A Christmas Pause

Did anyone else miss the month of December? I don't know what it was about this year - but I somehow missed December 1-20th! It was like someone hit fast forward!

Some of that may not be so bad though .... because for the first time.... I didnt even get the chance to get caught up in how the world celebrates.

A  big regret, though, is I didn't even get Christmas Cards out this year.... 

...so here's my feable attempt to redeem myself!!!

Wishing you a
MERRY CHRISTMAS

from the Michaud's

George, Christie, Mason 7, Connor 5, and Allie (11 months)

May you hit your Pause button this year!

I'm so thankful, that ever since the 20th hit, I have somehow found my "pause button." Seacoast Church has been doing a series of sermons called PAUSE. I think it is the perfect theme for this season. What does this mean? How do we "pause"?

INTENTIONALLY!!!

Intentional: Deliberate... On purpose!

This is my new word starting now

I will INTENTIONALLY PAUSE

• to be THANKFUL
• to SURRENDER and TRUST
• to LISTEN

As you pause this Christmas, think on these things

What does it look like? What does it mean?

I will pause for now and be back to share what it looks like and means for me.

 Merry Christmas!



Its TOGO TIME!

 Mission trips have truly changed the trajectory of my life. Two years ago, I came home from Togo, West Africa with a purpose – a vision to minister to women… And I am speechless and humbled by what he has allowed me to be a part of since getting off that plane. During my hiatus from world missions, God not only blessed us with a baby girl, but also revealed, stretched and challenged me to lead and minister locally.

God has given me a hunger to be stretched even more and removed from my comfort zone – For this is when we truly grow. I KNOW that God still has things He wants to do in and through me in Togo…. And have patiently waited for the opportunity to return. I’m excited to say the opportunity has come – I will be returning to Togo from February 26^th till March 9^th to participate in Medical Clinics as well as evangelism. Click here to contribute online

Seacoast Church is continuing it’s partnership with Pioneers Togo while in country and I am honored to partner with this amazing organization. Their specific mission is to go into unreached villages, plant missionary families to live among the Togolese, raise up disciples within the villages, and ultimately plant churches to continue sharing the gospel. Our medical clinics play a large role in their mission and results in much more than caring for the physically sick. Pioneers’ is able to leverage our medical teams to open the doors of villages that have in the past been closed off to Christian missionaries. While we are providing healthcare, medications, and treatment, Pioneers Togo team members are busy using the opportunity to preach the gospel and minister to the villagers.

As of right now, there are 20 people signed up to be a part of our team this February – the most ever. We are so excited about the extra manpower, because we will be able to do something we have never done. Our goal is to have ONGOING MINISTRY (men’s, women’s, children’s, discipleship, skits, teaching, etc.) being facilitated while each clinic is running.

This year, I will be taking on the role of Women’s Ministry Leader. The vision is to come up with ideas and resources to pour into, encourage and challenge each of these three groups of Togolese women.

1. The Wives of the Pioneers Staff – they are often left to run the family while there husbands are hard at work and traveling. We want to create and bring them life-giving resources they can keep and use when we leave. 
2. The Village Missionaries Wives – While there husbands are being discipled by the Pioneers staff, many have no one to pour into them. We want to encourage, challenge, and stretch them to grow, while helping them learn to disciple women in their village.    
3. The Village Women who do not know Jesus.

This is just a small part of the ministry that will take place this year. The men and children’s ministry teams are hard at work as well. And, we are also fund-raising so French Bibles can be purchased ahead of time and shipped to the Togo Missionary House for distribution. How amazing it would be to have bibles available and ready to hand to people that are hungry for God's word.

GOD IS DOING GREAT THINGS IN TOGO ...

WILL YOU BE A PART OF IT?

For the families who give Tax Deductible Christmas/End of Year Gifts towards

missions, charities, organizations, please consider the Togolese and our

specific mission in your giving this year. 

