Tag Archives: Mental Health

Devotional

Silent Cries

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Read Ephesians 2:8-9

ALSO IN SCRIPTURE
“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed” (Psalm 34:18 NLT).

Image created by Rev. Todd R. Lattig with the assistance of AI developed by Microsoft.

As a longtime fan of Pearl Jam, their debut album “Ten” holds a special place in my heart. The raw energy, poignant lyrics, and Eddie Vedder’s emotive vocals create a tapestry of sound that resonates deeply with listeners. Among the tracks on this groundbreaking album, one song stands out for its haunting narrative and profound social commentary: “Jeremy.”

“Jeremy” tells the tragic story of Jeremy Wade Delle, a 15-year-old sophomore who took his own life in front of his classmates at Richardson High School in Texas on January 8, 1991. Eddie Vedder, Pearl Jam’s lead vocalist, was inspired to write the song after reading about this heartbreaking incident in a newspaper article. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of a troubled youth, isolated and misunderstood, whose silent cries for help went unheard in a world that seemed deaf to his pain.

What makes this song particularly intriguing from a faith perspective is the subtle biblical allusion in its accompanying music video. At one point, the video flashes the words “Genesis 3:6” on the screen. This verse describes the moment when Eve takes the forbidden fruit in the Garden of Eden, an act that leads to humanity’s separation from God.

This reference to Genesis serves as a powerful metaphor within the context of Jeremy’s story. Just as Adam and Eve’s choice led to a profound disconnection from their Creator and from each other, Jeremy’s isolation ultimately led to devastating consequences. The parallel draws our attention to the fundamental human need for connection – with God and with our community.

In our modern world, it’s all too easy for silent cries to go unheard, even when we’re surrounded by people. Social media, while promising connection, often leaves us feeling more alone than ever. The story of Jeremy reminds us of the vital importance of truly seeing and hearing those around us, especially those who may be silently struggling.

For anyone feeling isolated, depressed, or considering self-harm, it’s crucial to remember that you are deeply loved by God. God doesn’t make mistakes, and your life has immense value and purpose. God’s love is unconditional and ever-present, even in our darkest moments when our cries seem to echo in silence.

If you’re struggling, don’t hesitate to reach out to someone you trust – a friend, family member, counselor, or spiritual leader. Seeking help is not a sign of weakness or lack of faith. Mental health challenges are complex issues often rooted in a combination of biological, psychological, and social factors. Just as we wouldn’t hesitate to seek medical help for a physical ailment, we should approach mental health with the same openness and urgency.

For those who have lost loved ones to suicide, know that God’s love, grace and compassion extend far beyond our earthly understanding. While we may not have all the answers, we can trust that God’s mercy is infinite. God is love, and His grace covers even the deepest pain and despair that leads someone to take their own life. Suicide often results from mental illness or overwhelming suffering beyond a person’s control. We can take comfort knowing that God sees the whole picture and understands each person’s struggles intimately. God’s love knows no bounds.

To those who notice someone struggling: Be the hands and feet of God in this world. Offer compassion, listen without judgment, and help connect them to professional support if needed. Sometimes, a simple act of kindness can be a lifeline to someone whose silent cries have gone unheard.

As faith communities, we have a responsibility to create spaces where mental health is discussed openly and where those who are hurting feel safe to share their struggles. May we strive to be people who truly hear the silent cries of others, extending the love and grace of God to all.

In reflecting on “Jeremy,” we’re reminded of the profound impact our actions – or inactions – can have on others. Let us ensure that no one feels like they’re “standing alone” in their pain. Together, with faith, compassion, and professional support when needed, we can offer hope and healing to those who are suffering in silence.

Remember, in your darkest moments, you are never truly alone. God’s love surrounds you always, often manifesting through the care and support of others. Reach out, speak up, and hold onto hope. Your story isn’t over yet, and your cries are heard by a God who loves you deeply.

