
For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. —Jeremiah 29:11
For those who believe in Jesus Christ, there is always the HOPE of Eternal Life. That is why He came to earth so that we might have life in Him forever.
For those who have family members living with mental illness, hope often seems to be on a far flung planet. They look at their family member and grieve for what was or what might have been. Family members may be called every name in the book or have holes punched in the walls of their home or even have violence done against them by their ill family member. The one with the illness may steal money or take a car and drive to a distant state because the voices in their head told them to do so. While all of this is happening, the family has given up any hope they might have had of having a life that looks like other families’ lives. They feel all alone and because of stigma may not choose to tell anyone of the diagnosis of mental illness.
At NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) we will never give up HOPE. We let family members know that there are others who have had the same or similar experiences. Mental health is part of physical health, and there is no stigma in admitting to a person’s having a brain disorder. We teach communication skills and self-care for the family so that they can make living with the ill family member easier. We teach that recovery is possible even though it may not look the same as before the person got ill. There is hope for a better family life and a positive future.
During this season of Christian HOPE, let us remember there is indeed hope for those living with mental illness and for their families.
Father of HOPE, be with those whose families have been disrupted by mental illness. Let them know that HOPE is possible and let them know of the hope of eternal life. Be with them through their struggles and let them know the peace that passes understanding in YOU. Amen
Daphne G. Grady