Not Struggling Alone: Saints and Scripture Sunday

1 John 5:14-15
This is the confidence which we have before Him, that, if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.
And if we know that He hears us in whatever we ask, we know that we have the requests which we have asked from Him.

I’m a determined type of person – strong willed, hard headed, and not apt to admit when I am wrong. For years, I’ve struggled against issues with depression, anxiety, and anger – trying to take care of things on my own. Recently, I’ve finally reached the point of acceptance — that there are areas in my life that I cannot fix alone, and that I need help.

In my spiritual life, I have the same battles. I find it so difficult to turn to God and ask for help for myself. It’s difficult for me to admit defeat. I’m learning, as I grow, that defeat isn’t losing. It’s allowing God to mold me into the person He desires – one who leans on Him, instead of trying (and failing) to go my own way.

For those struggling with mental afflictions, or who have family members affected by mental disorders, St Dymphna is a model of purity and chastity.

Born of a pagan Irish king, and raised by her pious Christian mother, Dymphna soon became a model student of her faith. She took a vow of chastity at a young age, and was instructed in the faith by Father Gerebran. Her young life was overshadowed by the death of her mother when she was fourteen.

Her father was consumed with grief at the loss of his beautiful wife. On the advice of his counselors, he sought another wife as beautiful as his first. After searching many countries, his advisors notified him that there were no other women more beautiful as his own daughter.

The king proposed to Dymphna, but she was horrified. She fled to a small village in Belgium with her priest, Father Gerebren. Her father and his followers tracked Dymphna down, and beheaded her, as well as Father Gerebren.

She is known as the patron saint of those suffering the effects of mental illness, nervous disorders, incest victims and runaways. We remember her feast day on May 15th.

Are you stumped for a saint to research? Head over to Jen’s Saint’s Name Generator, to find a saint for you!

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