Music: A Tool in the Toolbox

Music is very powerful and often therapeutic. It is also another tool in the toolbox in fighting mental illness.If you are having a mental health crisis, dial 911, or get to the nearest  Emergency Room, or call one of these numbers. This podcast does not give medical advice or diagnosis.Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services(SAMHSA) 1-800-662-HELP (4357)National Youth Crisis Hotline - 1-800-448-4663National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - 1-800-273-TALK988 - Lifeline Chat and Text741741 -     Crisis Text Line 

We've all heard the phrase that "beauty in in the eyes of the beholder." Adding another tool to our toolbox is the idea of seeing beauty in life.Remember, these tools are not passive, they are proactive. It's extremely difficult to fight the opponent of mental illness. There's no doubt about this, but fight we must. And seeing beauty in life is one of those areas in which we must be active.If you are having a mental health crisis, dial 911, or get to the nearest  Emergency Room, or call one of these numbers. This podcast does not give medical advice or diagnosis.Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services(SAMHSA) 1-800-662-HELP (4357)National Youth Crisis Hotline - 1-800-448-4663National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - 1-800-273-TALK988 - Lifeline Chat and Text741741 -     Crisis Text Line 

No man is an island states a poem by John Donne.No man is an island,Entire of itself;Every man is a piece of the continent,A part of the main.God, the Creator, wired us to be connected with other humans. We do much better and our physical and mental health is better when we are connected with others.Social media platforms do not connect us in the way God intended for us to be connected. We can be lonely in a crowd. And loneliness is prevalent in our society today.We find purpose in being connected with others and helping them.We should all have a place in a small group or groups. Study groups, civic clubs, book clubs, and garden clubs are just a few examples of such groups that we should find ourselves a part of.Stay connected! It's good for the mind and the body.If you are having a mental health crisis, dial 911, or get to the nearest  Emergency Room, or call one of these numbers. This podcast does not give medical advice or diagnosis.Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services(SAMHSA) 1-800-662-HELP (4357)National Youth Crisis Hotline - 1-800-448-4663National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - 1-800-273-TALK988 - Lifeline Chat and Text741741 -     Crisis Text Line 

In this episode, we talk about another tool in the toolbox-laughter. Laughter is a very strong and important tool in combatting depression.The book of wisdom in the Old Testament, Proverbs(17:22) tells us that "a merry heart does good like medicine." Another translation is "a cheerful heart is good medicine."There are many studies about laughter that have shown the importance humor can have in a person's health. It helps a person deal with high pressure and emotionally investing jobs. There are laughter classes that are being offered that help many.Toward the end of this episode are a few jokes that hopefully will make someone laugh.Here's a cheap plug for a cheap ebook: available on amazon.com is the book Laugh and Live by Wayne Whiteside.

One of the tools in the toolbox for combatting depression are medications. There are varied opinions held by the church concerning medications for depression.Personally, I can say medications have been a tremendous help for me. I see no problems in using them. They are not addictive, but when they work they can help a person immensely.I'm not sure why anyone wouldn't want something that can ease pain and suffering? I encourage people to reach out and get help from the weight and scourge of depression.In my opinion, the arguments against medications are extremely weak and not thought out.  If you are having a mental health crisis, dial 911, or get to the nearest  Emergency Room, or call one of these numbers. This podcast does not give medical advice or diagnosis.Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services(SAMHSA) 1-800-662-HELP (4357)National Youth Crisis Hotline - 1-800-448-4663National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - 1-800-273-TALK988 - Lifeline Chat and Text741741 -     Crisis Text Line 

Have you ever felt the weight of the world pressing down on you, the simple act of choosing what to wear feeling like an insurmountable task? Our latest episode unveils the stark reality of living with depression, with raw testimonials that paint a vivid picture of this invisible struggle. We walk the landscape of paralysis, guilt, and the crushing burden of hopelessness. There are the stings of dismissive comments and the profound misunderstanding many with depression endure. There's a promise, too: upcoming discussions will offer tools and strategies designed to chip away at the darkness, one small, but significant step at a time. Our hope is in Jesus. We belief in Him, lean upon Him.  

