Daily Delight
I never planned on going to counseling. After all, I'm a Christian- shouldn't I be able to talk with God and handle everything through prayer?
The shame I felt from hiding what I was going through weighed hard on my heart. I was told by one woman that my faith "must not be strong enough." Her comment angered me. It was interesting to me how many people had opinions about why I was going through these dark days, yet none of them offered to just sit and listen.
Instead, they cut me off with a quick fix comment, a Scripture reference and continued to be on their way.
A traumatic, near death event had thrown me into a tailspin and as time passed, I was barely hanging on.
I began going to counseling at the age of 21. I told no one out of embarrassment.
I stopped it abruptly and never did as the counselor advised. For the next several years, I suppressed it all until I no longer could.
It didn't take long until I was overcome by the darkness that followed me everywhere, like a bad dream that never ended. I lost weight, stopped talking to friends and struggled at everyday life. It got to the point where I was unable to leave my house at times. When I could leave, it was a twelve mile radius that would keep me confined.
Back to a counselor I went. She was a Christian counselor who spoke life into me through God's Word and prayed with me every time we met. She helped me talk through what had happened and helped me seek God even in the darkest of days.
I am not going to tell you that it was easy, because it wasn't. It was, however, what God used to help me understand what happened and to finally feel hopeful again.
Friend, if you are struggling and shame has convinced you not to go, I encourage you to talk with God openly- He is our Ultimate Counselor. Then, consider finding a Christian counselor in your area.
Jesus came that we may have life and have it abundantly. (John 10:10)
We get one chance at this life, let's live it!
About the Author
Heather Koppe
Heather is a 44-year-old brown eyed girl, who is in the pursuit of being an overcomer as she clings to God’s promises. All the while sharing her stories.Heather is a West Virginia girl, now residing in Matthews, NC with her husband Clint, their two daughters and four cats. She recently started a blog and has spoken on a few occasions at women’s Bible studies sharing her real life struggles and the unwavering love of Jesus. She is passionate about the written word and hopes to encourage those around her daily. She also works in Property Management.In her rare, but free time you will find her with a book in her purse, and pen and paper in hand. She is living her best life, a kingdom girl, embarking on new adventures with her family...watching movies, and taking way too many pictures. After a long, hard day - you will find her with ice cream and a bath bomb.You can find her on Instagram here. Be sure to join the Daughter of Delight family and check out Heather’s blog, Fearlessly Hopeful, here.