Florence Littauer lost two children and became depressed. She overcame and wrote a book in order to help Other Christians to do the same.
Here are some quotes describing how she experienced depression.
“As I sat holding one dying child after another, I lost interest in everything. I once was a gourmet cook, but now I didn’t care if I even ate. I was once a club president, but now I didn’t care if the bylaws ever got straightened out. I had once been a social butterfly, but now I lost all interest in afternoon teas. These former activities went from important to inconsequence. As I tried to suppress my grief, I lost my smile.” (Pg. 22)
I remember walking to the bus stop on a sunny day with the sound of birds chirping and telling myself to enjoy the walk. But, I just couldn’t enjoy anything.
“I got so I would cry if I heard someone laugh. I disliked anyone whose life seemed to be running smoothly. It was not fair that anyone should be happy when I was sad and hopeless ” (pg. 25)
This quote reminds me of how I worked hard to make my sister miserable. I believed that I couldn’t be happy and decided to make my sister feel as miserable as I felt. I guess I wanted company in my personal hell.
The author encouraged the reader to look for his/her strong ability. She lists off some ideas that might be true for that reader. The individual could find one small goal to work on which might decrease the person’s feelings of helplessness. On the issue of housework, she recommended having every member of the family help out. She goes on to talk about organizing the house, working on self-improvement goals and helping others. After this chapter, she writes:
“If you are so distraught that getting organized and raising your self-image are beyond you, perhaps you should seek outside help.” pg. 90)
I appreciate it when a Christian self-help book is open to seeking help from a person’s doctor, a therapist or some other medical intervention.
Many of us Christians experience doubts in our faith when ever we face hard times and depression. The author describes her experience of losing her faith for a time.
“As an adult I regularly attended church and considered myself a Christian, mainly because I wasn’t anything else, yet when I was faced with the tragedy of two brain-damaged sons, being able to recite the books of the Bible didn’t provide much consolation. I prayed for healing for my sons, but knew it was hopeless. Soonwhatevere faith I had disappeared and I decided there couldn’t be a God if a good person like me was in such a situation.” (pg. 97)
God loves you so much that He will forgive you for doubting your faith. He knows how much we humans struggle with believing in and trusting in a loving God. Doubt doesn’t mean that your faith is weak. It is part of a relationship wth God.