Here’s to Your Health
Prayer changes things, and sometimes that “thing” is us! I prayed to have a close spiritual friend. God answered my prayer in an unusual way through a surprise encounter at church. He brought a woman fifteen years younger than me into my life. She had a mental illness and a dysfunctional background. I knew little about mental illness, and she knew little about how to live without chaos.
One in five people in the U.S. are affected by the symptoms of mental illness every day. Society is often quick to stigmatize those individuals. But God opens our eyes to new perspectives, leading to unexpected outcomes. After twenty-five years, Sharon and I have learned from one another and experienced the highs of mania, the lows of depression, and the difficult journey of recovery. Our friendship has seen many challenges, but it has also seen rewards. Maintaining a friendship with someone who has a mental illness takes work and commitment.
Sharon and I’s history could fill the pages of a book. So that’s what we did! We wrote a devotional book to challenge the stigma of mental illness and throw a lifeline to the mental health community and their advocates. Anxiety, depression, mania, suicide, and societal fears are not beyond God’s reach. Every scenario in the book is real. Sharon shares her viewpoint, and then I share my perspective as an advocate; the goal is to look beyond ourselves and our circumstances to embrace God’s guidance and compassion.
Sensitive topics are addressed in the devotions that are often glossed over. With stories and insights from the Word of God, every devotion offers hope and encouragement amid the difficult trials pertaining to mental health issues. Readers will discover a different style with reflective questions, journaling opportunities, and a variety of coloring pages. You can learn more about Outta My Mind, Into His Heart at www.amazon.com and purchase your copy.
-Karen O. Allen
Ewe R Blessed Ministries
