By Nancy Virden (c)2023

See In Two Weeks My Dream Comes True

Since November 2020 it has been my privilege to lead “Living Grace” groups 5 times. Living Grace follows a curriculum from the Mental Health Grace Alliance, teaching emotional resilience skills. It is not a traditional support group but rather a class. I have heard many people say it has helped.

Along with this opportunity has come a chance to teach on my book, “How the Difference-Maker Lifts You Above Depressive Thoughts,” which is offered free on this website (Books). This past summer I facilitated a summer class featuring eleven live guest testimonials from people with a variety of physical or mental and traumatic stories. It was enlightening

Beginning September 13, a new class titled Mental Health and Bible Characters will take us down a surprising discovery of how psychology does and does not help us as followers of Christ. This class is also becoming a book with the same title and study guides for anyone to teach. I’, blossoming during research and study and hope to pass on this vital information to others.

This work is like “labor” in that it began small and swelled until it gave birth to a more defined purpose. Celebrating Labor Day seems fitting. Part of what makes these ventures exciting is that people are being blessed. What a joy to see growth and epiphanies enter into their lives and bring them contentment. What else makes this exciting is that in 2011 I did not believe it was possible. I saw no purpose for my life and tried to end it more than once.

How wrong I was! Turns out that God is not “through” with anyone until he says so and none of us should die at our own hands. He alone knows what is around the corner for us and will give us the grace to endure it if we trust Him. Life has not been easy since 2011. Divorce, 2 major moves, financial challenges, and mental health challenges endure. However, everything is easier with a purpose and a dream coming true.

I’ve said it before and will say it again, living has been worth waiting for the beauty. So if you or anyone you know is in despair and considering suicide, quote me on that.

-COMMENTS WELCOME

Today’s Helpful Word

Psalm 95:6-8a

Oh come, let us worship and bow down;
    let us kneel before the Lord, our Maker!
For he is our God,
    and we are the people of his pasture,
    and the sheep of his hand.
Today, if you hear his voice,
do not harden your hearts…

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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