Head Talks

Augustine Ihm and his family were in and out of homeless shelters in Chicago through his childhood. Often alone and vulnerable, he was abused and the experience left him racked with shame and estranged from his mother when she didn’t protect him. He has since been diagnosed with bipolar disorder, and uses mindfulness and his spirituality to cope. “I was always looking for something outside myself, something stable and consistent. Coming from such a disruptive life, I was drawn to spirituality and Christianity.” Augustine refuses to let anger at his trauma consume him and has now been ordained and has committed to a life of service. “I try my best to use my energy to engage for justice, transparency and loving relationships, not for self-destruction,” he says.