Riding the Wave ... And the Trough

I am mentally ill, diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder I, OCD, ADHD, PTSD and a vitamin B12 deficiency (a key element in brain development). For over 12 years, I took anywhere from 5-8 psychotropic meds each day, and have been recently giving myself a monthly injection of B12.

In January 2012 I was hospitalized for depression, and management of my currrent med cocktail. Immediately all but two of my meds were discontinued and, after a few weeks of adjustment, and some near hospitalizations, things seem to be going much better.

I have been on permanent disability since January 2010, and am adjusting to life on a very limited income.

My prayer is that in walking with me during the ups and downs of Bipolar Disorder, you might find solace, and benefit through my experiences.

Sunday, November 22, 2009

Well, there is a good possibility that, after Jan. 01, 2010, the "bipolarpastor" will become either the "bipolar-expastor" or the "bipolar part-time pastor". A small group of people from the congregation have pushed for years to have me removed. They were never successful - nothing trumps God's call - and discovered if they made the position art-time, I would have to leave, since I need the benefits of a f-t pastor.

It's obvious this has been in the works for awhile. First, it was decided not to yoke with Wolcottville, which would have saved us $17,000. Now, amazingly, the giving is down, to the point where the money necessary for a f-t pastor isn't there. I'm almost certain these people have gone so far as to ask certain people to leave the church, and be ready to return once I'm gone. I do know they have asked a retired elder how they could get rid of me, and one of the group has been going around to members asking them to stop suporting me.

These folks have been confronted, and they deny that any of it is true. However, anyone with half a wit can see right through this scam. I just pray that the District Superintendent (my boss) can see through this charade. The connectional system that holds up the UMC structure is a political mess, and what's good for the Kingdom isn't always done in lieu of what is good for the "church system". They've lost their way, and I really don't think they even know it.

Our financial wellbeing (yeah, right) depends on how this all plays out. If the job goes to p-t, I lose insurance for the both of us and an income. They will keep me on p-t, at $20,000, and I will take it, but I'll only be going to church once during the week and on Sunday mornings. Also, my visitations will have to be curtailed significantly.

Please pray that Connie and I can be accepting of God's plan for our life together.
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1 comment:

  1. I found your blog through Jayson Blair, and I really enjoyed reading it today and even gathered some pearls of wisdom. It's not easy.

    I hope you will be able to keep your pastorship, it sounds like your congregation is lucky to have you.

    ReplyDelete