By Nancy Virden (c)2024

Absolute truth absolutely exists. Examples:

“I do not believe in absolute truth.” This is believed to be absolute.

“Everyone has the right to free speech except those who disagree with me.” This is perceived as an absolute rule.

“Atheists are smarter and better educated than Christians who believe in fairy tales.” So, it is an absolute that only the atheist’s fairy tales are “true”?

More to the point of this blog

“I am permanently mentally impaired.” This concept is a fallacy. Diagnosis of a mental disorder does not mean one is always mentally ill. Disorders are challenging, yes. Challenges can be managed or overcome.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), like all forms of therapy, is practiced differently between professionals. I have met therapists who claimed to use CBT but did not seem to have any interest in my thoughts or the emotions arising from those thoughts. They focused on behavior leaving me feeling condemned or unsafe.

One example is a woman therapist in Ohio who raised her voice and yelled at me because I was, in the middle of a divorce, angry at miscommunication from my lawyer. As I understand it, CBT would follow my concerns with questions such as what are you afraid of, or how can you best respond, leading me to a healthier mindset and sense of control over my life. Instead, I was scolded for my anger by the expression of more anger. Her attitude left me nervous and afraid to tell her anything more. I felt very alone. Alas, when we are in the throes of vulnerability or disorder, we can find ourselves at the mercy of an incompetent therapist.

If an outburst like hers were to happen today, I would inform her that yelling is unprofessional. I would quit her immediately and find a more suitable helper. I was, but am no longer mentally ill or under the power of a mental disorder. That is because God led me to the best therapists in Pennsylvania. While God spoke to my heart and revealed things that were keeping me down (namely lies I believed), professional helpers used CBT to challenge those beliefs and, over time, develop in me the capacity to embrace the truth. It took a few years, but I am stronger now and more confident.

Absolute truth exists, but not in our humanity. We are tops and yo-yoes, easily turned by events, emotions, and pressures from others. We can determinedly hold our ground in some areas and not in others. What is solid, never changes, and is totally reliable is that God is on our side.

All sorts of arguments may rise against this idea, yet no one who disbelieves can answer, why is he still here? He is still here in the hearts of millions of people and in his influence over nations. He continues to teach truth through the Holy Bible, and those persecuted for their Christian faith will sit in prisons around the world and even go to their deaths rather than deny him. I know he led me to the help I needed. Knowledge of God’s Word protected me from worldly concepts that threatened to make my illness worse.

-COMMENTS WELCOME

Today’s Helpful Word

Deuteronomy 7:9 (New Living Translation) 

Understand, therefore, that the Lord your God is indeed God. He is the faithful God who keeps his covenant for a thousand generations and lavishes his unfailing love on those who love him and obey his commands.

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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