The discussion of the Grand Narrative has had a profound impact on my research
area. The African American community has many similarities to the children of
Israel. Every time, God rescued them from one thing, they got into something else.
God has given us gifted individuals to assist in our mental health needs, but we
would rather focus on reasons why we should not take advantage of the
resources and avoid the support needed. God is not an enabler; He wants us to be
diligent in creating the best opportunities to make sure that we are physically and
mentally fit. I have seen it too many times when people rely on God’s word when
they feel it necessary to defend their actions. It is indeed a fact that God can
supply all our needs, but it also states in his word that if we do not work, we do
not eat (King James Bible, 1997, 2 Thessalonians 3:10). Since creation, God has
been giving us the road map to secure brand new mercies and forgiveness. I have
not read anywhere in the bible where He justifies making excuses as an option for
taking care of his temple. Yes, there are many different validations as to why this
community, does not seek this type of support but until the negativity is depleted
and the benefits of this support are superseded this issue will continue to be an
issue for generations to come.
This lens broadens my approach in my individual area in various facets. God
created man in His image and entrusted him with the responsibility of all living
creatures (King James Bible, 1997, Genesis1:26). With that responsibility came
obedience to the laws of the land. In correlation, with my research area, the
obligation of this community is to maintain a clean bill of mental health. To use
mental health issues as a reason for disregarding the laws of the land is
unacceptable. The fall of Adam and Eve exemplifies how God had given them
explicit instructions, but they failed to follow them. c In this instance, once
something has been done it is not as simple as it is on the computer to undo
what has been done. Human defiance and fault are at the origin of all the
dilemmas on earth (Wolters, 2005). Luckily, for all mankind, God offers
forgiveness and restoration. My approach will not be to demand that each person
seek this assistance if warranted but basically just to allow them the opportunities
to see the perks that psychologists can offer to create a better life if mental
illness is an issue. For too long people have thought that beating a person over
the head with a bible will make them see what they need to see. My goal is to
meet people where they are and allow them to see that God has something better
for their life.
References
Bible, K. J. V., & Version, N. K. J. (1997). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
Wolters, A. M. (2005). Creation regained: Biblical basics for a reformational
worldview. Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing.
