Article January 1, 1999 ISSUE

E-mail to a friend who's depressed

Eric

Hey there,

Just thought I'd send you an e-mail. I know that when we have talked about God in the past, you didn't think He or She existed or that prayer works. But hear me out on this one. Maybe what's needed is a new concept of God and prayer. Try this one out. God isn't some old man up in the clouds just waiting for us to screw up so He can punish us. He's actually there to love and help us in times of trouble, regardless of our past actions.

The first chapter of Genesis in the Bible has a cool story that gives a more inspired view. It talks about how God created men and women in God's own likeness. That must mean we're I here to reflect the qualities that come from God. You and I aren't trying to fit our past into God's creation. So let's start fresh. Today is a new day!

It's so clear that God created everyone whole and perfect. This includes you. You're the child of God, and God loves you more than any biological mother or father or friend could love you. God, since He is everywhere in the whole universe, could never leave your side, even if you tried to run away

The last part of the account in Genesis says, “God saw every thing that He had made, and, behold, it was I, very good” (1:31 ). What does it mean when something is good?

It means it can't injure or harm or be irritating. It can't have any flaws — now or at some future date.

A woman named Mary Baker Eddy wrote a book called Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, which helps many people around the world by giving a new and fresh view of God and ourselves. A view that brings peace, comfort, rest, and healing to our life.

Among the key words Science and Health uses to describe God are these: Mind, Principle, Spirit, Soul, Life, Truth, and Love. Now let's think about what these words mean. Well, Soul could describe the source of creativity and beauty. Mind — intellilgence and wisdom; Spirit — energy, enjoyment, movement; Life — existence, activity; Truth — freedom and peace; Love — God's tender care for you and for everyone.

God's love doesn't change depending on how good or bad someone's past actions have been. God has unconditional love for you — meaning He isn't expecting something in return. And He doesn't require that you have a perfect track record first. The word Principle that Science and Health uses to describe God indicates the source of divine government or law. All of the previous qualities mentioned are held together by God's law. We might even say by God's law of good.

Remember how I talked about the fact that we reflect qualities of God? Well, YOU shine with every one of those qualities! This is a matter of the law of God, which can't be broken.

A long time ago, a man named Jesus talked about God's love for each one of us. He talked about a shepherd with 100 sheep. One day one of those little sheep decides to go for a walk on his own. After a day of exploring, the sheep suddenly realizes that he's lost, alone, and maybe a little sad and scared. The little sheep maybe bleats out a cry for help. The shepherd, in the meantime, notices that one of his sheep has gone off exploring. The shepherd doesn't leave that little sheep out in the wilderness to fend for himself against the foxes and wolves but instead goes searching for his sheep. This sheep has great value to the shepherd because, without this one sheep, his flock wouldn't be complete.

So the shepherd doesn't just wait for this sheep to ask for help. He doesn't leave it out in the wilderness to teach it a lesson. He begins to search for him right away. And he finds the little sheep. He brings him home on his shoulders, feeling happy the whole way back to the flock.

This shepherd could represent God's love for you. To me, this story shows that God hasn't turned His back on me or you or anyone.

You aren't a depression in God's creation, but an expression of love, purpose, health. God, didn't create a separate mind from God. He tenderly loves and guides each one of His flock. No one is left out. And God is constantly communicating with each one of His children (meaning you and me). He will never stop loving us and showing us our true purpose. One of our qualities as children of God is the ability to recognize our Parent's voice — and follow it. God's message of love is clear and direct. We can never be confused or have our receiver turned off. God is powerful enough to break through any obstacle.

Depression is foreign to your individuality. Your true identity can't help but want what is good and from God. So your healing is inevitable. It's for the glory of God.

Once depression is gone, you don't have to worry about it coming back. Depression isn't an ocean wave that we have to keep fending off. God's love is like a lighthouse, where waves may be crashing but the lighthouse keeps shining and standing. And you can never lose sight of that love and light.

Well, you take care now. I'll talk to you more later.:)

Much love,
Eric.

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