Faith Through the Fire: A Journey of Healing and Hope

Forged in Faith Ministries Newsletter

Hello Brothers and Sisters,

I want to share something close to my heart today because I know that the connection between our spiritual journey and mental health is so much deeper than many of us realize. Walking in faith isn’t just about our spiritual lives; it intertwines with our emotional and mental well-being in ways that impact us daily. I’m here to shine a light on that connection and how God has been my healer, my strength, and my anchor through some of the darkest valleys of my life.

A Little Portion of My Testimony

I’ve walked through seasons of pain that left marks not only on my heart but also on my body. Abuse isn’t always just physical; sometimes, it’s the constant stress and emotional turmoil, rejection from loved ones, manipulation, verbal attacks, silent treatment, and the narcissistic games that go so deep they start to break you down from the inside. For me, these painful seasons caused me to shut down completely, and I lost myself in the process of all the anxiety, trauma, and pain. Abuse comes in many forms: manipulation, verbal abuse, emotional abuse, and the silent treatment—a tool of control and manipulation that can feel as loud and painful as any hurtful or demeaning words ever spoken.

The impact of this stress on my mind and spirit was devastating, but it didn’t stop there. With a spouse or family members, the toll is even more overwhelming. The weight of that constant stress took a toll, and before I knew it, my body started responding to the chaos and rejection. Illness crept in—I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis and other ailments. I struggled so badly that I even confided in a friend, saying that I felt like I was dying slowly from the inside out. At that moment, I didn’t know how true that feeling was. Because our bodies aren’t separate from our emotions, the fear, anxiety, hurt, and tension from each day left me feeling drained, exhausted, and unwell. I questioned my own existence.

But God was there all along. Through it all, His grace kept me going, reminding me that my story didn’t end here. He became my strength, my peace, my healer, my deliverer. In turning to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, my life began to change. He showed me there is still hope, joy, and freedom beyond the scars. He saved my life and has helped me begin to become the woman of God He created me to be, walking in the purpose He’s called me to. All glory to God for His love.

🩸✝️🔥 2 Samuel 22:48-50

48 It is God who avenges me,

And subdues the peoples under me;

49 He delivers me from my enemies.

You also lift me up above those who rise against me;

You have delivered me from the violent man.

50 Therefore I will give thanks to You, O Lord, among the Gentiles,

And sing praises to Your name.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your steadfast love, for being our strength when we are weak, and our healer when our hearts and bodies feel broken. Lord, we lift up all those who are struggling with pain and abuse, asking for Your peace and healing to surround them. May they feel Your presence, find comfort in Your Word, and remember that their story does not end in suffering. Strengthen them, Lord, as You have strengthened me, and lead them to walk in the purpose You have for them. We give You all the glory, honor, and praise. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

In His Grace and Mercy,

Your Sister in Christ Jesus,

Jeannie Walker

Forged in Faith Ministries©️