Priest Drops SHOCKING Truth About Depression

Let's be honest, in our world, it's easy Let's be honest, in our world, it's easy to not feel good. How to stay happy. How to not feel good. How to stay happy. How to not feel good. How to stay happy. How to see light at the end of the tunnel. to see light at the end of the tunnel. to see light at the end of the tunnel. How to still be the person you want to How to still be the person you want to How to still be the person you want to be regardless of your suffering, pain, be regardless of your suffering, pain, be regardless of your suffering, pain, and devastation. I hope this gives hope and devastation. I hope this gives hope and devastation. I hope this gives hope and joy and light to those going through and joy and light to those going through and joy and light to those going through that from the incredible Archbishop or that from the incredible Archbishop or that from the incredible Archbishop or ex-chbishop of Canterbury, Rowan ex-chbishop of Canterbury, Rowan ex-chbishop of Canterbury, Rowan Williams. What are we going to do for Williams. What are we going to do for Williams. What are we going to do for each other when the going gets rough? each other when the going gets rough? each other when the going gets rough? Because there are some bits of spiritual Because there are some bits of spiritual Because there are some bits of spiritual advice and styles of spiritual advice advice and styles of spiritual advice advice and styles of spiritual advice which can no doubt unwittingly suggest which can no doubt unwittingly suggest which can no doubt unwittingly suggest that it's really just my problem. that it's really just my problem. that it's really just my problem. But it ought to be a problem that we But it ought to be a problem that we But it ought to be a problem that we share. share. share. When things are difficult, we ought to When things are difficult, we ought to When things are difficult, we ought to be able to say to our fellow Christians, be able to say to our fellow Christians, be able to say to our fellow Christians, "Look, I'm going through a pretty bleak "Look, I'm going through a pretty bleak "Look, I'm going through a pretty bleak patch. Hang on for me, will you? And patch. Hang on for me, will you? And patch. Hang on for me, will you? And hang on with me and hang on to me. hang on with me and hang on to me. hang on with me and hang on to me. That's the body of Christ at work. And That's the body of Christ at work. And That's the body of Christ at work. And that's why the worst thing we can that's why the worst thing we can that's why the worst thing we can possibly do for each other is to say, possibly do for each other is to say, possibly do for each other is to say, you know, get your act together. Why you know, get your act together. Why you know, get your act together. Why aren't you more cheerful? Christians aren't you more cheerful? Christians aren't you more cheerful? Christians should be radiant and faithful and and should be radiant and faithful and and should be radiant and faithful and and wonderful and you're glum and boring. I wonderful and you're glum and boring. I wonderful and you're glum and boring. I think this is something that Dietrich think this is something that Dietrich think this is something that Dietrich Bonhoffer really speaks about in the Bonhoffer really speaks about in the Bonhoffer really speaks about in the sense that as a Christian we have a duty sense that as a Christian we have a duty sense that as a Christian we have a duty to be in fellowship to be in community to be in fellowship to be in community to be in fellowship to be in community and how important it is to really put and how important it is to really put and how important it is to really put yourself in a place where someone is

yourself in a place where someone is yourself in a place where someone is suffering and I think it's so easy for suffering and I think it's so easy for suffering and I think it's so easy for us you know when we feel good when we us you know when we feel good when we us you know when we feel good when we feel on top of the world it's like feel on top of the world it's like feel on top of the world it's like nothing will destroy us nothing will be nothing will destroy us nothing will be nothing will destroy us nothing will be an issue we're happy it's going to be an issue we're happy it's going to be an issue we're happy it's going to be happy forever and obviously we delude happy forever and obviously we delude happy forever and obviously we delude ourselves of the fantasy of the joy of ourselves of the fantasy of the joy of ourselves of the fantasy of the joy of the wonder of the um euphoria we're the wonder of the um euphoria we're the wonder of the um euphoria we're feeling, right? And we often actually feeling, right? And we often actually feeling, right? And we often actually look at our fellow loved one, our our look at our fellow loved one, our our look at our fellow loved one, our our friend, our neighbor, and let's say they friend, our neighbor, and let's say they friend, our neighbor, and let's say they are feeling glum, they are feeling in are feeling glum, they are feeling in are feeling glum, they are feeling in the pits, they are in the depths of the pits, they are in the depths of the pits, they are in the depths of their hell in their mind, right? We their hell in their mind, right? We their hell in their mind, right? We often think to ourselves, well, do this, often think to ourselves, well, do this, often think to ourselves, well, do this, do that, maybe exercise, maybe do this, do that, maybe exercise, maybe do this, do that, maybe exercise, maybe do this, maybe do that. We But we don't put maybe do that. We But we don't put maybe do that. We But we don't put ourselves in the place where we felt ourselves in the place where we felt ourselves in the place where we felt when we were them. And I think it's so when we were them. And I think it's so when we were them. And I think it's so important to hold on to. And I think important to hold on to. And I think important to hold on to. And I think we've all kind of fallen victim to it we've all kind of fallen victim to it we've all kind of fallen victim to it and have always I think a lot of people and have always I think a lot of people and have always I think a lot of people have experienced, you know, a friend have experienced, you