2024 A journey of faith

At the start of 2024, I took a leap of faith, going off my bipolar medications for the first time in my adult life. After a profound encounter with God in late December 2023, I felt it was time to understand my mind and heart more fully without the buffer of medication. I consulted with my mother and housemate, both of whom agreed to support and monitor me during this transition. The journey was anything but smooth, with moments of intense highs and lows. Yet, through each challenge, I practiced the coping techniques I’d learned in therapy, while clinging to the new Biblical truths God was revealing to me. My resolution for 2024 was to read my Bible every day, and from that commitment, God met me in ways that went far beyond my expectations.

Massage therapy school was another step in this unfolding journey, and it tested me mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. The rigor of studying anatomy, physiology, and energy work brought physical exhaustion and spiritual questions. My education included practices involving crystals, frequencies, and energy healing. Science confirms that our bodies resonate at certain frequencies and that crystals and vibrations impact energy. However, this line between science and spirituality can blur into practices that mislead rather than heal. I saw firsthand how easy it is for people to focus on crystals, energy fields, and even pagan rituals, seeking nature or angels for wisdom instead of grounding themselves in the truth of Jesus and God’s Word. For me, this was a wake-up call—a reminder to keep my worship and devotion focused solely on Christ.

This period also allowed me to see just how intertwined science and biblical truths are. The intricate design of our bodies reflects God’s creativity and wisdom. But as we learn more about healing, it’s easy to get caught up in “smoke and mirrors” and seek power outside of God. Through all the spiritual noise, I found reassurance that Jesus alone is my healer and guide. My daily time in the Bible kept me grounded, helping me sift through each new idea and stay centered on what God says about life, health, and purpose.

Physically, the demands of school took their toll. After graduation, my body felt like it was on the verge of collapse. I’d recently been diagnosed with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS), which brings joint instability and extreme nerve sensitivity. Each day brought new challenges with migraines, tendon pain, and overstimulation, and soon I found myself literally taping my joints together with Kinesio Tex tape just to get through the day. Finally, I couldn't ignore God's voice telling me: “Slow down, girl!” Well, I'm hard-headed so it was hard to accept, but I had to learn to let go and let God. I knew He was right......of course cue eye roll. Now, it was time to obey and learn to listen to my own body while allowing both my body and spirit to finally rest and heal.

In a beautiful twist, my housemate experienced his own growth during this time. He’d been praying and learning to trust God more deeply, and when finances became tight, he faced a choice: either I would need to move out, or he would need to lean on God for guidance. His dedication paid off; he landed a job that covered our household expenses right when I couldn’t manage them anymore. It was a powerful reminder that God not only hears our prayers but aligns our paths in ways we may not expect.

Today, with more space and grace to care for myself, I am stepping into the areas God has called me to, focusing on oncology massage, end-of-life care, and compassionate support for those in need. It’s clear that God’s timing is perfect, and His ways are far beyond anything I could plan. My heart is full of gratitude for the path He’s led me on, and I’m excited to continue this journey, grounded in faith and ready for whatever comes next.