Hope for Troubled Minds

Hope Remains for Katie Dale: From the Psych Ward to Serving in Europe

Dear Mom and Dad, Do you recall how depressed I was in 2003? It seemed like I was on the brink of the blackest bottoming out. Then, without notice, my mind was a buoy, bobbing on cresting waves of euphoria. Evidently, the changes I went through my junior year of high school lent themselves to my breakdown. I guess the switch to private school wasn’t all I expected it to be. I wanted a Christian education with a Biblical worldview, but it wasn’t black and white that way. I was ignored by my classmates, sidelined for my poor soccer performance, shamed for being late or showing any opposition to the rules, and undermined when I began to have a voice. My actions and behaviors may have been a bit strange, especially when I stalked my class crush, but I don’t think I meant to embarrass him or you. I [...]

Hope Remains for Katie Dale: From the Psych Ward to Serving in Europetonyroberts2025-09-15T08:19:14-04:00

A Father’s Legacy: Hope Remains for Kevin “Earleybird” Earley

Kevin "Earleybird" Earley writes: My father has been a major force in my life. A mentor, a friend, sometimes a fierce combatant, a towering figure of authority, and a lighthouse-like guiding light in the world that has instilled his values, ideas, morals, and flaws for me to wrestle with as I define and continue to redefine myself throughout my journey. I am fortunate to have a present and involved father-figure, when I have friends who had fathers who were never around, and siblings who lost their biological father at a young age. My father stood up and faced the pressures of fatherhood head-on. He's been with me through my heartbreaking struggles and statistic-defying triumphs. He is still here, still alive, and still among his family, while many of my peers have lost one or both of their parents. I cherish and value his friendship, mentorship, and vitality. As long [...]

A Father’s Legacy: Hope Remains for Kevin “Earleybird” Earleytonyroberts2025-09-06T10:39:39-04:00

Hope Remains: The Fish Catcher by Sherry Lanning

The Fish Catcher Sherry Lanning Arriving at the fish pond, we saw a duck family. “Those are my brother’s kids!” you said assuredly. “Really,” I smirked. “You’re smiling at me mom! I love it when you smile at me!” My 50-year-old, fish-catching son, off to drown some worms. We named you Robin, meaning “bright and shining fame.” The perfect name for our 7 ½ lbs of potential. Within the next 12 years, you would be joined by three sisters and three brothers. Our family of nine was musical, performing annually at local fairs. Your spontaneous energy enhanced our group. March 21, 1986 At 13 Robin is filled with life! His heart is as big as the sea. He loves pizza, basketball, and fishing. He sings like an angel. While competing at your school’s State Convention, you placed first in vocal solo. Your dynamic performance received a standing ovation. Your [...]

Hope Remains: The Fish Catcher by Sherry Lanningtonyroberts2025-07-31T10:36:56-04:00

The Heart of Hope: Stories by and for Those with Troubled Minds

It is impossible to read this collection without a moist eye, an overwhelming anger at the cruelty of brain diseases, exasperation at society’s failure to help, and a deep admiration for the undaunted spirit of those who speak out and advocate for their fellow travelers on such a difficult path. ~ Pete Earley, author of CRAZY: A Father’s Search Through America’s Mental Health Madness, finalist for the 2007 Pulitzer Prize It has now been almost two years since the publication of our collaboration Hope for Troubled Minds. Over 100 collaborators contributor their hearts and minds to the effort. A team of editors including Katie Dale, Adela Dickey, Leanne Sype, and Janet Coburn worked countless hours to bring it all together. Shepherding the project was a labor of love that marked a pivotal point in my journey. More a crossroads than a pinnacle. Maybe a plateau. I required rest and recovery. The [...]

The Heart of Hope: Stories by and for Those with Troubled Mindstonyroberts2025-07-28T11:47:11-04:00

Pick up Your Pen and Write ✍️

“If you want to change the world, pick up your pen and write.” — Martin Luther. “There is nothing so tragic as the untold story inside you.” — Maya Angelou. Writing has been part of my vocation for half a century. My writing has dropped off a good bit of late — both in terms of frequency and effectiveness. Recently I’ve been giving some thought to stepping away from my chosen/appointed vocation and finding something else to do with my time. After all, I am on disability and writing does not exactly provide me a stream of income. What difference would it make if I stopped? Couldn’t I be of better use doing something else? In lieu of just quitting, I have wandered the wilderness wasteland of Facebook. I have met many friends who have given me great support. But I have also concluded, at least for me, at least [...]

