Tuesday, April 29, 2008

In Other Words--An Unhappy Mother



"I don't want to be that mother!" she blurted out.

Her surprised friend gently asked, "What mother?"

"The mother whose children have to tiptoe around her because they don't know if today is a crying day or an angry day."

"Isn't that a good enough reason to get help?"

And it was. The friends were discussing some depression that one of them was experiencing. Having grown up in a bipolar home, depression scared her. Her own mother would spend days locked in her room crying. Then there would be days that were "normal" by most people's definitions. But even those days were punctuated by a short-temper and angry outbursts. She didn't want her children to remember her the way she remembered her mother.

"'If Mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy!'
We smile as we read the wall plaque in the novelty store. But our smile quickly turns to a frown if truly "Mama ain't happy." This is because the wife and mother in a family often "sets the tone" in the home. The "tone" God wants her to set is one of joy, optimism, and a delight in the Lord and in her family. If your family were called upon to describe you, what would they say?"
~Martha Peace, "The Excellent Wife"


The mother sets the tone of the house. But what if the reason that "mama ain't happy" is more physical than a choice? Then it is a good reason to get help. In fact, it is more than a reason, it is a necessity. If this is you, please choose to get help. Go to the Great Physician with your concerns. But also, please, see your local physician for help.

On hearing this, Jesus said, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy, not sacrifice.' For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners." Matthew 9:12-13



Christin at As Gold Refined is our hostess for In Other Words this week. Visit and be blessed.

7 comments:

Velda said...

I love reading your blog, especially when it hits home :)

Karen said...

If you think about it when we are having a bad day, grumpy, depressed, upset or angry often there is a reason behind it that needs to be dealt with. It could be a medical issue that needs addressed, fear, bad choices, or the lack of good knowledge on how to fight this. The Great Physician is a great place to start, we should never be afraid to ask for help.

Heather said...

Thanks for adding this important peice to the discussion. I was thinking about depression too, but didn't go there today. Depression can't be conquered alone and women need to get help because it affects the whole family. I know.

Bonnie W said...

MiPa,
I'll say a big AMEN to your post today. Getting help was the best thing I ever did and God knew the right place for me to go and the right counselor for me to see.

Thanks for your post today.
Bonnie

Tami said...

You bring up a VERY important point. Sometimes we need help to see the joy. I'm really glad you brought this up. Many women will thank you. Thanks for having the courage to mention it, MiPa.

Susan said...

MiPa,

What you shared is so true. We have to be sensitive to what's REALLY going on in a person's life before we judge a situation.

I'm so sorry for the things you endured, and blessed God's carried you through.

Blessings♥

Anonymous said...

Very good message!
Be blessed!