A meditation and prayer companion for Christians who struggle with depression
The stigma around mental illness in our culture has had a damaging effect on those who suffer from its grip. As a priest and bishop, Hirschfeld has quietly and secretly been in treatment for depression for decades but now shares his own experience publicly. In this book, he offers short meditations, prayers, and suggestions of how one can follow and call upon Jesus for strength and peace during times of emotional upheaval.
Christians often feel that their experience of depression or mental illness is a reflection of a deficit in their faith. As a result of seeing depression as a moral shortcoming or spiritual failure, we risk more damage to ourselves and even hurt those around us by denying what is really going on. This book, with its prayers and practical suggestions for spiritual and creative practices and resilience, can be a companion for those who suffer so that they may know more deeply the resilient love of Jesus.
Read an excerpt.
“With Sighs Too Deep for Words originates in the author's revelation of the personal secret of depression. The woods, rocks, soil, and rivers of New England are the harsh and riveting landscape where he explores suffering and beauty, pain and gift. This book is an exercise of courage and sacrifice, an offering for which I and many, many others will be immensely grateful.”
—The Very Rev. Cynthia Briggs Kittredge, Dean and President, Seminary of the Southwest
“What a relief to hear a church leader—an Episcopal bishop, no less—tracing without shame his long struggle with depression. Weaving poetry, art, biblical passages and his own poignant prayers, he offers inventive ways of approaching melancholy. . . . An elegantly written testament to the power of transformation through beauty and faith.”
—Christine Hemp, author of Wild Ride Home: Love, Loss, and a Little White Horse, a Family Memoir
“In powerful verse, humble stories, and heartfelt prayers, Rob lets us in on his experience of living with depression. In doing so he offers life: life for himself, life for his readers, life for all who live with mental illness. This is a story of ongoing resurrection.”
—The Rt. Rev. Ian T. Douglas, Bishop of the Episcopal Church of Connecticut
Chapter 1: Depression and Joy
Chapter 2: A Peculiar Kind of Pain
Chapter 3: Mystery
Chapter 4: Waiting for the Beauty of the Ruins
Chapter 5: A Ruin in the Woods
Chapter 6: The Practice of I AM
Chapter 7: Moving the Immovable
Chapter 8: Tormented
Chapter 9: Parochial Anorexia
Chapter 10: Opening the Mind
Epilogue: Living in the Realm of Nonetheless
Resources
Acknowledgments
