Category: Depression

Broken, Depression, hope, Inspiration, mental health, motivational, reflection, Self Empowerment, self-help, Spiritual Awareness, Testimony, Wisdom

A New Normal

It’s been a long time since I’ve felt deeply faint at heart. To be truthfully honest, I’ve been heavy in spirit during this time of quarantine. It’s my REALBOLDTRUTH.

But Chanel, you’re so strong, such an encourager, a survivor of so much, and one others look to for inspiration.

I’m sorry to disappoint those who have uttered those words about me, but this time I’ve been shook.

Prior to the “Shut In” I was on a fast for 15 days. I needed to seek God’s face for a very specific challenge in my life. I needed to make sure I wasn’t making permanent decisions based off of temporary and fleeting feelings. I needed to hear confirmation from My Savior.

Well, He gave it to me and confirmed that He releases me to let go of the thing that ails my heart the most. “You’ve done all you can, what remains is in my hands.” Said the Spirit of the Lord.

Upon those words, I broke my fast knowing with great confidence that my next steps would be approved by Him. Then the Pandemic hit putting constraints around every aspect of my life which would not allow me to move.

Instantly, I felt stuck, smothered, constrained, disappointed and without options. Honestly, I began to question what I believe I heard while denying my flesh of food and drink. Did He truly speak to me? If He did, He’s beyond silent right now! I could surly use some specific assurance in this one area of my life that grieves me tremendously.

Although weak in faith, I remember His word that it’s during these times that He is my strength. A very present help in times of trouble.

Move fluidly in this “Temporary” New Normal by way of His Spirit. These are the words I’ve encouraged myself to do. There really is no other choice that will produce a victorious outcome.

He spoke to me indeed but this cross I must carry for a little while longer as my God prepares my ultimate outcome.

I trust Him. I love Him, I want to be used by Him and most importantly, I need Him!

Things will never truly go back to the way they use to be. For the state this world is in has never seen a time like this.

For every believing heart that has been wrestling with the things you see, feel and experience, draw closer to the one that has this all in His hands. This “New Normal” indeed is working for our good. Just wait and see:-)

Depression, hope, Inspiration, mental health

Depression – A Matter of a Malnourished Soul….

As human beings, we will all face times in our lives that will bring on periods of great sadness. This is inevitable and unfortunately will occur at some point to us all. If we lose our jobs, businesses, relationships, financial stability, get diagnosed with a life changing illness, or a love one dies, it is normal to grieve these matters at least for a time.

When that time turns from days into weeks, to months, to years and we find ourselves paralyzed with the inability to move forward, we have then entered into life threatening territory. A healthy desire for an optimistic future becomes unrealistic to the blatantly distracted mind. Depression has then taken center-stage and has gripped the core of our very souls.

Nothing feels good nor looks good and we reach for temporary things to ease our broken spirits. They too prove to be just that….Temporary.

Truth is, Depression for many, is a matter of a grossly malnourished soul. We are made up of three distinct parts and each must be fed in order to thrive and survive.

We feed our physical bodies food at least three times per day at best. Whether our choices in this regard are good or bad, we do this daily without hesitation.

We feed our minds information by way of education, news outlets and social media. Again whether, the content we consume mentally is beneficial or not, we subconsciously practice this act regularly throughout our days.

But what about our souls? What condition is it in and do we aim to purposely feed it just as routinely as our other two makeups?

If you are a chronic sufferer of depression, do not have a chemical imbalance and therapy of any kind has not provided you with relief, your soul is starving and requires bread, DAILY.

That means setting time aside to feast on elements that only God can provide that will encourage spiritual wholeness. Many deem this as optional, too much work or have tried it a time or two and then abandon the process. Thus, most likely the reason depression reoccurs like the vicious destructive cycle that it is.

You have the power to make a choice today towards reducing you depression episodes. Take permanent steps towards embracing mental wellness regularly if you would just commit to feeding your soul.