By Nancy Virden (c)2019

Jon was 9 years old when he carried a steak knife up into a tree. Sure enough, he fell and cut his hand open.

Jon is my son. At first, it looked like a bandage would do; upon a closer look, I decided to take him to the doctor. Sure enough, he needed stitches to prevent infection.

Emotional bandages are worthwhile.  Words of encouragement serve to offer comfort. Wise counsel surrounds us with some protection. Learning new ways of thinking can turn our lives around. 

Upon a closer look, deep emotional wounds need stitches. Without them, infection threatens. For me, a fear of abandonment and temptation to isolate pops up. Courage fails.  Willpower has never been enough to permanently draw me away from harmful and compulsive behaviors. Many people can say the same. 

Since emotional infection easily grows out of control, we need The Difference-Maker, who is Jesus. His love, his hope – these are the stitches that permanently heal deep wounds.

He is the Highest Power. He is not a platitude-pusher or quick-fixer for emotional struggle. He is not only another pill to swallow. No, he walks us through the journey to health and stability.

Though I know God led me to the right people (therapists and a psychiatrist) and has provided for my medical needs such as psychiatric medications, all the strategies for well being and medications in the world cannot change my heart.

My heart changed as he taught me of his unending love and eternal hope. 

Jesus is The Difference-maker. His stitches include the Word of God and prayer. We begin to see his permanent healing as soon as we repent of our sins and offer our hearts to him. My source of personal power and emotional victory (and potentially yours) never fails because Jesus is alive.

He offers permanent solutions to our permanent problems. He is the Redeemer who accepts our Repentance and leads us through Recovery from past hurts. His promise is Rest.    -Nancy Virden (c) 2019

Today’s Helpful Word

Matthew 11:28 NLT

Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.”

Always the Fight Ministries (ATFM) has been displaying compassion for those fighting mental illness, addiction, or abuse since 2012. Nancy is the founder and voice of ATFM and openly shares her emotional resurrection from despair. 

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NOTE: I am not a doctor or mental health professional, and speak only from personal experiences and observations. In no way is this website intended to substitute for professional mental or behavioral health care.
If you are feeling suicidal, or concerned about someone who is, in the U.S. call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255), or for a list of international suicide hotlines, go here.
If you are suicidal with a plan, immediately call 911 in the U.S. or go to your nearest emergency room. In the EU call 112. (For other international emergency numbers, go here ). Hope and help are yours!