By Nancy Virden (c)2024

A group of followers of Jesus began speaking in foreign languages not previously learned. We know this was not gibberish because thousands of Jerusalem citizens and visitors from many nations heard preaching in their native languages. The crowd came running at the sound.

Questions circled. “How do these unschooled people know my language?” Bewildered, there was no denying what was happening. Some observers jumped to the only conclusion they were willing to accept. Surely, these men must drunk. (Acts 2)

That’s reasonable, isn’t it? Drunk persons often burst out in perfect oration in tongues they do not know, right? We cannot fix such ignorance when one gladly embraces it. Some people do not want to ponder; dismissing the incredible is easier than facing it.

Ignorance is fixable through education. Closed minds are opened the same way. Hearts and thinking patterns – all changeable. People have to want to know more and be willing to learn.

Stigma (opinions without facts) that I have heard includes:

• PTSD is weakness
• Christians are backward and uneducated
• Anyone who has attempted suicide might go off any minute and hurt people
• I wish I had OCD so my house would be clean
• She must have wanted it because she could have left him
• People in the old days were stronger
• And more nonsense…

There are IQ (Intelligence Quotient) and EQ (Emotional Intelligence). We can be disinterested or comfortable in ignorance. When someone who is trusted spouts stigma, few want to question them. They may be religious leaders, teachers, or parents.

Yet members of groups or those who live with mental disorders know the truth. If you do not, ask one of us.

-COMMENTS WELCOME

Today’s Helpful Word

Proverbs 18:15

The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge, for the ears of the wise seek it out.

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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