I’m in the middle of writing a series of posts on mental illness. So far I’ve addressed depression and bipolar disorder. Next will be Schizophrenia. But for today I thought I would take a break and write a blog of encouraging quotes for my readers. The topic of mental illness, also called brain disorders, is heavy stuff.  If your child has been diagnosed with one it can feel pretty overwhelming at times. So here are some good words to uplift your spirit and lighten your heart. Reading over them as I went through the process of selecting the ones I wanted to share with you brightened my spirit. Let’s see if they will do that for you.

We must learn to regard people less in the light of what they do or omit to do, and more in the light of what they suffer.  ― Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Be comforted by the certainty of the greatness of God.   – Francis Anfuso

Believe God is in control, no matter what is happening.  – Mother Teresa

Let your first stop be God. Be in constant, continual conversation with God all day long in all you do.  – anonymous

To believe in Christ, in this moment, in this perplexity, in these setbacks, in this present agony, is victory of the highest order.  – Andre Seu

All the world is full of suffering. It is also full of overcoming.  – Helen Keller

The surrendered accept that pain is always but growing pains. And growth is always a gift —  even when trials are the tutor. – Ann Voskamp

Peace isn’t the absence of the dark. Peace is the assurance of God’s presence in the midst of the dark.   – Ann Voskamp

When you feel like you are drowning in life, don’t worry, your Lifeguard walks on water.  – anonymous

If you have been reduced to God being your only hope, you are in a good place.   – Jim Laffoon

God wastes no pain.  – anonymous

Courage is fear that has said its prayers.  – Dorothy Bernard

When we are powerless to do a thing, it is a great joy that we can come and step inside the ability of Jesus.  – Corrie ten Boom

Laughter is an instant vacation. – Bob Hope ; If you can find humor in anything, you can survive it. – Bill Cosby. Researchers agree. Studies reveal that individuals who have a strong sense of humor are less likely to experience burnout and depression and they are more likely to enjoy life in general.

Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass… it’s about learning to dance in the rain.  – anonymous

There is absolutely nothing to fear about tomorrow; for God is already there.  – anonymous

. . . when we long for life without trouble . . . difficulties remind us that oaks grow strong in contrary winds and diamonds are made under pressure.  –Peter Marshall, former chaplain of the U.S. Senate

In this world you will have trouble, but be of good cheer, for I have overcome the world.  – Jesus Christ, the Bible