By Nancy Virden (c)2021

An eager family of six and I are holding our breaths waiting for the sale of my house to them to close. We all want this – and only bureaucracy can ruin it for us now. The realtor called last night to tell me about a man and his family who want my house. The buyer is a contractor and will no doubt turn it into the home of their dreams. They are accepting my price and all looks promising.

If you have been following this blog, you know that for months the act of moving and selling my house has been stressful. Since early March, a first buyer did not work out, covid hit me for a second time, and chronic anemia continued to rob me of energy and achievement. Self-doubt crept in. What am I doing here? What is my purpose? I am failing to produce anything worthwhile. These thoughts led to I must be annoying people. They must think I am useless.

That is only half the story. A therapeutic lesson taught to me ten years ago (“do the work that is in front of you”), changed the direction of my thinking. Focusing on prayer and listening for God’s direction, I chose to recharge that sense of purpose and signed up for my church’s prison ministry wherein volunteers mentor women preparing for reintegration.

Suddenly, love fills my heart again. Prison ministry training is done and my service there starts in two months. Purpose has rejuvenated brain cells as more passion goes into my fifth year of Bible teaching. Living Grace, the mental health group I lead at church, successfully kickstarted round-four five days ago. As you know, these blogs have returned too.

I told my friend, between my house selling or Jesus, I will choose Jesus. Buildings depreciate, money burns, but he is forever with me and fills my life with abundant joy. -COMMENTS WELCOME

Today’s Helpful Word

John 15:11-12
I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.  My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. 

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!

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. NOTE: Nancy is not a doctor or a mental health professional, and speaks only from personal experience and observations. In no way is this website intended to substitute for professional mental or behavioral health care.

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