Author: Brandi C

I am a Child of the King, joyfully married to Big Daddy, and a proud mom to many. My grandkids call me Lolli, a name that fills my heart with love. Professionally, I am a Marriage and Family Therapist Associate at Circle of Hope Counseling Services, dedicated to helping individuals and families navigate life’s challenges with hope and healing. I have a deep love for Coke, cheese, and cats—all equally and unapologetically. I also have a passion for good handbags and meaningful tattoos. As a special needs mom and adoption advocate, I am committed to supporting families on unique and beautiful journeys. I am also passionate about ending the stigma of mental illness, working to create awareness, compassion, and understanding. This space is where I share my heart, experiences, and passions—welcome to my world!
Faith Journey, Medical, Opsoclonus Myoclonus Syndrome

When the Calm Breaks

Brandi C

When the Calm Breaks

We got to the Children’s Hospital ER, and I remember it clearly: that moment when the calm I’d carried suddenly started to fray. This is When the Calm Breaks.

There’s a shift that happens when the staff’s pace picks up, and the attendings—not the interns—start circling. My mama gut was screaming. My outer shell, however, was still trying to convince my insides that maybe they were just being overly attentive. But somewhere deep inside, I knew.

Something wasn’t right.

Blink, and Everything Changes

Without much time to breathe, I suddenly found myself surrounded: the ER attending, the neuro attending, the peds attending… and another one whose name I couldn’t even hold on to. They got H in a gown. I blinked, and they were placing an IV, drawing vial after vial of blood, and running tests. Everything moved fast. Too fast.

I explained to them that we had just been to Vanderbilt and shared what we had been told. I admitted that maybe I was being overly cautious, but I also told them—I just needed confirmation. Two doctors, two different hospitals, two different states. If they said the same thing, I’d be good. The last thing I wanted was to stay.

But then I blinked again… and I saw it.

H’s eyes were moving all over the place. They were dancing in a way that no eyes should move. It reminded me of one of those reptiles with a third eyelid. My calm shattered.

I quietly stepped out and flagged the attending. I kept my face out of sight from H—I didn’t want him to see the panic blooming across my features. That was the moment things sped up even more.

The Mama Who Doesn’t Panic

I’m not the kind of mama who rushes to the doctor for every bump or cough. I don’t run to the ER for every snot rocket or stubbed toe. I’m the one who waits, watches, and gives space for calm to do its work.

I told them that.

I even apologized for possibly wasting their time—because I truly believed everyone would agree it was nothing serious.

They didn’t.

Not even close.

“You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you.”
— Isaiah 26:3

Surrounded, But Alone

My previously healthy three-year-old was suddenly being poked, prodded, sedated, and infused. I was alone—Big Daddy stayed home with our other kids. I was surrounded by doctors, residents, students, and nurses, but there wasn’t a single straight answer in the room.

Finally, I cornered one of the doctors. I told her I was kind, patient, and forthright. I didn’t need sugar-coating. What I did need was honesty.

I understood they didn’t have all the results. Honestly, I wasn’t asking for the final answer—I just needed transparency. What tests were being run? What were they ruling out? Why were we moving this quickly?

I wasn’t going to faint or fall apart. In the end, I was there to learn and there to fight for H.

The Student Who Changed Everything

One young student doctor stood out. He looked barely older than a teenager, but he saw us. In that moment, he got down on H’s level. He played with him, connected with him, and genuinely cared about him—and about me.

However, he didn’t stop there.

This sweet soul took time to make a handwritten list of every test being run, what the tests were for, which had results, and what had been ruled out. It became gold to me. Every nurse that came in checked the list. That list made me feel human again. Informed. Empowered.

The Words That Broke Me

One hospitalist—direct, but not unkind—sat with me and spoke truth I wasn’t ready to hear.

She told me H wasn’t going to get better quickly. That it was likely autoimmune. That every day, he was getting worse. That this might not go away. That our lives were changing, and we needed to make changes to match. Therapy. Equipment. Adjustments.

That conversation broke me.

For the first time, I truly came undone. Not in front of the white coats, but alone. I got H settled watching a movie, stepped into the bathroom, and called my sister.

I let it out.

From the other side of the door, I heard H’s sweet voice saying, “Mama, don’t cry. Come out of the bathroom and don’t cry.”

So I did.

I washed my face. I came out. And we watched Cars for the thousandth time.

“The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
— Psalm 34:18

A Moment—and Then Joy

I decided in that moment—this diagnosis would not define us. Therapy? Fine. Adjustments? Fine. We could do hard things. We had to.

