As you may have jaloused (I love that word) from my posts lately that I’m struggling a bit right now. Circumstances have been trying -not in the lost-a-child or tsunami-disaster type trying mind you! But trying nonetheless – and it has started to take its toll. I’m trying to use these feelings swirling inside to propell me towards Christ and the shelter of His arms but at times I find myself questioning my roles, my abilities and my own value in those roles. I can feel the horned tips of depression’s ugly head threatening to rear up, and I’m praying hard that He suppresses them. I’m taking other humanly tangible precautions as well, but for me I know spiritual closeness with Him is the biggest, most effective anti-depressant. I hope to write more in depth about this in the New Year, but I wanted to take this chance to ask if you’ve ever found yourself in a similar place? And to ask if you’re willing to share your story?
The submissions for What a Woman is Worth deadline is this Monday, January 2. Our stories carry power, the power to release and edify. It is scary to make yourself so vulnerable in such a public forum, but if it can help keep someone from enduring some of the pain, self doubt, and harmful thinking patterns we have all walked through, isn’t it worth it? Think about it. For your daughter. Sister. Friend.
Will you share your worth?
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Thank you for sharing. Life can be hard. It seems that is has been a hard year for so many people. I know this has been the worst year for our family, not in the losing a child sense, but a very traumatic year. A year that I lost my way. I am ready to get my life back and stay focused on the Lord. When things get rough, I often let my time with Him slip, when that is the only thing that will get us through. Hugs and Prayers!
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Yes, I know what you mean. I, too, often run away from Him instead of,to Him. Maybe one day I’ll learn. 🙂
Uhh.. I really want to leave a comment here and I sincerely hope you don’t take it the wrong way. See, I’m not a religious or spiritual person. I’ve never had belief in my life. Because of that I find it hard to comment on posts where that is brought up, like here. Not because I don’t approve or anything like that, but I just don’t know what to say. I can’t relate, and I don’t want to offend. On the other hand, however, I find myself wanting to “comfort” (as much as one can via text) – and say that I am sorry you are having a hard time in your life right now.
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Maren, thank you so much! I want this to be a place of welcoming and safety for people of all walks of life, faiths (or not as it were). I welcome whatever thoughts you may have on anything I write, even if it’s that you think what I said is rediculous. Very few of my IRL friends share my same spiritual views, and I love the intimacy that comes from sharing openly the journeys we are on.
From the bottom of my heart, I thank you for your comfort! It means a lot! And, please, feel free to comment anytime! 🙂
Thank you for understanding. 🙂 I’ve had so many awful experiences where people with a lot of faith are insulted by my clumsy efforts of connecting with them. It’s hard sometimes. 🙂 Now I know I can return and comment freely, and I will definitely do that. 🙂
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It makes me so sad to hear that. Usually when people of “faith” lash out at those who believe differently, it is coming from a sense of self-preservation and pride rather than anything righteous or holy. There is a time and place for righteous anger, but most of us usually get it wrong and mistake our wounded pride or fear of rejection of some kind for God’s anger or discipline. I pray that I am not one of those people, though I fear I have been before. I look forward to getting to know you better! 🙂
I would be willing to share, i have had a hard year, I am a recovering pain pill addict and praise god I have been sober 3 years but it still get hards in times of stress not to run to pills but to the lord. I recently had a baby November 21st and I am struggling with some PPD, and the cloudy cold days in Michigan dont help. there is much more to my story but yes I am struggling.
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Oh, Michelle, congrats on the 3 years!! That’s wonderful!!! I imagine it is still quite difficult at times. And congrats on the new baby!! I know the struggles of PPD all too well. I suffered badly after the birth of my 1st daughter was born, but didn’t realize it until I was coming out of it almost a year later. I want to encourage you, of you haven’t already, to all to your doc about your PPD. I can understand of you are Leary of taking meds for it, but they may be able to refer you to a counselor that can help you deal with it. I so wish I had. And after suffering my 2nd bout of depression I vowed if I felt it coming on again I would put my pride aside and get help. I pray He holds you close to His heart, gives you strength and peace andmliftsmyou out of the pit. Thank you for sharing!!
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Also, have you invested in a light therapy lamp? They can be a bit pricey, about $70 or so. But they really help, particularly living in dark, damp places like we do! You might even be able to get it covered by insurance of your doc will prescribe it for you!
Also I was/am a mom that you would never guess had a drug problem, I have 5 kids, a wonderful husband, a nice house etc……