Mentall Illness and the Ministry Wife (an interview with Julie Busler)

Author: North American Mission Board
Published: Mon 20 Feb 2023
Episode Link: https://www.namb.net/podcasts/ministry-wives-podcast/mental-illness-and-the-ministry-wife-an-interview-with-julie-busler/

Mental illness can be very confusing as a Christian. We are followers of Christ, we know Scripture, so how could we feel hopeless? Today, Julie Busler candidly shares her journey through depression and PTSD. Julie has learned that medicine and faith go hand in hand, and that a mental illness diagnosis does not disqualify you for ministry.

SHOW NOTES

Being a Christian does not mean you have to be happy all the time. Joy and sorrow can coexist.

Telling someone your struggles may feel overwhelming, but until we bring things into the light, healing cannot happen.

Medicine and faith go hand in hand. You may truly need medical intervention, but you also need Jesus every minute of every day to bring your soul to life.

QUOTES

“I actually went to another missionary and told her enough that she knew I needed help. This was so important because I think sometimes in ministry it can be pretty lonely, and it’s hard to find safe friends who you can be real with, because you feel like you have to have it all together as the one who’s always encouraging everyone.”

– Julie Busler

“If you have cancer and you have chemo, I believe that’s a good thing. If you have diabetes and you have medicine, that’s a good thing. So I put mental illness in the same category. But again, nothing can give you joy and peace that is not dependent on your circumstances like Jesus.”

– Julie Busler

“Even with depression, this diagnosed mental illness, I am still His workmanship. I am created on purpose with a purpose. And it might look different than I wanted, but it’s good.”

– Julie Busler