Wading Through Depression

People suffering from depression seem to be everywhere; they feel helpless, unable to pull themselves out of it, have recourse to medication and counseling, sometimes to no avail. Friends and family also feel helpless; nothing seems to work to "cheer them up."
St. Jane France's de Chantal, whose Memorial we celebrate today, fell into a deep depression when she was left a widow at the age of 28, the single mother of 5 of her 8 children, three of whom had died before her husband. Her prayers were answered with the vision of a man she did not recognize, but later met and learned that it was St. France's de Sales. He became her friend and spiritual director, encouraging her to found an order of religious sisters who would devote themselves to humble and gentle service in the spirit of Mary's Visitation to her cousin Elizabeth. She wanted her Sisters to live without the cloister, but Rome insisted for their "protection" the would have to be cloistered. Nevertheless, by running schools and being available to those in need, they were able to carry out their Mary-like mission. Despite many sufferings and more depression, St. Jane, through God's grace, was able to wade through the storm and tragedies that filled her life: the death of her children and the death of her spiritual guide, St. Francis. Her life demonstrates that even in the most trying circumstances God makes it possible for people to accomplish the "impossible." Wherever we find ourselves today, whatever challenges face us, whatever mood we are in, let us keep St. Jane in mind and not wallow in our depression of problems, but wade through them. St. Jane France's de Chantal, pray for us!
Bro. Rene