A Pelican of the Wilderness: Depression, Psalms, Ministry, and Movies
After serving for more than thirty years as a parish minister, the author was hospitalized with major depression. This is the story of his depression and recovery--a recovery of health, vocation, and faith. First, Griggs regained the experience of small pleasures. Eventually, he recovered the ability to choose, to set limits, and to accept reality. He then turned to the biblical Psalms--indeed his own writing echoes their candor. But he also found hope in films, including Breakfast at Tiffany's and Blazing Saddles. To the mental health issues facing clergy and others in the helping professions Griggs brings to bear insights from research and from his own experience as a pastor and a person recovering from depression. He tells his story with spirit and humor.
"A profound and engaging account of the author's journey back
from a crushing depression with the help of interaction with other
patients, the honesty of diverse psalms, the insights of
imaginative films, and the creative ideas of progressive
theologians."
--Ian G. Barbour, author of When Science Meets
Religion
"It is remarkable that the Psalms are transportable from ancient
context to contemporary context. Robert Griggs has deftly
transported them into his own story of depression, anguish, and
recovery of health, life, and faith. This book offers honest,
courageous testimony, the telling of a life that will encourage
others to tell their lives with truth and live in hope."
--Walter Brueggemann, author of Praying the Psalms
"A profound and engaging account of the author's journey back
from a crushing depression with the help of interaction with other
patients, the honesty of diverse psalms, the insights of
imaginative films, and the creative ideas of progressive
theologians."
--Ian G. Barbour, author of When Science Meets
Religion
"It is remarkable that the Psalms are transportable from ancient
context to contemporary context. Robert Griggs has deftly
transported them into his own story of depression, anguish, and
recovery of health, life, and faith. This book offers honest,
courageous testimony, the telling of a life that will encourage
others to tell their lives with truth and live in hope."
--Walter Brueggemann, author of Praying the Psalms
Product Details
- Title : A Pelican of the Wilderness: Depression, Psalms, Ministry, and Movies
- Author: Griggs, Robert W.
- Publisher: Cascade Books
- Publication Date: 2014
- ISBN: 9781630871581
Robert Griggs is an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ and has served churches in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Minnesota. He holds graduate degrees from Harvard Divinity School, the University of Minnesota, and Andover Newton Theological School.