Sheila Walsh's new book called Loved Back to Life came to me just at the right time. Depression is the norm for me, not to the extent she's suffered with it, but a part of my daily walk nonetheless.
It's interesting to me how she was treated by the Christian community when her struggles became public knowledge. Sadly as believers we tend to think we have to portray a perfect lifestyle, which oddly enough, diminishes proof of God's work in us.
Back in the 90's Sheila was a host on the 700 Club, was a very popular Christian singer, and appeared to have everything going for her. Her routine of working Monday through Friday for the 700 Club, then flying out to do concerts, all the while never letting. on how difficult it was, finally had its way with her. She never let on that it was too much, she just ceased to be able to manage it. Life lost its joy. That certainly sounds familiar. She crashed and ended up checking into a Christian-based psychiatric hospital. There she learned to handle her stress, and let go of her need to be perfect. We all should be so wise.
The part of the book that reached me so clearly was when she spoke sharply to her friends, who then let her know her harsh words really hurt them. Her counselor who she shared with told her to write the following out every morning: "God loves a woman with a quiet and a gentle spirit." She called herself a 'quiet terrorist'---"someone who didn't look like an angry person, but who liked to quietly control things from the sidelines."
Yes.
I underlined all through this book and would freely recommend it to anyone who either struggles with depression or the need to exhibit perfectness. It's not worth it.
(i received this book free to review from booklookbloggers)