When the team came in for rounds again, there were a dozen of them. They avoided my eyes, timid in the wake of the day before. But I was no longer falling apart.

I stood in faith and told them: Even in times like this, I choose joy.

According to God, this would not defeat us. This diagnosis—whatever it ended up being—was just part of our story. Not the end of it.

I told them that one day, they would see another child like H. They would remember his face, remember the tests, remember the signs. Maybe they’d even remember the mama who didn’t break—but instead stood in faith.

I told them that God would be glorified through this.

And the room changed.

Doctors told us they were praying. Nurses shared encouragement. And yes—some even began to believe that maybe, just maybe, God still does miracles.

“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done…”
— Genesis 50:20

💛 If you’re navigating life’s hard places and need a safe space to heal, grow, or just breathe—Circle of Hope Counseling Services is here for you.

We offer trauma-informed, faith-filled therapy for individuals, couples, and families.

📞 Reach out today to schedule your first session (KY residents only) or learn more: Circle of Hope Counseling Services.

You don’t have to walk this journey alone. Hope starts here.

 

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Faith Journey, Medical, Opsoclonus Myoclonus Syndrome

“Being Brave” — H’s Story in His Own Words

Brandi C

before the shaking began (3)

Some stories are best told in the words of the one who lived them. Here is “Being Brave” — H’s Story in His Own Words.

It’s been almost eight years since the day H’s world changed—and ours along with it. So much of that journey has been shared through my perspective as his mom, advocate, and witness to both pain and miracles. But today, H is ready to share a little piece of his own story. In his words. As he remembers it.

He’s still just a kid. He’s still healing. But he’s brave enough to look back—and kind enough to want others to understand.

So, with his permission, here is H’s story… told from his own heart.

Q: What’s your very first memory of when your body felt different or something felt “off”?

H: I woke up from my nap and when I did, I was shaking and I couldn’t walk.

Q: Do you remember how you felt when you couldn’t walk or when your legs were shaking?

H: I don’t remember. Now, I feel sad when my legs are shaking and my hands are shaking. I am sad because everyone at school asks me why I am shaking.

Q: What do you remember about being in the hospital? Was there a moment that scared you? One that made you feel brave?

H: I remember that it was a big room and there were doctors in there and I was in a bed. The moment that scared me was when I got the tube in my neck. That scared me because, at the end, when they took it out, I puked everywhere. Then I was crying. I remember being in the air watching me and mom, I was laying in mom’s arms and she was telling me to wake up. I felt brave when I came back to my mom that day. I was also brave in all of my appointments.

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”
— Joshua 1:9

Q: What was the hardest part of being sick?

H: The hardest part was when I was shaking a lot, I couldn’t even feed myself and I had to be in a wheelchair and I did not like it because I could not walk.

Q: Can you think of someone who helped you feel safe back then? What did they do or say?

H: Mom made me feel safe. She said that she would stay by my side.

Q: What was your favorite thing someone brought you or did for you when you were hurting?

H: My favorite thing that people brought me were toys and people just being nice to me.

Q: How did it feel to not be able to walk when you wanted to?

H: It felt really mad because I just wanted to walk anywhere and I didn’t have the power to do that anymore because my legs didn’t work.

Q: Were you ever mad or confused? What do you wish people had understood about how you felt?

H: Yes, because I didn’t know why I was shaking and I was mad because I couldn’t walk. I wish people understood what it was like being in the doctors all the time and the feeling of not being able to walk.

Q: What does the word “healing” mean to you?

H: It means that Jesus gave me the strength to walk again.

“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”
— Psalm 147:3

Q: If your body could talk back then, what would it have said?

H: It would have said, “I don’t feel good.”

Q: Do you think people understand how hard it was—or do they forget?

H: I think people have forgotten how bad I felt. When some people go through a lot of things, sometimes they don’t remember.

Q: If someone else was going through something hard like you did, what would you want to tell them?

H: I would tell them to be brave because one day, it will all be over.

Q: If your story were in a book, what would the title be?

H: “Being Brave”

Q: What’s one thing about your journey you want to never forget?

H: One thing I don’t ever want to forget is how you stuck by me the entire time.

“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me…”
— Psalm 23:4

Q: When you think about your future, what makes you excited?

H: It makes me excited that I don’t have to go through any of this anymore. It is all over and I don’t have to do it anymore.

Q: What are some things you can do now that make you proud?

H: I can walk, talk, and feed myself.

Q: Do you think your story could help someone else someday?

H: Yes because if they were going through hard and difficult things, I can help them understand because I went through the same thing.

Q: What kind of person do you want to grow up to be?

H: I want to be a helper.

Q: How do you think God helped you through the hardest parts?

