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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 February are printed below.

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

La Biblia Amable en español.


Gentle Bible

by the Rev. Dr. Craig Rennebohm
February readings

Community

Feb. 1     Let us have a profound respect for each other.

Feb. 2     Let us treat everyone with equal kindness.

Feb. 3     Let us treat others as we like to be treated.

Feb. 4     Let us comfort one another.

Feb. 5     Let us strengthen one another.

Feb. 6     Let us give courage to those who are fearful.

Feb. 7     Let us care for the weak.

Feb. 8     Let us be patient with everyone.

Feb. 9     Let us think of what is best for each other and the community.

Feb. 10     Let us adopt any custom that leads to peace.

Feb. 11     Let us be gentle in carrying out our business.

Feb. 12     Let us sing together and go on singing and chanting
in our hearts.

The Tree of Abundance

I saw a tree
in the middle of the world
the tree grew taller and stronger
until it reached the sky
and it could be seen from the ends of the earth
its foliage was beautiful, its fruit abundant
in it was food for all

Feb. 13     Let us act with compassion, in kindness and humility.

Feb. 14     Let us do all we can to live at peace with everyone.

Feb. 15     Let us talk this over, says God.

Feb. 16     Little by little, we correct.

Feb. 17     Love trusts, hopes, endures.

Feb. 18     A kindly word multiplies friends.

Feb. 19     Kindly words also heal.

Feb. 20     Let us help each other.

Feb. 21     Help us to be tolerant of each other.

Feb. 22     Let us consider what we are about to do.

Feb. 23     May thoughtfulness be the beginning of every activity.

Feb. 24     Let us reflect before acting.

Feb. 25     May everything be done decently and in order.

Feb. 26     Help us to learn that there is a time for every activity.

Feb. 27     The first thing in life is water and bread and clothing and shelter.

Feb. 28     How good it is for us all to live together as one.

Feb. 29     I saw a tree
                 in the middle of the world
                 the tree grew taller and stronger
                 until it reached the sky
                 and it could be seen from the ends of the earth
                 its foliage was beautiful, its fruit abundant
                 in it was food for all




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