True Currency: When I was in the Master’s Commission over 20 years ago, Brenda used to always say: “People are the currency of heaven.” She was so right. While I am a person that loves books, ideas, and writing, it is all meant to be in service to God and people. Jesus said that the second greatest commandment is to, “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Matt. 22:39). In what many don’t realize, he is directly quoting the Old Testament, and of all books, Leviticus: “Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord” (Lev. 19:18). Truly, God is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8).
Why do unicorns not exist? The answer is quite simple.
My Attempt at Being Shel Silverstein: So, as we read Silverstein this morning at the breakfast table, we all of the sudden wanted to write poems like him. We all took turns. It was quite the adventure, to say the least. Then I attempted one. Of course, my wife laughed and told me that it needed more work. So our minds are turning! Here goes:
There was once a creature named Bob.
Well, hold on a second: he was really just a gooey, bluey blob.
He once had a spine,
But now isn’t fine,
Because he ate corn-on-the-cob.
Don’t worry. I am not quitting my day job.
Updated Book Description for Heal Me or Kill Me: My Road to Freedom From OCD:
Suffering with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder is one thing—and horrible in itself—but ironically, it can be made worse when a person is a Christian (which can then take on the form of spiritual warfare). Ironically, the additional “layer” of religious faith can further complicate and suffocate a faith that is intended to be a source of peace, comfort, and hope. At one point, the author’s struggle with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder brought him to a place of complete desperation and hopelessness. For years, he prayed: “Heal me or kill me.”
The common consensus among professionals is that this mental illness is something one must learn to cope with and manage, but not overcome. Yet, there is hope. Due to God’s intervention and a series of events spanning the course of a decade, the author tells his story of how he now lives totally free of this mental illness. This is his story including raw moments of honesty and past journal entries.
B.J. Condrey, Ph.D. 