[Widget_Twitter id=”1″]
(This post contains Amazon affiliate links.)
Today’s guest is Dr. Michelle Bengtson. I first met Dr Michelle in 2015 in the hotel lobby at a bloggers conference in Greenville South Carolina. We stayed in touch ever since and I had the privilege to be on the launch team for her very first book: Hope Prevails: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression which came out in August 2016. Dr Michelle’s message is a powerful one and depression affects us all in some way.
In March of this year, I had the honor of previewing her newest project: Hope Prevails Bible Study: Insights from a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression which released yesterday – Wednesday October 25, 2017! I was honored to be asked to write an endorsement for her Bible Study which you will see below, and when you purchase your very own copy of the book!
My endorsement for: Hope Prevails Bible Study:
Dr. Michelle Bengtson has done it again. The “Hope Prevails Bible Study” delivers the same great authentic connection, raw insights, and powerful truths that we received from her book “Hope Prevails.” Being in church ministry for many years, and now a lead pastor, not only is this study a great resource for individuals, but it would be highly beneficial to both church and counseling groups.
Dr. Michelle Bengtson is not just a neuropsychologist; she is a person who has also experienced the journey from depression to health. Her experiences allow her to uniquely sympathize with people in the midst of depression. The “Hope Prevails Bible Study” combines her experiences and knowledge to infuse strength and hope into anyone who participates in it. — Debbie Kitterman, Dare2Hear Ministry
Tweet ThisI asked Michelle if she would please write a post just for You today as we shout from the roof tops about her newest book baby which is available now, at amazon, barnes and noble, and redemption press. The exciting new is, it hit #1 on Amazon for new releases in the depression category yesterday too! Congratulations Dr Michelle!
Thank you Dr. Michelle, for sharing this encouragement with us today at Tune In Thursday. I encourage you to leave comments below for Dr Michelle, and don’t forget to link up your posts below.
Enjoy and Blessings,
Debbie
Dr. Michelle Bengtson (PhD, Nova Southeastern University) is an international speaker, and the author of best-selling “Hope Prevails: Insights From a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression” and the newly released companion “Hope Prevails Bible Study.” She has been a neuropsychologist for more than twenty years. She is in private practice in Southlake, Texas where she evaluates, diagnoses, and treats children and adults with a variety of medical and mental health disorders. She knows pain and despair firsthand and combines her professional expertise and personal experience with her faith to address issues surrounding medical and mental disorders, both for those who suffer and for those who care for them. She offers sound practical tools, affirms worth, and encourages faith. Dr. Bengtson offers hope as a key to unlock joy and relief—even in the middle of the storm. She and her husband of 30 years have two teenage sons, and reside in the Dallas/Ft. Worth area. She blogs regularly on her own site: http://www.DrMichelleBengtson.com
Below Dr. Michelle’s post you will find all the ways you can connect with her. I encourage you to check them out.
Does Anyone Understand?
Dr. Michelle Bengtson
“He just doesn’t understand! No one understands!” she exclaimed. No sooner had the words escaped her lips, than the tears escaped her eyes. “I’m all alone in this battle.”
Those were the words of a patient who had come to my office seeking help. Yet they could have been my own at one time. Perhaps they sound a bit like your own thoughts or words at some time.
What a battle it is. Depression is a battle in the mind and in the heart. It’s a battle that we must intentionally fight or it’ll drag us down deeper and deeper to an almost certain death.
I handed her a box of tissues, and she sobbed. Held hostage in the depths of despair, she felt alone, isolated, and misunderstood.
Little did she know, but I did understand—because I had been there. Our experiences that led us to that dark valley might have been different, but we shared the ultimate pain. Now I can sit side by side other men and women who are still trudging through their journey.
I can and I will sit right next to them because so often what we need most is the gift of another’s presence. What she was really saying was that she didn’t want to be alone in the battle.
We can face any difficulty with greater determination and strength if we believe we are not alone in the fight.
I’ve long admired Job. Who wouldn’t? He was considered blameless in God’s sight. I’d like to be like him when I grow up.