H: He helped me, just like you, He was there the whole entire time. I also learned that God always stays in the same spot, He never moves.

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”
— Hebrews 13:8

Q: If your story were a superhero movie, what would your superpower be?

H: It would be helping.

Q: Can you describe what your legs used to feel like—and then what they feel like now?

H: They used to feel terrible and they hurt a lot. Now, they are much better but they still hurt a little when I stay on them for a long time. I have learned to not stay on them for long.

Q: What color would you give your feelings back then? What about now?

H: Back then, they would be pink (loved) because you were by my side and black (angry) because I hurt all the time and I shook. Now, they are yellow (happy) and pink (loved).

Q: What do you think helped you the most when you were hurting or scared?

H: You being by my side.

Extras from H

  • Favorite songs from that time: “Sit at Your Feet” **This is what he said, the name of the song is
    The More I Seek You** and “Shackles”

  • Favorite food during recovery: Caesar salad

  • What he wants people to know: “I want people to know what I’ve been through so they will understand why my hands shake and my legs hurt.”

  • Final thought: “I’m glad that He was always there for me… and so were you.”

💛 The Heartbeat Moment

This is H’s story. His truth. His hope. And his faith in a God who never moved.

He may still have shaking hands and aching legs… but he also has a voice, a testimony, and a calling to help others through their hard things, because he’s lived through his own.

“Let the redeemed of the Lord tell their story…”
— Psalm 107:2a

Thank you for listening to him. For seeing him. For remembering with us.

Because being brave doesn’t mean not being scared—it means standing tall even when your legs don’t work.
And H? He’s been brave since the beginning.

💛 If you’re navigating life’s hard places and need a safe space to heal, grow, or just breathe—Circle of Hope Counseling Services is here for you.

We offer trauma-informed, faith-filled therapy for individuals, couples, and families.

📞 Reach out today to schedule your first session (KY residents only) or learn more: Circle of Hope Counseling Services.

You don’t have to walk this journey alone. Hope starts here.

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Even When There Was No Reason for Hope

Brandi C

Even When There Was No Reason for Hope

There’s something about this verse that stops me in my tracks. Even when there was no reason for hope… Abraham kept hoping. Why? Because God had said. I was told there was no hope in my son living, however, Even When There Was No Reason for Hope.

This isn’t blind optimism. This isn’t wishful thinking. This is faith—the gritty, hold-on-tight, eyes-on-God kind of faith. The kind that says, “I believe You, Lord,” even when everything around says it’s impossible.

This verse became my anchor, my theme, when my son was diagnosed with Opsoclonus Myoclonus Syndrome (OMS). In the face of uncertainty, fear, and countless questions, this Scripture reminded me to hold on—to keep hoping. Not because circumstances gave me a reason, but because God had spoken promises over my child’s life, and I clung to them with everything I had.

How often do we face situations that seem hopeless? A diagnosis. A broken relationship. A shattered dream. The temptation is to let go. To stop believing. To shrink our prayers.

But Abraham’s story reminds us: when God speaks a promise, we can stand on it. Even if we don’t see it. Even when time drags on. Even when our hope feels foolish. If God said it, that’s enough.

Maybe today you’re in a season where hope feels far away. Let Abraham’s faith encourage you. Keep hoping—not because circumstances make sense, but because your God is faithful.

What He says, He will do.
Even when there’s no reason for hope—keep hoping anyway.

Reach Out

💛 If you’re navigating life’s hard places and need a safe space to heal, grow, or just breathe—Circle of Hope Counseling Services is here for you.

We offer trauma-informed, faith-filled therapy for individuals, couples, and families.

📞 Reach out today to schedule your first session (KY residents only) or learn more: Circle of Hope Counseling Services.

You don’t have to walk this journey alone. Hope starts here.

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The Shaking Doesn’t Stop

Brandi C

The Shaking Doesn’t Stop

The Shaking Doesn’t Stop

The Second ER – Misdiagnosis #2

We made arrangements for the kids, packed bags, and headed 2.5 hours to Nashville. We arrived at Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital in the middle of the night. In the end, The Shaking Doesn’t Stop.

They admitted us briefly but said no MRI could be done until morning.

They ran bloodwork and later completed an MRI. I asked for a spinal tap or spinal MRI—they declined. “Not necessary,” they said.

While we waited, new symptoms began to show up. H stiffened his legs like a toy soldier. He shook all over. He couldn’t sit up without help.

The MRI showed nothing. We were told it was Acute Cerebellitis Ataxia, likely caused by a virus—even though he had never been sick.

“Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them…”
— James 5:14a (NIV)

We were told we must have just not noticed when he was sick. I was stunned.