If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, please contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. You can call or text 988, or chat online at 988lifeline.org. This service is available 24/7, and provides free and confidential support. For veterans, press 1 after dialing 988 to connect to the Veterans Crisis Line. Para hispanohablantes, presione 2. For LGBTQ+ individuals, press 3 for specialized support. Help is available, and you are not alone.

THOUGHT OF THE DAY
In a world of noise, listen closely for the silent cries of those around you.

PRAYER
God, open our ears to hear the silent cries of the hurting and guide us to be instruments of Your love and healing. Amen.

Devotion written by Rev. Todd R. Lattig with the assistance of Perplexity AI.

Devotional, Previous Post

REVISITED: The Face of Evil, part 3

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Read Romans 12:19-21

ALSO IN SCRIPTURE
“Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. (1 Peter 5:8 NLT).”

Continuing on with the Halloween Franchise, we come up to a whole knew era of the Michael Myers Saga, where he gets a fresh new look from an metal icon turned film director, Rob Zombie. As was mentioned previously, Halloween was based on the film Psycho by Alfred Hitchcock, based off of the novel of the same name by Robert Bloch. In that film, we follow Norman Bates, a deranged, mentally ill man who murdered his mother and assumed her identity. It was scary, and Norman did monstrous things; however, you can’t help but pity him because he cannot help himself.

In Halloween, John Carpenter removes the sympathetic side of the killer out. The film starts with what we believe to be a human being…a six year old boy. We then find out that all humanity has left that little boy as he brutally murders his sister. When he finallyreturns to Haddonfield fifteen years later following an escape from a Mental Health facility, he is no longer a “human being.” Rather, he is a “shape”. The mask he wears is a ghostly shape of a face, and he lingers in the dark, awaiting for someone to pass by him in the shadows. In the original 1978 film, and subsequent sequels, Michael Myers is a rage-filled, unrelenting killing machine with no soul, no moral compass, and no awareness of self even. He is evil incarnate.

Rob Zombie, on the other hand, rebooted the original and took it into a different realm. Instead of dismissing the notion that evil is an evolution, Zombie challenges our understanding of what is evil and how it develops. In his film, we see a young Michael Myers, who is ten years old in this version. We see him at first playing with a rat and then we pan downstairs to see his mom ccoking dinner for her husband and kids. You can tell that they are a lower income, working class, and somewhat dysfunctional family.

When we see young Michael again, he’s washing blood off of his hands and a sharp instrument. He had killed the rat. Clearly, this young child is mentally ill. As we learn more about his home and school environment, it becomes clear that Michael’s behavior is a result of surviving abuse and neglect. His step father is abusive and his mother, who is also an exotic dancer, does her best, but that is not nearly enough for her children. Alcholism, sexual debauchery, and abuse exist in the Myers house.

At school, Michael is bullied and is constantly getting into trouble for writing and drawing distrubing things. The point is, the first third of the film were spent establishing Michael’s back story. The second third of the film is spent showing an adult Michael in the hospital as an adult, his eventual escape and his return to Haddonfield, the final third fo the film is spent the usual way, people running for their lives, blood, guts, mayhem and, eventually, Michael is defeated…but not really. There’s always a sequel, and there was a sequel for Zombie’s film.

In this, Rob Zombie is taking us beyond just sympathizing with a sick person and he is taking us beyond seeing evil as just this unpreventable, unstoppable force that we could never participate in or become; rather, Zombie is reminding us that, while evil does exist, human evil does not exist in a vacuum. Things aren’t always so black & white and, frankly, evil begets more evil. Had Michael grown up in a functional, loving, nurturing environment, his mental illness might not have taken the violent turn it did; what’s more, the household he lived in was so eroded by sin that evil was the natural result…and once evil is unleashed, it becomes a nearly unstoppable force that MUST be eradicated.

This should challenge us to not only avoid being so quick to make judgments, but it also should challenge us to really reflect on the ways we might be contributing to the sin and evil in the world. That is not to say that such mindfulness will result in nobody slipping through the cracks, but it would help us to ensure as few do as possible. Let us be a people who not only avoid being overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good!

