By Nancy Virden (c)2025

My credit is ruined, and I do not know why. Having maintained a FICA score of 800+ for years, suddenly, that number is dropping like a rock. The next step is to start the process of getting this cleared up. Yes, I’ve changed my passwords.

A credit report is not my greatest identity concern compared to what is most important, though. My identity has been mishandled before, and it took years to get it back. It was not a financial identity; I am talking about self-identity. It was not stolen; I gave it away. Choosing to leave one reason for existence in the control of a person who took advantage, when it became clear his approval would not be coming, I lost my will to live.

That is an identity crisis.

Here is how I found my way back to owning who I am. You can do it too.

1. Compare the message to the evidence. Are you who they accuse you of being? Does evidence point to other possibilities? What are your strengths? Look for positive evidence of your value, potential, and hope. Do not dismiss what you discover; write it down.
2. Compare the messenger to the facts. Are they biased and incorrect in their assessment of you and your purpose? Are they emotionally or psychologically capable of supporting you in healthy ways? What if they are wrong? Look for evidence that they are wrong.
3. Write down any affirmations you receive, no matter how small: Thanks for having us over; Your recipe is delicious; Thank you for listening; You know how to help a friend out; thanks for helping me move, and more. Keep this list in a safe place and look at it often. Continue to add to it.
4. Cut out your negative self-criticism and replace it with something new. This takes effort and brings wonderful results. For example, replace “fail” with “strong effort” when describing yourself. Then try again.
5. Listen to the ultimate authority on you. Our Highest Power is God, who has laid out a process for us to become one of His children. He is your Creator who sees you and knows your heart. Who does he say you are? (A) Made in his image (B) Created with purpose (C) Priceless; God’s Son died for you and lives again for you (D) Wanted as God’s companion forever (E) Held (F) Forever deeply loved.

-COMMENTS WELCOME

Today’s Helpful Word

Ephesians 3:17-19

 Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong.  And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep his love is.  May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.

If you are feeling suicidal or concerned about someone who is, in the U.S., call 988, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. 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. This website is not intended to substitute for professional mental or behavioral health care.

_{HOLY BIBLE, NEW LIVING TRANSLATION, COPYRIGHT © 1996, 2004, 2015 BY TYNDALE HOUSE FOUNDATION. USED BY PERMISSION OF TYNDALE HOUSE PUBLISHERS, INC., CAROL STREAM, ILLINOIS 60188, PER BIBLE GATEWAY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. RETRIEVED FROM HTTPS://WWW.BIBLEGATEWAY.COM/}