Sarah J. Robinson - I love Jesus, but I want to die : finding hope in the darkness of depression

Ive battled the dragon of depression ever since I was in college, so I know firsthand how painful it can be. And because Ive been a churchgoer since childhood, I also know how ill-equipped most churches are to help people survive it, much less fight it. I Love Jesus, But I Want to Die is a tender, practical guide for people of faith who struggle with depression. It weaves together vulnerable storytelling with simple practices to help you love yourself well, even when the dark cloud grows thick. Sarah Robinson has written a book I have needed for years. My only disappointment is that it didnt exist sooner.

Jonathan Merritt, contributing writer for The Atlantic and author of Learning to Speak God from Scratch

This book is a beautiful heartbreak, a necessary look at the hard stuff wed rather avoid talking about, and one we need now more than ever. For those struggling for a reason to keep going, and for those who love them, this is a must-read.

Jeff Goins, bestselling author of The Art of Work

The way Sarah blends her personal story with helpful suggestions makes I Love Jesus, But I Want to Die an important read for anyone wanting to learn or understand more about the ways faith and suicidality can interact. Whether youre someone with similar experiences, a caring friend, or someone wanting to make your faith community safer for others, this book is for you.

Robert Vore, therapist, co-host of the podcast CXMH: On Faith & Mental Health, and human being who has been suicidal while believing in Jesus

In I Love Jesus, But I Want to Die, Sarah Robinson brings her hard-earned wisdom and the compassionate heart of a fellow traveler to the page. Sarahs words are a needed and helpful guide for folks who are navigating the difficult terrain of depression, trauma, and mental illnesswhile also looking for ways to experience Jesus in the midst of the storm. Its my privilege to highly recommend this important book.

Aundi Kolber, licensed therapist and author of Try Softer

In this book, Robinson places a candle in the middle of our darkness. By talking about the things Christians have too long kept hidden and hushed, she gives us room to hear our truest name: Beloved.

K. J. Ramsey, licensed professional counselor and author of This Too Shall Last: Finding Grace When Suffering Lingers

There are excellent books about depression and suicidal thoughts, and even a few written by those with lived experience, but I Love Jesus, But I Want to Die is a one-of-a-kind book. Sarah Robinson opens to us the journal she kept during some of her worst days, giving the reader a tender glimpse of her intense struggles and suffering, as well as the beautiful hope she has found over time, without trying to tie a pretty bow around serious depression. This is a book to read for yourself or give to a struggling friend or loved one without the fear that depression and suicidal thoughts will be minimized, medicalized, or over-spiritualized. This is a really good book.

Kay Warren, cofounder of Saddleback Church

Dearest Reader,

I am so grateful for your presence in this precious moment and for your willingness to begin this book. Regardless of how this book has crossed your path, the pages ahead contain some of the most honest and tender reflections from one womans journey navigating the intersection of faith and mental health.

Over the last several years, weve heard more courageous and heartbreaking stories surface alongside a growing amount of research that indicates our faith and mental health are interwoven in complex ways. As someone who has examined this intersection for more than a decade, I sense that these stories and studies are beginning to heal the complicated and unfortunately common divide between faith communities and mental health professions. Sarahs willingness to share her story and wisdom from lived experience helps us heal this division and empowers each of us to see these areas of our lives not as