Welcome to the official website of the book
The Colors of Roses
the GIFT & the THORN
by Mark L. Merrill
"This website accompanies the official announcement of my full-time effort to complete a book I started writing in 2009. The Colors of Roses is my response to numerous requests to share my story and knowledge to help others."
- Mark L. Merrill
But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty...1 Corinthians 1:27
The author, Mark L. Merrill, grew up in one of the poorest and most violent cities (Camden, NJ) in the United States. Mark tells the story of how he endured the challenges of early childhood molestation, PTSD, drugs, alcohol, religious mis-indoctrination, and a severe mental health challenge - undiagnosed until the age of 53 years old.
This book provides it's readers an opportunity to share in a uniquely intimate experience as the author shares his self-learned coping, management, and survival skills. The author's achievements are inclusive of a senior-level executive (in multiple enterprises), municipal director, pastor, and family man – despite his daunting life and mental health challenges.
The Colors of Roses the GIFT & the THORN is a solution-based book written to support and strengthen efforts to destigmatize mental illness. This book promotes and influences hope for persons living with mental health challenges, their loved ones, support systems, and society-at-large.
Mental Health is a tough challenge that nearly "ALL" American families are experiencing in some manner - and (in the author's research-informed opinion) is a contributing factor to our nation's opioid/drug/alcohol, mass shootings, suicides, and homeless crises.
The Colors of Roses the GIFT & the THORN combines the author's mental health history, facts, data, and practical solutions helpful for individuals, families, caregivers, and institutions to address a broad spectrum of mental health challenges.
Allegorical Intrigue
The author articulates the historical intrigue of Roses'- their intricate varieties, multiple colors, stimulating aroma, and thorns as illustrative of how we, as individuals, coexist behaviorally.
There is hope, and my life is proof that that which is termed "mental illness" can be managed well, and when appropriately engaged, is a GIFT to humanity - as is a Rose with its THORNS
It is my sincerest prayer and desire that The Colors of Roses - the GIFT & the THORN will convey a message of authentic hope that will;
Influence and help individuals who have "what is termed" mental illness to effectively manage and progressively overcome their challenges and discover the "BEAUTY of their GENIUS!"
Provide direction and tools for families, loved ones, caregivers, clergy, law enforcement, judiciary, mental health professionals – society-at-large to better understand, approach, and interact constructively with persons with "what is termed" mental illness.
Assist, as an additional resource, in efforts to destigmatize mental illness.
Assist with ongoing efforts to garner more significant (currently lacking) support and resources appropriate for all aspects and levels of mental health care.
- Mark L. Merrill
Do you have Stigma? Stigma harms the 1 in 5 Americans affected by mental health conditions. It shames them into silence and prevents them from seeking help. Take the quiz at CureStigma.org to be part of the cure. - NAMI
The StigmaFree campaign is NAMI’s effort to end stigma and create hope for those affected by mental illness. Through powerful words and actions, we can shift the social and systemic barriers for those living with mental health conditions. - NAMI