Today’s post comes from Lisa of Wisdom Pursuit. This post, Jesus in the Dishes, was originally published on her blog last week. We are honored to republish here for you today.
It had been two years, at least. Two years of that dark monster of depression clinging to my husband and engulfing my family in a daily struggle just to stay afloat. Sometimes he could beat it back far enough to convince those around him that things weren’t so bad, but other times it seemed as if the monster would strangle the life out of him as he lay exhausted in the bed, unable to face another day of fighting. On those days, I wondered if it would ever end and how I would survive if it didn’t. I even occasionally secretly wished that he was fighting a disease like cancer instead of a mental illness. Then, I reasoned, I would have the sympathy and support of the church members who always cared for those in need. Instead, I suffered in silence, hoping and praying that the torture would end, and attempting to protect my husband from those who would tell us that if he just trusted Jesus more, it would all go away. We did trust Jesus, and it didn’t go away.
Finally, we accepted the fact that he was dealing with a genetic chemical imbalance that could only be properly treated with medication. The first few weeks, nothing seemed different. We questioned whether we had made the right choice. “Why, Lord,” I would ask. “Why won’t it just go away?”
Then, one day, it happened. He walked into the room and said, nonchalantly, “I’m going to the store. I started to do the dishes but we’re out of detergent.” Now, this may seem like an ordinary comment to many of you. But to me, they were the most wonderful words in the world. You see, he had been a man who had always helped out around the house. But it had been months since he had attempted to wash any dishes, and I couldn’t remember the last time he had offered to pick up anything at the store. I managed an “okay” and a smile before I turned away and burst into tears. I had seen the light at the end of the tunnel and it was too beautiful to behold.
Relief washed over me in waves as I was reminded that Jesus had heard our prayers, He knew my pain, and He would continue to be by my side as we fought this monster. Ecclesiastes 3:11, NIV, tells us that “He has made everything beautiful in its time.” He was restoring my husband to me in His time and in His way. Though there would be more battles to fight, I knew then that the final victory would be ours in Jesus.
With God we will gain the victory, and he will trample down our enemies.
Psalm 60:12, NIV
Remember, you can read more from Lisa at Wisdom Pursuit!
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I just wanted to say that my husband had a brain injury when he was a little boy, which went undiagnosed for years. It just seemed like he had a bad attitude or was forgetful. After a year and a half of visiting doctors and having tests, he was finally diagnosed and went on medication. Now he's pretty good–he even makes me dinner sometimes! He remembers to pay bills! He doesn't lie! It's awesome.
My father-in-law is convinced that my husband shouldn't be on medication, that he does not have a problem (even though it's one that an untrained eye can see on the MRI of his brain), and that he just needs to pray more and have a better relationship with Jesus in order to function. I don't think my father-in-law would tell my husband to pray away a broken leg. He got glasses and braces for all of his kids when appropriate, rather than praying that his daughter would miraculously become 20/20 or that none of his brood would be snaggletoothed.
This attitude toward mental health issues from fellow Christians has been very hurtful to my husband and to me. We have a great religious life, we pray together daily–and yet, he still needs meds to function. And that's ok. In fact, he says his relationship with God is better and his faith is more solid now that he's on his medication. He's a better husband than he was before, and I know he'll be a better father than he could possibly have been otherwise.
Thank you for sharing this story. I wish more Christians understood that mental chemical imbalances and brain injuries are no different from, for example, high blood pressure or a deep cut.
Alisha,
Thank you for sharing your story! The more of us who are willing to share about our imperfect lives, the better for the Christian community as a whole. Jesus came to heal the sick, and I'm glad that the Great Physician still heals both physical and mental illnesses through the physicians here on earth. Blessings on your family!
Lisa
Thank you for being so transparent! God is faithful!