Lost. Confused. Lonely. Sinking. Drowning. Struggling. Searching. Overwhelmed. Stressed. Anxious. Depressed.
All of it.
Ever sound familiar? It can happen to you, sometimes more than once. Sometimes, it’s because of a little thing. Sometimes, it’s because of a major life event. Sometimes, it’s because of trauma. Sometimes, it’s just life in general.
But how do we dig deep and pull ourselves out of it?
I’ve been there—more than once. I was fortunate to have an amazingly supportive family and friends who always helped me rise. But more importantly, I always had my faith.
For me, it was work stress, a child going through a mental health crisis, the loss of our dear dog, Rudy, divorce, and the loss of my dad. These have been some of the life events that have left me feeling like I was barely surviving. The feeling of being overwhelmed, emotionally spent, physically fatigued, and wanting to be happy, but not finding the joy you deserve. It’s a complicated feeling that you just want relief from.
Over the years, I have learned many tips for coping and overcoming, including setting boundaries, practicing self-care, regulating emotions, seeking therapy, using distractions, and facing exposure. But what was the one thing that was always there for me and helped more than anything? My faith.
FAITH.
What even is Faith?
What does faith mean to you? Do you have it? What is your faith? What does it look like? How do you rely on your faith? Do you have faith?
For me, faith isn’t some big dramatic moment with angels singing and a booming voice from the clouds—though that would be amazing. It’s more like this deep knowing that God has me, even when I don’t have myself together in many ways.
My faith is in God and my Savior, Jesus Christ.
I talk to Jesus like He’s my best friend. I ramble, He listens. I ugly cry, yep, He’s still there.
He shows up every time, not just when things are going great but especially when life feels like a bad sequel I didn’t ask to be in. His never-ending love and support get me through the toughest of times. And yes, sometimes I question why, but I know God has a plan. I have faith in Him.
Maybe you’ve got faith. Maybe you’re figuring it out. Wherever you’re at, I can tell you this:
My faith in Jesus has helped me bounce back more times than I can count.
I knew I needed to grow in my faith and wanted to seek more support and knowledge. My dad used to enjoy daily devotional books, so I used that as inspiration and decided to look for a book that could help me with personal growth while learning more about the Bible.
I Googled devotional books for women because Google is my go-to. Then, I read reviews on different recommendations from my search. I landed on the book below: The Bible in 52 Weeks: A Yearlong Bible Study for Women.
The Bible in 52 Weeks: A Yearlong Bible Study for Women, Amazon. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
So here’s the thing: I found this book—not just a book—the book.
It was a weekly devotional with a message, some soul-searching questions, and daily scriptures backing it all up. Basically, it was a combination of Bible study, therapy, and goal-setting—with Jesus leading the way.
I’d crack it open every Sunday or Monday like a fresh start. I’d dive into the week’s message and begin the scripture readings. I made it my time. If I had a busy morning, I’d listen to the scriptures in the car, usually on the way to see my mom or daughter. It turned drive-time into soul-time. I looked forward to it. It became a needed routine. It was like this little quiet time of peace and purpose that I didn’t know I needed in my life.
But now? I finished the book. Closed the final page. And suddenly, I’m like, well, what’s next?
Because I don’t want to lose that weekly recharge. That clarity. That little push toward becoming my best version for myself and my loved ones, while coping with what life throws at me.
That book didn’t just strengthen my faith. It gave me tools to focus on who I am, where I want to go, and how I want to grow. It reminded me that personal growth isn’t selfish—it’s spiritual. And perseverance? Yeah, it takes practice. And grace. But it’s worth it. YOU’RE worth it!
This journey of faith isn’t over, and neither is the strength I draw from it. I want to keep growing, keep learning, keep showing up—even on the hard days. Kind of like your dog waiting at the window for you to come home, I imagine Jesus watching, wondering, “What’s she up to till she gets Home?”
Hopefully?
Growing.
Trusting.
Rising.
Faith doesn’t make life perfect. But it does make it possible!
When life pulls you down low, don’t stay there. RISE. Use those lifelines you’re learning: self-care strategies, tips from therapy, your always faithful family and friends, even that one playlist that always lifts your mood! Maybe the book above might inspire you, like it did me, to grow and gain strength.
Try anything you can to help you through those dark days. Find your light. Shine. And if you haven’t already—try faith to help you RISE!