I recently had the privilege of listening to this new audio seminar by Cindy Carrier. My own experience with depression during and after pregnancy has made me especially sensitive to the timeliness of this message for Christian women. If you have ever struggled with depression or know someone else who has struggled with depression you will benefit from Cindy's gentle, affirming and Biblical approach.
Here is one quote from the recording which jumped out at me.
"What I have found so self-defeating about depression is the fact that it is near-impossible to separate my thoughts and feelings from my spirit. While I have wanted to think and behave in certain ways, I have been powerfully bound by my flesh in this area. But as Hebrews 4:12 tells us, "the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow, it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart." Staying in the Word, and speaking the Word is certainly one of the keys to victory, because it shifts our attention from ourselves to God."
Wow! I can very much identify with the statement Cindy makes a bit later; that often in the midst of depression we are meditating on thoughts that are clearly wrong instead of meditating on Scripture. I can remember the negative thoughts that circled my head during my third pregnancy, and they were not God-honoring. What a simple idea, to fill our minds and hearts with Scripture. Not chanting Scripture as I believe that crosses a line towards the philosophies of evil religions -- but focusing our hearts and minds on God's Word through Scripture memory, and spoken Scripture in defense against sinful thinking.
Did you know that Satan cannot hear our thoughts? He can influence our thoughts, and even suggest thoughts, but he cannot hear our thoughts. That is why I believe it is important at times to speak out loud our defense against the temptation to think negative thoughts, as Christ did during His temptation -- causing Satan to flee.
Even though I am not currently dealing with depression, listening to this audio has reminded me once again of the importance of filling myself, my heart, my mind with Scripture through daily reading and memorization and also helping my children create the habits of reading and memorization at the same time so that we are prepared when times of trial come.
Thank you Cindy, for your timely message, and your willingness to be transparent in this area and reach out to women with help and comfort.
The bottom line is; We try not to insist on parent-led learning or gravitate toward child-led learning. We try instead to focus on God-led learning and ask for His input and perspective on every aspect of our home school. That way, when others fuss about what Dan and I are doing and make me second guess our decisions -- I can go back to our decision process and find God's fingerprints, reminding me that this is His way.
