My son is bipolar

Faith Matters

I know so many people are praying for my son and I know that God is in control of this situation. Your prayers mean so much to us and I know they have a profound impact. I like this scripture from Matt. 18:19 “Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. 20For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.” If you want to pray in agreement with us, here are a couple of verses we are focusing on right now. Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. 13Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight.

As I pray this verse I ask God to give the Drs. wisdom to distinguish the physical from the mental and to be able to nourish his spirit as well.

Psalm 119:105 Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.

A dear friend shared that a lamp shines only a small circle at our feet – it doesn’t show us the whole path - so sometimes we just have to take one step at a time, do one thing at a time. That is a huge comfort to me and I hope it will be to you as well.

There is a song by Mark Schultz called “He’s My Son”. Here are some of the words. You’ll see why it means so much to me.

He’s My Son
Down on my knees again tonight
Hopin’ this prayer will turn out right
There is a boy that needs your help
I’ve done all that I can do myself

Can you hear me? Am I getting through tonight?
Can you see him? Can you make him feel alright?
You can hear me. Let me take his place somehow
See he’s not just anyone
He’s my son.

Sometimes late at night I watch him sleep
I dream of the boy he’d like to be.
I try to be strong and see him through-
God, who he needs right now is you.
Let him grow old, live life without this fear.
What would I be, living without him here?
He’s so tired, and he’s scared
Let him know that you’re there.

Can you hear me? Can you see him? Please don’t leave him. He’s my son.

This has been an incredibly difficult year. Some days I feel I’m just hanging on by my fingernails it’s so hard, but God never gives us more than we can bear and He never leaves us to do it alone. Always when things are darkest He sends a ray of light, a person, a circumstance - something very tangible to see that He’s been there all along, loving and guiding us along the way.

Sept. 15 - Please pray that he will recognize his need for help. That he will want to seek help.

Sept. 20 - Please pray about his appointment with his new Dr. tomorrow - that God will work through her to shine a light into the darkness of his mind.

We are blessed to have so many caring friends. They pray, they listen, they are there when we need them. This is invaluable. Thank you! Thank you so much for your love and support, for listening, for being there, for inviting us to do things with you. It’s so nice to get away from this situation occasionally, to have a break and to laugh instead of cry.
Sometimes our friends offer very practical help. They offer to make phone calls, they come over to help me with the kids so I can make phone calls, they invite us for supper - so many things. Sometimes they offer advice, too, and that is always appreciated, but I would ask everyone to understand that we need to make decisions about how to help our son based on our situation and on the information we have.
Some approach their advice from the standpoint that his addictions need to be addressed. Some feel he should be hospitalized immediately. Some feel he shouldn’t be. I do appreciate hearing everyone’s input, but I also need everyone to know that I’m doing a lot of research on this and finding all of the information I can. There are no easy answers. If we decide to do something different than what you think we should do, please continue to give your support. It doesn’t mean we don’t value your words. In fact we weigh every bit of advice and every bit of information and all of it will go toward helping us do what we feel is best for our son. Thank you for caring and for standing by us. Thank you most of all for your prayers for us and for our son. We love you!