know, a friend have experienced, you know, a friend who's who has good intentions, his heart who's who has good intentions, his heart who's who has good intentions, his heart is in the right place and there's is in the right place and there's is in the right place and there's clearly things that worked for him. clearly things that worked for him. clearly things that worked for him. Maybe he joined the gym, maybe he Maybe he joined the gym, maybe he Maybe he joined the gym, maybe he started running, maybe he changed his started running, maybe he changed his started running, maybe he changed his diet, maybe started reading a certain diet, maybe started reading a certain diet, maybe started reading a certain self-help book, whatever it is. And it's self-help book, whatever it is. And it's self-help book, whatever it is. And it's easy to just push that on someone. And I easy to just push that on someone. And I easy to just push that on someone. And I think a lot of people have felt that think a lot of people have felt that think a lot of people have felt that when someone is hurting, when someone is when someone is hurting, when someone is when someone is hurting, when someone is in pain and someone gives them advice in pain and someone gives them advice in pain and someone gives them advice and it's just not as easy as that and it's just not as easy as that and it's just not as easy as that because when you do really really feel because when you do really really feel because when you do really really feel glum and terrible, it's so easy to pick glum and terrible, it's so easy to pick glum and terrible, it's so easy to pick so difficult sorry to pick yourself up.

so difficult sorry to pick yourself up. so difficult sorry to pick yourself up. And I think that's one of the most And I think that's one of the most And I think that's one of the most difficult things of life is is where difficult things of life is is where difficult things of life is is where people get to the point where they don't people get to the point where they don't people get to the point where they don't want to help themselves. where the want to help themselves. where the want to help themselves. where the allure of self-pity, where the allure of self-pity, where the allure of self-pity, where the enticingness of just letting go and just enticingness of just letting go and just enticingness of just letting go and just drowning in your sorrow is so enticing drowning in your sorrow is so enticing drowning in your sorrow is so enticing and and it's almost more comforting than and and it's almost more comforting than and and it's almost more comforting than actually saying, "No, I'm not going to actually saying, "No, I'm not going to actually saying, "No, I'm not going to do this. No, I'm not going to give into do this. No, I'm not going to give into do this. No, I'm not going to give into the darkness. I'm actually going to the darkness. I'm actually going to the darkness. I'm actually going to fight and I'm actually going to change. fight and I'm actually going to change. fight and I'm actually going to change. I'm actually going to get out of bed. I'm actually going to get out of bed. I'm actually going to get out of bed. I'm going to do things I don't want to I'm going to do things I don't want to I'm going to do things I don't want to do. I'm going to try and be kind to do. I'm going to try and be kind to do. I'm going to try and be kind to people. I'm going to try and listen to people. I'm going to try and listen to people. I'm going to try and listen to people who I don't want to listen to." people who I don't want to listen to." people who I don't want to listen to." And it's it's such a difficult thing. It And it's it's such a difficult thing. It And it's it's such a difficult thing. It really is. And I think anyone who has really is. And I think anyone who has really is. And I think anyone who has known someone to be really depressed has known someone to be really depressed has known someone to be really depressed has seen how difficult that is. And I think seen how difficult that is. And I think seen how difficult that is. And I think we should never forget that, especially we should never forget that, especially we should never forget that, especially as Christians. There's some as Christians. There's some as Christians. There's some evangelicals, there's some, not to evangelicals, there's some, not to evangelicals, there's some, not to cherrypick evangelicals, but I think cherrypick evangelicals, but I think cherrypick evangelicals, but I think this is a common occurrence I've heard this is a common occurrence I've heard this is a common occurrence I've heard where people going to an evangelical where people going to an evangelical where people going to an evangelical church, everyone's smiling, everyone's church, everyone's smiling, everyone's church, everyone's smiling, everyone's radiant, everyone's happy. But sometimes radiant, everyone's happy. But sometimes radiant, everyone's happy. But sometimes people aren't. You know, I had a person people aren't. You know, I had a person people aren't. You know, I had a person in my life recently who went to a in my life recently who went to a in my life recently who went to a church, was feeling dreadful, and he was church, was feeling dreadful, and he was church, was feeling dreadful, and he was like, you know, it didn't make me feel like, you know, it didn't make me feel like, you know, it didn't make me feel good because everyone was so happy and I good because everyone was so happy and I good because everyone was so happy and I was felt so terrible and there wasn't a was felt so terrible and there wasn't a was felt so terrible and there wasn't a place for me because I didn't want to place for me because I didn't want to place for me because I didn't want to smile. I didn't want to jump for joy. I smile. I didn't want to jump for joy. I smile. I didn't want to jump for joy. I felt dreadful. Um, and that's obviously felt dreadful. Um, and that's obviously felt dreadful. Um, and that's obviously the different people connect the different people connect the different people connect differently. Like some people in a more differently. Like some people in a more differently. Like some people in a more kind of charismatic church love the just kind of charismatic church love the just kind of charismatic church love the just letting go, letting the spirit come in.

