In this workshop recording from the 2023 Midnight Mercies Virtual Summit, Christine reflects on personal experiences detailed in her book, Midnight Mercies, and explores the profound concept of identity as God’s beloved child, particularly in the context of life’s challenges and depression. The session is structured around three main themes: the realities of being labeled by life, the significance of being titled by God, and applying these truths to the experience of depression.
1. Labeled by Life: Christine begins by acknowledging the painful labels people accumulate through life’s trials, such as "depressed," "widowed," "disabled," "divorced," or "disordered." Drawing from her own past experiences with being diagnosed with mental disorders, she describes how these labels are often shame-inducing, marking individuals as "difficult to love" or socially distinct. She then reflects on how the various labels we collect in life reflect real suffering in a fallen world and considers their propensity to negatively impact self-perception and hope for the future.
2. Titled by God: In contrast with life’s temporary labels, Christine moves on to emphasize the permanent, heavenly titles given by God in Christ, as outlined in Jude 1:1: "called," "beloved in God the Father," and "kept for Jesus Christ." These "names from heaven" signify God’s deliberate choice and affection, rooted in Christ’s completed work on the cross. She cites multiple scriptures (e.g., Romans 1:7, Isaiah 43:1, 1 Peter 2:9) to affirm that believers are chosen, loved, and kept secure by God, regardless of their earthly circumstances and afflictions. A key insight is that the term "beloved"—used biblically for figures like Isaac and Jesus—is tied to suffering, challenging the misguided notion that affliction indicates a loss in God’s affection.
3. Application to Depression: In the final segment of this workshop, Christine applies these truths to those who are experiencing depression. She notes that while the darkness of depression can make God seem cold and distant, the label of "depressed" does not negate one’s truest identity—the status as called, beloved, and kept in Christ. She stresses that while life’s temporary labels are indicative of real (and often painful) experiences, the titles God gives to his children are what ultimately define a believer’s identity. Christine encourages viewers to resist the temptation to measure God’s love by improved circumstances, instead anchoring their hope in Christ’s death and resurrection (1 John 3:16). Using the metaphor of a cracked jar of clay (2 Corinthians 4:7), she affirms that life’s labels do not diminish the gospel treasure within, empowering perseverance through suffering in the dark night of soul.
This workshop concludes with a call to "contend for the faith" by confidently embracing these God-given titles, even amidst affliction. Christine challenges listeners to reject the lie that suffering equates to God’s rejection, urging them to find assurance in Christ’s love and the promise of future glory (Romans 8:17). The session ends with an invitation to rest in God’s everlasting arms, offering comfort and hope for those navigating depression and life’s hardships.
1. Labeled by Life: Christine begins by acknowledging the painful labels people accumulate through life’s trials, such as "depressed," "widowed," "disabled," "divorced," or "disordered." Drawing from her own past experiences with being diagnosed with mental disorders, she describes how these labels are often shame-inducing, marking individuals as "difficult to love" or socially distinct. She then reflects on how the various labels we collect in life reflect real suffering in a fallen world and considers their propensity to negatively impact self-perception and hope for the future.
2. Titled by God: In contrast with life’s temporary labels, Christine moves on to emphasize the permanent, heavenly titles given by God in Christ, as outlined in Jude 1:1: "called," "beloved in God the Father," and "kept for Jesus Christ." These "names from heaven" signify God’s deliberate choice and affection, rooted in Christ’s completed work on the cross. She cites multiple scriptures (e.g., Romans 1:7, Isaiah 43:1, 1 Peter 2:9) to affirm that believers are chosen, loved, and kept secure by God, regardless of their earthly circumstances and afflictions. A key insight is that the term "beloved"—used biblically for figures like Isaac and Jesus—is tied to suffering, challenging the misguided notion that affliction indicates a loss in God’s affection.
3. Application to Depression: In the final segment of this workshop, Christine applies these truths to those who are experiencing depression. She notes that while the darkness of depression can make God seem cold and distant, the label of "depressed" does not negate one’s truest identity—the status as called, beloved, and kept in Christ. She stresses that while life’s temporary labels are indicative of real (and often painful) experiences, the titles God gives to his children are what ultimately define a believer’s identity. Christine encourages viewers to resist the temptation to measure God’s love by improved circumstances, instead anchoring their hope in Christ’s death and resurrection (1 John 3:16). Using the metaphor of a cracked jar of clay (2 Corinthians 4:7), she affirms that life’s labels do not diminish the gospel treasure within, empowering perseverance through suffering in the dark night of soul.
This workshop concludes with a call to "contend for the faith" by confidently embracing these God-given titles, even amidst affliction. Christine challenges listeners to reject the lie that suffering equates to God’s rejection, urging them to find assurance in Christ’s love and the promise of future glory (Romans 8:17). The session ends with an invitation to rest in God’s everlasting arms, offering comfort and hope for those navigating depression and life’s hardships.