THOUGHT OF THE DAY
Let’s reverse EVIL and by turning to God and beginning to trust him to help us LIVE the lives we were created to live.

PRAYER
Lord, help me to avoid evil but also help me to confront and resist it when it presents itself. Give me the courage and the strength. Amen.

Devotional

The Face of Evil, part 3

Leave a comment

Read Romans 12:19-21

ALSO IN SCRIPTURE
“Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. (1 Peter 5:8 NLT).”

Continuing on with the Halloween Franchise, we come up to a whole knew era of the Michael Myers Saga, where he gets a fresh new look from an metal icon turned film director, Rob Zombie. As was mentioned previously, Halloween was based on the film Psycho by Alfred Hitchcock, based off of the novel of the same name by Robert Bloch. In that film, we follow Norman Bates, a deranged, mentally ill man who murdered his mother and assumed her identity. It was scary, and Norman did monstrous things; however, you can’t help but pity him because he cannot help himself.

In Halloween, John Carpenter removes the sympathetic side of the killer out. The film starts with what we believe to be a human being…a six year old boy. We then find out that all humanity has left that little boy as he brutally murders his sister. When he finallyreturns to Haddonfield fifteen years later following an escape from a Mental Health facility, he is no longer a “human being.” Rather, he is a “shape”. The mask he wears is a ghostly shape of a face, and he lingers in the dark, awaiting for someone to pass by him in the shadows. In the original 1978 film, and subsequent sequels, Michael Myers is a rage-filled, unrelenting killing machine with no soul, no moral compass, and no awareness of self even. He is evil incarnate.

Rob Zombie, on the other hand, rebooted the original and took it into a different realm. Instead of dismissing the notion that evil is an evolution, Zombie challenges our understanding of what is evil and how it develops. In his film, we see a young Michael Myers, who is ten years old in this version. We see him at first playing with a rat and then we pan downstairs to see his mom ccoking dinner for her husband and kids. You can tell that they are a lower income, working class, and somewhat dysfunctional family.

When we see young Michael again, he’s washing blood off of his hands and a sharp instrument. He had killed the rat. Clearly, this young child is mentally ill. As we learn more about his home and school environment, it becomes clear that Michael’s behavior is a result of surviving abuse and neglect. His step father is abusive and his mother, who is also an exotic dancer, does her best, but that is not nearly enough for her children. Alcholism, sexual debauchery, and abuse exist in the Myers house.

At school, Michael is bullied and is constantly getting into trouble for writing and drawing distrubing things. The point is, the first third of the film were spent establishing Michael’s back story. The second third of the film is spent showing an adult Michael in the hospital as an adult, his eventual escape and his return to Haddonfield, the final third fo the film is spent the usual way, people running for their lives, blood, guts, mayhem and, eventually, Michael is defeated…but not really. There’s always a sequel, and there was a sequel for Zombie’s film.

In this, Rob Zombie is taking us beyond just sympathizing with a sick person and he is taking us beyond seeing evil as just this unpreventable, unstoppable force that we could never participate in or become; rather, Zombie is reminding us that, while evil does exist, human evil does not exist in a vacuum. Things aren’t always so black & white and, frankly, evil begets more evil. Had Michael grown up in a functional, loving, nurturing environment, his mental illness might not have taken the violent turn it did; what’s more, the household he lived in was so eroded by sin that evil was the natural result…and once evil is unleashed, it becomes a nearly unstoppable force that MUST be eradicated.

This should challenge us to not only avoid being so quick to make judgments, but it also should challenge us to really reflect on the ways we might be contributing to the sin and evil in the world. That is not to say that such mindfulness will result in nobody slipping through the cracks, but it would help us to ensure as few do as possible. Let us be a people who not only avoid being overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good!

THOUGHT OF THE DAY
Let’s reverse EVIL and by turning to God and beginning to trust him to help us LIVE the lives we were created to live.

PRAYER
Lord, help me to avoid evil but also help me to confront and resist it when it presents itself. Give me the courage and the strength. Amen.