Specifications
| Publisher | Inter-Varsity Press |
| ISBN 13 | 9781783596508 |
| ISBN 10 | 1783596503 |
| Book Subtitle | Reflections On Life And Ministry With Depression |
| Book Description | When Mark Meynell spoke in a central London church, more than 1,500 hung on to his every word. What they couldn't have known was that their minister was terrified of being laid bare in public.Fear of shame and exposure is crippling, even if, as in Mark's case, the sufferer is innocent. And it's one of the most devastating elements of depression, although certainly not the only one.Mark invites us into the darkness of his cave. We relive significant moments from boarding school, Uganda, Berlin and London. We visit the Psalms, Job and The Pilgrim's Progress.If you're after neat conclusions and a fair-weather faith, this is not for you. This book serves up gritty reality and raw honesty, but also the heartfelt hope that the author's brokenness 'can somehow contribute to another person's integration' and 'inspire their clinging while beset by darkness or fog or blizzards'. |
| Editorial Review | A thoughtful and courageous book, which reflects on what it means to live as a Christian with depression. Writing from experience, Mark navigates us through the darkness of despair, and shines gospel light on issues such as shame, guilt and fear. As we journey with him we are reminded that we are not alone - and pointed to a Saviour who brings us purpose, grace and hope.', Emma Scrivener, author, blogger and speaker ; 'A poignant and powerful description of one man's continuing journey to understand and manage depression. Mark Meynell's eloquent book is written straight from the heart of pain - yet it is brimful of hope and courage and will help anyone whose life has been touched by mental illness. Meynell is defiantly not defined by his afflictions, which are only one part of the life of this exceptional man, minister and writer. In finding the courage to pen this important book, Meynell has illuminated not just his own experience, but will help many others to make sense of their own lives. He has certainly helped me to make more sense of mine.', Rachel Kelly, author of the Sunday Times top ten bestseller Black Rainbow: How Words Healed Me - my journey through depression and ambassador for SANE and Rethink Mental Illness. ; 'As a fellow sufferer, albeit one who has not suffered quite as severely, I welcome Mark Maynell's courageous book. It is full of raw honesty and powerfully articulates the struggles and confusions which depression throws up, especially to those in Christian ministry who, whatever the pretence, are not insulated from it. At the same time it offers practical wisdom and hope to those who struggle, without being trite. I'd recommend it to all who suffer, for them to read slowly and gently. I'd also recommend it to those seeking to care for someone with depression, or understand its nature and how a sufferer can continue to serve Christ well through weakness.', Derek Tidball, author, Bible teacher and former Principal of London School of Theology ; 'What makes this book on depression stand out from a crowded field is the mixture of fine writing, personal honesty, intellectual analysis, theological incisiveness and simple open-endedness: Mark does not proffer a cure but he does offer you a walking companion for the dark journey. And anyone who has a friend with depression will find it even more helpful. So all in all, it's a must-buy and a must-read.', Julian Hardyman, Senior Pastor, Eden Baptist Church, Cambridge ; 'In this profound, unusual, and very personal book, Mark Meynell reflects on living with the painful thorn in the flesh of a vulnerability to depression and how that has affected his view of himself and the reactions of those around him as he seeks to pastor and teach while openly admitting his struggle. He touches on many difficult subjects - the causes of depression, wrestling with suicidal thoughts, why God allows suffering, shame and guilt, what not to say to people who are depressed... and overall demonstrates the extraordinary relevance and power of the Bible in helping us to connect our often mysterious and confusing experiences to God's bigger story. But no trite or easy answers here. His creative appendix of music, books, poetry, and websites and blogs that have helped him survive his |
| About the Author | Mark Meynell is Director for Langham Preaching and Langham Partnership (Europe and Caribbean). For nine years, until 2014, he worked on the Senior Ministry team at All Souls Langham Place, London. Previously he had been involved in student ministry and taught biblical studies at a seminary in Kampala, Uganda. He blogs at Quaerentia. He is married to Rachel and they have two teenage children. |
| Language | English |
| Author | Mark Meynell |
| Publication Date | 10 Jul 2018 |
| Number of Pages | 208 |
When Darkness Seems My Closest Friend: Reflections On Life And Ministry With Depression paperback english - 10 Jul 2018
Added to cart
Cart Total SAR 0.00
