Introduction – Tell us a little about yourself.
I am a passionate writer and encourager of all things Jesus. At the age of 14, I became a Christian, but it was not until much later in life that I developed a profound and intimate relationship with God. This is why I am passionate about encouraging others to deeply root themselves in Him, grow in His grace, and blossom into who He wants them to be. I live on the beautiful North Carolina coast with my husband of 27 years, our 20-year-old son, and our quirky little terrier. In my free time, you’ll catch me writing at the beach or downtown at the river, taking walks, cooking and baking, playing games, volunteering at church, and spending time with family, friends, and of course Jesus.
Share about a hard season you have walked in your life.
Approximately two decades ago, I experienced a disabling anxiety caused by my tendency to worry and an intense fear of death. My skin crawled every time the phone rang. I didn’t want to leave my house. I couldn’t sleep well but I struggled to get out of bed. And if I did fall fast asleep, I sometimes suffered night terrors. Terrors I didn’t speak to anyone about, except my husband. I got good, I mean really good at faking it on the outside. I’d flash my smile and laugh at all the right times throughout my day yet lived crushed on the inside. Here I was trying to live for Jesus, yet all it took was one small trigger and the hordes of hell would unleash a ruthless, spine-crawling anxiousness over me.
What did God show you during this season?
God has shown me that mental illness is nothing to be ashamed of. He revealed to me that Anxiety is not a sin; it’s a very real emotion. An emotion that doesn’t have the authority to rule our life. He instructed me to shut down the lies and myths of others and brought me to a wonderful medicine I took for years.
How did God provide protective care during this season?
It was as if I could feel God listening to all my worries and cares. He blessed me with times of inner peace when life felt as if it were closing in on me. He held me up during the day when I didn’t think I could stand on my own and He held me through the night when sleep evaded me. He used my anxiety to grow me into a much deeper relationship with Him.
What scripture(s) encouraged you during this season?
There are three verses God brought me to throughout my battle with anxiety as I began to read His Word more and more and they are ones I still cling to today:
“Casting all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7 (ESV)
“For God alone, O my soul, wait in silence, for my hope is from Him. He only is my rock and my salvation, my fortress; I shall not be shaken. On God rests my salvation and my glory; my mighty rock, my refuge in God. Trust in Him at all times, O people; pour out your heart before Him.” Psalm 62:5-8. (ESV)
“We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed.” 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 (ESV)
What encouragement do you have for others that may be walking through this season?
Don’t live defined by anyone who criticizes or shames you because of your anxiety, especially other Christians. There are shallow, pharisaical Christians who don’t believe mental health issues exist within their own set of rules and regulations of religion. But mental health doesn’t pass us over just because we believe in Jesus. It’s okay to seek a doctor, talk to a therapist or counselor, start that prescription, or call a hotline and seek help right now. And please, please know that you’re not weak or less of a Christian when seeking these kinds of care.
Are there any books or resources that were helpful during this season?
I never read any books that helped me, but I listened to worship music often to lift my spirits and help me sleep. I would encourage you to try and fall asleep to your favorite worship music. I’ve found that when God is on my mind when I fall asleep, He’s on my mind when I wake. And there’s no better way to bookend our sleep. But if falling to sleep to music isn’t your thing, then I encourage you to grab those earbuds, and take a walk outside in the fresh air to soak up the Savior’s presence as you listen. Music, exercise, and fresh air help calm me when I’m having a more anxious day.
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