He is three.
A blind, deaf, mute would know when a three-year-old is sick.

We were told to return if he had a grand mal seizure or if we feared for his life.

Discharged – But Not Done

What I’ll never forget is how flippantly the doctors treated us—how dismissive they were. But what I will remember even more clearly is the nurse who looked me in the eyes and said:

“You don’t have to leave. I can’t believe they’re discharging you, given the state he’s in.”

We knew then—we needed to keep pushing.

“Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”
— Galatians 6:9 (ESV)

The Third ER – Misdiagnosis #3

Still unsettled, I packed up again and drove 3.5 hours to Louisville. I wanted one thing: confirmation.

If two doctors gave me the same diagnosis, I’d accept it and wait.

Big Daddy stayed home with the others. I was hopeful that this time, we’d get real answers.

But even when the world throws labels and shrugs its shoulders, a mother’s gut—and the Holy Spirit—won’t be quieted.

Heartbeat Moment: When the Shaking Begins

That June evening, I had watched H giggle and shout with joy at a ball game. One day later, I watched him crumble under the weight of something we couldn’t name. But in between the popcorn and the panic, I felt something deeper growing—a fire, a knowing.

We weren’t just walking through a medical crisis.

We were walking through holy ground.

And even when we didn’t know the name of what we were fighting,
God did.

“Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking I will hear.”
— Isaiah 65:24 (NIV)

💛 If you’re navigating life’s hard places and need a safe space to heal, grow, or just breathe—Circle of Hope Counseling Services is here for you.

We offer trauma-informed, faith-filled therapy for individuals, couples, and families.

📞 Reach out today to schedule your first session (KY residents only) or learn more: Circle of Hope Counseling Services.

You don’t have to walk this journey alone. Hope starts here.

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Before the Shaking Began

Brandi C

before the shaking began

A Sweet Night at the Ball Field

On this day in 2017, Before the Shaking Began, I had been with my Lady, and I knew her family was coming into town. I wanted to give them time together, so I took all my kids to one of my son’s baseball games. It was a warm evening, the kind where summer storms tease the horizon but never quite make it to the field. The game was something everyone could enjoy, and I looked forward to the joy of watching my kids just be kids.

H hadn’t been to a baseball game since the previous summer. Now that he was a little older—he had turned three that February—I knew he’d enjoy it even more.

And oh, he did.

He absolutely charmed everyone around us. Then, he shamelessly ate their popcorn and nachos with zero hesitation. He cheered loudly, with unfiltered excitement. He was the comic relief for everyone near us, and he loved every single minute of it.

“A cheerful heart is good medicine…”
— Proverbs 17:22a (NIV)

For that moment, everything was sweet and simple. That evening is forever etched in my memory as one of the last “normal” moments we had for a long time.

The Next Day: A Shift in the Air

The conversation from earlier that day—the kind you tuck away in the back of your mind—didn’t resurface until June 7. That was the day the world stopped turning for our family.

H was highly emotional that morning. He was doing things he shouldn’t have been doing, getting in trouble more than usual. His older brothers—sweet and patient—took him into their room to play Legos while I caught up on paperwork and phone calls.

I could hear H yelling at the boys, and I could also hear them giving in. Over and over again. I heard my oldest say, “Stop shaking. You’re not in trouble. Here, take the Lego… stop shaking.”

Stop shaking.

When H got excited or upset, he would sometimes shake his arms and legs. I assumed this was more of the same. I figured his brothers were tired of managing him and needed a break, so I called him back into the dining room.

He screamed the whole walk down the hallway. Honestly, he wanted to stay with the big boys. He cried, shook, and screamed some more. I put him in time out on the step. He continued crying—louder now—and shaking from head to toe.

I told him he needed to stop and that once he did, he could get up. Eventually, he stopped. He got up and went to play with his toys.

The Nap That Changed Everything

Lunchtime came and went. H went down for his usual nap. He had been napping since he moved in with us at 21 months old. That day was no different—he slept until about 4 p.m. My oldest son went to get him up, as he often did. He usually carried H downstairs and set him in my lap.

That moment was no different, either. H snuggled into me, and we talked about his dreams—he had dreamed about his pillow. I hugged him tight and said, “Okay, time to potty, buddy. Can you hand me your underwear?”

It was only about ten steps away.

I stood him up…

He wobbled and he stumbled.

And then… he fell.

He cried out, terrified. My heart dropped.

One of the boys quietly mentioned that the same thing had happened the day before—after a nap—but it quickly resolved, and no one thought to tell me. I brushed off the panic and told myself maybe his legs were just asleep. I snuggled him and rubbed his legs.

