Broken Minds
Last week I blogged about the significance of mental illness for Christian counsellors.
Perhaps some of you were interested in more information about this topic.
Let me recommend a book that may be a real help to you.
Steve and Robyn Bloem wrote a book called Broken Minds that tells their story of battling with mental illness.
As a young pastor just starting out in the ministry Steve was sidelined with crippling depression that at times required hospitalisation.
The book deals with the family’s journey through this severe trial. It is a burden they carry with them to this day.
These were not the only deep waters the Bloem’s were called to endure. On 11 September 2001 (that’s right), they lost their daughter (and unborn grandchild) in a horrific road accident.
Out of their intense suffering has come a rich counselling ministry to the mentally ill and the bereaved.
What I like about this book is the way the Bloem’s have embraced their burdens and turned them around for the blessing of many.
Steve also looks at the science of mental illness and also gives an insightful critique about current Christian philosophies of counselling.
The book has a chapter on how the Scriptures deal with mental illness as well as a chapter on how the puritans responded to what they called ‘melancholy’ (or as we put it these days ‘depression’).
There is also an extremely helpful section on the effectiveness for ministry of believers (including church leaders) who struggle with mental illness.
The author’s shepherds heart is evident as he ponders hard questions and brings to the table sound and biblical observations and conclusions.
I have given this book to quite a few people and they have all found it an extremely helpful resource. It has brought biblical clarity and grace to many who have needed a better understanding of mental health issues.
In his own words, Steve Bloem is a ‘wounded warrior’ and a ‘man of God on pills’. The Bloem’s humility, transparency and courage shine through in their book.
The body of Christ is much more the richer and better equipped to deal with the ravages of mental illness because of their ministry.
Links:
The Bloem’s ministry website
Amazon link to the book
Since I have quite a few spare copies of the book, I am happy to ship one to you at cost so send me an email if you are interested.
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Thanks for the article. It’s greatly appreciated.
Speaking of melancholy, have you ever read the diary of David Brainerd? This was a man who often suffered bouts of ‘melancholy’.
Ignorance is a breeding ground for trouble. As such it’s always good to shine light into a situation where there isn’t much of it there. I’m glad that’s being done here :)
Hi Alen, yes I have heard of David Brainerd’s depression.
Broken Minds also has a section on well known believers like Spurgeon and Luther who also had their downs.
I read about both of them, especially of Spurgeon. From what I know he seems to have really struggled with it.
I look forward to reading the book :)
Hello Robert,
I appreciate you posting this about Broken Minds.
I also appreciated Allen’s comments. I have read (quite recently) most of Brainerd’s biography/auto biography in “The Works of Jonathan Edwards -Volume 2,” Edward explains how Brainerd in his early ministry wrongly deducted that his depressive symptoms were due to great spiritual problems. Later, Brainerd realized that he had the disease of melancholia. I think in many ways he mirrors Heman the Ezrahite in Psalm 88.
In Christ,
Steve Bloem