Seek His Face He Will Provide is filled with encouragement and a new way to look at
what seems to be the mental disorder of the day, bipolar disorder. The author shares
from her heart. Personal experiences of mood fluctuations, rages and hallucinations and
the damage caused to others are shared without reservation or concern of rejection. This
book shows a way of life that brings peace and hope not only for the one suffering with
bipolar disorder but for the family and friends as well. Although written about bipolar,
the book is a profitable read for all who feel lost and controlled by life’s chaos.
Bipolar Disorder, also known as Manic Depression, were the words the author heard
approximately 18 years ago to explain the chaos in her life. The deep depression,
uncontrolled rages and weeks of flying high and hallucinations had been a part of her life
for as long as she could remember. There were years of self medicating with street drugs
and alcohol and a marriage that ended in divorce partly due to the instability her mental
condition brought into the relationship. Now regular visits to the doctor and medication
became the focus of her life too. But stability never came and suicide became a
comforting thought. Then something deep within begin to stir. A thought, a need,
nudging her to seek God. That stirring grew into a way of living based on a foundation of
Christ. Finally with an understanding of who God was and what He wanted for her life,
peace came. The author shares snapshot glimpses of the living hell she experienced
before embracing God. She goes on to share the hope and peace she has found even
during the roughest times of relapse. Do you still live with panic and fear and embrace
suicide like a life long friend? Life doesn’t have to be that way. The author shares how a
relationship with a loving God can provide an anchor to keep you steady during the
storms of bipolar.
Seek His Face He Will Provide is written from the heart of one who has lived with
bipolar disorder for years and has found a way to live a life filled with much more than
the erratic mood swings and rages that bipolar can bring. Scriptures are shared from a
refreshing perspective that enables the reader to apply them to the chaos that the disorder
brings and rise above mere survival. Although the book is written from a Christian
perspective about bipolar, all who feel lost and struggle with everyday living will enjoy
this book.
This is more than a book, it is a survivor manual for bipolars, unipolars and those that
love them.
Excerpt
Oh the thrill of mania! Why would I need God now? Things are good, my mind is sharp, quick
and more clever than I thought possible. My energy level is flying and I seem to be able
to handle everything that comes my way. Isn’t life grand? I just don’t see how life could
get any better
But wait a minute. Something is wrong. I can’t seem to control my thoughts. I’m
confused and everybody is really getting on my nerves. Why am I clenching my teeth
until my jaw hurts? I’m out of control, where is everybody? God, where are you?
For me, mania, has always presented a very different problem between God and me
than the state of depression. While depression makes me feel abandoned by God, mania
has always made me feel like I didn’t need God. The grandiose feeling that mania
brings, tricks us into believing we are capable, even better at, controlling our lives than
God is and that others may need God but we are doing just fine without Him. Even if we
do believe that we need Him, we often feel His expectations are suffocating and tedious.
We don’t feel that we should be held accountable to God or anyone else. I have found it
difficult at times to slow my mind down enough to pray. Why bother? Somebody else
will do it. God wants me to do what, stay faithful to my spouse? He wants me to make a
commitment to His Son and follow His ways? I don’t know if I have time.
Professional Reviews
Seek His Face He Will Provide
As a medical professional, I am aware of the upheaval bipolar disorder brings to one
diagnosed with it, as well as the lives of those who care about them. As a Christian, I
recognize the reality of a spiritual realm where Satan and his forces of darkness wrestle
for our souls and how they will exploit weakness of any kind. In “Seek His Face He Will
Provide”, not only does Gayle Darhower provide insight into bipolar from a Christian
perspective, but also from the “inside” as one who lives it daily. Gayle outlines a pattern
for living - a pattern interwoven in a relationship with Christ, a pattern based on God’s
truth and promises, a pattern which gives hope to those affected with bipolar and their
loved one, a pattern I have personally
witnessed working as I watch my friend, Gayle Darhower, live it one day at a time.
Barbara Seifrit, RN,CNOR,RNFA
Seek His Face He Will Provide
This book is practical, balanced, realistic, out of personal experience and gives comfort
to those who suffer from bipolar disorder or other similar painful burdens. I suffered with
a lighter form of bipolar disorder (my mother died young through it) and I can confirm
that reading this brings hope and perspective to a more balanced living. The description
of developing a deeper relationship with Christ to protect from worse, is written in a
clear and helpful way. Also recommended to read to understand your
suffering fellowman and to be better equipped to reach out to help.
Nanja, Oost Vlaanderen, Belgium
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Reviews for "Seek His Face He Will Provide"
Reviewed by Unknown
8/27/2013
Book Review:Seek His Face He Will Provide by Gayle Darhower
"Seek His Face He Will Provide" is a book for persons struggling with bipolar disorder. It is written from a Christian perspective. The author speaks honestly about her own personal experiences. She gives support and encouragement for people who are in the midst of mania and depression and are struggling with their faith. She assures me that I am not alone in my doubts and confusion while experiencing the ups and downs of living with this illness. Her purpose for writing this book is to enlighten persons and lead them to the true light of Christ.
She reminds us that in our despair God will provide, that He remains faithful and will lead us if we seek His face. She gives assurance that God does not abandon us no matter how we feel. She teaches us that we cannot depend upon or trust our own feelings, but we must rely upon God's Word. She provides Bible references to memorize. These scripture verses are daily reminders of God's faithfulness in the midst of the chaos that bipolar disorder brings. Scripture tucked into our hearts and minds enables us to rise above mere survival and strive for an abundant life in Christ.
The author is brutally honest when it comes to describing her symptoms of bipolar and the devastation that this illness brings. Gayle Darhower helps us to understand what she is experiencing by exploring a series of questions expressing her doubts, fears and confusion. She explains both the highs and lows and how the symptoms vary on a daily basis and from week to week. The mania causes racing thoughts, hallucinations, and rage, while the depression side of bipolar disorder brings with it serious thoughts of suicide. She is not afraid to admit that there are times when this illness rages out of control.
Gayle Darhower emits hope by providing positive and practical advice. She advises that anyone diagnosed with bipolar disorder be accountable to at least one other person who will recognize the signs and symptoms of bipolar affective disorder and help prevent a possible relapse. She reminds us of Jesus' victory over sin and death and encourages us to depend on God's strength to carry us through. This book brings comfort to a weary soul.
Poetry. Various urgent, lively, and sometimes haunting poems appear here alongside stark black and white photos of Jones' homeless subjects. Jones takes on the plight of the homeless in different voices, echoing the thoughts of people on the streets,