spiritual attack vs. depression & anxiety

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CopticChristian said:
Truth,

This is better than epilepsy and I would second reading the dark night of the soul. I have Netflix and if you have or can get access to it, you can find a movie on John of the Cross, a man in love with God. It is something to think of, living your life, seeking the love of God…

Isn’t that what we are all supposed to do???
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I think it was helpful to thresh out the discussion on diagnoses, and to be as helpful as possible to the OP.
I am struck, though, with the idea of “seeking the love of God…” While in a sense we seek God’s love, there is also a sense of accepting God’s love, to begin with the article of faith that God loves us, that before everything else, God indeed loves us!
Or to put it another way. it is not important the you love this… love that… etc… perhaps in a sense, even whether you love God or not. What is of overwhelming worth and power is that God loves us, loves you.
This thought was really quite central in pulling me out of the darkness that I at one point experienced in my life.
God loves you… still can’t get over it!!!
 
CopticChristian said:
Truth,

This is better than epilepsy and I would second reading the dark night of the soul. I have Netflix and if you have or can get access to it, you can find a movie on John of the Cross, a man in love with God. It is something to think of, living your life, seeking the love of God…

Isn’t that what we are all supposed to do???
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Yes. And marriage can interfere with one’s love of God. Careers have the same affect.
 
I find it very difficult to talk about the depression that I experienced but it did teach me a great deal about many things. Things about myself, about God, about people, perspective and life. At that time, I lost my faith completely, but have since rebuilt it from the ground up and it is better than it was before.

I have heard about dark night of the soul and indeed what I experienced was very similar. It was well worth it in the long run but I do not wish to return to the state I was in at the time.

No, I don’t agree with the statement that a persons marriage can interfere. I learned that even though some people preach that God is jealous, we need to give God a little credit. He doesn’t demand so much of our time that we can’t be married or have a career, He made us for one another and there’s enough love to go around. In my opinion, He blesses our unions and wants them to flourish. In my experience, He is not demanding but patient and is not jealous. I also think He wants us to flourish as individuals so there’s room there for a career too if we so choose.
 
truthquester said:
I find it very difficult to talk about the depression that I experienced but it did teach me a great deal about many things. Things about myself, about God, about people, perspective and life. At that time, I lost my faith completely, but have since rebuilt it from the ground up and it is better than it was before.

I have heard about dark night of the soul and indeed what I experienced was very similar. It was well worth it in the long run but I do not wish to return to the state I was in at the time.

No, I don’t agree with the statement that a persons marriage can interfere. I learned that even though some people preach that God is jealous, we need to give God a little credit. He doesn’t demand so much of our time that we can’t be married or have a career, He made us for one another and there’s enough love to go around. In my opinion, He blesses our unions and wants them to flourish. In my experience, He is not demanding but patient and is not jealous. I also think He wants us to flourish as individuals so there’s room there for a career too if we so choose.
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Truth,

The emotions, sadness, anger and deep sadness as in depression should be viewed as you illustratively point out as catalysts for change. When we can learn to observe our emotions and not sit in them then we can see them for what they are. We are responding to something and whatever that something is then if we note that something is causing us distress, the moment we recognize this, then we can observe it for what it is and ask ourselves the following question…

What does this mean in the context of my life and what can I do to cause change…what you learned as you say was what the situation caused you to reflect on in your sad depressed stated…

Emotions are nothing more than catalysts for change.
 
That is so true. It may not have been what I wanted at the time but I sure needed it, it was hard but it was worth it. I guess if I had tried to ignore it I wouldn’t have had the changes that were so needed at the time.
Maybe sometimes depression is a blessing disguise.
 
truthquester said:
That is so true. It may not have been what I wanted at the time but I sure needed it, it was hard but it was worth it. I guess if I had tried to ignore it I wouldn’t have had the changes that were so needed at the time.
Maybe sometimes depression is a blessing disguise.
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Truth,

So think a moment…you were catalyzed for change, you believe you were blessed, you are a better person, you believe that someone, something knew your needs…and it was worth it…so in the scheme of things ignoring that as you say would not have allowed what it is you have experienced…