Click here to contribute online

There are THREE ways you can be a part:

1. PRAYER – Prayer is not the last resort, but the FIRST Defense. Please pray for the team in raising the money, protection, team unity, health, divine appointment, and open hearts… not only for the Togolese, but for each member of the Team. And of course for my financial and childcare provisions. 
2. FINANCIAL - In order to go, we need to raise $3400 per pereson (half of this amount needs to be raised this month to reserve plane tickets). This covers lodging, meals, air fare, medications, surgeries, etc. If you would like to partner with me in this, any help you could offer would be greatly appreciated and is 100% tax deductible. Please know that no amount is too small! 
3. CHILDCARE - Help with Allie during the week days and the boys after school. In 2011, I almost did not go because this was such a concern to me. However, I trusted and He provided through friends and family working in shifts. I believe He will provide again.

Click here to contribute online

Be sure to select "Christie Michaud" on the drop down box

THANKFUL for the THORN

Give GOD THANKS

Regardless of your Feelings

And HE WILL GIVE YOU JOY

 Regardless of your Circumstances 

Jesus Calling, Nov 24th

What are you grateful for? There is so much revelation in this question but you will not get "it" unless you STOP and THINK about it.... and what a great day to start? Sure, Thanksgiving is about food, football and family... but there is so much more. For the month of November, my family has each come up with one thing a day to be thankful for (there are no repeats). It  challenges us to get past the obvious and tangible blessings and dig deeper into the unseen hidden blessings.

STOP - With the busyness of the holidays, many miss out on this special day the Lord has made (Psalm 118:24). Are you a statistic? Do you share a meal with family only to leave feeling physically full, but spiritually empty? This holiday was given to us, to remind us of our many blessings and Who The Giver of of them is.

THINK and THANK - Make a list of everything you can think of to be thankful for.... then come up with at least 10 more! The longer the list, the more your perspective on life will change. 

 Thankful for the Tangible 

 This is the easy one - people who love us, the things we have.... but this is just the surface

Thankful for the Tiny Details 

 The sunset, a rainbow on a rainy day, giggle of a baby, coffee time, a friend's sense of humor

Thankful for the Spiritual 

Unlimited time with the lord, His omnipresence, Unconditional love for ME, Jesus' Sacrifice, the Father's Forgiveness, the power of the Holy Spirit living IN and THROUGH me...

Keep Going - Dig Deeper

On my first mission trip, there was a woman who taught me so much and never knew it. No matter what circumstance came her way, she always spoke a "Thank you" to God. At first, I thought it was the funniest thing... but I eventually "got" it. She got  1 Thess 5:18 (Thank [God] in everything [no matter what the circumstances may be, be thankful and give thanks], for this is the will of God for you [who are] in Christ Jesus [the Revealer and Mediator of that will].)

THANKSGIVING CHALLENGE

Can you be Thankful in ALL things... 

EVEN for Your "THORN"?

Read 2 Corinthians 12:7-10, 

• Paul learned how to be thankful for the thorn in his flesh ... It's that chronic infirmity, annoyance, or trouble in one's life... that struggle that doesn't seem to go away.

...I was given the gift of a handicap (thorn) to keep me in constant touch with my limitations...

•  It was something so big he truly battled... maybe even daily.

...Satan’s angel did his best to get me down; what he in fact did was push me to my knees....

• Paul even prayed for his thorn to be removed from his life, but God did not. (though we may not understand, God knows best... Can you trust and thank him for that?)

...The Lord answered "...My grace is enough; it’s all you need. My strength comes into its own in your weakness"...

• Once Paul "Got it", he was thankful for all things EVEN for His thorn.

... I quit focusing on the handicap and began appreciating the gift. It was a case of Christ’s strength moving in on my weakness. Now I take limitations in stride, and with good cheer, these limitations that cut me down to size—abuse, accidents, opposition, bad breaks. I just let Christ take over! And so the weaker I get, the stronger I become. [MSG]

Wow what a testimony!!! That very thing you want to get rid of may be that thing that keeps you coming back to Christ in surrender.  

What is your THORN

(a chronic habit, hangup, flaw, weakness, person) 

that's a CONSTANT BATTLE?  

Here's mine. 

Can you Thank Him for it? 

Make it your sacrifice today!

Give GOD THANKS Regardless of your Feelings

And HE WILL GIVE YOU JOY Regardless of your Circumstances 

JESUS CALLING - Nov 24th

Halloween - To do or not to do....

I believe THAT is not the question, but instead that there are TWO others we need to be considering ...

