Two Face Persona

Have you seen the Dark Knight? if you haven't you probably need to check it out now, I mean like NOW!, it is probably one of my all time favorite movie in 2009. I know it's been a while since the movie release, but suddenly this character just comes back to my attention.

I'm talking about Batman's nemesis, two face. I think you know, the character where often he can't decide what to do next. He always have conflicting thoughts in his mind that decision making is a constant struggle. Hence, he lets a coin toss to decide for him.

Often I see that conflicting thoughts in people in general, and more often I find it in my own faith and other Christians. It seems like we know what is right, but don't have the inclination to do it.

I think its quite normal to have different personas in different environment, say they way we behave when we have our parents around, or when we are in a business meeting, when we are with our partner, or all alone. I think we do need to adjust our 'tone' to relate with different types of people.

What I'm talking about is when those personas starting to conflict our 'familiar' image. You know, like when we are in church is completely different outside of church, when people say one thing but do quite the opposite.

I read this book by David Kinnaman and Gabe Lyons 'Unchristian'. The book sums up that in general Christians have an image problem (pg11), surprise, surprise!...Although, the church believes that we are one thing, but the outsiders think another. These are some of the words non Church goers would describe about the believers; anti homosexual, hypocritical, judgmental, boring, out of touch...the list goes on and on...

It is quite sad, that people would leave the church or their faith altogether because of this conflicting image issue, from within them personally or caused by others. People get confused and discouraged at the end. Mannnn, we got to deal with this and stop hiding it. If we don't we only hurting ourselves and others, what good is that for us?...

I think some Christians do realize and making the efforts to change that image prolbem, but ultimately, I think its not just the image but its our real persona. For me, I would definitely concern if I have conflicting personas, and I think we need to be real.

Let some light shine in our dark spots, surely by time, we will come in terms with our own weaknesses and be real, and I think we would then discover our great potentials and unbeknown goods in God.

" There are no ordinary people, You have never talked to a mere mortal" C.S Lewis.

in His service,

Stef

What is depression?

Have you heard about the great depression? It happened around 1929 to 1930, originated in the US. Basically, it was the period of the worst global economic down turn in the 20th century. Unemployment rate was so bad that it averages between 25 - 30 % in differing countries. Many basic needs weren't met. Obviously, this is one of the reasons that can cause depression on an individual, unmet needs.

We are still in the global economic recession that started in late 2008, probably one of the worst in the early 21th century, with the unemployment rate that hiked up to 10% in US and 7% in Australia. I'm hoping that we already passed the worst of it.

Now, I'm here to talk about depression. What is depression? It is a condition where one feels sad, gloom, sometimes it could be over a long period of time without any reason. Normally one would have certain moodines, lack of interest in naturally fun things, isolation, overly sensitive, insomnia or hypersomnia. The severity of it can vary from minor to the extreme of psychotic depression.

I think I have had what it is called minor depression. I think I had a few in my life. First of all, probably when I was 11 years old, where we as a family relocate to another city, which means I had to leave all my friends. Secondly, when I broke up from my first relationship, and every now and then probably just relapse, when there is continual pressure at work, finance, loss of family members, friendship, ministry and other things.

I heard from someone too, apparently, being a high achiever or perfectionist increases the likelihood of experiencing disappointment or stress. I think there is also greater pressure for a christian to 'look' good, not to imagine as a leader in this context, a pressure to conform, people's expectation, etc. Perhaps, the solution for this is acceptance, I think when people around you accept you the way you are there is relief and easiness in the atmosphere.

My opinion, depression is a normal part of life, I know a few character in the bible that did experience as what we 'categorized' as depression, e.g. Elijah, David. What most important is how are we dealing with it and knowing what God is trying to do here.

When all things seem to spiral downwards, think about these; you are not alone, there is always someone to talk to and problems are temporary. I'll say this from a convert pessimist's view, ' Life is not that bad after all'.


in His service

Stef