May 24 ~ Schizophrenia Awareness Day

I love that "schizophrenia" awareness has it's own day. Not because I want people to notice and feel sorry for my family's adversity, but as a Christian my eyes have been opened to a vast, unreached and forgotten segment of our very own community. Yes, neat and tidy, enlightened and educated America.

Don't get me wrong, I hate schizophrenia (a very broad psychiatric term) and everything associated with it. I despise its effects on my son and the many people I meet in classes, groups and clinics. And I am going to continue to search for answers, and pray for healing for my son and others.

But a few words of gospel whispering, I just can't seem to get out of my head...

"learn to do good;
seek justice,
correct oppression;
bring justice to the fatherless,
plead the widow's cause.

Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD:
though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool." Isaiah 1:17~18

What providential place has God brought you to? Do you dream of going to a far off land dear Christian to share the good news of the gospel? Do you think that your dark affliction stands in the way of your usefulness for God's kingdom? Won't you consider joining me in lifting up our eyes to see the harvest? To learn to do good? Right smack dab in the middle of our dark providence?

We can do this. It's not hard. God changes us in the fire. He reminds us that we bring nothing to the table, He reminds us of our own unloveliness, and then showers us with His love anyway. His grace. Through Jesus' atoning work. And then He says go. Go find some more unlovely people just like yourself. And tell them what I have done for you.

Where you say? Look up. Look around us. The harvest is plentiful.

So I say, dear Schizophrenia...I hate you. And all that is associated with you. And though I can't beat you yet, I won't stop trying. And learning, learning to do good as I go.

Because, He loves me. And He died for me. Unlovely me and unlovely you.