Paul Asay - Beauty in the Browns: Walking with Christ in the Darkness of Depression

Depression is a lens through which everything looks ugly and hopeless. But in this honest, raw account of his depression, Paul Asay reminds us that no matter how much depression distorts and discolors the world, God provides hope and beauty.

JIM DALY

President, Focus on the Family

I never fathomed a book on depression could be so funny, but Pauls Beauty in the Browns is the perfect blend of humor and heart. Its not only an eye-opening glimpse into the life of someone struggling with depression and anxiety, but a helpful guide as to understanding how to discover hope in the midst of feelings of hopelessness.

JONATHAN MCKEE

Author of over 20 books including If I Had a Parenting Do Over

This is a book for anyone touched by depression. Those who battle depression will learn from someone who understands it on a very raw and personal level and be encouraged to be vulnerable and honest about their personal struggles. Their loved ones will develop empathy and learn how to be effective caregivers who communicate unconditional love and acceptance. And those of us who are mental health professionals will come face to face with the effects of depression on the heart and soul and be better equipped to support the client for whom depression is a familiar foe.

JOANNIE DEBRITO, PH.D., LCSW, LMFT

Director of Parenting and Youth, Focus on the Family

Paul Asays searching, confessional book explores the darkness and terrors many experience in their lives and families. As reported in The Gazette, the daily paper where Paul and I have covered religion, many Christians would rather avoid the whole subject of depression. For those who want to understand and love people who live in the browns, Pauls humor, hope, and practical suggestions can help.

STEVE RABEY

Journalist and author

Vulnerable. Thoughtful. Personal. Paul Asay takes us to the deep unsettling waters of depression but doesnt leave us there alone. His story lovingly confronts that happy-clappy veneer of the American church and clears space for those of us who feel the weight of darkness, depression, and mental illness, either in ourselves or in those we love. He points us to an all-knowing and all-loving God who runs to us, stoops low, and calls us beloved. Maybe its my Enneagram 4ness or my own battles with depression (generational and personal) that make me love this book. Beauty in the Browns is not a breath of fresh air; its cross-ventilation for so many.

ERIK LKKESMOE

President, Aspiration Entertainment

Paul Asay has written a provocative, revealing book about the subject most of us dont want to talk about, whether it is about ourselves or about others. And why is that? Because we dont want to be mislabeled as weak, or cowardly, or lazy, or fearful, or far from God. But those of us who have known this illness for many years can tell you its not a matter of fear. It is an experience of darkness and pain that is like no other.

Along comes author and writer Paul Asay to shed real light, and compassion, on the subject. And how? By revealing his own struggle with it through a lifetime. Asay talks about the immobility of depression, the desire to lie on ones back in a bedroom, the sometimes dead end with even the best doctors and psychiatric help. So whats the answer? Its something practical, something personal, something attainable. Read about his life and discover what works for him.

JOHN SLOAN

Editor

Beauty in the Browns: Walking with Christ in the Darkness of Depression

2021 Paul Asay. All rights reserved.

A Focus on the Family book published by Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188

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All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise marked, are from the ESV Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version), copyright 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked ( NIV ) are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. (www.zondervan.com) The NIV and New International Version are trademarks registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica, Inc. Scripture quotations marked ( NKJV ) are taken from the New King James Version. Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations marked ( NLT ) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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Cover design by Julie Chen

Cover illustrations by Julie Chen. Copyright Tyndale House Ministries. All rights reserved. Cover illustration of tree roots by freepik-www.freepik.com.

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ISBN 978-1-64607-005-3

Build: 2020-11-20 13:44:10 EPUB 3.0

For Colin

Deep into that darkness peering, long I stood there, wondering, fearing, Doubting, dreaming dreams no mortal ever dared to dream before.

EDGAR ALLAN POE, THE RAVEN

D EPRESSION IS FUNNY.

Not ha-ha funny, obviously, because itd be super-rude to laugh at a depressed person for being depressed. Its funny in a way that might cause scientists with fake-sounding German accents to stroke their beards thoughtfully. Its funny in the same way that bologna is when its past its expiration date, or when your dog growls at your closet door for no reason, or your football team is looking at first-and-goal and decides to punt. Its funny as in outside the norm, funny as in disquieting, funny as in youre making me uncomfortable so please just cheer up already.

And who could blame them? Depression is just so... depressing, yknow? Being around someone whos obviously depressed is not much fun. Trust me, I know: Being a person who deals with depression myself, I have days when Id rather not hang around with me, either.

Depressions funny in that theres not much fun to be found in it for anyone. By definition, its something of a fun squelcher. Those affected by it can have a difficult time enjoying much of anything. And like a rock chucked in the middle of a pond, the impact of depression ripples out to friends, family, coworkers, and even unsuspecting motorists and harried Starbucks baristas. Depression is a burden for those who suffer from it, a worry for friends and family, andlets face ita hassle for anyone else exposed to it, even in passing. In a society that doesnt dare push pause, depression is an inconvenience few can afford.