We read in 1st Corinthians 13:13 that Faith, Hope and Love – these three remain, but the greatest of these is Love.  Have you ever wondered why Love is the greatest of these three?  Well, here’s why…  after we die, we no longer need Faith and Hope, but Love goes on infinitely making it the greatest of the three!!!

This week, I was fortunate enough to meet Gov. Mike Huckabee and visit with Gov. Rick Perry & Mayor Rudy Giuliani.  I was telling Rudy how inspitational it was, and is, to me – that he ushered that bride down the aisle so soon after 9/11 – remember that?!  Some people actually criticized him for it, but for most of us, it served as a wonderful example of how to go on with life, even in the midst of grief.  Okay… so I’m telling him this, and he looked me right in the eye, and said, “Life is tough – many people are going through hard times – we’ve GOT to CELEBRATE the good times”!  I agree.  Don’t you?!  Today is my Mom’s birthday – she’s 29 & holding of course;-)  If you see her today, wish her a Happy Birthday!  After the Baylor game, we’re gonna get together, as a family, and CELEBRATE!!!

After what I wrote yesterday, I thought perhaps I should clarify…  I am free of clinical depression & have been for the past four years.  I’m good-to-go.  I’m strong – perhaps even stronger than ever.  I not only am the ’Funeral Director in Charge’ – I’m on call, or available, 24/7.  I’m most fulfilled when meeting with families as arrangements are made, especially the family that feels deeply – why?  Because I feel deeply – this is not just a job to me – it’s what I was born to do.  My specialty is helping families create just the right service when their circumstances are unique. 

It really is – I mean… it’s okay to have it – there’s no shame in being depressed.  I know there’s an old, outdated stigma attached with depression, but not any more – there is no shame in depression. 

Five years ago today, I was hospitalized in Houston with severe clinical depression.  It was a horrible place to be, but a fabulous place to be if you need to be there.  Gosh, I’m so glad those around me made it easy enough for me to reach out for help.  It’s a horrible disease – there’s no x-ray – there’s no blood test – nothing.  In hindsight, the Lord was preparing me for the death of my wife (due to cancer).  Yvonne even said ‘living through it with me helped prepare her for the end of her life’.  (I want you to know I survived depression – I haven’t had an antidepressant in four years.) 

Hey… if you know of someone with depression, help ‘em to know it’s okay – it’s just another (horrible) disease – make it easy enough for ‘em to reach out for help. 

By the way (I really should use this opportunity to say)… severe clinical depression can become life threatening – don’t hesitate to ask the (patient) if he/she has a plan to hurt themselves - if they do, then get ‘em some professional help, pronto!  If you have to, call 911 – it’s okay.