letting go, letting the spirit come in. letting go, letting the spirit come in. um just kind of maybe crying, maybe um just kind of maybe crying, maybe um just kind of maybe crying, maybe lifting your hands up, whatever it is, lifting your hands up, whatever it is, lifting your hands up, whatever it is, but there's definitely that's not for but there's definitely that's not for but there's definitely that's not for everyone. And so people work so everyone. And so people work so everyone. And so people work so differently and when we are in differently and when we are in differently and when we are in community, when we are in fellowship community, when we are in fellowship community, when we are in fellowship with our fellow brother or sister, I with our fellow brother or sister, I with our fellow brother or sister, I don't mean literally brother and sister, don't mean literally brother and sister, don't mean literally brother and sister, but friend, we must always put ourselves but friend, we must always put ourselves but friend, we must always put ourselves in their position and really stand with in their position and really stand with in their position and really stand with them. Now, that doesn't mean we're going them. Now, that doesn't mean we're going them. Now, that doesn't mean we're going to give them advice and be like, you to give them advice and be like, you to give them advice and be like, you know, you do this, you do that. You're know, you do this, you do that. You're know, you do this, you do that. You're going to be cushy, mate. No, no stress. going to be cushy, mate. No, no stress. going to be cushy, mate. No, no stress. Just do this and you'll be happy. a Just do this and you'll be happy. a Just do this and you'll be happy. a quick quick hack as they call it. Um cuz quick quick hack as they call it. Um cuz quick quick hack as they call it. Um cuz that's probably not the case. If they that's probably not the case. If they that's probably not the case. If they really are in the depths of hell, if really are in the depths of hell, if really are in the depths of hell, if they really are in the depths of they really are in the depths of they really are in the depths of darkness, that's not going to work. You darkness, that's not going to work. You darkness, that's not going to work. You know, if anything, it's going to make know, if anything, it's going to make know, if anything, it's going to make them feel worse. And I I think there's them feel worse. And I I think there's them feel worse. And I I think there's not many things that can make someone not many things that can make someone not many things that can make someone feel worse when they hate themselves for feel worse when they hate themselves for feel worse when they hate themselves for feeling bad and then someone comes in feeling bad and then someone comes in feeling bad and then someone comes in and goes, "Do this. This will make you and goes, "Do this. This will make you and goes, "Do this. This will make you feel better." And they part of them kind feel better." And they part of them kind feel better." And they part of them kind of thinks, "Well, if I did that, maybe of thinks, "Well, if I did that, maybe of thinks, "Well, if I did that, maybe it would make me feel better." But they it would make me feel better." But they it would make me feel better." But they can't. they're they have such a low can't. they're they have such a low can't. they're they have such a low self-esteem, such low energy that they self-esteem, such low energy that they self-esteem, such low energy that they feel they can't they're trapped in their feel they can't they're trapped in their feel they can't they're trapped in their own mind. And um that's why just simply own mind. And um that's why just simply own mind. And um that's why just simply standing with someone, simply holding standing with someone, simply holding standing with someone, simply holding someone's hand, simply being, you know, someone's hand, simply being, you know, someone's hand, simply being, you know, the shoulder to crying can do so much the shoulder to crying can do so much the shoulder to crying can do so much cuz sometimes all people want is to feel cuz sometimes all people want is to feel cuz sometimes all people want is to feel seen and to feel heard. Um, and I seen and to feel heard. Um, and I seen and to feel heard. Um, and I remember famously the famous quote, you remember famously the famous quote, you remember famously the famous quote, you know, um, to truly be seen, I remember, know, um, to truly be seen, I remember, know, um, to truly be seen, I remember, I think it was one of my family told me I think it was one of my family told me I think it was one of my family told me this, to truly be seen is so close to this, to truly be seen is so close to this, to truly be seen is so close to love that you cannot tell the love that you cannot tell the love that you cannot tell the difference. You almost can't tell the