After a few minutes, I stood him up again.

He fell over. There was no moment where he could stand up. He couldn’t balance or walk.

“When I am afraid, I put my trust in You.”
— Psalm 56:3 (ESV)

The First ER Visit – Misdiagnosis #1

I gathered our things and called Big Daddy: “You need to meet us at the ER. Something’s wrong. H can’t walk.” I also called my oldest sister—H’s grandmother—and asked her to meet us there.

On the 30-minute drive, H kept repeating: “My legs won’t stop shaking.”

It scared him.
It scared me.

At the hospital, they did a CT scan. It came back normal. They drew blood—without gloves, mind you—and began tossing around terrifying words like Muscular Dystrophy and Cerebral Palsy. Then they pivoted, decided maybe it was Strep, even though he tested negative. They gave us Amoxicillin and sent us home.

We left that hospital with a terrifying truth:
Our baby couldn’t walk.

Friends Who Move Mountains

On the drive home, I started making calls. I called a friend whose daughter had a rare illness and ended up paralyzed when she was little. She is a pit bull—and I love that about her. She pulled strings and got us in touch with a brilliant neurologist. I also called another friend who works in the neurology world. They both said the same thing:

“Get that baby to Vandy. Don’t wait. Don’t let the grass grow under your feet.”

And that’s exactly what we did.

To be continued…

“The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.”
— Deuteronomy 31:8 (NIV)

💛 If you’re navigating life’s hard places and need a safe space to heal, grow, or just breathe—Circle of Hope Counseling Services is here for you.

We offer trauma-informed, faith-filled therapy for individuals, couples, and families.

📞 Reach out today to schedule your first session (KY residents only) or learn more: Circle of Hope Counseling Services.

You don’t have to walk this journey alone. Hope starts here.

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The Prophecy and The Call

Brandi C

The Prophecy and The Call

The Prophecy and The Call

In December, we found ourselves at church, preparing for worship. After several months of church hunting, we had settled on one that we had initially been hesitant to visit. We knew the pastor and his wife, along with a few families, but we hadn’t been attending for long. It felt different from the churches we were used to. What we weren’t prepared for were the The Prophecy and The Call.

People Watching

Before the service began, the pastor called up a man to give a “word” to some members of the congregation. We had learned that this practice was somewhat common, but it was still unusual for our family. We sat, watching this man pace in front of the congregation.

I’m naturally a people-watcher, and one thing that caught my attention was that the man never opened his eyes as he paced and spoke. He kept touching the inside of his hands, and it was clear that he felt uncomfortable but was determined to be obedient. He shared that he had received a word from the Lord and wanted to make sure it wasn’t just his own thoughts. Through sleepless nights, he confirmed it was from God, and he knew he had to obey.

The Word

The man said that he had a word for someone in the congregation. As he continued pacing, I felt a strange shift in the atmosphere. When he stopped directly in front of Big Daddy, I felt like the air was sucked out of the room. He asked Big Daddy to stand up, and I looked to the altar. Our pastor smiled at me and gave a reassuring nod, signaling that everything was okay.

The Man

The man, whom we had never met before, told Big Daddy to hold onto his hand. Big Daddy is not a small man—his hands are enormous, so when he stood, he commanded attention. The man then said, “Hold on. Hold on tight to the rope and do not let go. Trust and hold on tight.” I felt a wave of energy flow through me, and tears streamed down my face. I don’t often cry, but in that moment, I knew we were about to embark on something challenging.

The Beginning of 2017

As the year started, life seemed to spiral. My father had quadruple bypass surgery. Then, my niece was sentenced to prison, and my nephew was close behind her. My daughter went to military school due to behavioral issues, and we faced a devastating family situation involving another baby. Add onto that, my oldest daughter called off her engagement, lost her job, and we were fighting insurance companies over my son’s surgery. On top of all that, my Lady got sick. The weight of it all felt unbearable, but the reminder to “hold on” stayed with us.

Even More Challenges

Big Daddy and I worked hard to navigate a difficult family situation. We did everything we could, but ultimately, it was out of our hands. I confided in a friend, and she told me to “hold onto hope.” She also shared that the Hebrew meaning of “hope” is “rope,” so we should hold onto the rope. I paused, texted her back, and asked who had told her that. She said it was a word from the Lord for me. I asked if she knew the man from church who had said the same thing, and she didn’t. That was the second time we had heard the message to “hold on.”

