My toxic trait is to lean into depression. It is something I have struggled with most of my life. And it really hits outta nowhere. Everything is going fine then all of a sudden, bam! Something happens. Two somethings happen and before I realize it, I am in a rut. I withdraw, I isolate, and I used to do all of those things by myself. But I am married. I am a senior pastor. I am a traveling minster. I spend most of my days walking other people through some of their best and worst days. I preach on Sundays and teach on Wednesdays, and I am struggling. It is part of my journey that now only my wife sees. I think it's important to share now because; one I was ashamed of it and two even though it still happens, others will benefit to know that you are not alone in whatever you are struggling with. Here is what I have learned over the years. Chase the anointing. Pursue the presence. Get alone with God then get around Godly people. Don't isolate. Don't stop coming to church. Don't stop coming to bible study. Get around your church family. Believe me. This works more than I can really articulate. Hang in there. Your pastor and First Lady believes in you. Is praying for you. And loves you more than you know!
-Pastor Philip
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