• Are you following YOUR heart's conviction and serving an AUDIENCE OF ONE? 
• Are you allowing the Enemy to cause distraction and disunity within the body of Christ by forming (spoken or unspoken) judgements of those who have differing opinions?  (John 10:10)

This was a hard one for me to write because I know there are strong opinions on this issue and the last thing I want to do is cause disunity. I do, however, believe this needs to be put out there. The inspiration to write this post came from an encounter I had with a sweet friend this past weekend who has given me permission to share.

We are Neighbors. Christians. Friends. Both a part of the Body of Christ

Same Church. Same Season of Life. Same Parenting Style. Same Values.

A Difference... 

MY Family chooses to trick or treat and decorate with Pumpkins and spider webs for Halloween
HER family chooses not to and goes with a more harvest fall decorating scheme.

Watch what Satan tries to do with this scenario.

This past weekend, our children were playing outside together as my friend and I monitored from a distance... the topic of Halloween came up between the boys. I began to feel a little awkward... unsettled... separated. When play time was over, I walked away feeling a little mad ... not at my friend... but at what the enemy was trying to do. ... CAUSE DISUNITY.


You have to look closely to see it...

Ephesians 6:12 For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world... In the physical world, nothing had changed. But in the spiritual world, the enemy was throwing out some "tactics" (lies) to try and separate my friend and I.

Let me explain....

This awkward, unsettled, self conscious feeling was coming from what I started hearing in my head... something along the lines of  "She thinks less of you because you participate in Halloween. She's looking down on you. I bet she's rethinking letting our children hang out?" Now, Was this what she was really thinking? Of course not!

When I recognized the lie I was hearing, I started thinking that she could have been hearing a similar lie... something like... I bet Christie thinks I'm weird because we don't participate - I wonder what other people are thinking? Was this what I was really thinking? Of course not!

The Result: Awkwardness, insecurity, confusion .... distance.... this ultimately comes from my personal struggle of  people pleasing... and if I would not have taken those thoughts captive (2 Corinthians 10:4-5) ... then OFFENSE would have taken hold and caused DISUNITY. 

It makes me wonder how often things like this happen. 

Paul knew that Satan is the great enemy of God and his people, and one of his enduring tactics to disrupt the church and to hinder our witness to the world is to bring about disunity.  

-Tim Challies

We have to be sooo careful of this because disunity doesn't only affect you and your church... it also affects those outside of the church who are watching you. 

The impact can be great and Satan knows this.

So, back to the REAL questions:

1) Are you following YOUR heart's conviction and serving an audience of one? 

• Personal convictions are exactly that... personal convictions ... between you and God.
• Are you following your convictions regardless of what others think? Colossians 3:23 And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, 
• Interesting topic I'm currently looking into - Biblical vs Personal Convictions
• Psalm 139:23-24 Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; And see if there is any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting.
   

 2) Are you allowing the enemy to cause disunity by forming opinions of others who have different personal convictions?  
 

• Satan is always looking for ways to come at the church. 

2 Timothy 2:23-24 But refuse (shut your mind against, have nothing to do with) trifling (ill-informed, unedifying, stupid) controversies over ignorant questionings, for you know that they foster strife and breed quarrels. And the servant of the Lord must not be quarrelsome (fighting and contending). Instead, he must be kindly to everyone and mild-tempered [preserving the bond of peace]; he must be a skilled and suitable teacher, patient and forbearing and willing to suffer wrong. [AMP]

• ONLY the Father knows the hearts of man and has place to judge.

Luke 6:37 Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.
1 King 8:39 Then hear in heaven, Your dwelling place, and forgive and act and give to every man according to his ways, whose heart You know, for You and You only know the hearts of all the children of men,

My goal for writing this post:


1 Peter 5:8 Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour.

• To be AWARE of how Satan tries to cause disunity among believers
• Be INTENTIONAL and not allow it (go out of your way to make sure Satan cannot use your words or actions against you.)
• PRAY for EVERYONE to hear our Lord clearly and follow His voice and no one else.
• PRAY for God's will and protection over our words and actions 
• To be AWARE of your own intentions - Are you seeking to please God or others?

My goal for each October 31st.

• This is what I SPEAK: 

This is a day the Lord has made. I will rejoice and be glad in it (Psalm 118:24). 

• These are the questions I PRAY for wisdom for: 

How can I be a light to the world on this day? How can I teach my children to see God in everyday including this one? How is God calling ME to stand out? 

