The Ups and Downs of Life and Faith
A story of depression and faith35 total reviews
Comment from Gert sherwood
Alvin what an amazing story of you life when you were in college, You stated that you attended Yale.
No wonder you are so brilliant with your writings and thoughts
I sincerely hope that you win this contest about faith
God bless you my fanstory friend
Gert
reply by the author on 15-Aug-2008
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Alvin what an amazing story of you life when you were in college, You stated that you attended Yale.
No wonder you are so brilliant with your writings and thoughts
I sincerely hope that you win this contest about faith
God bless you my fanstory friend
Gert
Comment Written 15-Aug-2008
reply by the author on 15-Aug-2008
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Actually, my undergraduate degree is from Oberlin, where I didn't have a drinking problem or use drugs--I still had the genetic depression. I went to Yale Divinity School. Thanks for a great review and kind words.
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You are so welcome
Alvin
Comment from penelope
Despite your hard and rocky road, Alvin, I think you came through this very well. Addiction is such a difficult thing to conquer. It seems, despite everything, you had a good psychotherapist and a supportive sister. Deep faith can pull us through when we're at our lowest point and it certainly did in your case. I admire your honesty here and these words your share can be very healing and helpful to others. You sound like a very compassionate person and I congratulate you on your success.
Hope my suggestions are helpful.
There was eating out every night, our luxurious apartment (complete with a loft and a spiral staircase), which was half of what used to be a ballroom of a hotel in New Haven, and political meetings with students from the Law School. There were rumors that I was a drug addict, but my sharp mind was still quite functional in those days. I would stay up and "party" all night and attend my classes quite alert the next day.
I suggest:
We lived in a luxurious apartment (complete with a loft and a spiral staircase), which used to be part of a New Haven hotel. To give you an idea of our lifestyle at the time, we ate out every night and took part in political meetings with students from the Law School.
I decided this was no way to die or even to live. I
This is good. I like your wording.
My Christianity is of the rational sort, and I didn't (and don't) believe that God strikes people with metaphysical thunder. Yet I couldn't ignore the fact that there was no logical explanation for the five words I heard in that quiet voice.
This is also very well put.
Penelope
reply by the author on 15-Aug-2008
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Despite your hard and rocky road, Alvin, I think you came through this very well. Addiction is such a difficult thing to conquer. It seems, despite everything, you had a good psychotherapist and a supportive sister. Deep faith can pull us through when we're at our lowest point and it certainly did in your case. I admire your honesty here and these words your share can be very healing and helpful to others. You sound like a very compassionate person and I congratulate you on your success.
Hope my suggestions are helpful.
There was eating out every night, our luxurious apartment (complete with a loft and a spiral staircase), which was half of what used to be a ballroom of a hotel in New Haven, and political meetings with students from the Law School. There were rumors that I was a drug addict, but my sharp mind was still quite functional in those days. I would stay up and "party" all night and attend my classes quite alert the next day.
I suggest:
We lived in a luxurious apartment (complete with a loft and a spiral staircase), which used to be part of a New Haven hotel. To give you an idea of our lifestyle at the time, we ate out every night and took part in political meetings with students from the Law School.
I decided this was no way to die or even to live. I
This is good. I like your wording.
My Christianity is of the rational sort, and I didn't (and don't) believe that God strikes people with metaphysical thunder. Yet I couldn't ignore the fact that there was no logical explanation for the five words I heard in that quiet voice.
This is also very well put.
Penelope
Comment Written 15-Aug-2008
reply by the author on 15-Aug-2008
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Thanks for a very supportive review; I'll ponder over your suggestion. I also appreciate the understanding and compassion you bring to the review.
Comment from babylonia
i am glad you aren't drinking. hopefully the medications are doing their job. this is a beautifully written piece of your life. life isn't easy. you and i know this first hand. sometimes living is harder than dying. it is wonderful when all the little synapses fire correctly.
easy to read and follow. no spaggies do i see. imagery is excellent. keep up the good work~
love,
barbara
good luck~
reply by the author on 15-Aug-2008
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i am glad you aren't drinking. hopefully the medications are doing their job. this is a beautifully written piece of your life. life isn't easy. you and i know this first hand. sometimes living is harder than dying. it is wonderful when all the little synapses fire correctly.
easy to read and follow. no spaggies do i see. imagery is excellent. keep up the good work~
love,
barbara
good luck~
Comment Written 15-Aug-2008
reply by the author on 15-Aug-2008
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Thanks for a kind, good, and compassionate review. I truly appreciate it.
