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Chaplain Rennebohm’s new book

The Mental Health Chaplaincy

That each may have a home,           
that all may safely rest           
and be well           

Gentle Bible

The Bible can be difficult and even perilous for people struggling with a brain disorder. The Chaplaincy has cared for people who are frightened and worried by passages heavy with violence and judgment. We have encountered patients who are lost or frustrated in their search for hope and encouragement, or who have struggled to reconcile their medical treatment with their understanding of God’s will.

It is important to approach faith resources and scriptures with sensitivity and care, particularly when someone is confused, depressed, or delusional: hence the Gentle Bible, a booklet of selected readings adapted from the Bible, one for each day of the year, that encourage healing and community.

Each month’s readings have a common theme: Hope, Companionship, Community, Comfort, Healing, Wellness, Teachings of Jesus, God’s Care, Wisdom, Wholeness, Psalms, and the Assurance of God’s love. The readings for July are printed below.

If you would like to download the complete booklet, click here. (Downloadable file requires Adobe Acrobat Reader®.)

Gentle Bible

by the Rev. Dr. Craig Rennebohm
July readings

God’s Care

July 1     God does not despise the afflicted.

July 2     God does not disdain the poor.

July 3     God does not turn away, but answers when we call.

July 4     God loves especially the littlest of us and the least among us.

July 5     God hears the wants of the humble.

July 6     God brings strength to our hearts.

July 7     God listens.

July 8     God keeps our souls from the pit of nothingness.

July 9     God guards us in trouble.

July 10     God surrounds us with songs of deliverance.

July 11     God guards us from harm.

July 12     God guards our lives.

July 13     God guards our leaving and our coming back, now and for always.

July 14     God shows love in every occasion.

July 15     We stumble — and God supports us.

July 16     God will raise us up.

July 17     You are the God of the humble.

July 18     You are the help of the oppressed.

July 19     You are the support of the fragile.

July 20     You are the refuge of the forsaken.

July 21     You are the savior of the despairing.

July 22     God gives justice to those denied it.

July 23     God gives food to the hungry.

July 24     God strengthens the vulnerable.

July 25     God protects the stranger.

July 26    God keeps the widow and the orphan.

July 27     God is merciful to all.

July 28     God loves all that exists.

July 29     God holds nothing in abhorrence.

July 30     God’s imperishable spirit is in all.

July 31     God wipes away the tears from every cheek.