Mental Illness and the Church – Tara Groff

05/27/21 • 28 min

On our previous episode of the podcast, Tara Groff shared candidly about her journey with schizophrenia over the past three decades. As a wife and mother, she has experienced God’s sustaining love even through the devastating and debilitating symptoms of her mental illness.

In addition to the support services Tara receives, God has provided two consistent mercies in her life: biblical counseling and her church. This week on the podcast, Tara is sharing about her church community who have walked with her through challenges, providing fellowship and biblical care that have kept her grounded.

If you are living with a difficult diagnosis, be encouraged that the Lord will sustain you. Even with your limitations, you have a unique calling and God will meet your needs. As the body of Christ listens, learns, and loves one another, the beauty of community is possible.

Resources:

Listen to Crystal's conversations with Dr. Todd Stryd

Questions or comments? Email Crystal at [email protected]
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*Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Join us in answering the call in Luke 14:21-23... until his house is full!

Founded by author and international disability advocate Joni Eareckson Tada, the ministry provides Christ-centered care that serves needs and transforms hearts through Joni's House, Wheels for the World, and Retreats and Getaways. Joni and Friends also equips individuals and churches with disability ministry training and provides higher education courses and internships through the Christian Institute on Disability. Find more encouragement through Joni's radio podcast, daily devotional, or by following us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

Resources:

Listen to Crystal's conversations with Dr. Todd Stryd

Questions or comments? Email Crystal at [email protected]
Support Joni and Friends to help make this podcast possible.

Previous Episode

Walking with God through Schizophrenia – Tara Groff

Tara Groff is a wife and homeschooling mother who has experienced God’s sustaining love as she's lived with schizophrenia for more than 30 years. This week on the podcast she is sharing how mental illness has impacted her life and relationships, including her relationships with God and the church. Tara talks candidly about the day-to-day manifestations of schizophrenia and treatments she has pursued to manage her symptoms.

“Schizophrenia is not going away. The list of dreams lost, goals not attained, plans interrupted is not getting shorter. This is ongoing trial that does not have an earthly end.”

Schizophrenia can be a devastating diagnosis that impacts every relationship and interaction. But as Tara shares, there is a path forward: gospel hope. Be encouraged by her joy-filled spirit, even through grief, as she trusts God in the midst of a debilitating affliction.

Resources:

Listen to Crystal's conversations with Dr. Todd Stryd

Questions or comments? Email Crystal at [email protected]
Support Joni and Friends to help make this podcast possible.

Next Episode

God’s Generous Provision through Paralysis, Recovery, and Marriage – Robert and Nelly Kapen

Robert Kapen was an athletic college student studying Parks and Rec and working part-time at an outdoor Young Life camp when his life turned upside down. In the summer of 2011, a mystery virus caused a bilateral stroke that left him suddenly paralyzed and unable to speak. With his mind fully functioning but no ability to move or communicate verbally, Robert felt trapped in his own body.

Over the next 8 years, Robert diligently engaged in speech, physical, and occupational therapies. When he was moved to a rehab facility located near the workplace of his friend, Nelly, she began visiting him regularly to brighten his day. As Robert’s communication developed from blinking to texting, his friendship with Nelly also blossomed into a relationship and eventually marriage. This week on the podcast, Robert and Nelly are sharing their story of God’s generous provision through seasons of disability, recovery, marriage, and caregiving. And as Robert approaches his 10-year anniversary of paralysis, he is thrilled that in God’s providence, he has found his voice to record his first podcast interview alongside Nelly!

Resources:

Visit Robert's Website

Find Robert on Instagram and Facebook

Watch Joni and Ken's Marriage Advice for Caregiving: As an inter-abled couple, caregiving has brought Ken and Joni Eareckson closer together. Joni shares that it's not out of duty that Ken takes care of her needs, but out of devotion to Jesus.

When Disability Challenges Your Marriage: Listen Ken and Joni Eareckson Tada share the importance of communication and offer practical advice for other couples in a caregiving marriage.

Love, Marriage, and Disability: Kevin and Jamie Stark share what it really means for any couple to say “for better, for worse...in sickness and in health...till death do us part.”

Find a Joni and Friends Marriage Getaway near you!

Questions or comments? Email Crystal at [email protected]
Support Joni and Friends to help make this podcast possible.