difference. You almost can't tell the difference. You almost can't tell the difference. And I think that's so true. difference. And I think that's so true. difference. And I think that's so true. So many pe time people, all people want So many pe time people, all people want So many pe time people, all people want is to feel seen. They want to feel that is to feel seen. They want to feel that is to feel seen. They want to feel that they are heard, that their suffering is they are heard, that their suffering is they are heard, that their suffering is known about. it's they're not just a known about. it's they're not just a known about. it's they're not just a single person away in this life and single person away in this life and single person away in this life and that's it. That people care about and that's it. That people care about and that's it. That people care about and people come together and that's why as people come together and that's why as people come together and that's why as Christians it's so vital we do that. It Christians it's so vital we do that. It Christians it's so vital we do that. It really really is. But um yeah, let's really really is. But um yeah, let's really really is. But um yeah, let's hear more from the wisdom of Ryan hear more from the wisdom of Ryan hear more from the wisdom of Ryan Williams. So, come on. Williams. So, come on. Williams. So, come on. You don't need me to tell you that there You don't need me to tell you that there You don't need me to tell you that there are some Christian contexts where the are some Christian contexts where the are some Christian contexts where the pressure is on to um what I sometimes pressure is on to um what I sometimes pressure is on to um what I sometimes think of as the the sparkling teeth of think of as the the sparkling teeth of think of as the the sparkling teeth of perfect faith radiating at you from all perfect faith radiating at you from all perfect faith radiating at you from all directions. directions. directions. >> I got to say th this um I've I've been >> I got to say th this um I've I've been >> I got to say th this um I've I've been to there was a church I used to go to to there was a church I used to go to to there was a church I used to go to quite a lot and um everyone in there was quite a lot and um everyone in there was quite a lot and um everyone in there was so beautiful. Like I mean they were very so beautiful. Like I mean they were very so beautiful. Like I mean they were very beautiful, it had to be said. Um and beautiful, it had to be said. Um and beautiful, it had to be said. Um and it's quite an affluent place and stuff. it's quite an affluent place and stuff. it's quite an affluent place and stuff. Um, and I did think to myself like if Um, and I did think to myself like if Um, and I did think to myself like if someone felt dreadful about themselves someone felt dreadful about themselves someone felt dreadful about themselves or maybe the way society views beauty, or maybe the way society views beauty, or maybe the way society views beauty, they don't fit into that brackets as they don't fit into that brackets as they don't fit into that brackets as much and they come into the church, they much and they come into the church, they much and they come into the church, they they will probably just feel glum about they will probably just feel glum about they will probably just feel glum about themselves. And I think that's that's themselves. And I think that's that's themselves. And I think that's that's some of the beauty of also when I've some of the beauty of also when I've some of the beauty of also when I've gone to more broken churches where you gone to more broken churches where you gone to more broken churches where you know half the congregation don't have know half the congregation don't have know half the congregation don't have teeth, people go on food bank, people teeth, people go on food bank, people teeth, people go on food bank, people don't have um you know the way society don't have um you know the way society don't have um you know the way society views beauty, they're not on the same views beauty, they're not on the same views beauty, they're not on the same level, you could say. Now I I think level, you could say. Now I I think level, you could say. Now I I think everyone is beauty. I know that's everyone is beauty. I know that's everyone is beauty. I know that's cringey. People could argue against me

