On my morning run, it dawned on me that this month marks 13 years since I was Baker-Acted by the state of Florida and locked up in a mental ward. To the majority (who haven’t been institutionalized) this may not seem like a logical day to commemorate. But lemme tell ya (as one who has been institutionalized) it is a day I will never forget. I hope you will take a moment to join me in this celebration…1) I give thanks that since July 2000, I have not returned to the nut-house. This is a 13-year-and-running answer to prayer. 2) I give thanks that although I still fight battles in my mind, God has never left me alone to fight them. 3) I give thanks that Raul hasn’t been forced to stay with “crazy”–but for 14 years–he has chosen to. 4) I give thanks that God MAKES ALL THINGS NEW. At 26, I was a washed-up, tired, used, misunderstood, lifeless locked-up, burned out, unstable, stained, scarred, depressed, anxious Christian. Today at 39, I am older in years, but I’ve got brand new (mental) mercies every morning. Thanks for letting me commemorate this day. Just one little shout-out to anyone fighting the battle today: Stay on the battlefield. God is fighting for you. You have everything you need. Don’t give up. You got this. And you ARE gonna do great things.
Congratualtions!!!!! It is a fabulous milestone. All of us are blessed by your wisdom,insite and humerous twist.
Congratualtions!!!!! It is a fabulous milestone. All of us are blessed by your wisdom,insite and humerous twist.
Congratulations! Celebrating with you girl
Congratulations! Celebrating with you girl
To God Be All The Glory!!!
Heather, I celebrate with you today. I thank God for your life in Him.
I’ve never been institutionalized, but have fought battles in my mind since a child.
God has delivered me and will continue to deliver me until I’m whole.
Your words have encouraged me tremendously. The Lord has used you to help bring about by emotional healing. You sent me a message one day, when I was in a really dark place. You said, “We don’t live in the valley , we only walk through it.”
Thank you for being a “TRUE DISCIPLE”
CHEERS & LOVE!!!
To God Be All The Glory!!!
Heather, I celebrate with you today. I thank God for your life in Him.
I’ve never been institutionalized, but have fought battles in my mind since a child.
God has delivered me and will continue to deliver me until I’m whole.
Your words have encouraged me tremendously. The Lord has used you to help bring about by emotional healing. You sent me a message one day, when I was in a really dark place. You said, “We don’t live in the valley , we only walk through it.”
Thank you for being a “TRUE DISCIPLE”
CHEERS & LOVE!!!
Congrats Heather! I actually was thinking about this anniversary of yours the last time you wrote about it. Meant to congratulate you then…but there is no time like the present right?
Praise God that you have been able to stay “out of the nut house”these past 13 years. I am sure I’m not alone in saying how blessed we are at CBG that you and Raul have become part of our church family. For everyone who reads your blog, you have helped lessen the stigma surrounding mental health issues. For that I am grateful. Happy 4th!!
Congrats Heather! I actually was thinking about this anniversary of yours the last time you wrote about it. Meant to congratulate you then…but there is no time like the present right?
Praise God that you have been able to stay “out of the nut house”these past 13 years. I am sure I’m not alone in saying how blessed we are at CBG that you and Raul have become part of our church family. For everyone who reads your blog, you have helped lessen the stigma surrounding mental health issues. For that I am grateful. Happy 4th!!
Your story is amazing!!!! Congrats…
Your story is amazing!!!! Congrats…
Got so emotional to read your post HP. So inspired by your courage to be so transparent….to be real. Have always admired that of you. God bless you always. Love seeing you thrive with your boys & making your mark. CBG is blessed to have you guys. We send you the biggest hug! lily & the #L7
Got so emotional to read your post HP. So inspired by your courage to be so transparent….to be real. Have always admired that of you. God bless you always. Love seeing you thrive with your boys & making your mark. CBG is blessed to have you guys. We send you the biggest hug! lily & the #L7
Congrats to your triumphal Annivarsary! Thank you for being who you are and sharing that great knowledge and wisdom that you share with us on a daily basis. I love you! <3
Congrats to your triumphal Annivarsary! Thank you for being who you are and sharing that great knowledge and wisdom that you share with us on a daily basis. I love you! <3
My wife always shares your posts with me and i enjoy them very much. Not only that, we identified with your struggles, and thank God for being so transparent thru you. We live in a broken world and need Jesus at every moment. Real stories like yours are very encouraging and filled with hope. May God continue to bless your life and the lives of everyone you touch thru your ministry.
My wife always shares your posts with me and i enjoy them very much. Not only that, we identified with your struggles, and thank God for being so transparent thru you. We live in a broken world and need Jesus at every moment. Real stories like yours are very encouraging and filled with hope. May God continue to bless your life and the lives of everyone you touch thru your ministry.
What a great testimony. I love your transparency. Congratulations on overcoming & encouraging others.
What a great testimony. I love your transparency. Congratulations on overcoming & encouraging others.
Congratulations Heather … this is truly something to celebrate.
“And many times it has thrown him into fire or water to destroy him. But if You can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.” Then Jesus said to him, “ ‘If You can? ’ Everything is possible to the one who believes.” [Mark 9:22,23 (HCSB)]
Congratulations Heather … this is truly something to celebrate.
“And many times it has thrown him into fire or water to destroy him. But if You can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.” Then Jesus said to him, “ ‘If You can? ’ Everything is possible to the one who believes.” [Mark 9:22,23 (HCSB)]
Congratulation!! God is using you in many
Awesome ways!! I know you have helped
Me many times!!! Hugs. God bless You!
Congratulation!! God is using you in many
Awesome ways!! I know you have helped
Me many times!!! Hugs. God bless You!
Heather…the more I get to know you, the more I appreciate you.
Love you <3
Heather…the more I get to know you, the more I appreciate you.
Love you <3
Congratulations! 26 was my breaking point too. Isn’t restoration beautiful?! And these men who love us and see what we don’t see until we can see…well, there are no words for them. I’m am bathing in gratefullness with you!
Love and Light,
Joy
Congratulations! 26 was my breaking point too. Isn’t restoration beautiful?! And these men who love us and see what we don’t see until we can see…well, there are no words for them. I’m am bathing in gratefullness with you!
Love and Light,
Joy
I loved your blog. From one “crazy” to another, I personally know how difficult it is to feel ALL those painful things and trust good to help win this horrible mental disease. I am so proud of you for fighting the good fight. You are a blessing to me on my own (second by second) healing journey. Keep up your encouragement!!! We all thank you!!! (especially me!!!!)
I loved your blog. From one “crazy” to another, I personally know how difficult it is to feel ALL those painful things and trust good to help win this horrible mental disease. I am so proud of you for fighting the good fight. You are a blessing to me on my own (second by second) healing journey. Keep up your encouragement!!! We all thank you!!! (especially me!!!!)