I love Jesus, but I want to die.
Finding Hope in the Darkness of Depression
Hello, dear one!
Happy Tuesday to you.
I hope you had a wonderful weekend, full of all the things that make you feel alive. I certainly did.
Friday night, Lindsey and I enjoyed a chill at-home date night. We ordered takeout and watched Schitt’s Creek. Then, our bestie came over with ice cream around 9:30 and we sat around and talked until nearly 1:30 in the morning.
(Everyone deserves a bestie who brings salted caramel ice cream and deep conversation.)
Saturday, we had a restful morning, Lindsey got an afternoon massage for Mother’s Day, and Saturday night, we grilled out with our besties.
Sunday was spent celebrating my Mama (see below). It was a perfectly wonderful time with my parents, both brothers, and their girlfriends.
Sunday afternoon, we chilled at the pool with our besties (are you sensing a pattern here?), and enjoyed takeout from the Japanese steakhouse for supper.
(Yes, we say “supper” in the South, “dinner” is in the middle of the day. Only Yankees “do lunch”. But I digress.)
And today, I’m sitting here, filled with gratitude and over-the-moon excitement for my dearest sister, my most precious friend, my writing partner, Sarah J. Robinson, whom I adore.
Sarah and I became friends completely by accident (she chuckles every time she tells this story).
One day, I was searching for faith-based writing groups on Facebook, and stumbled upon one called Faith Writers. I clicked “join” and was promptly added to the group.
After I shared an introduction post, I connected with this young lady named Sarah, who shared openly about her love of Jesus and her struggles with depression, among other things.
Once we connected on the phone for the first time, I heard the voice of one of the most gentle humans I’ve ever met. Sarah is FILLED with compassion for people and a deep desire to follow Jesus and honor God with her life.
She and Micah celebrated four years of marriage yesterday, and they have their first baby coming soon.
But today is about Sarah’s book, I Love Jesus, But I Want to Die: Finding Hope in the Darkness of Depression, which is FINALLY available for purchase today.
Friend, I can’t wait for you to read this book, which has been coined, “A compassionate, shame-free guide for your darkest days.”
But don’t take my word for it; check out what Kay Warren, co-founder of Saddleback Church has to say:
“A one-of-a-kind book . . . to read for yourself or give to a struggling friend or loved one without the fear that depression and suicidal thoughts will be minimized, medicalized or over-spiritualized.”
I promise you’ll be comforted, encouraged, and pointed toward Jesus and practical help for your mental health within the pages of this book.
Sarah is the follower of Jesus I want to be when I grow up.
And to celebrate, I’ll GIFT a copy of the e-book to the first five people to reply to this email and tell me why you want a copy.
God cares about your heart and your brain,
Steve
P.S. Sarah’s book is our book club pick for June! So order yours and join us in the Faith + Mental Health Book Club!
The theme of suffering and faith is something I have often tackled at my blogs because it's very relevant to people who encounter deep trials even though they have firm beliefs. I'd love to read this one. It is something that can help draw a person closer to the meaning of God's love, a love that still exists even in difficult times.
I'm done with part one and I keep having the feeling like she is writing this from inside my head. It explains my emotions almost better than I can.