In my darkest hours I find listening to the Psalms refreshing…not reading…listening…

I also find the thoughts in Abandonment to Divine Providence enlightening…an old book…

So, you don’t have to answer…but if you consider that God calls us…He waits for our response, I notice you have monikered yourself as not attending…is it fair to say that now you find yourself on CAF recognizing and understanding something that you did not…if I asked you

What do you believe?
How do you Live as you believe?
How do you seek what it is that is good?
Do you ask for help?

and then I said…knowing all that you know…experiencing all that you have…being here on a CAF asking questions and finding yourself equipped to move whichever way you choose and then I said…consider the Catholic Faith…and if you were to look at the Catechism…it is dividied into

Profession of Faith…what is believed.
The Sacramental life…how it is we manifest that profession in our lives
The Life of Christ…seeking and modeling what is good
Prayer…asking for help…

I am sure that you believe something, I am sure that you live someway and I am sure you seek something and ask for help…

Perhaps you may consider a visit of the Catholic Faith…perhaps your catalyst has led you here…just a thought…🙂
 
You are right on the money, I don’t know where I belong and am feeling a little lost, but I know what I believe and I know what I feel. It’s a comfort to me to come here and talk about these things.

Sometimes viewing the Catholic Church from afar it seems a little intimidating. I have so many questions that seems like it would go against the church itself and I have not allowed myself to consider it.
I don’t understand things like why the Priests and Nuns have to be celebate, I’m afraid that if I’m not 100% committed and in agreement to everything they do it might be offensive to them.
I don’t understand why the Pope is allowed so much power, I don’t get the roseary either. If I did join would they accept me? Would I have to be confirmed again? I don’t read the bible anymore, I started listening to my heart instead, it’s less confusing. Would I have to confess to a priest instead of talking directly to God? I don’t even know where to begin.

During these times in my life when I was in my darkest hours I believe that God gave me something because I don’t often come up with these things on my own.
Share,
s- show love and expect it in return
h - honor God, yourself and others
a - ask for help when you need it
r - return that help
e - everyday
That is why I live by.
 
truthquester said:
You are right on the money, I don’t know where I belong and am feeling a little lost, but I know what I believe and I know what I feel. It’s a comfort to me to come here and talk about these things.

Sometimes viewing the Catholic Church from afar it seems a little intimidating. I have so many questions that seems like it would go against the church itself and I have not allowed myself to consider it.
I don’t understand things like why the Priests and Nuns have to be celebate, I’m afraid that if I’m not 100% committed and in agreement to everything they do it might be offensive to them.
I don’t understand why the Pope is allowed so much power, I don’t get the roseary either. If I did join would they accept me? Would I have to be confirmed again? I don’t read the bible anymore, I started listening to my heart instead, it’s less confusing. Would I have to confess to a priest instead of talking directly to God? I don’t even know where to begin.

During these times in my life when I was in my darkest hours I believe that God gave me something because I don’t often come up with these things on my own.
Share,
s- show love and expect it in return
h - honor God, yourself and others
a - ask for help when you need it
r - return that help
e - everyday
That is why I live by.
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Truth,

Your acronym works and if it works then work it…consider this…how much of this do you accept…I would imagine most of if with the exception of One Holy Catholic Apostolic Church…though I don’t know…however if you consider that these words are only but a few…you are further than you imagine…
We believe (I believe ) in one God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, and of all things visible and invisible. And in one Lord Jesus Christ, the only begottenSon of God, and born of the Father before all ages. (God of God ) light of light, true God of true God. Begotten not made, consubstantial to the Father, by whom all things were made. Who for usmen and for our salvation came down from heaven. And was incarnate of the Holy Ghost and of the Virgin Mary and was made man ; was crucified also for us underPontius Pilate, suffered and wasburied ; and the third day rose again according to the Scriptures. And ascended into heaven, sits at the right hand of the Father, and shall come again with glory to judge the living and the dead, of whose Kingdom there shall be no end. And (I believe ) in the Holy Ghost, the Lord and Giver of life, who proceeds from the Father (and the Son ), who together with the Father and the Son is to be adored and glorified, who spoke by theProphets. And one holy, catholic, and apostolic Church. We confess (I confess) one baptism for the remission of sins. And we look for (I look for) theresurrection of the dead and thelife of the world to come. Amen."
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You say you were confirmed. Sacraments are not repeated. Confession can wait, acceptance of understanding of celibacy can wait…and if you put those concerns on the back burner…can you accept

