Tuesday, December 16, 2008

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

I didn't realize that had it has been over a year since last you heard from me!!! I guess I had better let you know that this has been an exciting year for me. As the Outreach Coordinator for NAMI Lexington, it has been an exhilarating year. Our work began in advocating for the replacement of Eastern State Hospital. The ESH Town Hall Meeting as well as the days spent in Frankfort, talking to the legislators, was indeed a learning experience. In the midst of all that, I got married in April! Wow, the time has really flown...8 months have passed and my husband Ralph is right there advocating with me. We have so many things to be thankful for.
I am looking forward to the Blue Christmas, Santuary for the Soul, that is happening this Sunday, Dec. 21st at 5 p.m. The interfaith service is open to everyone. This wonderful event is being co-sponsored by Central Christian Church, Short Street, Lexington in the main sanctuary.
Along those lines, I would like to share a message that I wrote...

A BLUE CHRISTMAS, THE DARK NIGHT OF MY SOUL

Why so downcast oh my soul? Put your trust and hope in God! Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD sees you through them all! Inspired by Psalm 34

A Blue Christmas, the dark night of my soul is the thought that came to me as I reflected on my journey. Winter solstice is the longest night of the year. Winter sets in and the darkness of being alone, without loved ones you cherished and held dear comes to call. The last thing you want someone to tell you is “Snap out of it! Pull yourself up by your bootstraps and pray harder!” Sometimes, it is okay to allow yourself to feel the pain and experience the losses without any expectation.
As a Believer in the Jesus Way, my hope is truly built on His love for me. The only way I can begin to receive His love is when I study His word and see what He has in store for me.
The Creator of the universe loved me so much that He came in the form of a baby by humbling himself and being born in a manager because there was no room in the inn. Rejection…plain and simple…literally from the cradle to the grave…without anywhere to be born or later to be buried; Jesus was clearly my example of how to handle the emotions that come when you are dealing with major life changes.
The longest night of the soul for Christ Jesus, came in the Garden of Gethsemane, when he went to the Mount of Olivet and prayed. He asked Father to take this cup of sorrow from him; yet He prayed, “Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” He submitted His will to Father and died for my sins and yours upon a tree.
Although I have had many dark days due to major depression, my soul is now at peace as I realize ALL things have worked together for my good because I love the LORD, have asked Him to be the Master of my life and trust by faith that I am forgiven!
Prayer: Father, help me to realize today how much you love me and how much you care for me. Thank you for coming into the world and dying for me to have eternal life with you forever. Amen.
It is my hope for you to have a blessed and prosperous 2009! Please support us in the work that still needs to be done for those without a voice...No Stigma, Know More, Know NAMI!!!
Blessings, Yondi and Family

Christmas presents

We have a great Christmas present in the mental health community! Bluegrass MH/MR announced last week that Shannon Ware has been appointed as the new President and CEO of Bluegrass!!! We look forward to working with her to achieve our goal of getting a new state of the art hospital.

As for me, I am getting a Christmas present in the form of the Blue Christmas service that I discussed in my previous post. I look forward to getting away from the hustle and bustle of the holidays and "resting my soul" for a little while. We are planning a very special service so I hope all of you can join us.

How about that snow this morning? Snow AND ice I should say. I love to be inside watching the snow and not having to drive in it. Be careful out there! The weatherman is forcasting snow on Sunday for our service, but we will still be there as long as the roads aren't too bad. We'll keep you posted.

I'd like to say a special thank you to all our volunteers who have helped us with all our events this past year. Without you NAMI Lexington would never get anything done! YOU GUYS ROCK!

I would also like to thanks to Kelly Gunning, our Executive Director and "fearless leader" for all her dedication to our cause. Without her leadership, NAMI Lexington would not be where it is today. As part of her staff, I just wanted to say thank you to her for supporting me and all the other consumers out there that aren't able to say thank you because of their circumstances.

Thanks also go out the awesome staff I work with. Angelina, Joy, Yondi, Phill, Mama Faye and Gina make everything run so smoothly behind the scenes.

Alright, I got a bit mushy, but I think it needed to be said considering this is the end of a great year for us.

Always remember with NAMI Lexington, YOU ARE NOT ALONE.

Merry Christmas and a marvelous New Year to each and every one of you!