CONTENT WARNING - mental ill health, depression

I have been more than a little remiss in posting updates on the Jesse tree - my days are full and very long, and just keeping the essential plates spinning is a full time job.

Today's symbol is for Elijah, and links to the exciting events that took place on Mount Carmel, when the prophets of Baal were left looking foolish.  But the story carries on and takes a sharp downturn - Elijah under threat of death flees to a far away place where depression overwhelms him and he experiences very dark thoughts, wishing that he might die.

In a tender, humane story, God ensures he has food and rest before taking him into a cave on Mount Horeb.  Here, he meets God not in signs and wonders, but in absence, in 'the sound of silence'.

The apophatic tradition, or via negativa, are important aspect of faith, recognising that sometimes God is experienced only in seeming absence, and named only by what God is not.

This story is important, and relevant, because it reminds us that it is okay not to be okay.  That amidst the fake jollity and festive razzmatazz there are people hurting deeply and suffering greatly.  Somewhere, in that darkness and silence, God is.

For any UK readers who might find it helpful, the Samaritans UK direct line number is 116 123