cringey. People could argue against me cringey. People could argue against me there. But I do think everyone has a there. But I do think everyone has a there. But I do think everyone has a real beautiful side of them. And I think real beautiful side of them. And I think real beautiful side of them. And I think there is be everyone is beautiful, you there is be everyone is beautiful, you there is be everyone is beautiful, you know. I I think there's there's a know. I I think there's there's a know. I I think there's there's a beautiful thing about everyone. It could beautiful thing about everyone. It could beautiful thing about everyone. It could be their eyes, it could be their hair, be their eyes, it could be their hair, be their eyes, it could be their hair, it could be their laugh, could be their it could be their laugh, could be their it could be their laugh, could be their smile, could be their legs, could be smile, could be their legs, could be smile, could be their legs, could be more conventional stuff maybe. Who more conventional stuff maybe. Who more conventional stuff maybe. Who knows? Um, but I think God really is knows? Um, but I think God really is knows? Um, but I think God really is close to those who aren't, close to those who aren't, close to those who aren't, as the world views it, sparkly teeth, as the world views it, sparkly teeth, as the world views it, sparkly teeth, you know. Um, and I in my experience, you know. Um, and I in my experience, you know. Um, and I in my experience, I've always feel God, Jesus's presence I've always feel God, Jesus's presence I've always feel God, Jesus's presence more when people aren't like that. Now, more when people aren't like that. Now, more when people aren't like that. Now, that's not to say if you're beautiful that's not to say if you're beautiful that's not to say if you're beautiful and you go to church, you should and you go to church, you should and you go to church, you should somehow, you know, bow your head in somehow, you know, bow your head in somehow, you know, bow your head in shame. Not at all. Um, but I I do think shame. Not at all. Um, but I I do think shame. Not at all. Um, but I I do think that where people place their, you know, that where people place their, you know, that where people place their, you know, feet in a Sunday morning does does feet in a Sunday morning does does feet in a Sunday morning does does affect a lot. Um and I would say I felt affect a lot. Um and I would say I felt affect a lot. Um and I would say I felt the presence of God a lot closer in the presence of God a lot closer in the presence of God a lot closer in places where people are in a different places where people are in a different places where people are in a different way beautiful you know. Um yeah way beautiful you know. Um yeah way beautiful you know. Um yeah and one of the simplest bits of advice and one of the simplest bits of advice and one of the simplest bits of advice you can give about when the going gets you can give about when the going gets you can give about when the going gets rough is don't be surprised don't panic.

rough is don't be surprised don't panic. rough is don't be surprised don't panic. It happens. It happens to people in all It happens. It happens to people in all It happens. It happens to people in all kinds of contexts. All kinds of kinds of contexts. All kinds of kinds of contexts. All kinds of spiritual maturity. It happens and it's spiritual maturity. It happens and it's spiritual maturity. It happens and it's all right. all right. all right. You can be honest about it. You mustn't You can be honest about it. You mustn't You can be honest about it. You mustn't be ashamed about it. And you mustn't be ashamed about it. And you mustn't be ashamed about it. And you mustn't delude yourself that it's all fine. But delude yourself that it's all fine. But delude yourself that it's all fine. But what you can do is to reach out to what you can do is to reach out to what you can do is to reach out to somebody else and say, as I put it, hang somebody else and say, as I put it, hang somebody else and say, as I put it, hang on for me and with me to me. Hang on for on for me and with me to me. Hang on for on for me and with me to me. Hang on for me, I say to another Christian. I can't me, I say to another Christian. I can't me, I say to another Christian. I can't make much sense of it, but maybe you make much sense of it, but maybe you make much sense of it, but maybe you can. And I'm going to look to you for can. And I'm going to look to you for can. And I'm going to look to you for some faithfulness and some help. I'm some faithfulness and some help. I'm some faithfulness and some help. I'm going to look to you to show me a bit of going to look to you to show me a bit of going to look to you to show me a bit of what God's like. To show me a what God's like. To show me a what God's like. To show me a faithfulness and a generosity that faithfulness and a generosity that faithfulness and a generosity that reminds me of the God I'm supposed to reminds me of the God I'm supposed to reminds me of the God I'm supposed to believe in. believe in. believe in. >> Oh, what a truly powerful >> Oh, what a truly powerful >> Oh, what a truly powerful spoken word there by Raman Williams spoken word there by Raman Williams spoken word there by Raman Williams where he says speaks about the kindness where he says speaks about the kindness where he says speaks about the kindness of others of others of others that can be the inspiration of the thing that can be the inspiration of the thing that can be the inspiration of the thing that g keeps people with faith.