Some sort of Sacramental life that would aid you in grace at some time in your life?

and

Would you consider since your SH are not that different than modeling Christ and following the commandments?..the purpose? Be Holy as our God is Holy…I would imagine this you would consider you do.🙂

and your A is life of prayer…Pray without ceasing…then you are well on your way to the 4 points of the Catechism/deposit of Faith…

Profession of Faith
Sacramental Life
Life in Christ
Prayer…

and you are steps beyond many because you recognize…in your RE…Social Justice…because if all you did was Believe, Live, Model and Pray…and you did not take it to the world and help others…you would be as a bell or clanging symbol…and know one wants that…

I believe you are closer than you think and have answered in ways you may not have imagined…only you know…🙂
 
You have blown me away. I will definitely consider it, but if I do, will you help me?
 
truthquester said:
You have blown me away. I will definitely consider it, but if I do, will you help me?
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Truth,

What is it you ask of me?

What is it you want to know?

What is it you believe you need help with?

I appreciate your consideration of coming home to the OHCAC…🙂
 
I just want a little advice. How do I join? Do I just go into the church and find a priest and say I want to join your church? Do I have to make an appointment to go and talk to someone about it?
 
Yearning_Heart said:
There’s a good book on discernment of spirits that helps to distinguish when you are experiencing moments of desolation or consolation (which can come from a variety of sources-God, yourself, the devil as temptations etc). Its based on St Ignatious’ rules of discernemnt and is called Discernment of Spirits by Fr Gallagher. I’ve found it very helpful.

amazon.com/Discernment-Spirits-Ignatian-Everyday-Living/dp/0824522915
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Yearning Heart, I came across your recommendation for this book the other day. I too have been having a VERY HARD time, and am reading this book right now…

It’s exactly what I need right now. Thank you for posting it…👍
 
truthquester said:
I just want a little advice. How do I join? Do I just go into the church and find a priest and say I want to join your church? Do I have to make an appointment to go and talk to someone about it?
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Truth,

I have been busy, forgive me.

I believe you are asking, how do I join the Church, and if so, you may want to begin with looking into RCIA. There are some online RCIA sites I found that explain the process. If you cannot find them, let me know.

Take a look at the online Baltimore Catechism, it is in simple question and answer format and is available.

If you want something that is easy and inexpensive, get hold of the Audio Catechism for Adults USA, about $42.00 and listen away. It has stories of Saints, information about the Church and is entertaining as well as educational.

Go to a Church and express interest. Speak to a priest, Deacon and ask about RCIA.

I hope that this helps.🙂
 
Truthquester

I run the RCIA program at my church. You just contact your local Parish and ask about their RCIA program. They usually start around september and go until Easter.

The first few classes are called Inquiry classes and you go through a little information regarding the Church.

Then if you agree to continue you go into more in depth information on what being a Catholic means and all about our wonderful traditions and the beauty of the Mass.

At Easter you are baptized (if necessary), confirmed, and receive first communion.

After Easter there are a few more classes to answer any lasting questions and to discuss the experience.

If you are interested you don’t have to wait till September of course but please contact your parish and find out how their program is run. Best wishes and if I can help in any way just let me know.
 
Truth–

RCIA stands for Rite of Christian Initiation for Adults in case you were wondering.
 
Thank you for all of the advice, although I’ve been pretty busy as well. I haven’t checked back for a while and the sub. are not coming into my email anymore so I assumed there were none. I will definitely check it out, it sounds interesting.🙂
 
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