What follows is a slightly revised edition of a blog I posted in September of 2013, four months after my 19 year old son, Jordan, took his life. nw As of this week, there were still a few things at my office that had been "undisturbed" since my son took his life on May … Continue reading The Depression Epidemic
Depression
I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day
I often tell people that, within the context of Christian music, the words of most beloved hymns & carols boil down to this: those lyrics are someone's story put to music. As with the heart-breaking story behind Horatio Spafford's It is Well, we would do well to familiarize ourselves with the drama that gives life … Continue reading I Heard the Bells on Christmas Day
The Old Rugged Cross
NOTE: I wrote this four months after finding my 19 year old son after he'd taken his own life... There have been moments these past months that I've wanted to give up on God. I'm simply being honest. As one who grew up in a violent, alcoholic home, I witnessed more violence as a child … Continue reading The Old Rugged Cross
Wall Street Journal: How to Spot Teen Depression
This article from the Wall Street Journal appeared in their May 5, 2018, edition. For your convenience, the entire article is included here. Depression is the number one mental condition associated with suicide. nw How to Spot Teenage Depression New guidelines focus on helping better identify teens who may be struggling with depression, as rates … Continue reading Wall Street Journal: How to Spot Teen Depression
The Dark Night of the Soul
I thought this blog was excellent.... Whether you've been diagnosed as Clinically Depressed, or you simply wrestle from time to time with "normal" depression, you will find this article from Christianity Today to offer an encouraging perspective. http://www.christianitytoday.com/le/2015/february-online-only/3-truths-of-dark-night-of-soul.html?share=u9xFwK%2b5YSsaiQH%2bQlhPrc8Q3Vzxkokc Soli Deo Gloria, Nick
“Awakenings” (sermon excerpt)
From a Roman prison Paul wrote, "I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened [flooded with light] in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you,..." (Ephesians 1:18) Below is the link to the final 9 minutes of the sermon I preached this past Sunday. What you … Continue reading “Awakenings” (sermon excerpt)
Homeless Demons
[Jesus said],“When the unclean spirit has gone out of a person, it passes through waterless places seeking rest, and finding none it says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came.’ And when it comes, it finds the house swept and put in order. Then it goes and brings seven other spirits more … Continue reading Homeless Demons
Robin Williams, Laughter, Depression & Suicide
I had no sooner posted some comments a few minutes ago on Facebook about "getting to know laughter again" following the suicide of my son a year ago, than social media began blowing up about the depression-prompted suicide of comedic giant/genius, Robin Williams. I don't have lengthy commentary to offer here. Only this: if you … Continue reading Robin Williams, Laughter, Depression & Suicide
The Pain of Healing
Satan is evil personified. However, it wasn't until after Jordan died that I understood this on a deeper level. Losing a child comprises, in my opinion, the single worst day of a parent's life. After Jordan died I was in a state of relentless despair. To my surprise (and I shouldn't have been surprised) satan … Continue reading The Pain of Healing
S.O.S. – A Request for Prayer
Each year, our staff writes letters of congratulations to the year's high school graduates. As I was searching for resources today, I came across the letter I wrote to my son, Jordan, when he graduated high school in 2011. This week, as we approach May 13th, has been horrible. The emotional ambushes are crippling. I've … Continue reading S.O.S. – A Request for Prayer