The Call

Then, on Tuesday morning, June 6, 2017, my sister called me. She rarely calls on a Tuesday, so I knew something was up. When I asked if everything was okay, she told me she had received an odd text from a former neighbor—a woman she used to walk with. This woman said that the Lord had placed my name on her heart and that she was praying for me. I had never met this woman, nor had I ever spoken to her, and I found it unsettling. My sister urged me to take it as a blessing, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was about to happen. It was about 4:30 pm, that afternoon, that we knew something was wrong.

Daddy’s Love

After my child became sick, I spent almost two weeks in the hospital with him. I was exhausted, overwhelmed, and emotionally drained. The doctors had told me a thousand things, none of which were good. One day, my sister—H’s “Mamaw”—came to give me a break. She handed me a gift from my father—a flat pillow, my grandmother’s quilt, and a message from my dad. That gift, along with the constant reminders to “hold on,” has stayed with me. It reminds me that both my heavenly Father and my earthly father love me and that everything will be okay.

💛 If you’re navigating life’s hard places and need a safe space to heal, grow, or just breathe—Circle of Hope Counseling Services is here for you.

We offer trauma-informed, faith-filled therapy for individuals, couples, and families.

📞 Reach out today to schedule your first session (KY residents only) or learn more: Circle of Hope Counseling Services.

You don’t have to walk this journey alone. Hope starts here.

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Faith Journey, Medical, Opsoclonus Myoclonus Syndrome

When Your Child Is a Medical Zebra… or an Okapi

Brandi C

When Your Child Is a Medical Zebra… or an Okapi

When Your Child Is a Medical Zebra… or an Okapi

As I continue sharing our journey with Opsoclonus Myoclonus Syndrome (OMS), I wanted to highlight a valuable resource that may help bring clarity to those who have never heard of this rare condition—or can’t quite grasp how it manifests. Especially When Your Child Is a Medical Zebra… or an Okapi.

There is an excellent video from NORD (National Organization of Rare Disorders) that explains the symptoms of OMS in a simple, visual way. You can watch it here:
👉 NORD OMS Video

For those of you walking this road alongside a loved one, or just wanting to understand better, this is a great place to start. The visual presentation of opsoclonus (uncontrolled, rapid eye movements) and myoclonus (jerky muscle movements) can be difficult to explain—but this video does an incredible job.

But Here’s the Thing… My Son’s Case Wasn’t That Clear.

I wish our experience had looked as “textbook” as this video. But the truth is, my son is what the medical world affectionately calls a zebra—and, if I’m being honest, maybe even something rarer than that.

Let me explain.

In medicine, there’s a saying: “When you hear hoofbeats, think horses, not zebras.” It means doctors are taught to consider the most common explanation for symptoms before jumping to something rare or exotic. But for some patients—like my son—the common answer never fits. That’s when doctors begin to consider the “zebras”: rare diagnoses that don’t follow the usual rules.

And then, there’s my son.

He doesn’t just check the zebra box. Honestly, he confuses even the most seasoned specialists. He doesn’t follow the standard presentation or response patterns. His symptoms come and go unpredictably. His labs are often conflicting. Treatments sometimes work, sometimes don’t, and sometimes cause reactions no one can explain.

So, we’ve taken to calling him our medical okapi.

If you don’t know what an okapi is, that’s kind of the point. They’re one of the most unique, rare, and mysterious animals on the planet. Most people think they’re made up—until they see one. They look like a cross between a zebra and a giraffe, with their own unique quirks. They’re rare. They’re beautiful. And they don’t fit into any neat little category.

Just like my boy.

The Struggle With the Unknown

For families dealing with a rare condition like OMS, there’s already so much uncertainty. But when your child doesn’t even fit into the rare diagnosis they’ve been given, the confusion is multiplied.

Doctors are unsure. Therapies are trial and error. Even the support groups—so full of comfort and community—sometimes can’t offer guidance because your child’s experience is just so different.

And let me tell you… that’s isolating.

But it’s also where I’ve seen God show up the most.

In the absence of clarity, He gave peace.
>In the absence of answers, He gave direction.
>In the absence of a roadmap, He gave presence.

I’ve learned that not everything needs to be understood to be held by the Lord. We don’t need certainty to be carried.

A Visual That Helps Others Understand

That’s why resources like the NORD video matter. They open a door to understanding. They help make the invisible more visible—for family, friends, teachers, and even medical professionals. Even if our story doesn’t align exactly with what’s shown, it’s still a helpful tool to begin conversations.

Because awareness leads to empathy.
Empathy leads to support.
And support makes all the difference when you’re navigating the impossible.

So What Now?

As we continue sharing more about our journey this month, I’ll be diving deeper into how OMS reshaped not just our son’s life, but our whole family’s. I’m hoping to share from his perspective as well—what he remembers, what he felt, and how he sees things now. There are hard questions we’re starting to ask—and bravely beginning to answer.