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you are very welcome~
love,
barbara
Comment from samandlancelot
Alvin,
You can hear God. You did hear God. He wants you to hear Him some more. Your belief that it is not God's way to speak personally to you on a regular basis is a belief planted in you by Satan. I pray that God's Holy Spirit would remove this lie from you so that you can daily hear God's voice.
He doesn't usually tell us what we want to hear, but His words are sweet when we learn to covet His will.
Father, I lift up Alvin to you, your wonderful creation whom you love. I pray that you would remove every obstacle that prevents Alvin from hearing your voice. I pray for all the wonderful words you've been longing to share with Him. I pray for the new intimacy Alvin will know with you, in Jesus' name.
Patricia
reply by the author on 15-Aug-2008
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Alvin,
You can hear God. You did hear God. He wants you to hear Him some more. Your belief that it is not God's way to speak personally to you on a regular basis is a belief planted in you by Satan. I pray that God's Holy Spirit would remove this lie from you so that you can daily hear God's voice.
He doesn't usually tell us what we want to hear, but His words are sweet when we learn to covet His will.
Father, I lift up Alvin to you, your wonderful creation whom you love. I pray that you would remove every obstacle that prevents Alvin from hearing your voice. I pray for all the wonderful words you've been longing to share with Him. I pray for the new intimacy Alvin will know with you, in Jesus' name.
Patricia
Comment Written 15-Aug-2008
reply by the author on 15-Aug-2008
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For clarification, how is this a review of my work? Just wondering.
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Alvin,
You mean more to me than your work or what makes a proper review. I shared what God gave me to share with you.
Patricia
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A review is not the proper forum for that. I want academic criticism of the literary value of my work. If you want to write something as you did, DON"T do it in a public forum. Write me a PM instead. Thank you.
Comment from bkass
The story is very interesting, but I get lost in the meanderings; while I appreciate the fact that a cocaine addict and drunk will have these mental disconnects and emotionally detached story, your last paragraph indicates that you are recovered. So, I want some emotion from you. I want to feel what you felt, see how you saw things: show me and don't tell me. You might want to include a conversation or two you had with your partner; the reader needs a little more leading up to the point where you push the exercise machine off of you. I think you have an inspirational tale here. You introduce God much too late . . . clearly that helped you recover and the reader needs to know this sooner. bk
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reply by the author on 15-Aug-2008
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The story is very interesting, but I get lost in the meanderings; while I appreciate the fact that a cocaine addict and drunk will have these mental disconnects and emotionally detached story, your last paragraph indicates that you are recovered. So, I want some emotion from you. I want to feel what you felt, see how you saw things: show me and don't tell me. You might want to include a conversation or two you had with your partner; the reader needs a little more leading up to the point where you push the exercise machine off of you. I think you have an inspirational tale here. You introduce God much too late . . . clearly that helped you recover and the reader needs to know this sooner. bk
This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.
Comment Written 15-Aug-2008
reply by the author on 15-Aug-2008
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Thank you for your review.
Comment from Wendyanne
Hi Alvin. Thanks for sharing this very personal story of your struggle with depression, drugs and alcoholism. You are an amazing person to have overcome these obstacles and you inspire me greatly. I pray that you continue to overcome these problems.
reply by the author on 15-Aug-2008
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Hi Alvin. Thanks for sharing this very personal story of your struggle with depression, drugs and alcoholism. You are an amazing person to have overcome these obstacles and you inspire me greatly. I pray that you continue to overcome these problems.
Comment Written 15-Aug-2008
reply by the author on 15-Aug-2008
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It's working right now, as long as I stay close to God and a faith community. Thank you for a very compassionate response and a good review.
