This blog began on April 7, 2017 with 10 subscribers. We have experienced growth, at a pace I can handle, and now have 288 subscribers – many of you regular readers and responders. By the way, you can send me a message by leaving a comment in the Disqus box at the bottom of each post. My delight in writing is increased when you read what I write and multiplied when you respond. I have renewed several friendships and developed new ones through this blogging ministry. I’d love to hear from you.
When I first conceived the notion of devoting a blog to faith and mental health issues, I contracted with a recent seminary grad named Sean Pritzkau. Sean designed the website I still use. He was also instrumental in setting in motion a tool for building an on-line community of persons involved in mental health ministry. With the help of MailChimp and Survey Monkey, I have come to know some of you and what shared interests we have. I hope you have found me trustworthy with this information. I am not in this to solicit anything but your approval.
Tonight as I was cleaning out my Inbox, I found an email with the latest responses to my surveys. When people subscribe to my blog, they receive five days of devotions. Then, on the sixth day, they receive an email asking for some input. Three questions.
- What would you find most helpful? a) personal stories; b) spiritual devotions; c) reflections on stigma; d) other.
- How would you best describe yourself? a) pastor; b) church leader; c) not affiliated with church; d) other.
- What has led you to this site? a) personal experience with mental illness; b) mental illness in family; c) mental illness among friends; d) other.
I am very grateful for those of you who have devoted time and attentiveness to this survey. I have found much fruit reflecting on them. They have shaped not only what I write but also how I write about it.
Here are a few things I’ve discovered about our delightful community:
What would you find most useful?
49% personal stories.
22% spiritual devotions.
11% reflections on stigma.
18% other.
Of the others, many responded “all of the above.”
There were also these three:
“How those not experiencing mental health issues can be of help to those who are.”
“How does God feel about mental illness?”
“I find it helpful to hear from others who also deal with anxiety.”
How would you best describe yourself?
8% pastors.
15% church leaders.
13% no church affiliation.
63% other.
Of the others, we have such descriptions as:
“Mom with two sons who are on the autism spectrum.”
“Believer with mental illness diagnosis.”
“Journalist interested in issues of faith and mental health.”
“I’m just a daughter of the King.”
What has led you to this site?
46% personal history with mental illness.
18% mental illness in family.
6% mental illness among friends.
28% other.
Others include:
“Spiritual growth”
“Mental illness of my faith leader.”
Interested in devotionals.”
“I can’t remember how Tony and I connected — it seems like forever. :)”
Now it’s your turn —
What would you find most helpful for me to write about?
How would you best describe yourself?
What has led you to this site?
