By Shawn Newberry

A stress-induced mini-stroke exposed Shawn’s anxiety and performance-driven ministry, nearly costing him his life. Leading a struggling church with financial and relational strain, he had mistakenly equated effort with faithfulness. The medical crisis served as a "theological intervention," slowly reorienting his leadership from anxious striving to gospel-centered dependence. His recovery led to enduring lessons on relinquishing control and finding his identity in Christ, not effectiveness.

It has come to call upon me yet again. The old, familiar visitor who decides to drop in for a visit. It would be nice if she would call to see if she is welcome before she shows up at the door, but she doesn’t. Then again, depression has never been a kind visitor, never thoughtful, never asking if this may be a good time for me to have her visit. How long will she stay this time? Just today? A week, a whole month? What if she never leaves? That is always the fear. That she is going to permanently move in, and yet history tells me that she will eventually leave.