On Progressing from Pity to Praise
September 13, 2009
We live in stressful times. Our environment (bills, work, and obligations), the negative choices of others, and even our own unfortunate choices can sometimes lead us to a place of disheartenment and even depression. What is the solution? The story is told of a minister named William Stidger who once had a nervous breakdown. When he was at his lowest point, a friend suggested that he think of individuals who had helped him in life and write at least one person a letter of thanks. From deep within his depression-induced haze, Stidger remembered a teacher who had given him a love of literature and wrote her a letter. Soon afterward, he received a response in shaky handwriting. It read, “Dear Willy, I remembered you as a little fellow in my class. You have warmed my old heart. I have taught school for fifty years, and yours is the first letter of thanks I ever received from a student. I shall cherish it until I die.” William was encouraged by his former teacher’s response, so he wrote another letter. Then another. He continued to write letters of thanks until he had written more than five hundred. Then, he stopped. He was no longer downcast. He was no longer depressed. What do we see here, friends? First, we know that treatment for depression is a serious matter and sometimes requires medical care. There are other times, however, when an adjustment of attitude and effort is helpful. This “attitude adjustment” appears to be promoted by Paul (1 Thess. 5:18; Eph. 5:20; Col. 3:15). What can we say to all this? Only that as we live in this world, each of us will feel forlorn, down, and depressed on occasion. When this happens (and it will!), don’t dwell in a pit of pity. Instead, think of Stidger’s experience and pick up a pen (or email) of praise! Please think about it. —JLNJR (Resource: Rugby Avenue Word of Life Bulletin, 8/26/09, 1)
