I’ve been to dark places. I’ve been to the point of severe depression – the kind of depression that somehow you don’t even seem to know you’re in. I’ve felt alone. I’ve been there.
I’ve always been known for my smile. Sadly, I hid behind it forso long. The more I smiled, the more “normal” I seemed. Behind that smile was a very sad person, a person whowas hurting. I was to the point where I didn’t care if I got up out of bed, studied for tests, went to church, saw my friends or even saw another day. I didn’t care about anything. It’s notnecessarily relevant how I got to this point. I simply want to share how God worked in my life, how I stepped out on my Christian faith, and how it got me to where I am today.
One particular day I was laying in bed crying and my mom quietly walked into my room and sat on the side of my bed. My mom always knew when I was hurting, but this day it was different. She hada look of concern in her eyes. She grabbed my hand and held it tight. I cried and she cried. That day she knew nothing else but to cry with me. Finally, she said, “Where has Whitney gone? How can I get her back?”
Her words struck my heart and sent chills down my spine. I didn’t know how to answer. She sounded afraid for me. At that moment, I closed my eyes and prayed. I fell on my knees and prayed the longest and most honest prayer to God. For hours I prayed for guidance and strength. I prayed for faith! I prayed for God to direct my paths and show me the way out of this situation. I longed for his presence. That precious day, God allowed me the faith to hand it all over to him. I couldn’t fix this. Not this time.
There wasn’t a doubt in my mind, I knew my prayer was heard.I took my first leap of faith. God’s presence was all around me as if his arms were holding me tight. He was on my side, I knew I wasn’t alone any longer.
Depression is something I never thought I would have to deal with. I don’t suffer from it anymore, and that is only by the hand of God. It took a lot of work to get to where I am today. It took a lot of faith and prayer along with counseling and talking it out with friends andfamily. I am extremely proudtosay that right now is that happiest time in my life! It brings tearsto my eyes thinking aboutjust how blessed I am!I have been given the ability to write these articles and reach people. I am completely filled with undying faith in the Lord.
Maybe there was a reason you picked up the paper and read this article. All you have to do istrustingly give it all to God. Once God grabs ahold of you and begins truly working in your life you’ll never be the same. Trust in him and your life will simply start to fall into place!
When I think of where I was a short year ago, I have no choice but to give praise to God! Fall down on those knees and surrender to his glory. Allow him to hear your cries and help you put one foot in front of the other. Let today be the day you step out on faith. God is there, ready for you to take that first step .

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