But what I admire most is that he faced the hardest of storms, he looked depression in the face, and he survived. He triumphed over everything the enemy planned for his demise. He triumphed because he trusted God. He encamped in the valley of depression and survived!
The other thing that I appreciate about the story of Job, are the contrasting ways his friends walked along side him. When they sat still and quiet next to him for 7 days, they showed silent solidarity, support, and ultimate empathy for his grief. They couldn’t understand his loss, but they knew they cared for a friend in pain. In contrast, when they began advising him out of their limited knowledge and understanding, it wreaked havoc in their relationships with Job and his healing through his grieving.
Jesus, too, is a beautiful example of the power of presence. So often He didn’t have to say a word to extend love, or mercy, or peace. His mere presence was all that was necessary. Rather than feeling the need to fill the silence, He would often just stretch out His hand, and healing took place.
Do you know someone who is grieving, or walking in the valley of depression? Someone who is battling a painful, life-altering illness or who has succumb to life’s storms like divorce or job loss? Do you feel at a loss for what to do to help or what to say?
As one who sits with the hurting every day as a mental health professional, but more importantly, as one who has been in the storm in need of the caring friend, can I encourage you today that your presence is welcomed more than anything else. Your willingness to be present in the pain, without perfect words or chef-prepared meals, will long be remembered as being the hands and feet of Jesus when a hug goes a long way to softening the hurts.
We all long to be accepted. We all crave to be understood. You may not be able to understand another’s pain, but your presence communicates a willingness to try.
More Ways you can connect with Dr. Michelle Bengtson:
For a Free eBook on How to Help a Depressed Loved One, click here: http://drmichellebengtson.com/how-to-help-a-depressed-loved-one-ebook/
For more helpful information about what you need to know when you have a depressed loved one, read here: http://drmichellebengtson.com/10-things-to-know-if-you-have-a-depressed-loved-one/
For more about what not to say to a depressed loved one, read here: http://drmichellebengtson.com/what-not-to-say-when-a-loved-one-is-depressed/ while here are suggestions about supportive things you can say to a depressed loved one: http://drmichellebengtson.com/what-to-say-when-a-loved-one-is-depressed/
For more hope, stay connected with Dr. Michelle Bengtson at:
To order Hope Prevails: http://drmichellebengtson.com/hope-prevails-book/
Website: http://www.DrMichelleBengtson.com
Blog: http://drmichellebengtson.com/category/blog/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DrMichelleBengtson
Twitter: http://www.Twitter.com/DrMBengtson (@DrMBengtson)
LinkedIn: http://www.LinkedIn.com/in/DrMichelleBengtson
Google+: http://www.google.com/+MichelleBengtson
Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/drmichellebengtson
Pinterest: http://www.Pinterest.com/Drbhopeprevails
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCn92DHzGSZk8psDb2FKazOQ
To order Hope Prevails from Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Hope-Prevails-Insights-Personal-Depression/dp/080072707X/
Again Welcome and Thank you for joining me for #TuneInThursday it is an honor to have you here!
I have had a few people ask for a badge/button to display on your blogs. I would absolutely be honored if you would display it, or link back here in some way. Thank you!
Now let’s get this party started, feel free to link 1-3 posts:
[Widget_Twitter id=”1″]
Do you wonder if God still speaks today? Do you wonder if He would ever speak to you personally? Do you long to hear the voice of God in your life?
Have your read other books on hearing from God, but long for hands on practical application? or are you looking for ways to move you forward hearing from God?
If you answered YES to any of those questions, then I have exactly what you need. I now have an online e-course designed to equip you in understanding that God still speaks today, and He longs to speak directly to you, through His word, and others. He longs to encourage you, strengthen you and comfort you. The training on this site, is fully based on Scripture, and taken from my training manual Releasing God’s heart through Hearing His Voice.
I have been teaching these classes internationally for the last 10+ years equipping and training believers in discerning the Ways God speaks. God is speaking, Can you Hear Him?
2. My new membership site, d2htrainging.com has official opened, I invite you to check it out today, and develop a deeper relationship with the Lord, as you learn to hear Him speak to your heart.
