When the issue is … destructive mindsets

“… and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written: ‘The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.’” — Luke 4:17-19, New International Version

Condemnation, shame, negative self-talk, listlessness, lack of hope, disorientation, depression, anger, abuse and other illnesses of the mind are not always “demon possession” as some people might think. Alcohol and drug abuse are not limited to one facet of society or one race — these issues can affect anyone. 

Highland Baptist Church will celebrate a two-year milestone for Celebrate Recovery with Teche Area residents who will be carrying their testimony on double-sided cards this Sunday as they proclaim, “I once was (blank), now I am not.” In Luke 15:24 the father said of his prodigal son welcomed home with open arms, “ ‘For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate,” New International Version.

The longevity “chip” belongs not just to the participants, but the church where anyone wanting a Biblical perspective on recovery from alcoholism, drug and other addictions have been meeting regularly to talk about issues that plague them. For two years, every Thursday night at 6 p.m. on the  campus at Highland Baptist, a group has been meeting for Celebrate Recovery. The selected speakers for Sunday’s celebration will meet at 5 p.m. sharing testimonies followed by a meal. Each speaker will carry a large card showing the issue that plagued them on one side, their victory on the other. 

“We live in a fallen world, even in the church people are suffering,” the Rev. David Denton, senior pastor at Highland Baptist Church, said. “We need to be in a position to help believers and people outside of the church. Let’s make it clear, this is a biblical perspective on recovery.”

As a lead-in to discussing the April 8 event, Denton said Highland is going to do something April 22 it has never tried before. Recognizing that addictions and other mental conditions are not an instantaneous fix at salvation, provides the opportunity for Denton and others to address issues confronting both the body of believers and others. Highland’s interactive event on mental health will include four speakers from around the South, two from Highland’s congregation and two coming to New Iberia from outside the area. 

The theme, “Hope for Mental Health,” will include a meal and breakout sessions scheduled to begin at 4 p.m. April 22. An overview of the sessions will be presented and a meal, then two break away 45-minute sessions will be conducted by four qualified counselors on various topics. After the first session and break, the same four topics will again be presented giving attendees the opportunity to choose a second subject of study.

Jeremy Babb, a staff psychologist with Iberia Parish School Board and the 2017 Louisiana School Psychologist of the Year, will present, “Living With A Person Who Is Mentally Ill.” Lindsay Nicholson, a licensed clinical social worker with school, medical facility and private practice experience, will lead “Meds vs No Meds: That Is the Question.”

“Most people feel when they’re going through something, they are alone,” said Nicholson. “Most of the time others are going through something similar. Whether a professional or someone in the community like a priest or clergy or friend, it’s very beneficial to talk and realize you’re not alone.”

Kevin Richard, staff counselor at Trinity Baptist Church in Lake Charles, will lead “Anxiety and Depression.” Chris Van Dyke, a clinical psychologist with rehabilitation counseling experience through mental health facilities in Alabama, will lead “How to Talk to Someone in Crisis/Suicide: What Can We Do?”

Recognizing the need is only part of the solution, especially dealing with mental illness. Finding and facing solutions is not an isolated component to recovery, it takes understanding and compassion from others.

“We want to cast a biblical light on mental health to help inform and equip anyone dealing with family or personal issues, and to help breakdown the stigma associated with mental illness,” Denton said.

For more information about this free event and to get involved, contact Highland Baptist Church at 365-5471.