"It takes both the rain and the sunshine to make a rainbow." unknown
Martin Luther, a German monk and prominent theologian, began the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century in Europe. His desire for people to feel closer to God led him to translate the Bible into the language of the people. I found the following story interesting which Billy Graham shares in his devotion book Unto the Hills.
"There is a story about Martin Luther going through a period of depression and discouragement. For days his long face graced the family table and dampened the family's home life. One day his wife came to the breakfast table all dressed in black, as if she were going to a funeral service. When Martin asked her who had died, she replied, 'Martin, the way you've been behaving lately, I thought God had died, so I came prepared to attend His funeral.'" Unto the Hills, Billy Graham
Although I like the humor I know living with depression can be very hard. I've had my share, and continue to take medicine to help both depression and headaches which have lived with me most of my adult life.
Depression happens to most people at some time or other, as the story shows with Martin Luther. Both great and small can be afflicted through their life.
Please know I'm not saying you can talk someone out of depression which Martin's wife was hoping to do. Christians can be depressed as well as any other person. There can be a chemical imbalance that can only be helped through medicine.
That being said, I liked the story. It is hard living with someone who suffers from depression. Just ask Jerry. He's had a lot of practice.
"Fits of depression come over most of us. Usually cheerful as we may be, we must at intervals be cast down. The strong are not always vigorous, the wise not always ready, the brave not always courageous, and the joyous not always happy. There may be here and there men of iron . . . but surely the rust frets even these." Charles Swindoll
I've learned you just keep moving on . . . doing something good for someone else . . . meeting a friend for lunch. Do things that you enjoy doing. Volunteer. Help someone. And most important, call on God.
"Only eyes washed by tears can see clearly." Louis L. Mann
Last Monday, September 12th, was National Chocolate Milkshake Day, and I didn't participate. I love chocolate milkshakes. Grew up on them when Daddy made them in our kitchen and continued the tradition through most of my adult life. Unfortunately, I don't take too well to milkshakes anymore. Now that's really depressing!
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