Friday, August 16, 2013
Here is the link for chapter 2 of my manuscript, "Carry On, Living with Uncertainty". It is about faith.
Looking back over this chapter I realize that I have been feeling much better than when I wrote the first draft for this (however many years ago -- and many, many drafts later). Nevertheless, reading this dropped me very near to a feeling of depression that I remember quite well and pulled me toward the edge of a steep drop off that looked familiar. A place I continue work very hard to distance myself from.
Feel free to leave a comment if you desire.
https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B7jPs-wKTuOuMHM5NW54VG1saGs/edit?usp=sharing
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I think it beneficial to explore the scope and reach of faith, and especially so where it may have such a positive effect on dealing with depression. But I couldn't help thinking while I read Chapter 2 that there might be other explanations for the will to not give in to depression. Some anthropologists might argue that almost all people in almost every society cherish life (especially their own) and that the will to live is universal. Is that not at play in the fight for light in the midst of the darkness of depression? Some psychologists might argue that almost every person learns coping mechanisms, and that in the darkest times, those mechanisms kick in instinctively. Humanists might argue that over the millions of evolutionary years, humans survive all manner of trials, including external forces that could and do kill thousands at a time and internal forces that threaten one individual at a time. Depression is one of the individual potential killers, and yet the will to survive persists --even when all seems to be lost. A Mormon like me might think that this universal survival instinct could be the Light of Christ, and when things get the darkest in this life, perhaps it is this light of Christ that, like a pilot light, keeps lit and burning to keep us from utter darkness and complete despair. But, I have to admit, faith is as good an explanation for this survival phenomenon, as any that could be offered, and maybe better than them all. Some without any understanding of faith, however, seem to do just what you have described faith doign for you in your darkness. If they are untrained, unlearned, and completely inexperienced in matters of faith, how then do they cope and survive? That suggests to me that maybe the more universal explanation may be the Light of Christ. But I can't help agreeing that faith intertwines with the Light of Christ, so there may be some combination of both going on. In any event, I am grateful for your attempts to explain the feelings and despair of depression, and the real and consequential battle one wages, sometimes daily, just to breathe and live, let alone actually enjoy the day. Thank you.
ReplyDelete-Your Brother Chris
This chapter started (and continued) to be a response to those who preach and teach and talk about how faith and discouragement/despair cannot exist together. They exclaim that only one can be present at any given time. I argue that faith can be present inside of depression. I admit that I did not specifically define "faith," other than using the verse of scripture from Hebrews 11:1 - which is somewhat vague. I want the reader to use whatever definition they may have for faith, be it religious or otherwise. The "will to live" may be deep inside of us, but it has different meanings for different people - especially those living in constant pain. Thanks for taking the time to read. Love ya.
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