Elder Holland spoke about how many people suffer from some form of mental or emotional disorders. He said these afflictions are realities of mortal life, and we should not be ashamed to acknowledge them. We chose to live in a fallen world, where we would all be tested and tried again and again. We were given a savior, a redeemer who would "lift us triumphantly over these tests and trials". Through him he "will make our own lesser suffering first bearable, then understandable and finally redemptive."
He spoke specifically about how depression "restricts a persons ability to function fully, a crater in the mind so deep that no one can responsibly suggest it would surely go away if those victims would just square their shoulders and think more positively".
He gave examples of people he had seen suffer from this, not just new mothers, students, military veterans, grandmothers, and fathers. But also Abraham Lincoln, Winston Churchill, and Elder George Albert Smith (8th Prophet of the Church) as well as himself.
"So how do you best respond when mental or emotional challenges confront you or those you love?"
- "Never lose faith in your Father in Heaven, who loves you more than you can comprehend."
- That love never changes... It is there for you when you are sad or happy, discouraged or hopeful. Gods love is there for you whether or not you feel you deserve [it]. It is simple always there.
- Never ever doubt that [his love ]and never harden your heart.
- Faithfully pursue the time tested devotional practices that bring the spirit of the Lord in your life.
- Seek counsel of those who hold keys for your spiritual well being.
- Ask for and cherish priesthood blessings
- Take the sacrament every week
- Hold fast to the perfection promises of the Atonement of Jesus Christ.
- Believe in Miracles
- Hope is never lost.
- If the bitter cup does not pass, drink it and be strong, trusting happier days ahead.
- Slow down, rest up, replenish and refill.
- Seek advice of reputable people with certified training, professional skills, and good values.
- Be honest with them about your history and your struggles.
- Prayerfully and responsibly consider the counsel they give and solutions they prescribe.
Elder Holland gave the example of a when we are owning a car, we need to be alert to rising temperatures, excessive speed or a tank low on fuel. We also need to make adjustments to ourselves.
He said, if we had appendicitis, God would expect you to seek a priesthood blessing and get the best medical care available. He would expect the same with emotional disorders. He expects us to use ALL of the marvelous gifts he has provided in this glorious dispensation.
Don't assume you can fix everything, but fix what you can, Be grateful with the small victories, and be patient.
As caregivers, don't destroy you own health in helping others. Do not run faster they you have strength. You can offer your prayers, and you can give love.
He shared a story of a women named Stephanie who was in a plane crash with her husband. She was scarred so horrifically that only her painted toe nails were recognizable when family members came to identify her. After three month sleep induces coma, she awake to see herself and did not want her four children under the age of seven to ever see her again. She felt it would be better not to live and would be easier to forget about her if she slipped quietly out of their life. But to her credit and with prayers from many, she fought her way back from the abyss of self destruction to be one of the most popular mommy bloggers in the united states. She openly declares to the 4 million who follow her blog that her divine purpose is to be a mom and to cherish every day she has been given on this beautiful earth.
Whatever our struggles, Trust in God. Hold onto his love. Know that one day the dawn will break brightly and all shadows of mortality will flee. Though we may feel we are like a broken vessel, we must remember that vessel is the hands of the divine potter. Broken minds can be healed just the way broken bones, and broken hearts are healed.
He closed by bearing witness of the day when loves ones who we knew to have disability in mortality will stand before us glorified and grand, breathtakingly perfect in body and mind. What a thrilling moment that will be! I do not know whether we will be happier for ourselves that we have witnessed such a miracle or happier for them that they are fully perfected and finally free at last. Until that hour when Christ consummate gifts is event to us all, may we live me faith ,hold fast to hope and show compassion one to another. I pray in the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.
Article Used
Like a Broken Vessel - Elder Jeffery R Holland
What I Learned
This was a much needed but hard talk to publicize. As Elder Holland says, we need to admit to our mental illnesses and not be ashamed, but that is easier said then done.
I have depression. I also am suffering from chronic panic. I often feel as if my emotions control me and hijack my logic side of my brain, not allowing me to logically process my thoughts and gain control of myself. With depression, I just want to hide in my room, and ignore the world. I would go to work, come home, and ignore my family and other responsibilities. But I also was good at pretending everything is fine if I needed to. Go to church, go to work, do the necessity, but still be broken inside.
This talk is wonderful and uplifting. Reminding me what I need to do and that I am not alone.
No comments:
Post a Comment