Well, I cannot believe that you haven't received a single word on this. It is profoundly true. Thanks for writing about something that actually matters and is so dear to Jesus.

You are a brilliant clear writer. Your honesty is beautiful. I still don't exactly know what being bipolar means - is it different for everyone, or are there symptoms like with depression that are classic and easily identified? But I do know that the more people who are willing to talk about it the more we will all learn from their stories and example. It is hard to live with mental illness. It's hard to not to seek after being considered "successful" in the terms of the world. Much less to believe in our minds and souls, when we simply want to make a contribution that is worthwhile and precious to God. And on those days, frantic and anxious as they are, the Holy One ministers to me by forcing me to be still. Forces me to accept that I am nothing and I am everything to him . (I wrote about that recently on my blog, in a poem that title.) The point is that we're so precious to him, our stories are precious and we should value them! God values your story, your experience, your desire to help others, and he'll do a good work in it and through you. We just can't imagine it yet!

Thanks for writing this. I particularly needed the reminders. One, that realizing our dreams requires lots and lots of work, even hard work, sweat and perhaps no small amount of tears. And two, get out there and live. I live too much in my head, especially as a writer/thinker (duh) but I think sometimes this limits my creativity and passion. Bravo to you and thanks.

Joy, I completely and utterly understand. It is hard to be honest especially when people really are not at all certain they want to know. Hang on sister, Melody