who has faced such critiques understands the pain and frustration it can cause. Yet again we rise, to be the best of who we are. For followers of Christ, there is a promise that God will finish the good work he began in us. My guest blogger today is Connie Stiffler who relates her experience.

A Work In Progress

(c)1999 Connie Stiffler

To those who feel like failures

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You can doubt my sincerity

And back away in disgust

You can judge my walk with God

You can say what you must

But one thing is true:

GOD LOVES ME AND KNOWS I’M A WORK IN PROGRESS

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I may raise my defenses

And cause a few offenses

I may be up one day and down the next

But this one thing remains true:

GOD LOVES ME AND KNOWS I’M A WORK IN PROGRESS

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This one hope I can hold onto

When all else seems to fail-

God promised to finish what He started

His love will prevail!

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So the next time you look at me

And are tempted to judge what you see

Remember this one thing:

What you see is HIS WORK IN PROGRESS IN ME.

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-COMMENTS WELCOME

Today’s Helpful Word

1 Samuel 16:7

“…The Lord doesn’t see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”

If you are feeling suicidal, or concerned about someone who is, in the U.S. call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988, 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 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. NOTE: Nancy is not a doctor or a mental health professional, and speaks only from personal experience and observations. In no way is this website intended to substitute for professional mental or behavioral health care.

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