I am always a bit shocked when I hear people refer to mental illness in a pejorative way. Growing up in a pastors’ home, my mom (who was a nurse) and my dad (who was a pastor) always modeled for us a care and concern for all people. And those wrestling to establish their mental health represented… well all of us. Even complex issues such as schizophrenia were just someone’s child, neighbor or friend. As a family we had many such friends. We often had people over for dinner or we ate at their home. This wasn’t a part of social inclusiveness it was just the Christ like thing to do. In fact, we always felt like our home was a refuge to restore our minds.

Our home was a place of prayer. We always prayed together before every meal. Our parents would tuck us into bed every night with a prayer and a Bible-story.

Our home was a place where put-downs were not allowed. Where swearing and filthy language was banned.

Our home was a place where we all enjoyed our meals together usually with a few friends.

Our home was a place of laughter, fun, playfulness, and friendship.

Our home was a place of discussing Godly values to help us to not feel trapped in the rip tide of less than healthy ideas being pedaled in society.

To not have such basic Godly forces in the home would to leave the door open inviting kidnappers, thieves, and abusive people to come in and try to destroy our family.

Please join us this Sunday as we study the book of Colossians on how to make your home a place of peace at 10:30am in-person or online.

Your friend for the rest of my life,

Pastor Tim White