“He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted… to give them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of joy instead of mourning…”
— Isaiah 61:1–3
I didn’t always know what healing looked like. I grew up in a Christian home, but during my teenage years away from my parents and community—my connection with God slowly faded. I still believed in Him, but the closeness was gone. Quietly, I began to carry the weight of shame, guilt, and deep soul wounds I didn’t yet have language for.
In college, I got pregnant. What followed was a difficult marriage marked by emotional abuse and betrayal. I became a mother of three, navigating motherhood in survival mode. After our separation and annulment, I focused on building a life for my children. I pursued a demanding corporate career, trying to be everything and hold everything together.
Outwardly, I was functioning. Inwardly, I was fractured.
I entered new relationships, but the old wounds remained. I was still living under silent lies about my worth, love, success, and identity. Even in seasons that seemed stable, something was always aching underneath.
Then God began to call me back.
It wasn’t one dramatic moment, but a series of small invitations—an encouraging word, a friend’s prayer, a nudge to open my Bible again. Little by little, I allowed God back into my story. I started reading Christian books, watching sermons, and joined a small group. I began to feel my faith strengthening not just intellectually, but in my bones.
I came face to face with my need for deep soul healing. It meant letting go of pride and control. It meant confronting pain I had buried. It meant repenting, forgiving, surrendering, and allowing God to tell me who I really was.
Then came a moment I will never forget.
I was in traffic on a busy road, listening to my audio Bible, when John 21 played—the moment when Jesus asked Peter three times, “Do you love me?” I felt as if Jesus was asking me directly.
Tears flowed. I answered with trembling certainty:
“Yes, Lord, I love You—and I will serve You.”
Not long after, I started serving at Life.Church Online, where God gave me a burden for those facing emotional and mental struggles. I began leading a small group, mentoring women, and slowly stepping into the calling God had been preparing me for all along.
Today, I continue to walk this healing journey. I don’t have it all together but I know the One who holds all things. And I know this:
God heals what we surrender. He restores what we entrust to Him.
My life is far from perfect, but it is full of grace. He took my ashes and gave me beauty.
And He’s not done yet.
A Gentle Prompt for You
What part of your story is God gently inviting you to surrender today?
Take a moment to journal, pray, or simply sit with that question.
A Prayer to Close
Father, thank You for never giving up on me—even in the seasons I drifted from You. You are the God who restores, redeems, and rewrites our stories. I surrender my pain, my past, and my plans to You. Heal the places in me that still need Your touch. Renew my mind, restore my soul, and help me to live in the fullness of Your love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Amen! Thank you for being so vulnerable, this brings on the Happy Tears, so touching sister! 🥹🙌✝️