Advocate Press releases mental health compilation book

A new book from the Advocate Press hopes to shine light into the darkness of mental illness while providing the hope of Jesus.

Released last month, “Darkness to Light: Finding Jesus in the Valley of Mental Illness” features 14 stories offering a look at the personal mental health journeys of a number of people, sharing in many cases how faith helped them on their road to wellness.

Authors include Kelly Black, Bill Barnier, David Bryant, Avery Connor, Penelope Wesley, the Rev. John Jordan, the Rev. John Culp, the Rev. Sheera Yates, Linda Kidd, the Rev. Elizabeth Sullivan, Erica Whitt, the Rev. Jamie McDowell and the Rev. Charles Wilbanks.

Connor is the teenage daughter of Advocate Editor Jessica Brodie; Brodie compiled and edited the book.

Brodie said she hopes the book helps people with mental health issues realize they are not alone and that mental illness is not their fault, just like cancer and diabetes are not someone’s fault. She said as more people feel comfortable express their own mental health challenges, counseling, therapy and mental illness in general are becoming destigmatized.

“As a Christian, I feel strongly that the church can be a resource and a support system for people with mental illness. I’ve known so many people who have reached their lowest, lost all hope, only to realize Jesus was right beside them the whole time,” Brodie said. “Whether you are struggling with your own mental and emotional health or you are supporting someone who is, I hope these stories offer hope and inspiration in what can be a dark, dark world.

“Together, we can journey from darkness to light—the light of Christ.”

“Darkness to Light” is available as a paperback for $12 or an ebook for $3.99. You can buy it on Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CJKTT4KW, from the Advocate website at https://advocatesc.org/store/books/darkness-to-light, or by sending $12 plus $2.50 shipping/handling to Advocate, 4908 Colonial Drive, Columbia, SC 29203 (note that it is for “Darkness to Light”).