This series is for awareness, yes—but it’s also for the ones who feel alone in this. The ones parenting their own little zebra… or okapi. The ones trusting God for each next breath, even when the path ahead feels dark and unfamiliar.

Thank you for being here. Thank you for caring.

Let’s keep learning together.

Reach Out

💛 If you’re navigating life’s hard places and need a safe space to heal, grow, or just breathe—Circle of Hope Counseling Services is here for you.

We offer trauma-informed, faith-filled therapy for individuals, couples, and families.

📞 Reach out today to schedule your first session (KY residents only) or learn more: Circle of Hope Counseling Services.

You don’t have to walk this journey alone. Hope starts here.

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Understanding Opsoclonus Myoclonus Syndrome (OMS)

Brandi C

Understanding Opsoclonus Myoclonus Syndrome (OMS)

Understanding Opsoclonus Myoclonus Syndrome (OMS):

What It Is and Why It Matters

As part of this series on navigating life after a rare diagnosis, I wanted to take time to share more about what Opsoclonus Myoclonus Syndrome (OMS) actually is. It’s a disorder many have never heard of, yet for the families affected by it, it becomes the center of their world overnight.

Whether you’re here because you’re walking through this with your own child, supporting someone who is, or simply trying to understand more—thank you for leaning in.

What Is OMS?

Opsoclonus Myoclonus Syndrome (OMS) is a rare neurological disorder that most often affects young children, typically between 6 months and 3 years old. It is believed to be an autoimmune condition, where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells in the nervous system, particularly in the brain.

OMS is often associated with either a recent viral illness or a neuroblastoma (a type of cancer found in the nerve tissue), although in rare cases, no clear cause is ever found.

Key Symptoms of OMS:

  • Opsoclonus: Rapid, uncontrolled eye movements in all directions (sometimes described as “dancing eyes”)

  • Myoclonus: Sudden, jerky muscle movements or spasms (also referred to as “dancing feet”)

  • Ataxia: Loss of balance and coordination, which can make walking or even sitting upright difficult

  • Irritability or behavioral changes: Mood swings, aggression, and sleep disturbances

  • Speech regression or delays: Children may lose words they previously had or stop speaking altogether

Symptoms often appear very suddenly and worsen quickly, leading to a medical emergency that requires urgent attention.

Diagnosis of OMS

Because OMS is so rare—affecting roughly 1 in 5 to 10 million children—it’s often misdiagnosed or misunderstood. There’s no single test to confirm OMS. Diagnosis is typically based on a combination of:

  • Clinical presentation of symptoms

  • MRI scans to rule out other neurological conditions

  • Urine and blood tests for tumor markers (especially if a neuroblastoma is suspected)

  • Sometimes, spinal taps or EEGs

Treatment Options

There is no cure for OMS, but early and aggressive treatment can dramatically improve outcomes. Common treatments include:

  • High-dose steroids (IV or oral)

  • IVIG (Intravenous Immunoglobulin)

  • Chemotherapy agents like Rituximab or Cyclophosphamide

  • Plasmapheresis (plasma exchange)

  • Physical, occupational, and speech therapy

Treatment typically requires a team of specialists, and relapses can happen—often triggered by illness, stress, or tapering medication. Long-term care is often needed.

What OMS Is Not

OMS is not:

  • A result of poor parenting

  • A behavioral disorder

  • A temporary condition that children just “grow out of”

  • Well understood by most general practitioners

Raising awareness is key because early diagnosis and treatment can prevent long-term neurological damage.

Faith in the Unseen

For families walking this road, the diagnosis of OMS can feel like being dropped into the middle of a storm with no map. The fear, the unknown, the way life changes in a single day—it’s all overwhelming.

But even here, in this space of confusion and questions, God is not absent. He is present in the waiting rooms, in the hospital corridors, in the shaky prayers whispered late at night. He is faithful through every test result, every unanswered question, every slow and painful recovery.

OMS may have changed the story—but it doesn’t get to define the ending.

Why This Matters

There is power in sharing knowledge. There is purpose in raising awareness. And there is hope in knowing that even in the most complex, heart-wrenching diagnoses—God still writes beautiful, redemptive stories.

This post is here so others don’t feel as alone as we once did. It’s for the parent Googling symptoms at 3 a.m., the friend wanting to, the family member unsure how to help. It’s for the ones standing in the gap and believing for healing.

Thank you for being here. Thank you for caring.

