Finding Identity in Mental Illness
Mental brokenness is not your ultimate identity. Broken people can still powerfully minister to others, because the condition of our fallen bodies cannot expel the Holy Spirit from our bodies. No illness or disease can reverse God’s call on you, and no man’s judgement can invalidate God’s claim on you! Who ever said you have to be perfect for God to use you anyway? God often uses the cracks in one’s life to reveal His greatness! :)
God doesn’t dispense His love based on ‘how broken’ you are, but upon the blood of Christ, shed for you. In the eyes of man, you may be categorised in a certain way, but in the eyes of your loving Father, you are ‘beloved’.
“I’m depressed. I’m bipolar. Is this who I am?” No matter the type of brokenness, your identity is not found in a diagnosis, but in the truth that you are a child of God - not a slave to mental illness, but a redeemed child of God! Your mental illness isn’t your identity, and it doesn’t undo the new creation God has made you to be in Christ (2 Cor. 5:17). You’re still a spouse, a parent, a church member who deserves to serve!
Mentally ill? No, your name is ‘beloved’! When you’re afraid, you can put your trust in Him who holds your hand through it all and helps you. He is yours and you are His 😊
Article by @christinemchappell
For immediate assistance, call the National Care Hotline (1800-202-6868), Institute of Mental Health Hotline (6389-2222) or Samaritans of Singapore (1800-221-4444)
To connect with a christian peer support community, visit www.psaltcare.com
To help you connect with appropriate mental health resources, visit www.mentalconnect.org