I’ve been working on this presentation for my psychology class and the topic I have is suicide. And as I’ve been studying and putting it together, I thought about how psychology and the church are connected. A lot of times, we don’t want to speak on certain topics in the church. We don’t want to deal with sexual abuse, sexuality, domestic violence, mental illness and especially depression; in the church because it’s been such a taboo subject. I mean, how can a person be depressed when they stand to preach every Sunday? How can she be battling with a mental illness when she seems to be so blessed? Who would know he was being belittled by his wife and he’s the head of the deacon board? We don’t deal with issues such as this because we, often times, don’t think it can hit close to home. And when it does, it shakes us to the core because we weren’t expecting it. But why not? Why can’t Pastor be depressed when he/she has to fight just to do what God has called him/her to do? Why can’t that sister/brother be suicidal when they consistently think about how the church may treat them if they find out they’re gay? Why can’t that woman, who is pregnant out of wedlock, be suicidal when she walks into worship every Sunday knowing somebody is talking about her?
But oh, how we tend to forget the mistakes of our past and present. We get a little holy and think we can now put our mouth on everybody who doesn’t look the part of being saved. When will Christians stop being so critical of one another? Why can’t I have a glass of wine at the bar and not be talked about because I’m a preacher? Why can’t a man or woman of God go out to a secular concert without it being the end of the world? Why can’t a child of God dance, as long as she/he doesn’t forget who they belong to? Yes, I know there are times when a person, in the church, needs to be criticized but that’s only when you are willing to offer real, genuine help. And if you aren’t, keep your mouth closed because you don’t know what a person is dealing with, secretly. If every time you open your mouth, you have something judgmental to say; close it and keep it to yourself. We need true folk who are willing to help and not hurt. This is why the bible says in 2 Timothy 2:14, “Keep reminding God’s people of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen.” If you can’t offer help, stop hindering with your mess! Are there any true, genuine helpers left in the church?
Lakisha, the Author 