I tell my personal story concerning the  battle I fought with depression.  My goal is to put light on a subject that is not often spoken about in the church. Hurting people should not have to hide in the church. Mental illness is not unlike physical illness in so many ways. There is a genetic, biological component to it often times. I tell some life events  and share my  heart about the greatest loss my family has ever suffered, the loss of  our dear son. My son hurt deeply and his story is still unbearable at times. In telling this story, I'm not doing it for the purpose of disclosure, but in the interest of maybe helping someone. I encourage members of the body of Christ to be be proactive in helping those who suffer. Sit down and talk with someone who has suffered from depression if you don't understand the subject. Listen. Never trust a smile. A smile  oftentimes doesn’t tell you who you are speaking with. Behind so many who have harmed themselves  was a large, happy looking smile. If you are having a mental health crisis, dial 911, or get to the nearest  Emergency Room, or call one of these numbers. This podcast does not give medical advice or diagnosis.Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services(SAMHSA) 1-800-662-HELP (4357)National Youth Crisis Hotline - 1-800-448-4663National Suicide Prevention Lifeline - 1-800-273-TALK988 - Lifeline Chat and Text741741 -     Crisis Text Line 

In this episode we begin our talks on mental health and illness in the church. In a heartfelt conversation, we navigate the misconceptions that strong faith precludes medical help, and discuss why medication and professional therapy are not signs of weak spirituality but tools that God can use in our healing.As a community of believers, we're called to create an environment where the warmth of compassion and the light of the Lord can guide us all toward the full, joyous life we're promised. Join us for this transformative dialogue, where the power of sharing our stories becomes the first step to breaking down barriers and lifting each other up.

As the year draws to a close, we come together for the last time in this season of Brevis Talk to share a narrative that's both haunting and enlightening. It's the story of Luis Salazar, a man on death row whose final confession shed light on a cold case, prompting changes in Texas law and impacting lives far beyond his own. We dive into the emotional journey of those affected by his actions, unraveling the complexities of crime, punishment, and the ripple effects that one individual's choices can leave behind. We also look ahead, teasing our next season's focus on mental illness within the Christian faith, a subject often shrouded in silence but needing urgent attention.Our conversation doesn't shy away from the raw truths of human frailty and the hope offered through Jesus Christ. We're reminded that authenticity in following Christ transcends religious motions, and that grace is boundless, capable of reaching even those in the darkest corners of despair. As your host, I connect these poignant stories with the transformative power of faith, including that of an inmate grappling with hope against the looming shadow of the execution chamber. We bid farewell for now but not without extending a heartfelt invitation to continue this journey with us next year, seeking grace and courage as we have a forthright conversation about mental illness. 

In this episode I tell about solitary confinement. Solitary confinement has several other names, depending upon the circumstances.It can be called administrative segregation(Ad Seg), protective custody(PC),  or closed cell restriction(CCR). 

In this episode I tell the story of a serial killer that I visited for several years.  Sources include: Texas Tribune; abc13; khou

In this episode I tell of a cunning inmate who was a very unusual person. He seemed to play games with any and everyone who he came into contact with.

In this 3rd part, we continue to talk about the Holy Spirit and His ministry in the saints. I tell about an incredible inmate who walks in the fullness of God.

In this episode, along with the message on the Holy Spirit, I tell about Duncan who was concerned that the Holy Spirit had left him.And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.     Ephesians 4:30Do not quench the Spirit.          1 Thessalonians 5:19

In this episode, I speak about a former death row inmate who is a committed man of God, and an effective witness for Jesus.

In this episode, I tell of a not so successful ministry effort with an inmate.Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.Matthew 7:13-14“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. 22 Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ 23 And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!"Matthew 7:21-23

In this episode, I tell the story of 2 of the most transformed men I've ever met. One has since been executed, the other continues to live for the Lord and is a blessing to so many.

In this episode I tell of a few inmates that I will describe as God Seekers. These men chase after God. They want to fellowship with and know Him. Their lives and walk has challenged and encouraged me.

In this episode, I tell the story of an inmate who became a new creation in Christ. I discuss our conversations concerning the authentic Christian, and the imposters.

In this episode, I tell the story of a family that has serious problems because of mental illness.