Tag Archives: Goals

Mental Illness and Jesus

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So I’m crazy. 

At least that’s what society says. Of course the stigmas of depression have continued to improve as years pass by and we can see that people all around the world have it, but still, there are lot of people who don’t understand mental illness. Either because they have it and don’t know, or they just don’t have it. Which is awesome. 🙂

But for those of us who do understand and are also Christians, there is this post.

So I have mental illness all around me. As you know (hey frequent readers!) I myself have been diagnosed with depression. I’ve got anxiety, more anxiety, addiction, and ADHD hanging out in other people in my family and friends. And it’s a new learning experience every day.

First thing’s first. Jesus CAN fix anything. He totally can. Prayer works, and you should keep praying, no, matter, what. There have been plenty of times when I have been hopeless for the people around me with mental illness. And by nature of depression, I was pretty hopeless for a long time for myself. But, I have learned to not relent. God wants us to keep knocking on that door until He opens it. He desires healing – he desires peace for us. But, that doesn’t always mean that He’s going to answer in the way that we think He will. He’s going to answer in the way that is most effective for bringing us to Him.

I will tell you, being mentally ill will bring a person to Jesus. There’s not a lot more to do without actually going crazy. Trying to help someone with anxiety, depression, or ADHD will as well. And you know what? I’m thankful for that. Some of us are on meds. I used to think that they weren’t necessary. Jesus humbled me…sometimes that’s the tool he wants to use. Sometimes the meds can’t do it all and there’s some serious soul-digging that has to happen.

But through it all, Jesus is king. He knows that mental illness is just another piece of the fallen world, and the truth remains the truth – He has freedom for us. We may not know how healing will come in earthly terms, but we do know that it will come from Jesus.

Anyway…if you’re ill, or someone you know is, don’t give up. Beg for strength, mercy, healing. Keep your eyes on the goal. You may need to change the plan to get to the goal, but walk in with a shield of love, and see that healing will come, in some way. It will. So rest in that. You’re not at all alone.

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…because love wins.

It’s hard to find people who get it.

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We were never meant to do childhood cancer alone.

If you or your child were diagnosed with cancer today, would you just want something to read online, or would you want also want a person in real life who can help? I know it’s the latter. Because I’ve been there.

I can help with that.

When a family googles “Childhood Cancer” I want my name to come first, so that they may have someone to talk to who can point them in the direction of a person with the same kind of cancer in the same part of the world. I know well enough people to  make the connections, but I need you to spread the word.

The GOAL for the next three days: Get 5,000 facebook “Likes” here: https://www.facebook.com/ShannaDecker and ONE MILLION Twitter followers at https://twitter.com/Shanna_Decker! But I need your help!

Share share share share the facebook page! And then be sure to ask your friends to share it – it needs to go viral! And, #5000forcancerkids on Twitter. Then link to this story or http://www.twitlonger.com/show/jsk2td. Remember to ask people to RT and spread the word!

You are helping raise awareness. YOU are helping families not have to do this alone. Because it’s easy to find something to read. It’s not as easy to find people who just get it. Who, for that matter, can tell one what to read as well. 🙂

Please do all you can to help us!

…because love wins.

I didn’t run.

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I didn’t run first.

You and I both know that we want greatness for our lives. There exists within us all a gnawing that says we have a purpose. Somewhere, behind our hurt, and our bitterness, it’s still there, whispering: “Be alive. Be who you are made to be. Be free.” And when we remember that, we find the want to run. To run faster than we ever have to accomplish what we were set to do. It’s phenomenal, for the most part.

But, it produces some struggle as well. Sometimes it is almost overwhelming to me how badly I want to change the world. How badly I want every single one of you on this planet to know you are not alone. To see all I dream of when I’m staring at the sunset to happen. I know you can relate to some degree. For if you’ve ever dreamed of anything, you probably wish it to happen right now. I know I do.

But real dreams aren’t run after. They are carefully pursued one piece at a time. I know this because three days after my leg was rotated backwards as a seven year old girl, I did not run. No. I did something more important than that. Something that most pass by, but something so important that it deserves to be studied thoroughly.

I stood up.

And for the first time in the months I had been on chemotherapy, I was on my way. For the first time since I was born, I was on a brand new path. For the first time, I realized that running wasn’t nearly as important as having the strength to stand.

So today, remember, we must first stand before we can gain the strength to take the first step. And realize that just standing is a major step on the way to seeing those dreams come true. Be patient. The rest will come and you will learn which step to take next.

…because love wins.

*Shanna Decker is a nationally recognized philanthropist, childhood cancer survivor, amputee, professional fundraiser, non-profit founder, and much more. She speaks world-wide on a variety of topics. To meet her or have her share at your event, contact her through her website. And, have a marvelous day.