Stories, Psalms, and Songs for the Darkest Night
Hope and Help for Surviving Depression
by
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WHEN I’M DEPRESSED I FEEL UGLY. Let the beauty of the Lord be upon us and establish the work of our hands. Psalm 90:17 KJV April 1983. I’ve just come home from the hospital after a two and a half-month stay following brain surgery. I stand here in front of a full-length mirror and stare at my body - a body that looks so different from the one I knew. Before surgery, I was a tiny size 3! My left side is paralyzed and droops downward. Part of my head has been shaved and my hair is merely short stubble. My face is swollen from the medications, and I am thirty pounds overweight. I stare at this unfamiliar image and cry out, “O Lord, there is no outward beauty left; you’ve got to help me become beautiful on the inside.” God is giving me beauty lessons as I immerse myself in His word and spend time in conversation with Him. Slowly, He is washing away the ugliness within - rinsing away anger, resentment, pride, jealousy and replacing them with the beauty of Himself - grace, forgiveness, humility, love. It’s a daily task, but what a trade-off!
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About the Book
In 1983, author Ruth LaFreniere underwent emergency brain surgery. When she returned home after spending more than two months in the hospital, she was left with a one-sided paralysis, a significant career loss, and a depression that caused her to question whether God was even there for her or cared about her struggles.
In Stories, Psalms, and Songs for the Darkest Night, she chronicles her journey through clinical depression and offers insight into her thoughts and feelings. Through a series of reflections, she tells her story while giving tips on how to recognize the signs of depression as well as taking positive steps forward.
LaFreniere shares her journey of a simple faith in a big God who made all the difference, and she discusses how even though life confronted her with many challenges, she found strength and salvation in God. Stories, Psalms, and Songs for the Darkest Night helps others who are facing their own adversity and gives them the hope to persevere. It communicates you can start today on a new path to bring healing to your mind and spirit.
About the Author
Ruth LaFreniere is a professional musician who knows God is the God of second chances. She and her husband, Paul, share their story through music and the word at churches, retreats, and conferences around the country. They also entertain at senior retirement communities, resorts, fairs, weddings, and celebrations with jazz.