I want to share with you a 40-minute podcast interview I agreed to do with Word of Life last week. If you want to listen to it on the go, you can go here (Episode 65)
In this interview, I tossed my proverbial fig leaf to the side and got cringe-worthy transparent and honest.
At least it felt so for me.
The focus was my personal struggle with depression and mental illness. The interview also includes how I navigate and leverage it as a leader and pastor.
It seems I’ve become an increasing voice and influence on the subject. I certainly didn’t ask for this. But I embrace it.
If people suffering in silence are given hope, and the stigma of mental illness punctured anew, then let’s do this.
Enjoy.
Pastor,
Your interview was so courageous, brave and comforting. God is blessing you for throwing that “fig leaf” aside because your relatable experience is blessing others. My prayers for you will be more specific, asking for your protection against satanic attacks. Please know that you are being hedged about with prayers constantly!! Phyllis
Thank you!
Pastor Jarrod your openness and honesty in sharing your struggle with depression during one of your sermons is what led me to get the help I so desperately needed. I still struggle but I have more hope and more faith because of God and the messages he gives to you to minister to others. Thank you for being real. God Bless and prayers are with you.
Thank you! The struggle is real… and unending. But with Christ, our hope and strength and victory is sure!
Thank you so much for daring to admit and be transparent about this. I have struggled with depression since my childhood. It still has such a negative stigma attached to it .May the Lord bless you for being so brave. I can’t thank you enough.
Thank you!
Pastor, thank you for being so transparent. You are the reason I go to Grace. Through you I have the love of God in my heart.
THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DO!
Christine
Thank you for your kind words, Christine. Thrilled you’re going to Grace!
Pastor Jarrod,
Thank you for shedding a light on an issue that needs to be brought to the light. By sharing your experience you are helping others. Genesis 15:20 “What the enemy meant for evil God will turn for good!”
Yes! And thank you!
Pastor Jarrod, speaking my ankle gave me the time to finally “sit”, rest, and listen to this podcast. You keep it real and your words are amazing. It makes the words spoken, “it’s okay to not be okay” even more true. I don’t know why it took so long for my family and I to attend Grace, but in just over two months, life has been that much better. We still have our hangups, but faith is bringing us through. Thank you for being you, being real, and being amazing.
Thank you so much, Hope!
You’re welcome! My ankle is also not speaking, it was sprained – ha ha ha – autocorrect
Thank you so much.when you said it feels humiliating you hit it I have bi polar type constant cycler you helped me by your interview it gives me hope thank you crying from God letting me know thru u that im ok Gods got us in His hands God Bless you my friend
Thank you, Mary.
Hey, this is DaNella (Duncan) I am so proud of you good job dude! My husband is a pastor and suffers with depression. I appreciate you being so open with this.
DaNella
Thank you, DaNella!
Hey jarrod. We all arent perfect og course. But you jave a gift continue procuring your gift. I believe the lord made for who are. And sametime suffering from memtal illnesses. And still push and strive to continue your dutys. Its a blessing to us all for angles like your self. For who you are your very inspiring to individuals like my self and im sure all over. So keep up the faith and beliefs. Wit the truth gives is peace wisdom faith and also beliefs. MAY OUR FATHER GOD KEEPS HANDS OVER YOU. STAY BLESSED BROTHER..
Sorry spelling is a little off. I typed it to fast. Sorry bout that jarrod.
All good!
Thank you, Joseph!
Great podcast. I have dealt with major depressive disorder since I was a child. I’m now 51 and serve in ministry. It’s real but God can certainly use anyone who deals with mental illness to minister to others and help them to see the Light. Your testimony obviously helps others and I believe that it will continue to see others through much darkness. Thank you, brother, for speaking out as I have been encouraged to speak openly about my depression for years now. God bless!
Thank you!
Could you please resend your Ebook about depression. Thank you.
Hi Jan,
When you subscribe to my blog you should receive it. If you have any problems let me know and I personally email it to you.