Walking with God through Schizophrenia – Tara Groff

05/20/21 • 33 min

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]
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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.

“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.”

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

Growing Up with a Neurodegenerative Disease: Friedrich's Ataxia – Stephanie Magness

Like most young women, Stephanie Magness wanted to be like everyone else; she wanted to fit in with her classmates and have fun at school. But when she learned in 7th grade that she had scoliosis, she was taken on an unexpected decade-long journey of misdiagnosis. At age 22 genetic testing confirmed that Stephanie’s symptoms were caused by Friedrich’s ataxia (FA), a rare neurodegenerative disease that has no cure.

This week on the podcast, Crystal is talking with Stephanie about her FA diagnosis and the unexpected life transitions she’s made because of this progressive disease. Although losing some of her abilities related to walking and communication has not been easy, Stephanie has faced these challenges with the support of her community who have reminded her of God’s love in the most surprising of ways.

Friedrich's Ataxia Awareness Day is May 15. If you are facing a diagnosis of this rare disease, be encouraged by Stephanie's story. As she continues to adjust to life with a neurodegenerative disease, she takes comfort in the fact that God is in control and he his good. Even through her brokenness and the difficulties of FA, she can be used by him.

Resources:

Read more from Stephanie about the precious gift from her friend that allowed Stephanie to accept her inevitable transition to being a wheelchair user.

Find Stephanie on Instagram.

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

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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. Founded by Joni Eareckson Tada, we provide Christ-centered care through Joni's House, Wheels f...

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Mental Illness and the Church – Tara Groff

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]
Support Joni and Friends to help make this podcast possible.