• This is our PUMPKIN TRADITION: 

Pumpkin Parable: Use pumpkin carving to share the gospel.

Sticks and Stones...

First posted 10/10/12

 "Sticks and Stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me..."

Whoever came up with that one!?!? Not only is it false for speaking out at others, but maybe more so for speaking to yourself. (outward speech and inward talk - your thoughts).

I think of myself as a pretty positive person ...speaking and being able to turn my thoughts around. ... But boy have I been blinded in the area of my children... especially my "character builder".... even more specifically homeschooling him.

It's a long battle and a daily struggle where I'm literally hanging onto a thread. I really don't know if I've daily attempted anything harder than this before. I have been failing miserably at speaking words of life to him and most of my mommy guilt stems from this. My patience is shot... And I could swear that, at times, my face is beet red and steam is coming out of my ears.

I have been praying for a long time for God to cover this area for me, but it doesn't seem to get much better. My prayers sound something like "God I cant do this. I need you. Help me change HIM." ... Could it be that my own prayers, thoughts, words are hindering my progress?!?!

My prayers NEED to be positive. I need a new prayer .. from CHANGE HIM to SHOW ME. 

Father God, Thank you for my precious boys and the opportunity you've given me to train their hearts. Thank you for always loving me even when I fail.

• Show me how to do the same - train them up and discipline in this love.
• Show me how to love and accept ALL of them the way you love and accept ALL of me.
• Show me how to allow them to be who you created them to be and not some perfect mold that "I" think they should.
• Give me the grace to change my perspective and control my anger. I recognize that changing this part of me WILL make all the difference.  

I've also recognized a few other things to:

• I have to take responsibility for my words no matter how hard or validated I feel they are
•  My words and thoughts NEED to line up with my new prayers                P-O-S-I-T-I-V-E
• Changing my words and what I speak to and over him, is the FIRST step to changing my thoughts and perspective of the situation
• When I speak of him to others, that talk MUST be positive and hopeful as well

I was recently told that, it's the "character builders" who you form the tightest bonds with later in life. I CLAIM this while I persevere, hold my tongue and take my own "time outs" to find my sanity. I will SPEAK this when change seems hopeless. I will PUSH FORWARD, and be POSITIVE in my thoughts, words and actions no matter how the outlook appears in my mind.

So WHO do you need to put this very thing into practice with?

Your Child(ren)? Spouse? Relative? Boss? Friend? Neighbor?

 Who in your life brings out some little "uncontrollable monster" at times? Where in your life is their negative talk (inwardly and outwardly) going on? Evaluate your prayer life... what area(s) are you not praying positively in? Are you hindering your own progress?
.

Give it a try... Change your words about them... See what happens!

Just saw this video on a tweet. How appropriately fitting! Enjoy!

http://www.stevenfurtick.com/elevation-creative/elevation-creative-i-am-loved/



Casting Call

Life is a PLAYWRIGHT- there is a SCRIPT.

Matthew 6:10 Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven.

God is the DIRECTOR.
Genesis 1:1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 

Job 14:5 You decide how long anyone will live. You have established the number of his months. You have set a limit to the number of his days.

We are the CAST.
Isaiah 64:8 ... We are the clay, and You our potter; And all we are the work of Your hand.
John 15:16 You did not choose me. Instead, I chose you. I appointed you to go and bear fruit.

We have the CHOICE whether to accept the Part
Joshua 24:15 Then choose for yourselves right now whom you will serve....as for me and my family, we will serve the Lord.
Deuteronomy 30:19 I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing; therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live;

 We are NOT meant to be EXTRAS.
Revelations 3:15 I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. ...
Colossians 3:12 You are God’s chosen people. You are holy and dearly loved. So put on tender mercy and kindness as if they were your clothes. Don’t be proud. Be gentle and patient.
James 1:22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.


We were CHOSEN for a BIGGER ROLE - Leading or Supporting
 Matthew 5:16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.
Romans 8:37 Yet amid all these things we are more than conquerors and gain a surpassing victory through Him Who loved us.


THE QUESTION IS....

...WILL YOU CHOOSE YOUR GOD-GIVEN ROLE

 

... OR JUST BE AN EXTRA?

