By Nancy Virden (c)2023

As a senior citizen, I finally decided what I want to be when I grow up. I am back in school and 1/3 way through a Mental Health Coach certificate’s requirements.

This came after years of longing for something like this, not having a name for it, and finding more schooling unaffordable. Then the American Association of Christian Counselors offered a scholarship to the first students to sign up and I jumped on board.

From a very early age, my heart’s desire was to help people who were hurt. This did occur from time to time and never on a regulated basis. Earning a college degree at the age of 48 began as a desire to aid the safety of children by starting an afterschool program. That never materialized in part because before I could help anyone else, I had to find healing for myself.

Father God brought me to the doorstep of people with the skills to lead me out of what I thought I knew into a land of hope and brightness and joy. Our combined efforts and God’s grace carried me to today when I know who I am. Anyone who thinks I “should” have had my ducks in a row (knowing what to aim for) long ago, too bad. God’s thoughts are way above ours, and I trust his timing.

My strengths are listening and hearing. These gifts are hard-earned. Having lived any other kind of life would negate the unique way in which I am able to help. Already I have people waiting for me to set up the business of coaching them to reach satisfactory goals or referring them to higher levels of care. Because this blog is honest and open, and cannot encourage people who are in the fight unless it remains so, it is important for readers to know I am also in therapy. Two weeks ago I started again after several years because no one is immune to needing a helping hand.

Dear God, Thank you for always having a plan. I too trust You to guide my life as you are Nancy’s. It is never too late! Those perceived negatives that I believed are holding me back may be the very challenges I need to learn to fulfill my best purpose. Amen.

-COMMENTS WELCOME

Today’s Helpful Word

Isaiah 55:8

“My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the Lord. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.“

If you are feeling suicidal, or concerned about someone who is, in the U.S. call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988, 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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