Some of you know that my mother suffered from bipolar
disorder for many years of my life. She found support in church friends, on occasion,
but I know others from our homeschooling or church circles gave her platitudes. Jesus loves you; you can do anything
through him; I love you too, I hope you know that. None of that was
particularly helpful, but for many I know they thought it was a genuine fix if
she’d only listen.
I’m still a bit confused as to why Christians tend to think
religious platitudes will help solve the great problems of life. I’m even more
confused when Christians judge those who can’t ingest the platitudes and use
them to turn their lives around. Sometimes things are just too broken to cover
up with the clever use of a Bible verse, or a sermon, or a series on God’s
love. My mother used to talk to me about “receptors” when I couldn’t understand
her mental illness. “I can read a verse about God’s love a hundred times,” she said,
“but until I can receive it, it doesn’t make a difference. Sometimes my
receptors are damaged or numb, and I can’t experience the truth in the words I’m
reading. I know it’s true, but it doesn’t change how I am or how I feel.”
