The Power of Story

Who we are is a complex concept for another day, but ultimately. who we are is

God's special possession In Christ, whom has graciously given us gifts according to His measure.

He uniquely and strategically gifts and invites us through grace to participate in His Kingdom work. One facet of me is a writer who believes in transparency and the testimonial power of story.

Revelation 12:11 They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.

I've experienced first hand both the internal and external transforming power of sharing your story with those who are in Christ and those who do not yet know Christ.

They are gracious gifts for us all when we lean in to this purpose.

As I share a piece of my story, I hope to motivate you to consider ways to do the same.

I've typically shied away from the spot light, preferring to listen, reflect, and encouarge others. My internalizing and perfectionistic tendencies led me down a path of shame and depression. I kept this to myself and suffered alone for a long time, but little by little, God opened my eyes and led me down a new path where restoration is found.

In 2012, on a medical mission trip to Togo, West Africa, I came face-to-face with a woman so diffferent from me, yet, similarly suffering. I felt called to "tell her I dealt with similar things" and the relief and understanding I saw in her eyes are forever imprinted in my mind. I began sharing with her what God had been teaching me and passion started pouring out of me. On the plane ride home I felt called to "go home and do this" and that I was to "become a Christian Counselor". 

This moment started a journey that led to women's ministry as I waited for the timing to go back to school for my masters degree in counseling. In 2017, feeling a nudge to "make the ministry message given to me available outside of my home church doors", I self-published The Believer's Battle Strategy. This content combined my story, what God was teaching me, and my passion for psychological techniques to utilize and aide in growth and healing.

In 2019, I went back to school for a Clinical Mental Health masters degree and graduated in 2022. My licensing was temporarily delayed due to a a momentary lapse to remove my apple watch during the virtual exam that caused a termination. Little did I know this painful event was actually "for my good" because three months later I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. God continued calling me to share my story while "In it" through this blog instead of "just after I'd been through it". In 2023, I received my license to practice and began counseling women and couples.

It's amazing to finally know what you want to be when you grow up, even when it comes at the age of 40. I love helping the helpers, walking alongside women who are stuck, and supporting couples and families in their distress. I can honestly say that every day I continue learning and seeing God work in sessions. There are no words to describe this experience.

This past year I transitioned over to full private practice and realized this next season is about both: counseling (seeing clients) and ministry (creating and teaching). This summer, I will be self-publishing new content that furthers the integration of psychology and theology. While this content is unnamed at the moment, it is referred to as The Resilience Project. 

Nothing in life compares to seeing God work and getting to participate. This content is my continued humble attempt to join God in Kingdom work and to encourage you to do the same. It is not an impersonal, manufactured AI message, but an imperfect and passionate lived-and-learned declaration from a sister-Christ. 

What might God be calling you to share and with whom?

Let God use your story for His glory.

Prayerfully consider and lean into the discomfort of transparency.