This year, 2021, we celebrate the official 20th Anniversary of the 1st Presbyterian Christian Mental Health Support Groups, lead forward by Bob Mills (President and Executive Director of Minds Renewed, offering a Christ-like Response to Mental Health). More info on the Minds Renewed website:
www.mindsrenewed.org
"The Lord your God is in your midst, a Mighty One, who will save. He will rejoice over you with gladness, He will renew you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing." Zephaniah 3:17 (MEV)
Jesus put this spirit-filled song on my heart to share with you that I sincerely hope will uplift, encourage, motivate, and inspire you with passion, prayer, purpose, and power propelled by God.
Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise. James 5:13
As someone who has struggled and suffered greatly, experiencing some of the worst symptoms and episodes brought on by mental illness, I can real-ate to others with mental illnesses and hope to help.
Thankfully, I believe God and Jesus bring us all through even the darkest of times and continually offer resolutions and solutions of hope, healing, and renewed life, purpose, and passion I never would have had without them.
I have been through some of the worst times, and at times it has legitimately felt like hell on earth, but I will continue keeping faith, holding onto hope, and surrendering my life to God, who sits in the designated driver's seat.
Our battles with mental illness are not of our choosing, and I have felt, at times, that my metaphoric car is being driven by a demonic out-of-control monster on too many drugs, while I brace myself in the passenger's seat - eyes shut, holding my breath, and clinging on for dear life. I have been holding my head above water and treading water for so long and am ready to become a thriver, not just a survivor.
So, a wise and ideal response is to shift our focus to our God, who knows everything we go through and has great plans for our lives (please turn to Jeremiah 29:11, my fav life verse). I humbly and willingly (and rather desperately at times) ask Jesus to take the wheel.
Bob Mills, a beloved brother in Christ, friend, and mentor, has been the epitome of encouraging and supportive. He has opened up the door for opportunities to help others, share our testimonies, been a catalyst for powerful prayer, and lead the support group through facilitating some sessions.
His Christian mental health support group has been a safe and nurturing place to open up and share what we go through - the ins and outs - however dark and deep. This special support group has been a port in a storm and a refuge when our hope is lacking and faith is dwindling. This is also an ideal place to explore resources and support in our community and beyond.
Together, let us unite in prayer. We lift our voices as one and let Him that knows us, loves us and guides us renew our minds with the peace of Jesus that surpasses all understanding. We are uplifted by true unconditional love that flows through us like rivers of life with the purest water that brings eternal refreshment and contentment. There is no other that satisfies like He.
And, we are fulfilled with hope - true hope - that no matter how dark or dismal our lives may get in the depths of despair, we are not overcome or destroyed. We have the light of the world shining brightly and living in us. So, we follow this light wherever it may lead us, for we know we are being lead the right way when we seek a Spirit-filled life.
And, we go forward - never alone - and without any fears, worries, or doubts. No matter how many times we've been knocked down and no matter how hard we've fallen, we will answer the call, take His hand, and get up again to proceed along our paths together, as one.
A Psalm for giving thanks. Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth! Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into his presence with singing! Psalm 100:1-2 ESV
Oh come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation! Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise! Psalm 95:1-2 ESV
Addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart. Ephesians 5:19 ESV
“Spiritually Sustained On Holy Ground” - © Susan B. B. Schabacker
(Dedicated to Bob Mills’s 1st Presbyterian Christian Mental Health Support Group and All those Who Struggle With Mental Illnesses)
Let's come together to praise Him and thank Him
Let us unite and stay spiritually sustained. . .
A place for the hungry and thirsty
To sate our longing spiritually sustained
A home for the hopeless
With wisdom and unity to gain
These gates welcome you in
Like the outstretched arms of your Father
Calling out to you
Wherever you are however far
Breathing new life into your soul
We offer you our praise
From deep within our hearts
A wellspring of desire
Trying to stay aligned
Together as one we worship you
Individually and collectively
We lift our hands in awestruck awe
Of your mighty holiness
These gates welcome you in
Like the outstretched arms of your Father
Calling out to you
Wherever you are however far
Breathing new life into your soul
We offer you our praise
From deep within our hearts
A wellspring of desire
Trying to stay aligned
Peace that surpasses all understanding
Love that conquers all
Beauty that surrounds us from your creation
Joy as we lift our voices as one
In the light of your presence
You surround us with your love
We offer you our praise
From deep within our hearts
A wellspring of desire
Trying to stay aligned
Shining bright like an eternal star
Lighting our way like a lighthouse in the dark
Guiding us to a sacred place of refuge
And a sanctuary on holy ground (on holy ground)
released February 25, 2021
Lyrics, arrangement, vocals, mixing and mastering: © Susan B. B. Schabacker (lead by Jesus and God), in special dedication to Bob Mill's 1st Presbyterian Christian Mental Health Support Group. Bob Mill's is the President and Executive Director for Minds Renewed that provides a Christ-like Response to Mental Illness.
Minds Renewed is building a network of 12,000 hand-selected consortium members who will provide the hearts, spirits, knowledge, and prayers through which we serve those impacted by mental health concerns and addictive disorders.
At the core of that network are our board members, special advisors, and staff volunteers. As we move forward we will select a national advisory council, at least 1000 charter members, and 11,000 general members. We will maintain a commitment to represent proportionately the theological, cultural and geographic diversity of Christian faith communities in the U.S.
Minds Renewed Site:
www.mindsrenewed.org
Minds Renewed on Facebook:
www.facebook.com/MindsRenewed
