They Speak with Accents, and Walk with the “Others”
Updated: Oct 10, 2024
We heard a familiar British accent and a thick Scottish accent throughout our home last week coming from our new friends, Rev. Daniel Whitehead and Professor John Swinton. These are two men with hilarious personalities sprinkled on top of a depth of care for people that makes them very impactful internationally.
Chris and I were humbled to host these two mental health experts for a short visit while they were in town. Up until this year, we were not aware of their extensive work in the world, and especially in our city of San Antonio. Our oldest daughter, Jessica, and her friend group introduced us to their nonprofit, Sanctuary Mental Health Ministries. We are new fans of their work.
When you think you know so much, and then get blasted by a flood of new thoughts about mental health, disabilities, and inclusion, it makes you hungry for more teaching! That is the kind of response Chris and I have experienced this week.
Mental health is a topic that we, the church, have in some ways allowed other nonprofit agencies and social service agencies to take the frontline position. Why is that? I ask honestly because I am saddened to realize it has not been a question I have seriously considered. That is shameful on my part. However, these two men made a dramatic impression on my life in a short few days.
I will not try to be the new, sudden expert on any dimension of mental health, but I am curious to learn more and grow in my knowledge of how I can serve. Chris and I started by reading one of John Swinton’s books, “Finding Jesus in the Storm,” and asking questions of these two men about how to walk in love. This book is a faith-based book, but I found it to have a depth of research and real-life stories that sparked something in me beyond my beliefs.
I hope that spark grows into a roaring flame, guiding me to identify and correct the biases in my heart and actions that have marginalized those with mental illness. None of us should be classified as “other.” We are all part of one human race, each carrying our own scars, challenges, and struggles, all seeking love and acceptance. True inclusion embraces everyone, “otherness” and all.
A good place to start is by visiting www.sanctuarymentalhealth.org. I urge you to also consider picking up (or downloading the audiobook) of one of Professor John Swinton’s books and take the challenge to grow deeper in understanding and caring for persons with mental health challenges.
I will walk with you, my friend.
I highly recommend John Swinton’s book "Finding Jesus in the Storm." It contains extensive research and real-life stories that resonated with me on a profound level, beyond my expectations.
Listening Library: Walk With Me (featuring Sandra McCracken) The Porter’s Gate, Tinayeshe
Walk With Me
Let us lead with patience, with a gentle word
Bearing every burden, laying down the old hurt
When our feet are stumbling and the climb is steep
All you people of good will, would you walk with me?
Would you walk with me through the wilderness
When we cannot see through our differences?
When the dust has settled and the votes are cast
Would you walk with me?
Let us lead with kindness, with a listening ear
Hearing every story, laying down our old fеars
Though our hearts are broken and thе pain runs deep
All you people of good will, would you walk with me?
Would you walk with me through the wilderness
When we cannot see through our differences?
When the dust has settled and the votes are cast
Would you walk with me?
Would you walk with me?
Would you walk with me? Yeah (Yeah)
Oh, would you walk with me?
Would you walk with me?
Would you walk with me?
℗ 2024 The Porter's Gate, exclusively distributed by Integrated Music Rights
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