The Faith Of Jim Carrey seems more evident than ever and he’s preaching about Christ on the cross. He shares about embracing suffering and choosing hope; about being forgiven…and being forgive-ing. And about the room being filled with God.
His full name is James Eugene Carrey, and in the video above, he’s my kind of preacher.
The famous comedian was born in Ontario, Canada. When his dad lost his job, he was forced to work and care for his family so he was never able to finish high school. Then, he started his stand-up career (#PraiseTheLord) and worked his way to Ace Ventura: Pet Detective…which was the first comedy I actually laughed out loud at.
And still do.
Since then, Jim has become one of the biggest stars in Hollywood with a net worth of around $150 million. But fame, money and power cannot heal what only love can. And Jim has been open and honest about his legitimate struggle with depression in the past.
In comes Christ.
Jim was raised a Catholic but dabbled in Presbyterianism later in life. He’s obviously a hilarious, complex and searching person, and he has spoken about looking for spiritual answers as a child and being inspired by the Buddha, yet expressing distrust in organized religions.
And then…the video above.
This is where God has brought Jim Carrey. And I’m grateful we get to be witnesses.
Of course, he’s still in process.
Just like you.
Just like me.
But after hearing his encouragement to the people at Homeboy Industries…I have no doubt,
Christ on the cross.
Embraced suffering.
Chose hope.
And forgave each and every one of us.
As I wrote in the article Those Who Suffer From Mental Health Problems Are Not a Failure, “I feel compelled to raise my voice and say: Therapy is not demonic. Taking antidepressants is not a sin. Seeing a psychiatrist is not anti-christian.
And those who suffer from mental health problems are not a failure.
Lord knows we need more openness in our congregations because (and this is a fact) 50 percent of adults will develop depression, PTSD, anxiety, self-harm, eating disorders, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, borderline personality disorder or some other mental illness in their lifetime.
Half of the people reading this article already have (or currently are).
And for the sake of our family, friends and church leaders, we need to break the shame.
Jesus is the hope for each and every one of our needs. He’s the miracle worker who, ‘healed every disease and every sickness’ (Mat. 9:35). And when Jesus healed the leper, the demon possessed, the broken-hearted, he never blamed them for their condition.
Jesus is not a religious leader who will condemn us if we seek help, Jesus is the high priest who understands how it feels.”
The video above was filmed at Homeboy Industries. Located in downtown Los Angeles, this amazing community provides hope and job training for formerly gang involved and previously incarcerated men and women so they can redirect their lives and become contributing members of society.
Its founder, Father Gregory Boyle, wrote:
“Here is what we seek: a compassion that can stand in awe at what the poor have to carry rather than stand in judgment at how they carry it.”
I highly recommend his book Tattoos on the Heart: The Power of Boundless Compassion.
And I highly recommend we keep Jim and the Homeboys in our prayers.
