Showing My Scars
This Saturday I’ll be speaking at a conference called Shattering Stigma with Stories. I attended this event last year and experienced the powerful and informative stories of real people who struggle with mental illnesses, including anorexia, depression, and bipolar disorder. One of my writing friends, Leanne Sype, was one of the speakers. When we later met for coffee, I mentioned that I had a strong desire to tell my story and that I was drawn to this ministry. So she arranged for me to meet with the woman who created the Shattering Stigma ministry at Lake Grove Presbyterian Church.
Well, almost a year later I’d all but forgotten about this ministry, thinking they were never going to ask me to speak at their conference. That’s when Leanne contacted me to ask if I would be on a trauma panel. It didn’t take much thought to know the answer was yes.
So, the conference is this Saturday. Oh wait, I said that already. Can you tell I’m excited?
It seems weird to be excited about telling my story of having endured trauma and struggled with symptoms of PTSD and depression as a result. But I am excited because I know that God will use my story, just as He used the stories of the speakers last year, to shine a light on the truth about people with mental illnesses. That truth is that they—we—are loved by God. He desires to step into our circumstances and bring hope and healing. He desires for us to be a part of His Church and He expects His Church to minister to us in the midst of our struggles and pain.
He expects us to show the scars of the wounds He has healed so that others may find healing, too.
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Linda, I was quite pleased to read here of your participation is Shattering Stigma with Stories. I was a speaker at the first conference. It is a blessing to see how the Holy Spirit is leading the community there to bridge the distance between faith and mental illness.
May God bless you as you are a blessing to others.
Thanks! It is an important ministry and I was blessed to be a part of it.
He expects us to show the scars of the wounds He has healed so that others may find healing, too.
^ Exactly. And he gave you the ability to write for a reason. Keep going.
Thank you for your encouragement.
Loved your post!
Check out mine!
Thanks. I will.
My pleasure!
OK, it’s way past March 11. How did it go?
It was very hard but so rewarding. I got to see God use my story in a powerful way. Plus He showed me He will be with me whenever I give Him the glory for what He’s done in my life. I know I need to write a follow up post, but I’ve been focused on getting my entry polished for a writing contest.
Linda, how did it go? I like your statement about the value of “Showing our scars”. It’s wonderful when God can use our biggest wounds and turn them into something sweet for Him and others.
I don’t know yet because the conference is March 11. Guess I should have said that in the post. But I trust God’s in control so I know it will go great!
This is so exciting! I love what He is doing in you and how others are going to be helped and touched too! God bless you abundantly!
Thank you!