When Close To Home Is Too Close For Comfort
By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible. Hebrews 11:3 (NIV)
In 2005, BeBe Moore Campbell’s book, “72 Hour Hold” was published. I read it shortly before Ms Campbell passed away in 2006. It was a powerful and emotional story of a mother trying to cope with an 18 year old daughter who has bi-polar disorder. It is the only book I read by this author that I did not really enjoy. In all fairness to Ms Campbell It wasn’t the book, it was me. Her writing style and storytelling abilities were flawless, as usual, but I just couldn’t get all the way into it. The story eventually slid into the ‘useless information’ compartment of my mind.
Mental illness is something I have always had a tendency to sort of gloss over. I acknowledge it exists, but I’ve never had any desire to become intimately acquainted with it. Not because I don’t care. I do. I think it has more to do with the fact that knowledge requires action. And I don’t know what to do.
I can recall watching a television program years ago (it was probably one of those documentaries)  about people who cut themselves. Not the ones who are attempting suicide by cutting their wrist, but people – mostly young girls – who make cuts on their arms and legs, bellies etc. This show was an eye opening experience for me because I’d never heard of ‘cutting.’ It’s hard for me to imagine anyone taking a knife to themselves.
I remember feeling sorry for them and I probably offered up a small prayer. Something like, “Dear Lord, please help these people, in Jesus name. Amen” Then I went on with my life and the program slid right beside Ms Campbell’s book, in the ‘useless information’ compartment.
Until last week.
A young woman who is near and dear to my heart has been riding the devastating, emotional,  bi-polar roller coaster for a while now. Last week, she cut herself. Deep, painful, angry, sad cuts. She thought they would ease her pain. They didn’t.
And I still don’t know what to do – except pray.
May 29, 2012 @ 5:05 pm
I have run a blanket ministry for the homeless for the last three years and have run into this, bipolar and cutting. I find the best thing we (non-professionals) can do and is so appreciative from them is to just be a friend, a non-judgmental friend and to be a good listener. So many do not take the time to really listen. Also, and So important, if they are willing, to tell them about One who bore scars for us, understands what they are going through, and is a healer of wounds, emotional and physical. They need the touch of a Savior and love from us.
(a fellow Ruby for Women blogger)
May 30, 2012 @ 10:34 am
You are so right Kristin. I never stop telling her. Thank you for visiting my blog.
May 27, 2012 @ 10:26 am
I feel the same…helpless really. The best you can do is be supportive like you are:)
May 26, 2012 @ 1:59 pm
Taylor, watching a loved one suffer from mental illness is so hard. Being there to listen can do so much for them. But the best thing you can do, is pray! So you are a good friend! I will pray for also.
Blessings,
~Erin
May 26, 2012 @ 4:29 pm
Thank you Erin, She knows I’m always ready to listen and I know she’ll talk when she’s ready. So I’m in pray and wait mode which is cool too.
May 26, 2012 @ 1:49 pm
I hope prayers will take away all of her hurt, sadness, and frustration away. She’s so lucky to have you as a friend. 🙂
May 26, 2012 @ 1:54 pm
Wouldn’t that be wonderful? Thanks for the compliment and the visit.
May 26, 2012 @ 12:25 pm
Prayer is the most precious gift we could ever give.
May 26, 2012 @ 1:00 pm
I agree and I’ll keep giving that. Thanks for stopping by Shannon.
May 22, 2012 @ 8:41 pm
I hate for people to say, “I know how you feel,”but I’ve experienced that heartache. I still don’t know what to do, but I do know He will hold you and hear you and you’ll do what you need to do. Our situation lasted for many years and we have found a peace in a very unexpected way.
May 23, 2012 @ 5:48 pm
I’m so happy you’ve found peace. I know He hears me. That’s what makes it bearable.