that g keeps people with faith. that g keeps people with faith. Wow. I mean what I put what I really Wow. I mean what I put what I really Wow. I mean what I put what I really just very simply put and this is the just very simply put and this is the just very simply put and this is the reason I love Ryan so much. He condenses reason I love Ryan so much. He condenses reason I love Ryan so much. He condenses such unbelievably complex philosophical such unbelievably complex philosophical such unbelievably complex philosophical spiritual spiritual spiritual theological terms and just condenses theological terms and just condenses theological terms and just condenses them into these beautiful nuggets like them into these beautiful nuggets like them into these beautiful nuggets like that. It's like Clive Staples Lewis. It that. It's like Clive Staples Lewis. It that. It's like Clive Staples Lewis. It can't go a video without me banging on can't go a video without me banging on can't go a video without me banging on about that bloke, the amazing English about that bloke, the amazing English about that bloke, the amazing English writer. Well, he's born in Belfast. Um writer. Well, he's born in Belfast. Um writer. Well, he's born in Belfast. Um but the amazing writer. Um but the amazing writer. Um but the amazing writer. Um yeah, I I think um so often when someone yeah, I I think um so often when someone yeah, I I think um so often when someone truly feels God's love, it it moves truly feels God's love, it it moves truly feels God's love, it it moves their heart. And that's why famously, their heart. And that's why famously, their heart. And that's why famously, you know, it's it's spoken about when you know, it's it's spoken about when you know, it's it's spoken about when preaching the gospel. You know, preach preaching the gospel. You know, preach preaching the gospel. You know, preach the gospel and use words if you have to the gospel and use words if you have to the gospel and use words if you have to in the sense that someone should feel in the sense that someone should feel in the sense that someone should feel God and the the presence of God from God and the the presence of God from God and the the presence of God from what you're doing, from your actions, what you're doing, from your actions, what you're doing, from your actions, not from your words. and you know judge not from your words. and you know judge not from your words. and you know judge a tree by the fruit it bears it you know a tree by the fruit it bears it you know a tree by the fruit it bears it you know you meet some people and you know you meet some people and you know you meet some people and you know nothing about them but simply being nothing about them but simply being nothing about them but simply being around them they're they have this kind around them they're they have this kind around them they're they have this kind of loving blessing aura about them and of loving blessing aura about them and of loving blessing aura about them and the impact that has on you is is is the impact that has on you is is is the impact that has on you is is is bonkers and I think just simply being bonkers and I think just simply being bonkers and I think just simply being there for someone in a fullyhearted way there for someone in a fullyhearted way there for someone in a fullyhearted way where they can feel that where they feel where they can feel that where they feel where they can feel that where they feel you are there for them truly has such a you are there for them truly has such a you are there for them truly has such a powerful impact. It really does. Hang on powerful impact. It really does. Hang on powerful impact. It really does. Hang on with me. Let me know that we belong with me. Let me know that we belong with me. Let me know that we belong together in a shared journey. Share your together in a shared journey. Share your together in a shared journey. Share your experience with me too. And please hang

experience with me too. And please hang experience with me too. And please hang on to me. Say prayers for me. Be a on to me. Say prayers for me. Be a on to me. Say prayers for me. Be a listening ear. listening ear. listening ear. And that I think is very near the heart And that I think is very near the heart And that I think is very near the heart of how we cope with and how we respond of how we cope with and how we respond of how we cope with and how we respond to the rough times, the bleak times, our to the rough times, the bleak times, our to the rough times, the bleak times, our service to our ministry to each other, service to our ministry to each other, service to our ministry to each other, our being Christ for and to one another. our being Christ for and to one another. our being Christ for and to one another. And we mustn't be ashamed of putting it And we mustn't be ashamed of putting it And we mustn't be ashamed of putting it as as bluntly as that. are being Christ as as bluntly as that. are being Christ as as bluntly as that. are being Christ to for one another. to for one another. to for one another. >> And I think when he says being Christ >> And I think when he says being Christ >> And I think when he says being Christ for another, he means unconditional love for another, he means unconditional love for another, he means unconditional love and he means a love that isn't deserved. and he means a love that isn't deserved. and he means a love that isn't deserved. And I think that's something that we And I think that's something that we And I think that's something that we don't really want to address. We don't don't really want to address. We don't don't really want to address. We don't really want that to be the case. We really want that to be the case. We really want that to be the case. We don't want it to be the case that we don't want it to be the case that we don't want it to be the case that we have a friend who hasn't been there for have a friend who hasn't been there for have a friend who hasn't been there for us, who hasn't been good to us, and when us, who hasn't been good to us, and when us, who hasn't been good to us, and when he's in trouble, when he's in pain, we he's in trouble, when he's in pain, we he's in trouble, when he's in pain, we should be there for him. We we don't should be there for him. We we don't should be there for him. We we don't want that to be the case because then want that to be the case because then want that to be the case because then it's like, well, he wasn't there for me. it's like, well, he wasn't there for me. it's like, well, he wasn't there for me. when actually no. We we should be try when actually no. We we should be try when actually no. We we should be try and emulate Jesus as much as possible. and emulate Jesus as much as possible. and emulate Jesus as much as possible. Show love to those that didn't show love Show love to those that didn't show love Show love to those that didn't show love to you. Love your enemies. Um we don't to you. Love your enemies. Um we don't to you. Love your enemies. Um we don't want that to be the case. But that is want that to be the case. But that is want that to be the case. But that is what we should do because when we were what we should do because when we were what we should do because when we were in the pits, when we were in that place, in the pits, when we were in that place, in the pits, when we were in that place, we wanted to be seen. We wanted to be we wanted to be seen. We wanted to be we wanted to be seen. We wanted to be heard. We wanted someone to stand with heard. We wanted someone to stand with heard. We wanted someone to stand with us. And us. And us. And even if that was someone who we weren't even if that was someone who we weren't even if that was someone who we weren't loving to, weren't kind to, that would loving to, weren't kind to, that would loving to, weren't kind to, that would have made their love for us even more have made their love for us even more have made their love for us even more powerful, that would have made them powerful, that would have made them powerful, that would have made them truly seeing our pain mean even more. It truly seeing our pain mean even more. It truly seeing our pain mean even more. It would have been an even bigger blessing.