Looking for other Great Inspirational Parties. Click Here to see where I Link-Up weekly.
Several Submissions have been featured at Blessed Transgressions, an Online Magazine:
Balancing the Warrior & the Princess We’re Called to Be
Trusting God When it Seems Illogical
Will You Sit with Me? (Jesus is Calling.)
My Post “Climb Every Mountain” was featured in the August monthly link-up at : Life on Intention Link-up Party
My Post: The Power of your Story was featured here:
My Post “What’s in a Name?” was featured here:
My Post: “Will You Sit with Me?” was featured here:
My Post: “The Journey through Change” was featured here:
Again, I have been know to link to the following Inspirational Parties:
I also shared about this study today. It truly is a wonderful study and resource for everyone!
Joanne – I couldn’t agree with you more… it is indeed a great resource for everyone.
So grateful for supportive friends! We are #BetterTogether!
That sounds like a wonderful study! I hope it gives many people hope!
Oh Lisa, it is a wonderful study! Her book has already given so many people hope and I know her Bible study will too. Check it out for yourself 🙂 Blessings to you
Oh you are so smart, to have all the Tweets and links to Michelle’s pages. I will have to go back and tweak my post to add these. No brain. Damaged from too much cleaning and staging me thinks.
Thanks friend,
Patti
Well, honestly Patti – Michelle is the smart one – she sent them all to me with her guest post 🙂 LOL I would like to take credit for the brilliant idea, but you know our friend Michelle – she is thorough and made sure I had all the details I needed to help her succeed and get her message out there. 🙂
Debbie,
Practice over the last few years has a lot to do with it 😉
Thanks for sharing about the hope that prevails!
Blessings on you and your ministry.
LOL! Oh Patti, You crack me up. Maybe if you had more creamer with your coffee you’d feel better. Hugs to you my sweet sister friend! Can’t wait to see you in your new digs. Love your water loving friend. #HopePrevails
Congratulations Michelle. Your words help so many.
Debbie – you are so right – her words do help so many, and I am sure many more in the days to come will be blessed by them as well.
Thank you Debbie! I pray that God will use the original Hope Prevails message and the new companion Bible study to break the chains of depression for many. My heart truly does go out to them because I have been there and I do understand. But because of Him, I know, #HopePrevails!
Michelle, you are so right. The gift of presence is rare and valuable and worth sharing.
Thank you Debbie. I wish I could say that I always knew that, but experience is a wise teacher. Now I pray I can impart that wisdom to others. Blessings to you.
This is advice we all need to hear and heed: “Your presence is welcomed more than anything else.” There is great value in just showing up!
You are so right Lisa! Sometimes the greatest gift and most valuable thing we can offer or give is to show up! Such a great thing to highlight!
It is always a pleasure to link up with you. Thank you for all you do to bring bloggers together. I invite you to join me at #OverTheMoon, #WonderfulWednesday and #ThursdayFavoriteThings. Have a great week!
And it is always a pleasure to have you here Marilyn! You will most certainly see me at your linkups 🙂
Michelle, your words are always so uplifting and I know your book will provide hope and strength to those who read it!
Roseann, you are so right – those who read Dr. Michelle’s book will definitely be give hope and strength as they read. Thanks for your encouragement 🙂
Thank you for the party. So much inspiration here! Have a great day.
Jas – you are welcome 🙂
Very nice post. I think that many people put up filters and don’t to be present in their own lives. Sounds like a wonderful book to read.
Thanks for hosting and have a wonderful week.
Thanks Patrick and Yes, Dr. Michelle’s book is an excellent read! You have an awesome weekend as well.
This book and Bible study look to be so helpful!
Elizabeth – they are 🙂
So many walk the valley of depression. Thank you, Michelle, for sharing words of life to bring deliverance and thank you, Debbie for helping to promote!
Kelly – it was my honor to help spread Michelle’s message – it is something everyone deals with at some point in their life, whether it be them personally, someone they love, or someone they know. thanks for being here.