October always brings about interesting emotions for me! I love the change fall brings in. The leaves changing hues of red,orange,and yellow in late Sept/early Oct. I love how fall reminds me about how change can be good! But probably the thing I think about the most in Oct is mental illness. Mentall Illness Awareness Week takes place in Oct. From what I’ve seen, few congregations put inserts in their bulletin or use a litany for mental illness! Now it could be that the churchs I have attended have had limited experience with the illness. However what they probably don’t realize is more people than they realize are affected by this horrible illness! In fact, it has shocked me how many people have a relative, friend, etc who have been affected by this illness. And for those new to this blog, I too have been affected by the illness. My mom had a nervous breakdown after my sister was born. Growing up I don’t remember a time when mom wasn’t in the hospital. The illness reared its ugly head at least once a year (or more. However the illness truly has helped me become the woman I am today. My mom has never given up. She is one of the strongest women I know! She doesn’t let her illness get in her way. I know it hasn’t been easy for her but she still has reminded so strong! So when October and Mental Illness Awareness Week roll around, I am reminded once again about this illness and how it has affected my family and so many others out there so I ask that you all take the time to pray for those individuals and their friends and family affected every day by mental illness! (If you want to learn more about my family’s story, check out my blog entry from a year ago)

You can also find more information about NAMI (The National Alliance for the Mentally Ill) at www.nami.org.