The Hope of a Bipolar Christian: Find your path with joy and gratitude (Paperback)
A bipolar brain and a Christian soul seem the least likely of allies, or do they? All of God's children have troubles; none walk through life without challenges. When we are on the precipice of despair, that is when our souls come to our rescue. The Hope of a Bipolar Christian tells of Cindy's journey through the extreme highs and devastating lows of bipolar disorder. Cindy also shares glimpses into her walk of faith, wherein she details many of God's blessings throughout her life - even after her diagnosis in 1994. More than 57 million Americans are dealing with bipolar disorder every day. Cindy's story will strike a famililar chord with many, but the narrative is distinctly her own. Emotions run the gamut, including humorous observations. Yes, humor. A sense of humor is paramount when navigating through this confusing, sometimes formidable, odyssey.
Cindy (Rutledge) Butler is from the small town of Heyworth, Illinois, but has seen and experienced more in life, than she could ever have imagined during her shy teenage years. A former Army wife, Cindy lived in Fulda, West Germany (1981-1983), where her only child was born. For over 22 years, Cindy's career was primarily that of administrative assistant and executive secretary for companies in the Bloomington, Illinois area. Failed marriages led to stressors which sent Cindy into a deep depression. In 1994, diagnosed with bipolar disorder, she began her journey into the extreme highs and devastating lows of this lifelong disorder. While navigating this new territory, Cindy encountered many caring, supportive people, as well as those who challenged her. They all influenced who she has become today. In 2005, Cindy began her second act. Traveling and making a living wearing a variety of hats: housekeeper, nanny, cook, decorator, designer, writer, and assistant innkeeper to name a few. Having lived on Martha's Vineyard (MA), West Point Academy (NY), Virginia, and Vermont, she developed a great love and appreciation for the natural beauty in Southwestern Vermont. Cindy visited Scotland and Ireland (the land of her ancestors) in 2007, meeting her longtime pen-pal from Edinburgh, Evelyn. Having returned to Bloomington, Illinois in 2011, she became a personal assistant in a local retirement village. The next year, Cindy began her own personal services business, "Errand Angel," and was delighted to be a continuing help to others. With articles in publication (the first told of her beloved, maternal, Irish grandmother), Cindy is an avid non-fiction writer. She is the proud mother of son Paul, a decorated Army veteran who, along with his wife Stephanie, recently gave Cindy the gift of a lifetime; her first grandchild, Isabelle. (Who of course is not in the least bit spoiled - yet.)