Pick up Your Pen and Write ✍️tonyroberts2024-08-26T13:03:19-04:00

Hope for Troubled Minds Homecoming

The initial book tour of Hope for Troubled Minds came to a rousing close with a talk/dialogue at Louisville Seminary for their Alumni Day of Giving. Going back to my alma mater ‘90 after three decades was an adjustment but it was great to meet students, staff, trustees, and fellow alumni like Ginny Brown and David Wallace. It was a blessing to be so warmly received and I want to particularly thank Laura Kelley and all who facilitated the visit.All told, I spoke at 9 engagements at 7 venues in my former Kentuckiana homeland. It was a delight to join Pastor George Love, Helen Sarver, and the saints at Hebron Presbyterian; share my story with faithful friends Eric and Jen Riddle at First Presbyterian (Columbus, IN) and greet my fellow seniors with Linda Clark at Mill Race Center. Thanks to the Bartholomew County Public library for hosting an event where [...]

Hope for Troubled Minds Homecomingtonyroberts2024-08-26T13:03:19-04:00

Hope for Troubled Minds Paperback and Tour Launch

"It is impossible to read this collection without a moist eye, an overwhelming anger at the cruelty of brain diseases, exasperation at society's failure to help, and a deep admiration for the undaunted spirit of those who speak out and advocate for their fellow travelers on such a difficult path."- Pete Earley, author of CRAZY: A Father's Search Through America's Mental Health Madness, finalist for the 2007 Pulitzer PrizeHope for Troubled Minds is now available in paperback and can be ordered through Ingram Sparks from any bookstore. It is also available at Amazon. The list price is $19.99. Net proceeds support National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), Treatment Advocacy Center (TAC), and Delight in Disorder Ministries (DiDMin). Hope for Troubled Minds is a trove of tributes, collected to celebrate the lives, legacy, and strength of those who lead brave lives in the face of brain disorders and mental illness. These [...]

Hope for Troubled Minds Paperback and Tour Launchtonyroberts2024-08-26T13:03:19-04:00

The Time is Now: Hope for Troubled Minds has Arrived

The time has come. The wait is over (or at least soon coming to an end). A project five years in the making that cultivated the gifts of so many beautiful blessings is now in print, and on Kindle/ebook. We made a commitment to give complimentary copies to contributors and make pre-ordered books available at a discount. It was only through the generous gifts of passionate advocate donors that we could pull this off. And with them, we did. Now, Amazon will take over selling and shipping. We are grateful that through them we can reach a broader community (though at a slightly higher price). So what happens now? I'll tell you. If you want to know more about the book and purchase a copy, go to our website link: https://delightindisorder.org/hftm-order/ Spread the news of Hope for Troubled Minds on your social media and in person. When you've read a [...]

The Time is Now: Hope for Troubled Minds has Arrivedtonyroberts2024-08-26T13:03:20-04:00

The Blessings of Gratitude

“Let us be grateful to the people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.” ― Marcel Proust. Gratitude is a spiritual practice. It has a way of seeping into our souls - uplifting our spirits, refreshing our spirits, even invigorating our bodies. In my spiritual journey, I have been through seasons where I felt bitter and dark. At these times it is all the more essential to give thanks for the people, experiences, and things that bring us happiness and lighten our loads. What are you grateful for? I am thankful for many things. The one thing that stands out for me on this day is spiritual friendship. I have been blessed throughout my life to know people who are spiritually mature, who regularly pray for me, who I can count on to encourage me when I am laid low and put me in [...]

The Blessings of Gratitudetonyroberts2024-08-26T13:03:20-04:00

Hope for Troubled Minds: An anthology of letters between those with brain illnesses and our loved ones.

Photo of a young Linda Rippee and Catherine Rippee-Hanson with their baby brother Mark. Mark developed a brain illness and died of undertreatment and the chronic effects of homelessness. I am dedicating this project to the Rippees, a testimony that even life-long devoted love isn't yet enough to conquer serious brain illness in this life. Yet. But his legacy lives on and promotes positive change that gives Hope for Troubled Minds. Tony Roberts, author of When Despair Meets Delight: Cultivating Hope for Those Battling Mental Illness ; podcaster of Revealing Voices ; and administrator of the Facebook community group Hope for Troubled Minds is shepherding a project through his blog at delightindisorder.org we hope will culminate in a book with color photos entitled Hope for Troubled Minds: An anthology of letters between those with brain illnesses and our loved ones. Submit your letter written to your loved one (first [...]

Hope for Troubled Minds: An anthology of letters between those with brain illnesses and our loved ones.tonyroberts2024-08-26T13:03:21-04:00