 

Ephesians 4:1 I (Paul), therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called,

Matthew 22:14For many are called (invited and summoned), but few are chosen.

This verse stresses the importance of our focus. Not to be on the field (the world), but on the workers for the field. We need to be praying, listening, accepting our role, and encouraging the workers. God's already working in the people, he's just waiting for the workers to till the field.- Pastor Earnest

 

 

Audience of One

Hello- my name is Christie and I suffer from people pleasing.

The kind that seeks "unspoken" approval and validation from the world... Or more specifically... the people in it. Let's face it, I want everyone to think I'm good at things and recognize my good qualities. However... I just want them to THINK IT... NOT SPEAK IT. It honestly is really hard for me to take a compliment. When given, I shrug, feel uncomfortable, look at the ground and force a "Thankyou" out of my mouth.

I know, It seems like an oxymoron. In one way I appear humble, but on the other, secretly prideful and arrogant. As I was describing this to a friend, she identified it as false humility.  Yep... as much as I don't want to admit, that hit the nail on the head. Not only is it false humility, but it's a form of Idolatry.

"Idolatry of what?" you might ask. 

"SELF!!!"  Worship of Myself. I want to get the glory that is meant for God. Wow - that was hard to write "out loud."

I wasn't aware of this deception and massive hold it had over me until fairly recently. Satan - You are sneaky. Get the away from me!!!!! Matthew 16:23


Thank you Lord for revealing my sin to me when I am ready to hear it. And thank you for convicting my heart and not condemning me (Romans 8:1)! There is a huge difference!

Our 2nd BATTLES class finished up this past June. And like a good leader, I asked for feedback on how to improve the class...and boy did I receive!

Never fails, there is always that one review that I take personally. I'm sure it was meant to be helpful, but Satan uses this weakness of mine (see above) to try and bring me down. The awesome thing is...in the end... no matter what ... God brings ALL things together for good. Romans 8:28

LET ME EXPLAIN: As I began reading this review critiquing me and my public speaking skills, I felt that pain in my chest rising up, the expression of anguish forming on my face, and the water trying to escape my eyes... the Non medical term of this being "hurt feelings". Thankfully, I recognized what Satan was trying to do in that moment.

So I prayed, "Lord, please let me ACCEPT what is written on this form. I CHOOSE to believe it is meant for good - and the person who wrote it means no harm." Romans 8:28

As I finished praying, God placed a phrase in my heart - "AUDIENCE OF ONE." 

I began speaking this truth... "I serve an audience of one. Lord - it is you I choose to serve and not others." I kept speaking it... and soon my fickle feelings came under control.

So, I continued reading class evals and came to a real positive one. I smiled, set it aside and thought to myself..."Oh good. I'm gonna keep this one out and read it whenever I'm feeling down." And that jolt of pride started surfacing and I stopped.... and heard the same phrase in my head..."NO Christie... You serve an AUDIENCE OF ONE."

God convicted me of how much I depend on people's acceptance AND then he showed me how to find freedom from it.

THIS IS WHAT I LEARNED

BATTLES

Many of you know that my passion is to help others learn how to live in freedom. Being one that was "stuck" for sooo long, I know how this can keep us from the abundant life Christ died to give us. (John 10:10)

Through my experience and Battlefield of the Mind, by Joyce Meyer, God has formed a ministry that has been changing lives at Seacoast Church, Charleston, SC.

As we enter into our 3rd class this fall, ask yourself these questions: 

• Is God calling you to join us?   
• Is someone coming to mind as you read this?

Come join us as you learn more about yourself, Satan's strategy to keep you "stuck" and how to Battle back for your God-given freedom.    Download the Registration Form HERE!

DETAILS: Battles of the Mind (10 week course) Tuesday nights beginning Sept 10 at 6:30pm Studio B $5 class fee Child care available

More Information

Inspired by Joyce Meyer's Battlefield of the Mind, but much more than a book study!

While we read portions of this best seller each week, we also dive into the BATTLES curriculum that encompasses many great bible teachers on this subject - the mind and the role it plays in your victory or downfall of everyday life.

Each week includes a brief video & curriculum teaching, a freedom testimony from one of our Battles leaders, and a safe place for small group discussion. This course not only educates you on the battle, it equips you for it. Each week you will learn a new Life Battle Tool to apply to your journey of finding freedom.

