Today marks one year since my dad left his earthly body and went to be with the Lord. His
passing was sudden and deeply painful for my family and me. What was supposed to be a routine
hip replacement turned tragic when a blood clot formed after surgery and traveled to his heart.
He never came home. I knew today would be difficult—grief is never easy, and healing takes
time.
Living with bipolar disorder, routine is essential for me. I do my best to wake up and go to bed at
the same time each day. But this week, I’ve felt the decline setting in. Each morning got a little
later, and today, I didn’t want to put both feet on the ground at all. In the past, that would have
been the end of my day—depression would’ve taken over, and I wouldn’t have had the strength
to fight.
Reaching for my anxiety medication can bring some relief, but it’s not a cure. There is no cure
for bipolar disorder; it’s a daily battle. On days like this, the only way I know to keep going is by
making room for Jesus—inviting the Spirit to move in the spaces where I feel weakest. In this
moment, I raise the white flag of surrender, because I’ve learned: you cannot make it alone. You
were never meant to carry this kind of weight by yourself.
Luke 10 reminds us of the importance of making room for Jesus. When Martha welcomed Jesus
and His disciples into her home, her sister Mary chose to sit at His feet and listen. Meanwhile,
Martha was distracted by all the preparations she felt needed to be done. While both women
were in the presence of Jesus, only one paused long enough to be with Him truly.
“Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help
me!” (Luke 10:40)
“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but
few things are needed–or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better and it will not be
taken away from her.” (Luke 10:41-42)
Martha was trying to make things beautiful for her King, but the distractions threatened to take
over. In our own lives, we all face giants—challenges that come in many shapes and sizes, each
one trying to steal our peace and focus. But we have a choice in how we face them.
This morning, I could have let the giant win. I could have closed the blinds, shut out the sunlight
streaming through the windows, and surrendered to the weight of the bed. But I didn’t. Here’s
how I defeated the giant today:
- Let myself have a long, hard cry
- Took a deep breath
- Planted both feet on the ground
- Stepped out of my room completely, so I wouldn’t be tempted to crawl back into bed
- Walked downstairs—each step heavy, but I kept moving
- I couldn’t focus enough to read, so I listened to a devotional
- That devotional reminded me to make room for the Savior of the world
- It prompted me to begin writing this blog—and more importantly, to begin my day with Him
We chase many things in life. This morning, I could have easily been defeated. I could have
believed the lies that came at me like bombs from every direction—telling me this was the
beginning of another downward spiral. But, my friends, let me tell you: when I choose to chase
only after Jesus, He gives me the strength to keep fighting—the strength to feel seen, known, and
deeply loved.
We are reminded that “hope does not pull us to shame, because God’s love has been poured
out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.” Romans 5:5
My only faithful cure in moments of despair doesn’t come from a pill bottle—though I take
medication to help me be the best version of myself—it comes from knowing the One who alone
can heal.
Today, my encouragement for you is simple: make room for Jesus.
Photo credit: Yuris Alhumaydy
