Article March 9, 2009 Issue

A WAY OUT OF THE DARKNESS

A mother prays to find freedom from symptoms of depression.

BY LORI ANN JAKUC

I Have always loved the Bible. I remember hearing, as a young Sunday School student, about Noah, Jonah, and Jesus. The story of Joseph and his coat of many colors particularly stood out to me, since my father wore a colorful striped bathrobe that daily reminded me of Joseph. How awful, my young mind thought, to be thrown into a pit and not know what might happen next. But Joseph, through many challenges, did get out of the pit. And he went on to live his life with humility, love, and forgiveness—ultimately helping others on a grand scale (see Gen. chap. 37).

Little did I know that years later I'd be struggling in a deep pit of my own dark thoughts, feeling unable to help myself, let alone others. Even though I felt lost and alone inside, God was right there the entire time supporting me, giving me the strength to do all the things I felt were important in order to maintain my home and family.

In 2003 my husband and I adopted a beautiful little boy. He was 14 months old, a healthy, active, and inquisitive child. We had a great time watching him grow, and trying to keep up with him.