would have been an even bigger blessing. would have been an even bigger blessing. And that's what he's saying there. And And that's what he's saying there. And And that's what he's saying there. And what a phenomenal, brilliant point, I what a phenomenal, brilliant point, I what a phenomenal, brilliant point, I think. think. think. So, in dealing with these times when So, in dealing with these times when So, in dealing with these times when we're not making much sense to we're not making much sense to we're not making much sense to ourselves, where we don't quite know ourselves, where we don't quite know ourselves, where we don't quite know even if we believe or not, but we can't even if we believe or not, but we can't even if we believe or not, but we can't we can't just walk away, we can't just walk away, we can't just walk away, we need both those basic routines that we need both those basic routines that we need both those basic routines that keep us in touch, what I call the eating keep us in touch, what I call the eating keep us in touch, what I call the eating our greens side of it, and we need the our greens side of it, and we need the our greens side of it, and we need the affirming, praying presence of our affirming, praying presence of our affirming, praying presence of our brothers and sisters. And of course, as brothers and sisters. And of course, as brothers and sisters. And of course, as St. Paul indicates in two Corinthians, St. Paul indicates in two Corinthians, St. Paul indicates in two Corinthians, when out of my poverty, I ask something when out of my poverty, I ask something when out of my poverty, I ask something from somebody else's treasure. That's from somebody else's treasure. That's from somebody else's treasure. That's also a promise that when I feel there's also a promise that when I feel there's also a promise that when I feel there's treasure rising in me, I'm able to give treasure rising in me, I'm able to give treasure rising in me, I'm able to give it into the poverty of another. it into the poverty of another. it into the poverty of another. We don't, as I said this morning, we We don't, as I said this morning, we We don't, as I said this morning, we don't live or die alone as praying don't live or die alone as praying don't live or die alone as praying persons. We are always feeding one persons. We are always feeding one persons. We are always feeding one another in the church. And in these another in the church. And in these another in the church. And in these times of difficulty, that feeding has a times of difficulty, that feeding has a times of difficulty, that feeding has a great deal to do with showing great deal to do with showing great deal to do with showing faithfulness, generosity, being there, faithfulness, generosity, being there, faithfulness, generosity, being there, being with, holding on. being with, holding on. being with, holding on. The promise of rough and dark times is The promise of rough and dark times is The promise of rough and dark times is really the promise really the promise really the promise contained in St. John of the Cross's contained in St. John of the Cross's contained in St. John of the Cross's analysis that at the end of the day, analysis that at the end of the day, analysis that at the end of the day, this is something to do with becoming this is something to do with becoming this is something to do with becoming more truthful, becoming more real.

