Like a Broken Vessel
by Elder Jeffrey R. Holland
All of us, at one point or another, have come in contact with depression. Maybe it's a coworker, a neighbor, a family member, or even yourself.
"So how do you best respond when mental or emotional challenges confront you or those you love?"
Elder Holland gives us a few ideas:
Elder Holland gives us a few ideas:
1. "Faithfully pursue the time-tested devotional practices that bring the Spirit of the Lord into your life.
2. "Seek the counsel of those who hold keys for you spiritual well-being.
3. "Ask for and cherish priesthood blessings.
4. "Take the Sacrament every week"
5. "Hold fast to the perfecting promises of the Atonement of Jesus Christ."
6. "Believe in Miracles"
7. "watch for stress indicators. . . Do not run faster than you have strength."
8. "slow down, rest up, replenish and refill. Fatigue is the common enemy of us all."
9. If things continue to be debilitating seek the advice of reputable people with certified training, professional skills, and good values. Be honest with them about your history and your struggles. Prayerfully and responsibly consider the counsel they give and the solutions they prescribe. If you had appendicitis, God would expect you to seek a priesthood blessing AND get the best medical care available. So too with emotional disorders.. . .Broken minds can be healed just the way broken bones and broken hearts are healed."
10. "Above all, never lose faith in your Father in Heaven, who loves you more than you can comprehend. . .If the bitter cup does not pass, drink it and BE STRONG, trusting in happier days ahead. . .Patiently enduring some things is part of our mortal education"
"Let us remember that through any illness or difficult challenge, there is still much in life to be hopeful about and grateful for. We are infinitely more than our limitations or our afflictions!
Next Week's Talk:
The Windows of Heaven
Elder David A. Bednar