Just when we think things are getting back to normal and we breathe a sigh of relief, the variant rears its ugly head. Then comes Afghanistan. 

Beyond the negative outcomes of these horrible crises is the exhausting reality that problems keep on coming. 

As a culture we are like the cancer patient who thinks they are in remission but discovers the cancer has come back. The victories of recovery are replaced by more suffering and an uncertain future.

It can be depressing.

"Hurting people often struggle with depression as it is a natural reaction to stress and tension," writes Barb Roberts, an experienced Care Pastor in metro Denver (Helping Those Who Hurt, Barbara M. Roberts, NavPress, p. 13 [click to buy]).

"It can affect anyone, at any time. Depression ranges from mild to severe.

• Mild depression, which is often called 'the blues,' is usually brief and does not seriously interfere with normal activities.
• Moderate depression brings feelings of hopeless that are more intense and longer lasting...
• Severe depression is identified by a loss of interest in the outside world and serious, prolonged behavioral changes.

Your role as a caregiver (Care Pastor, Stephen Minister, Home Care caregiver, friend, family member--my insert), is to listen to, support, and pray for those struggling with depression. Individuals with either moderate or severe depression should get the help of a professional counselor. Be quick to recognize when you are in 'over your head' and make a referral, providing resources and even offering to accompany the person through the first counseling visit.

Keep in mind that professional support is something that should be recommended in addition to your help, not instead of your help. Whether by phone, email, or personal visits, be consistent in your contact with anyone you refer to a professional.

Depressed people need hope..." (Ibid.)

You don't need to cheer up the depressed person. But as you, a person of compassion and faith, are present with them and learn their story from their dark place, there will be an opportunity to speak hope that the transcendent God listens to the cry of the depressed. Together you can ascend to God in prayer from their lowly condition, as the Psalmist did...
 

"Out of the depths, I cry to you, O Lord;
O Lord, hear my voice...
I wait for the Lord, my soul waits,
and in his word I put my hope."
Psalm 130:1, 5 

As we live in a world of need, may we never lose hope because even when we help one, as Mother Theresa replied about saving one Starfish, "it matters to that one."

So my prayer for you is...
 

"May the God of hope
fill you with all joy and peace
as you trust in him,
so that you may overflow with hope
by the power of the Holy Spirit."
Romans 15:13

Our care for people is more than trying to make them feel comfort but it is to keep their faith alive so they experience hope. Then the joy will come.

People are looking for hope in a world with continual stress and tension. So when you care for someone and they find hope, what you do matters beyond anything you can measure.
 

Your life matters, 

Chaplain Dan
Rev. Daniel R. Hettinger
303.905.0478Just when we think things are getting back to normal and we breathe a sigh of relief, the variant rears its ugly head. Then comes Afghanistan. 

Beyond the negative outcomes of these horrible crises is the exhausting reality that problems keep on coming. 

As a culture we are like the cancer patient who thinks they are in remission but discovers the cancer has come back. The victories of recovery are replaced by more suffering and an uncertain future.

It can be depressing.

"Hurting people often struggle with depression as it is a natural reaction to stress and tension," writes Barb Roberts, an experienced Care Pastor in metro Denver (Helping Those Who Hurt, Barbara M. Roberts, NavPress, p. 13 [click to buy]).

"It can affect anyone, at any time. Depression ranges from mild to severe.

• Mild depression, which is often called 'the blues,' is usually brief and does not seriously interfere with normal activities.
• Moderate depression brings feelings of hopeless that are more intense and longer lasting...
• Severe depression is identified by a loss of interest in the outside world and serious, prolonged behavioral changes.

Your role as a caregiver (Care Pastor, Stephen Minister, Home Care caregiver, friend, family member--my insert), is to listen to, support, and pray for those struggling with depression. Individuals with either moderate or severe depression should get the help of a professional counselor. Be quick to recognize when you are in 'over your head' and make a referral, providing resources and even offering to accompany the person through the first counseling visit.

Keep in mind that professional support is something that should be recommended in addition to your help, not instead of your help. Whether by phone, email, or personal visits, be consistent in your contact with anyone you refer to a professional.

Depressed people need hope..." (Ibid.)

You don't need to cheer up the depressed person. But as you, a person of compassion and faith, are present with them and learn their story from their dark place, there will be an opportunity to speak hope that the transcendent God listens to the cry of the depressed. Together you can ascend to God in prayer from their lowly condition, as the Psalmist did...
 

"Out of the depths, I cry to you, O Lord;
O Lord, hear my voice...
I wait for the Lord, my soul waits,
and in his word I put my hope."
Psalm 130:1, 5 

As we live in a world of need, may we never lose hope because even when we help one, as Mother Theresa replied about saving one Starfish, "it matters to that one."

So my prayer for you is...
 

"May the God of hope
fill you with all joy and peace
as you trust in him,
so that you may overflow with hope
by the power of the Holy Spirit."
Romans 15:13

Our care for people is more than trying to make them feel comfort but it is to keep their faith alive so they experience hope. Then the joy will come.

People are looking for hope in a world with continual stress and tension. So when you care for someone and they find hope, what you do matters beyond anything you can measure.
 

Your life matters, 

Chaplain Dan
Rev. Daniel R. Hettinger
303.905.0478