Hope Against Hope

Until it happens to you, you don’t know.

You are not prepared to deal with mental health issues. Nobody does. It’s an uncharted territory for us until it struck our own son, Josh. By the time we figured it out and came to accept it, it took more than 2 years. I keep learning and keep my mind open to learn more so that how I might encourage him, or others who had similar issues.

With my limited understanding, I have come to this conclusion.

There are those who are born with some mental health issues/challenges. Then there are those whose life choices make them vulnerable to develop mental health issues. No one knows what triggers those life choices, other than to accept them. Josh may fall into second category, where his curiosity led him down the path towards unknown. There were times we mentally prepared ourselves for any kind of catastrophic news. By God’s grace, he survived - Hope Against Hope (Romans 4:18).

However, it started, the mental health issues are very unique and it calls for patience, kindness and compassion in persevering to help the affected. I thank God for many doctors, social workers, well-wishers and family members who supported Josh. National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI) is a steadfast source of information and support with groups all over the country.

That is the story Josh and I shared in this book. Josh graduated from UT Dallas with business finance recently and now found a passion to serve God and help others. He just completed his probation successfully, which enables him to seek a full time job.

https://www.hopeagainsthope.us/

#secondchance, #Hope, #God, #Jesus, #addiction, #recovery, #NAMI