For more information, please email me at michaudchristie@gmail.com

The "D" Word

Original post 5/9/12

Depression. For some, I have your attention. For others, you're saying to yourself... "I don't deal with that." Now, before you decide this post isn't for you, please consider the following:

1) ALL HAVE DEALT or currently deal with a form of depression at some time or another.

2) We ALL KNOW SOMEONE who deals with this.

3) The OVERALL MESSAGE of this post pertains to any STRUGGLE where we feel we have no control. (that includes EVERYONE.)

Now, as I was saying... The "D" word ... Depression. It has such a stigma to it. It's taboo. A sign of weakness. In Africa, the definition translated back to us was "going mad." Wow, who wants that to describe them! No one wants to talk about it... But I do, so let's talk. I CHOOSE to be transparent about what I deal with in hopes that it can help others.

The definition of depression I want to highlight on is sunken, pressing down on and accompanies feelings of hopelessness and inadequacy. The truth is we ALL have felt it. It can be based on circumstances, mindsets created through life, or a chemical imbalance. Often, it's even a combination of these. For me, it's a pressing down paralyzing feeling. It's also accompanied with negative, insecure and self conscious thoughts. My perspective changes, and not for the good. A dear friend and fellow blogger (http://rubber-pencils.com) described it best as being "uncomfortable in my own skin." That is me. It is not based on circumstance, but instead, a physical pulling down feeling AND endless lies entering my head. Sometimes I can identify what the lies are, other times, I cannot. I want to shut my brain off and crawl into my hole... and not just for a moment... for a LONG time... The crazy thing is, I cant' even tell you why or what caused it.

Some of you can relate, but for others, it's not so bad. This is when my flesh wants to say "I hate you" and be covered with jealousy and self pity for the day. Instead, I CHOOSE to change my perspective. I CHOOSE to live by the Holy Spirit and say "I am thankful this is not a big issue for you" and "I praise God for blessing each of us with different strengths and struggles. There is a purpose for them."

2 Corinthians 12:9  "My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness. So now I am glad to boast about my weakness, so that the power of Christ can work through me.

For when I am weak, He is made strong. I CHOOSE to boast about my weaknesses. So... here it goes... "Thank you God for my tendency toward depression." ... There, that wasn't so hard... I am thankful for my journey with depression because I see all that He has done through it. But... my flesh wants to know why I still have to struggle?!?!? Then I remember... God is sovereign, so I CHOOSE to praise Him in it. I CHOOSE to let Him use my weaknesses and struggles for what they were meant to be - A living testimony of God's grace in a broken world!

I CHOOSE to see my struggle as a blessing. It's what brings me back to Him everyday. It reminds me of my dependence on Him. It is a way for Him to call me back and not let me get too far away from Him in MY way of doing life. Because of this struggle, I come to Him in complete dependence everyday. I CHOOSE to allow His power to work in my weakness.

APPLICATION: What is your struggle? Is it a form of depression, anxiety, worry, fear, doubt, shame, anger, pride, jealousy, insecurity, etc.? Is it a physical ailment or an addiction? We all have that "thing." What is yours? And what are you going to do with it?

"I can't be, I'm a christian..."

 (original post 5/15/12)

I can't be, I'm a Christian...

Lie #1 - "I can't be depressed. I am a Christian."

"I am not happy, but I cannot let others know. Christians are supposed to be a light and mine is pretty dim. I have to hide this side of me." This was my thinking for a long time and boy was I good at hiding it... most of the time. I think some of you know what I'm talking about. Many of us stay in denial or hide it... especially Christ followers. Why? Is it pride? Some. Embarrassment? Most definitely. A misconstrued understanding of what it means to be a Christian? Absolutely.

We have been saturated with a lie that once you become a Christian, you are supposed to live "happily ever after." (This truth will not happen until heaven.) The Christian life is a race ... more like a marathon (Hebrews 12:1). Life still continues as normal and we still have our struggles, but, the difference is we now have the Savior of the world, our Comforter, Refuge and Best Friend walking alongside of us.

John 16:33 I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.