more truthful, becoming more real. more truthful, becoming more real. Instead of the very finest and most Instead of the very finest and most Instead of the very finest and most sophisticated God we could invent for sophisticated God we could invent for sophisticated God we could invent for ourselves, we have the real God who is ourselves, we have the real God who is ourselves, we have the real God who is actually rather better. Our temptation actually rather better. Our temptation actually rather better. Our temptation will be always to think we could do the will be always to think we could do the will be always to think we could do the job better and think up a God who job better and think up a God who job better and think up a God who because he fits into our preconceptions because he fits into our preconceptions because he fits into our preconceptions and meets our needs is doing a much and meets our needs is doing a much and meets our needs is doing a much better job than the real one. Well, better job than the real one. Well, better job than the real one. Well, dream on, as they say. But the promise dream on, as they say. But the promise dream on, as they say. But the promise of this is if God really is crunching up of this is if God really is crunching up of this is if God really is crunching up and pushing out and pushing away the and pushing out and pushing away the and pushing out and pushing away the false pictures, what lies on the far false pictures, what lies on the far false pictures, what lies on the far side of it is reality, truth, and life. side of it is reality, truth, and life. side of it is reality, truth, and life. And that's why St. John of the Cross can And that's why St. John of the Cross can And that's why St. John of the Cross can say in one of his memorable images, say in one of his memorable images, say in one of his memorable images, remember it gets really dark at remember it gets really dark at remember it gets really dark at midnight, which is just the point before midnight, which is just the point before midnight, which is just the point before it starts moving towards the dawn. And it starts moving towards the dawn. And it starts moving towards the dawn. And as one of my friends once said, great as one of my friends once said, great as one of my friends once said, great thing about St. John of the Cross is thing about St. John of the Cross is thing about St. John of the Cross is that he says, "The worse it gets, the that he says, "The worse it gets, the that he says, "The worse it gets, the better it gets." And there is something better it gets." And there is something better it gets." And there is something in that. If you really do feel you're in that. If you really do feel you're in that. If you really do feel you're losing your way and the pictures and the losing your way and the pictures and the losing your way and the pictures and the images and the easy things are no longer images and the easy things are no longer images and the easy things are no longer there, well, you might try saying thank there, well, you might try saying thank there, well, you might try saying thank you simply because that might well be an you simply because that might well be an you simply because that might well be an indication that the reality of God is indication that the reality of God is indication that the reality of God is just slowly pushing out the comfortable just slowly pushing out the comfortable just slowly pushing out the comfortable fantasies that we prefer to have. Wow, fantasies that we prefer to have. Wow, fantasies that we prefer to have. Wow, what a what a amazing point that when we what a what a amazing point that when we what a what a amazing point that when we do feel that doubt and we do feel that do feel that doubt and we do feel that do feel that doubt and we do feel that pain actually that's God pushing out pain actually that's God pushing out pain actually that's God pushing out what we want to be true not what is true what we want to be true not what is true what we want to be true not what is true and and and so eloquently put there by Ran Williams.

so eloquently put there by Ran Williams. so eloquently put there by Ran Williams. Um, and I I really do hope that people Um, and I I really do hope that people Um, and I I really do hope that people listening this, people who are in the listening this, people who are in the listening this, people who are in the pits, who are struggling, do take pits, who are struggling, do take pits, who are struggling, do take something from it and really do feel the something from it and really do feel the something from it and really do feel the love and the wisdom that Roman is love and the wisdom that Roman is love and the wisdom that Roman is speaking here because this video has speaking here because this video has speaking here because this video has helped me in times. I know it's helped helped me in times. I know it's helped helped me in times. I know it's helped loads of people in times. Um, and I loads of people in times. Um, and I loads of people in times. Um, and I really hope that, you know, those really hope that, you know, those really hope that, you know, those watching right now, wherever you are, watching right now, wherever you are, watching right now, wherever you are, what whatever gender or sexual what whatever gender or sexual what whatever gender or sexual orientation or race or what whatever orientation or race or what whatever orientation or race or what whatever whatever you're going through, um, I whatever you're going through, um, I whatever you're going through, um, I hope this gives some guidance. May that hope this gives some guidance. May that hope this gives some guidance. May that be doubt, may that be heartbreak, may be doubt, may that be heartbreak, may be doubt, may that be heartbreak, may that be jealousy, may that be grief, may that be jealousy, may that be grief, may that be jealousy, may that be grief, may that be just hating yourself. Whatever that be just hating yourself. Whatever that be just hating yourself. Whatever it is, I really hope this gives some it is, I really hope this gives some it is, I really hope this gives some fruit and some peace to your mind and fruit and some peace to your mind and fruit and some peace to your mind and you can really hold on to this. Um, but you can really hold on to this. Um, but you can really hold on to this. Um, but God bless everyone. Thank you for God bless everyone. Thank you for God bless everyone. Thank you for watching. Do like, subscribe if you did watching. Do like, subscribe if you did watching. Do like, subscribe if you did enjoy. It would mean a lot and check out enjoy. It would mean a lot and check out enjoy. It would mean a lot and check out my substack link below. That would mean my substack link below. That would mean my substack link below. That would mean a lot as well. Yeah, love you all. Um, a lot as well. Yeah, love you all. Um, a lot as well. Yeah, love you all. Um, and I hope you have a great rest of your and I hope you have a great rest of your and I hope you have a great rest of your week.