Our next example of a spiritual Superstar who, nonetheless, battled depression is Mother Teresa of Calcutta. In so many ways she symbolizes the modern day, fully committed Christian life. How many other missionaries or preachers earned the Nobel Peace Prize simply by following God’s calling? After winning the prize, Mother Teresa was asked how she was able to perform her duties, day in and day out, in the slums of India. Her answer was something like this: “Every time I pick up a child or look into one of their faces, I see Jesus.” All of her work was done as “unto the Lord.” She was a spiritual Superhero. It seemed that she must have had such a positive attitude that nothing could ever get her down. Yet, history records this:

Mother Teresa was afflicted with feelings of abandonment by God from the very start of her work among the homeless children and dying persons of Calcutta’s slums. From all available evidence this experience persisted until her death five decades later, except for a brief interlude in 1958. “Sainthood candidate held a dark secret,” Associated Press, 10/14/03,

The article goes on to say that Mother Teresa never wavered in her conviction that God, in Jesus Christ, directly commissioned her ministry. She believes she distinctly heard his voice say, “I want to use you for my Glory. Will you refuse?” Despite her commitment, her writings show that at times she suffered from gloominess, sadness, and significant bouts of depression. She expressed her doubts this way:

• “I am told God lives in me—and yet the reality of darkness and coldness and emptiness is so great that nothing touches my soul.”
• “I want God with all the power of my soul—and yet between us there is terrible separation.”
• “Heaven from every side is closed.”
• “I feel just that terrible pain of loss, of God not wanting me, of God not being God, of God not really existing.”

Even the most devout have doubts. But only believers can doubt. In 1999, less than two years following her death. Pope John Paul II waived the Vatican’s standard five-year waiting period and initiated Mother Theresa’s canonization cause. She was a woman who faced the day-to-day pressure, learned to persevere, and developed the character and hope that transformed her into an example for the whole world to see. Perhaps it was a work of the enemy to time the death of Princess Diana of Wales (d. August 31, 1997) so closely near that of Mother Theresa (d. September 5, 1997). Media coverage of Princess Di’s car crash and funeral certainly dominated the press during these days, and seemed to overshadow the work of the Trinity in Mother Teresa’s existence.

Still, the image the Father imagined (before the foundations of the earth were laid) was fulfilled with her life. Her gifts were given to the world for all to see – and leave many “without excuse.” Her openness to the Spirit allowed her to face each day with the picture of Christ on every face. Moreover, she did it all in the midst of the worst conditions imaginable—surrounded externally by extreme poverty and internally by deep sadness and depression. Yet, she chose faithfulness and won her battle because she had the hope of Christ. Isn’t that what it is all about? Remaining optimistic because you’re learning and growing.

After the darkness, there is always light. It will come. Be thankful and grateful.

Love Dad