After I battled depression and an eating disorder for more than two decades, many (including mental health professionals) believed I might never get well. My hope was fading.

Then the phone rang.

“Hi, Sheryl,” my sister Kathy said. “I want you to live with me until you get back on your feet.”

Tears of gratitude streamed down my face. Kathy wasn’t giving up on me. Her invitation represented the type of love found in this week’s section of 1 Corinthians 13:

[Love] hopes all things. (1 Corinthians 13:7 ESV).

Or as the Amplified Bible, Classic Edition, states:

[Love’s] hopes are fadeless under all circumstances.

My sister’s gesture gave me the courage to hope again.

A few weeks later, I met Joan at the church I attended in my new city. She kept me laughing and never allowed the stress of my instability to keep her from including me in her life. I’m also thankful for my other siblings’ encouraging phone calls, especially Teri’s, who often visited and sent care packages while I was in one hospital after another. I’ll always remember Aunt Joan (pronounced JoAnn), who never stopped praying for and encouraging me to get the help I needed.

I’m so grateful to Donna (and Reserve Church) as well as Marsha (and Victory Harvest Baptist Church) for their loving support and counsel.

I’ve dedicated this week’s column to these special people – and to many others who stood with me as I fought to break free from that long, painfully dark season. To those who believed in an all-powerful God for Whom nothing is too difficult – even when “nothing” included me.

I know I wouldn’t be enjoying healthy relationships (including my marriage to Bert), working for Wave 94, leading the Women of the Word Group, writing this weekly column and managing all life’s stresses if it wasn’t for those who refused to give up hope for me so many years ago.

Life is complicated and often stressful. When we’re blessed to have people who love us with the God-kind of love – people who refuse to believe we’re hopeless even when we believe we are beyond hope – our lives become more manageable.

More hopeful.

If you feel hopeless today, talk to your pastor or a local ministry leader who can connect you with people who’ll encourage you. Or perhaps volunteering at a like-minded church or community outreach will spark meaningful friendships. (I realize stepping out to do these things seems frightening, but I hope you’ll ask God to give you the courage you need.)

If you’re in a stable place, consider allowing God to use you to be there for someone else. This isn’t always easy, especially when they push you away, but persevere in finding ways to stay in touch. Something as simple as inviting them to watch a lighthearted Netflix movie with you can help create a non-pressuring, safe climate – and an open door into their lives.

And, hopefully, an open door to show them how much God loves them.

What about you?

I’d love to hear your thoughts about this post. (Your comment might also benefit others.)

• If you’re feeling hopeless . . .
  • How can we, the Body of Christ, pray for you?
  • What practical ways can we show you our support?
• If you’re in a stable place . . .
  • Would you consider allowing God to use in someone else’s life?
  • How can we specifically pray for you as you take this step to be available for someone who is struggling?

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