Matthew 5:16 You are the light of the world... let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

We are not free from the throws of depression nor any other ailments or struggles. We have this notion that if we are not happy and just about perfect, we can not be a light to others. This is a lie and a way for Satan to hold us back. The Truth is we are supposed to be transparent about our imperfections and show how differently we deal with them (with a humble, repentant and dependent spirit). This is when our light shines. Think about it. What's more effective, speaking the gospel all day everyday, or living it out in front of the world so they can actually see it and not just hear it?

My story - I've struggled with depression for at least 15 years. The earliest I can remember having any symptoms was in college. About 11 years ago, I spoke with a Christian counselor about "food issues" (at least I thought that was why I was there). She asked me a series of questions, then said "Christie, you are depressed." Of course my response was "NO I AM NOT!" A couple years later, in pre-marital counseling with a pastor, I was asked if I deal with it. Again, my response was "No Way!" I left both of these meetings defensive and embarrassed. I denied it for so long, but eventually accepted something was wrong... not depression though... maybe seasonal affective disorder.. yeah, that doesn't sound as "bad". So I continued in my denial and tried my very best to mask it around others...

Lie #2 - "I am a Christian, I cannot take an antidepressant"

In the Christian community, there is a difference in opinion on this topic. I am no expert, so all I can do is tell my story. For me, not taking the medicine prolonged my ability to grow and be a light. Satan had me right where He wanted me ... paralyzed and doing nothing.

...I finally accepted that I struggled with depression, but told myself I had to just deal with it because I couldn't take medication. It wasn't until 6 years ago, that I decided I could not overcome this on my own. I confided in a friend who was transparent and let me know she had also dealt with it. She asked me the questions, "If you had high blood pressure, would you take medication for it?" I said yes and began to understand why people take antidepressants. It didn't define me or where I stood as a Christian. It was medicine to help my body get back into balance. I started taking an antidepressant and all I can say is my life began to change. The fog began to clear. My "stuff" was still there, but, because the fog was lifting, I was able to face it instead of trying to hide from it. MOST IMPORTANTLY, my relationship with God began to grow leaps and bounds.

For awhile, I still tried to come off of it or put a time limit on taking it, but was unsuccessful. Two years ago, I finally admitted to myself that I need this medicine right now and would take if for as long as it took. I was finally being a "light" (Matthew 5:16) and able to enjoy my life in its abundance (John 10:10). I have come to the conclusion that God is more concerned about me being a light in a dark world to further His kingdom, then He is with me spending all my time focused on perfecting myself on my own.

For me, antidepressants have helped "clear the fog" so I can:
1) Face my issues (doubts, insecurities, negative thoughts and mindsets). They are still there.
2) Grow closer to God (For me, it lifts the fog that stands between me growing. I can focus on Him instead of my problems.)
3) Step out and be used by Him (Focus on and serve others, tell my story).

Without my surrendering to pride and being open to antidepressants, I do know I would not have gone on my last two mission trips (where I grew tremendously), and I certainly would not be doing what I am right now ... being used for ministry.

If you are considering taking an antidepressant,


1) Come out of denial, stop being embarrassed and admit there is something wrong. Ask God for help and to show you what to do.

Psalm 34:17 When the righteous cry for help, the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their distress and troubles.
Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart; lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your path.

2) Identify - Determine what is based on circumstances? What are mindsets? Physical symptoms? What may simply be habitual responses that you have fallen into?

Define - What are you thinking about? What do you say to yourself and not even realize? Many times Satan pulls us down by feeding us lies about ourselves or others. Listen to your thoughts, write them down and find Truth (scripture) that speaks against these.

Fight- Have you first tried taking this to God and began addressing it? Pray specific prayers? Seek His counsel. Have you already tried this but feel there is a wall up and you cannot get through?

2 Corinthians 10:4-5 The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.

3) Talk to a Christian Counselor (Proverbs 11:14; Proverbs 12:15; Proverbs 19:20-21)

4) What are your motives for taking an antidepressants? Do you want a quick fix? Do you NOT want to deal with underlying issues? (i.e. Medicine for me has helped me break the chains that kept me from growing spiritually. For another, when they began to feel better, they feel that they don’t need God's help anymore. There is a big difference in motive in these situations.)
Proverbs 16:2 All a man’s ways seem innocent to him, but motives are weighed by the Lord.

5) Don't look at it as the solution to all your problems, but instead, the beginning of healing.
Exodus 15:26 ...For I am the Lord, who heals you