Comment from Judian James
I had no idea Alvin. This is a very brave write and you have shared many hurdles in your life that others less courageous would never admit to. My first husband became a cocaine addict after college, so I know that pain from both perspectives all too well. Addiction is a bane of being human for so many. I would rework the first several sentences for a better flow however: "I was trapped underneath the exercise machine that my partner had given me for Christmas when I was a Divinity student at Yale. He had given me that in the hope that I would forgo my half a gram cocaine habit and exercise and lose some weight. Drinking constantly to counteract the effect of the cocaine speeding up my brain had made me gain many extra pounds" to:
"I was trapped under the exercise machine. It was a Christmas gift from my partner while I was a Divinity student at Yale, in the hopes of curbing my half-a-gram cocaine habit. Drinking constantly to counteract the effect of the cocaine racing through my brain, I had gained several extra pounds". Just a thought
reply by the author on 15-Aug-2008
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I had no idea Alvin. This is a very brave write and you have shared many hurdles in your life that others less courageous would never admit to. My first husband became a cocaine addict after college, so I know that pain from both perspectives all too well. Addiction is a bane of being human for so many. I would rework the first several sentences for a better flow however: "I was trapped underneath the exercise machine that my partner had given me for Christmas when I was a Divinity student at Yale. He had given me that in the hope that I would forgo my half a gram cocaine habit and exercise and lose some weight. Drinking constantly to counteract the effect of the cocaine speeding up my brain had made me gain many extra pounds" to:
"I was trapped under the exercise machine. It was a Christmas gift from my partner while I was a Divinity student at Yale, in the hopes of curbing my half-a-gram cocaine habit. Drinking constantly to counteract the effect of the cocaine racing through my brain, I had gained several extra pounds". Just a thought
Comment Written 15-Aug-2008
reply by the author on 15-Aug-2008
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Thanks for the suggestion. My partner was not an overtly controlling man (though he could be subtly controlling), so "curb" is a stronger word than I would want to use; he wanted me to stop of my own accord. And I gained a lot more than several extra pounds! However, I did consider your suggestion carefully.
Thanks for a great review.
Comment from Diny
Thank yo for sharing this I know all too well the slander- ridicule and judgment given those of faith- also being "family" I relate on that level as well- I so get this and think it should be read by many - It is so nice to know afellow christian of the same persuasion- and I so respect you for your "Out-ness"
be well and God Bless- Di
reply by the author on 15-Aug-2008
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Thank yo for sharing this I know all too well the slander- ridicule and judgment given those of faith- also being "family" I relate on that level as well- I so get this and think it should be read by many - It is so nice to know afellow christian of the same persuasion- and I so respect you for your "Out-ness"
be well and God Bless- Di
Comment Written 15-Aug-2008
reply by the author on 15-Aug-2008
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Thank you for a very understanding review. I truly appreciate it.
Comment from BarnCat
Alvin -- your writing is very brave. You reveal parts of yourself that many would choose to hide. Your honesty and sincerety shine throughout this well written story of faith, falling from faith, and rediscovering it even more strongly. Your students were fortunate to have learned from you. DBL
reply by the author on 15-Aug-2008
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Alvin -- your writing is very brave. You reveal parts of yourself that many would choose to hide. Your honesty and sincerety shine throughout this well written story of faith, falling from faith, and rediscovering it even more strongly. Your students were fortunate to have learned from you. DBL
Comment Written 15-Aug-2008
reply by the author on 15-Aug-2008
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Thank you; you truly understood what I wanted to convey. Thanks for a good review, as well.
Comment from Seraphim Delphinium
My dearest Mr. Ethington,
So many struggles. So many obstacles. So much to overcome! God bless you, finest author and poet.
Your story was painfully riviting. Thank you for sharing this part of your soul-story. I commend you.
Your honestly is breathtatking.
With fondest regards,
Miss Seraph
reply by the author on 15-Aug-2008
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My dearest Mr. Ethington,
So many struggles. So many obstacles. So much to overcome! God bless you, finest author and poet.
Your story was painfully riviting. Thank you for sharing this part of your soul-story. I commend you.
Your honestly is breathtatking.
With fondest regards,
Miss Seraph
Comment Written 15-Aug-2008
reply by the author on 15-Aug-2008
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Thank you for such a kind review, Miss Seraph. This was not easy to write, but I thought it was a story that should be told.