The latest in the Hope Works series from the Church’s YouTube channel tells the story of a woman who was determined to will away any possibility of mental health challenges around her–until her own couldn’t be ignored anymore:
Challenging experiences in life changed how Julie saw the world as either black or white, good or bad. She now views others in high-definition color, more as Jesus does, with possibilities for infinite potential.
Growing up, Julie says her view of life was simply a matter of doing good to feel good, that if you are good, good things will happen to you.
All this changed when she suffered a panic attack and came to realize that no longer could she merely force herself to be happy. Despite her happy disposition, she couldn’t run away from the darkness of depression. “Seeing life as black and white failed me,” she said.
After years of visiting doctors and therapists, taking medication, and lots of prayer and patience, she started to see life differently. She came to relish the Lord’s promise that those who keep their eye on Christ will be filled with His light.
“Christ healed me,” she said. “His light and love have transformed me. From a girl who struggled to love herself, I’ve come to love others.”
She may need therapy and medication the rest of her life, she says, but the life she once thought was ruined, meaningless, and worthless is now filled with meaning and joy.
TraceyMay 18, 2021
Maryann Taylor-----I'm fairly sure she used her clothing to help drive home her point. I don't think it was a random choice from her closet. I took a class once on rhetorical techniques and I remember color usage as being one of them. It's been quite a while. We had to write essays on how color was used in visual presentations, movies, videos, music videos, commercials, etc. It's quite interesting to notice it and analyze what they are trying to say, non-verbally.
Maryann TaylorMay 15, 2021
This was so sweet and beautiful. I have to chuckle a bit--I wonder if she thought about the fact that she was wearing black and white?