By the early 1990s, Terry Wardle had planted one of America’s fastest-growing churches, headed a theological seminary, written books, and had an international speaking itinerary.

He didn’t realize his ministry activity was a coping mechanism to deal with deep inner wounding. And, like any coping mechanism — regardless of how ​“spiritual” — eventually it failed to keep the hurt from surfacing. Terry writes, ​“No amount of performing for God touched the pain that gripped me.” 

It was during this season, one that many Christians would label a huge success, that Terry had a debilitating emotional breakdown and landed in a psychiatric facility. 

His ministry colleagues didn’t know how to respond. Though they were just miles from the facility none visited him. (One did send him $50 with the suggestion that a new pair of shoes may help him to feel better.) Thankfully, Terry found the help and community he needed to embark on a years-long healing journey with Jesus.

That qualifier—with Jesus—is important. 

I’ve noticed that as I learn more about trauma and how the brain works, I have a tendency to lean upon my own understanding, to put my confidence in figuring things out. There is much to gain from understanding why we are the way we are, at both a psychological and physiological level. And I fully intend to keep learning and practicing what science has to teach us about effective mental health habits. But it is Jesus who we are utterly dependent upon. And it’s when Jesus is invited into our wounding, often through the loving care of his safe friends, that lasting healing is possible — as Terry Wardle and I and so many others can attest. 

(You can hear more of Terry’s story in his honest conversation with Nathan Foster on the podcast this week — highly recommended.)