Depression, Cutting, Suicidal Thoughts

Teen Suicide Warning Signs

Teen Suicide & Warning Signs.

 My Broken Palace is a 501c3 non profit based in Rancho Santa Margarita California  providing  an anonymous online community for Teens Young Adults Struggling with Depression, Bullying, Self Injury & Suicidal thoughts.

Part of the Success of My Broken Palace is due to the online community expressing themselves through Art, Music & Spoken Word Poetry.

Founder Scott Brinson & the My Broken Palace Communications Director James Christy will  be speaking to a group of 2,500+ professional youth workers & lay counselors during the National Youth Workers Convention in Atlanta Nov 17th - 20th. 

Highlights of the Discussion will include a 24hour hotline & online chat, daily encouraging text messages, anonymous peer to peer support and connection to mental health & community resources 

For more information re: My Broken Palace contact

James Christy
Communications  
My Broken Palace
voice/text 949-336-2611
Skype james.christy2

http://www.MyBrokenPalace.com/

http://www.linkedin.com/in/jameschristy

Strengthening Our Defenses

There’s more to isolation than just not having someone to talk to. Isolation weakens our defenses. We are engaged in a spiritual battle every day, and one side or the other is winning at each moment. So the question is, "Who will prevail in the various domains of your life today—the dark forces aligned with the world and the devil, or God and His kingdom?" In his book Things Only Men Know, Preston Gillham put it this way, “The enemy of God and man perpetuates a uniquely masculine attack—isolation.”

Overcoming isolation, then, is not about getting and giving warm fuzzies or an occasional high-five. It involves a war for your spiritual well-being, your effectiveness for God, and your impact on those closest to you. Isolation from other men is not just bad, it’s deadly.

From Being God’s Man...by Pursuing Friendships
 by Stephen Arterburn, Kenny Luck and Todd Wendorff, © 2003.

www.EveryManMinistries.com
29801 Santa Margarita Parkway, Suite 100,
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688
949.609.8780

© 2010 Every Man Ministries. All Rights Reserved.

Wednesday Wonderings

"...mystery"

"They make evil plans and say, 'We have planned a perfect crime.' The human heart and mind are a mystery." (Psalm 64:6)

So now what do I do?  A few weeks ago I told you that I was taking some pictures of Williamsburg, VA at night.  I took about 100 pictures that evening, using the same camera and lens for every photo.  The camera was mounted on a tripod and the photos were taken using a remote shutter release and about a 5 or 6 second exposure.  In other words, the camera didn't move and was allowed to draw in light for about 5 or 6 seconds.  As I went back through the pictures I discovered something a little strange. 

This is a picture of the president's home at William and Mary College in Williamsburg.  What's that "thing" in the left lower corner of the picture?  I blew it up below so you could get a better look at it...

"It" is only in two photos - this one and the last one I took that evening about 90 frames later.  See what looks to be the same object just to the right of the bell tower of Bruton Parish Church in Williamsburg?

Here it is blown up....  Looks the same as the first doesn't it? 

Yet, the second "it" is in a totally different spot in the picture.  If it's a flaw or imperfection in my lens I would expect to see it in the same position in the two photos.  What is it?  I don't know.  Any ideas?  It's a mystery to me...

I love a good mystery.  It has the power to draw us in and engage our senses, thoughts, and feelings.  That's part of what I like about the mystery of God.  It's not scary, but it is engaging if we allow it.  Remember how it feels when you start reading a good mystery novel?  You find yourself not only trying to figure out the "who done it," but also feeling like you're "caught up in the chase."  It feels good.  It's exciting!  It makes you want more!

When we give God our trust we can turn away from fear and enjoy the mystery of life.  God's mystery can be inviting, invigorating, and exciting.  I love a good "God mystery" like the one in my photos.  Who knows what all God has in store for us?  Wow!

Having said that about God, I'm not sure mystery is quite the same thing in our relationships with each other.  The Psalmist says, "The human heart and mind are a mystery" because he's contemplating all the evil and ill will we are capable of hiding within the mysterious caverns of our minds and hearts.  He's talking about something dangerous, not inviting. 

Relationships with one another need less, not more mystery.  We need to be clearing up a lot of the mysterious by sharing more with each other.  Mysterious caverns under the ground might be fun to explore on a vacation, but mysteries hidden from one another deep within the caverns of our minds can be treacherous for relationships. 

I want more of God's mysteries to beckon me into wonder, excitement, and joy.  I pray that God will point me toward more of the divine mysteries and help me clear up the dangerous mysteries I might have helped create in relationships with others.  How about you?

Blessings and Peace,
Gary
Pastor, Sand Hill United Methodist Church
Boaz, West Virginia

Help save lives! For more information on my new book, "A Relentless Hope: Surviving the Storm of Teen Depression," visit www.survivingteendepression.com.

Check out my new video, "Teens Surviving the Storm"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o1hSpxC_G24