intro to my book...wip

[svl3p]

I'm starting to write a book about depression and being a Christian...So far I only have the intro, and part of one chapter written..I keep thinking of things to add and change...but wanted to post the intro here for input. Thanks, if you take the time to read it and critique it. God bless.

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[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Introduction[/FONT]​

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[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]If you're reading this, there's a good chance you're struggling with depression. Perhaps a loved one is. Or maybe you're reading this purely out of interest and curiosity about the subject. You may be a Christian, maybe not. No matter the reason you've opened this book, I pray that its contents will be meaningful to you, that you may be drawn closer to God our Father by reading it.[/FONT]​

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[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Before we get any farther, let me say this. God loves you. He always has, and he always will.[/FONT]​

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[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Maybe that's not what you want to hear. You might be thinking, “If God loved me, I wouldn't be going through this.” Or maybe you're feeling so incredibly low that you can't imagine how anyone, let alone God Almighty, would love you.[/FONT]​

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[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]But God does love you. He tells us this over and over in the Bible. And I'm going to keep telling you this until you believe it. [/FONT]​

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[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Maybe you're feeling hopeless. Like you're in a bottomless pit, with no chance of being able to get out. Or maybe your heart is so broken that you don't even want to try anymore. Your spirit might be so crushed that you don't have the energy to even try putting the pieces back together. No matter the condition of your heart and spirit, God is there for you. He can and will help you through this. You just need to let him in.[/FONT]​

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[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Psalm 147:3 tells us that “He heals the broken-hearted and binds up their wounds.” Not, “some of the broken-hearted.” [/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]All[/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman, serif] the broken-hearted. Which includes you. God promises He will heal you. He is able to take away all your pain and brokenness. In Jeremiah 32:27, God says, “'I am the Lord, the God of the whole human race. Is anything too hard for me?'” This is the same God that made the stars and placed the mountains and orchestrates the sun and moon's movements. He made your heart and placed it in your chest. He gave you your spirit. He can help you heal from your hurts and brokenness. But you need to work [/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]with[/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman, serif] Him. God will be there every step of the way. He will give you the strength you need to beat this darkness over you. [/FONT]​

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[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Repeat after me.[/FONT]​

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“[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]I can do all this through Him that gives me strength.”[/FONT]​

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[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Again.[/FONT]​

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“[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]I can do all this through Him that gives me strength.”[/FONT]​

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[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]These words are taken from Philippians 4:13. You [/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman, serif]can[/FONT][FONT=Times New Roman, serif] do this. Through He that gives you strength. God will give you the strength, the courage, and the endurance to beat this depression. [/FONT]​

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[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]You Are Not Alone[/FONT]​

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[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]One of the prominent emotions experienced by those with depression is loneliness. We will talk about it in more depth later in the book, but I wanted to touch on it here, first.[/FONT]​

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[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]For years, I felt so utterly lonely that it physically hurt. Maybe you know that feeling. My heart felt crushed, my soul felt empty, and it was as though I was walking around in a ghost town. The more depressed I got, the more I closed myself from others. I hid my pain from others. It was like I was wearing a mask all day long, when I was around my family and friends. But when I was alone, the mask came off and I just wanted to cry. [/FONT]​

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[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]But it's a vicious cycle. I hid my pain too well, and no one noticed how broken I was. With every day that passed with no one realizing how low I'd gotten, the more lonely and depressed I felt. I longed for someone to say to me, “You look down. Are you OK?” Or, “You look so sad, is something wrong?”[/FONT]​

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[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]No one did though. I went through years at home with no one noticing. Then 2 years of college, in tight quarters with my roommate and best friend, without her seeing. Then another year at home, and another year after I moved out. I felt like my everyone who claimed to care for me must be lying; otherwise, why didn't they look close enough to see my pain?[/FONT]​

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[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]I felt completely rejected and alone. [/FONT]​

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[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]But I wasn't. In my mind, I knew God was there. In my heart, however, I felt empty. I wouldn't wish those feelings of loneliness on anyone. But if you're experiencing any type of loneliness, I want you to know you are NOT alone. God is with you. Forever and always.[/FONT]​

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[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Let's look at a couple of God's promises. [/FONT]​

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[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]In John 14:18, Jesus says, “I will not leave you orphans. I will come to you.”(MKJV) He will never leave us. Even in our most lonely hours, He just will never leave us alone. [/FONT]


[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]The first part of Deuteronomy 4:31 tells us, “For Jehovah your God is a merciful God; He will not forsake you...” (MKJV) [/FONT]


[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Deuteronomy 31:8 promises that “[/FONT]And Jehovah is He who goes before you. He will be with you; He will not fail you nor forsake you. Do not fear; nor be dismayed.” (MKJV)


When you're at your lowest of lows, God is still with you. I know I sound like a broken record, but I also know that many people need to hear it over and over until they not only believe it, but feel it.

[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Throughout this book, we will talk about many of the emotions, struggles, and questions that are commonly experienced by those with depression. We will discuss how God can help us through these trying times, and how to experience a Spirit-filled life again. We will look through the Word and explore God's promises for us. At the end of the book, you will find a section devoted to a collection of inspirational words, prayers, Scripture, and worship. [/FONT]​

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[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]You can take a look through the table of contents and read only the chapters that you feel apply to you. But I suggest reading the whole book. There may be Scripture verses or notes in areas you would not have otherwise come across that may hit home for you.[/FONT]​

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[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]At the end of each chapter, I will include a prayer related to the issues talked about. You can pray these words, or use them as a guide and lift your own words to God. The important thing is to pray. Open your heart to God. Let him in. It may also be wise to seek Christian counsel. Someone with the training and experience to be able to best guide you through this journey. Ask God to show you the path you should take.[/FONT]​

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[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]Dear Lord, [/FONT]​

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[FONT=Times New Roman, serif]I'm hurting right now. My soul and my heart feel broken. I can't find my way through this darkness on my own. I need your help. I need your love. I need your arms wrapped around me. Lord, please help me. Give me the strength I need to defeat this depression. Give me the courage to face all my past hurts. Show me the hope you have for me. Lord, heal my heart and make me whole again. In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.[/FONT]​

 

[svl3p]

sorry..I realized JUST as i clicked "post" that i should have put this in the creative writing thread..can someone move it please? thanks. sorry again.