Coming Up in This Series:

  • Personal reflections on how the diagnosis reshaped our daily life

  • A post (hopefully!) in my son’s own words, sharing what he remembers

  • How faith carried us—and continues to carry us—through the unknown

Have questions about OMS or want to share your own story? Feel free to reach out or comment. This is a space of grace, education, and encouragement. You are not alone.

💛 If you’re navigating life’s hard places and need a safe space to heal, grow, or just breathe—Circle of Hope Counseling Services is here for you.

We offer trauma-informed, faith-filled therapy for individuals, couples, and families.

📞 Reach out today to schedule your first session (KY residents only) or learn more: Circle of Hope Counseling Services.

You don’t have to walk this journey alone. Hope starts here.

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8 Years Ago: The Beginning of Change

Brandi C

opsoclonus myoclonus syndrome header 300x97

8 Years Ago: The Beginning of Change

A Journey of Faith, Fear, and Finding God in the Chaos

8 Years Ago Our Lives Changed, our world shifted in a way we never saw coming. Our youngest son had just turned three, and life felt beautifully ordinary—summer evenings at the ballfield, laughter echoing through the house, and a rhythm that felt familiar. But this date became a line in the sand—the moment everything changed.

What followed was a journey of medical mystery, emotional endurance, and soul-deep transformation. It’s a story marked by suffering, but more than that, it’s a story of survival, surrender, and the relentless faithfulness of God.

Some of these moments still feel too tender to fully unpack. Some wounds remain unhealed. But after eight years, I’m ready to begin telling our story—piece by piece—and allow the Lord to begin mending what was shattered.

Life Before OMS: When Normal Was Enough

Before 2017, I had found a manageable rhythm. My anxiety and depression, diagnosed at 19, were ever-present but contained. I had learned how to live around them—how to build a life that worked within my limits.

I could go to Walmart without disassociating. I could sit in a restaurant and actually order a meal. I was active in church, involved in our homeschooling community, and genuinely enjoyed opening our home to others. It wasn’t a perfect life—but it was peaceful.

But in a single moment, peace gave way to panic.

Thrown Into the Unknown: A Mother’s Relentless Pursuit

When our son became sick, everything changed. My husband had to stay behind with our six other children. That left me—terrified, inexperienced, and already emotionally fragile—to carry the weight of a life-or-death journey.

I had to become the advocate, the nurse, the social worker, the travel coordinator, the warrior. I made the calls, booked the appointments, and crisscrossed states like Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Florida, and Tennessee searching for answers.

There was no time to pray about decisions. There was no margin to grieve. I had to bury my fear and keep marching forward, making decisions most parents should never have to face—alone.

Life After OMS: From Warrior to Wounded

Our intense medical travels lasted from 2017 through 2021. After our son’s final plasmapheresis treatment, I stopped traveling long distances altogether. Then, slowly, I stopped leaving the house unless absolutely necessary.

Even things like going out for dinner became mountains I couldn’t climb. Anxiety stole parts of me I didn’t even know could be taken.

I can still work—that’s a space I can manage. I can still attend church—that’s my place of peace. But beyond that? Life feels small now. Controlled. Contained. Safe.

One night, my parents wanted Culver’s. My mom was recovering from surgery, and my dad rarely goes out. I offered to pick it up—but had to type the order into my phone so I wouldn’t forget. I had a panic attack in the car, sobbing as I called my husband. He stayed on the phone the entire time, talking me through a fast-food drive-thru.

That’s where I’m at. And it’s okay to name it.

The Weight of Trauma: Why I’m Still Healing

Years of emergency decisions have left deep emotional bruises. I lived in survival mode so long that I forgot how to live any other way.

“Do you consent to high-dose steroids and IVIG?”

“We need to prepare for the worst.”

“Sign here. And here. And here.”

“Your son needs chemo.”

“You need therapy too. Good luck finding time.”

Every one of those decisions was made in real time, without room to breathe or process. I pushed my own needs aside to save my child’s life. And now? I’m trying to find the pieces of me I left behind in hospital rooms.

A Complex Kid, A Faithful God

Our son is still medically fragile. Stress wreaks havoc on his little body. But he’s here. He’s mischievous, wildly imaginative, and brave in a way I can’t fully describe. Every year on his birthday, I send updated photos to the neurologists who doubted his survival. Their stunned responses always fill me with awe—and gratitude.

I am so thankful for the people who stood by us—those who called, prayed, donated, or simply saw us. My husband and children carried me when I couldn’t carry myself. But in those hospital rooms, it was mostly just me and my son… and God.

And let me be clear: God never left.

Even in the confusion. Even when healing didn’t look the way we wanted it to. Even in the silence. He was there.

Walking Into Healing: One Step at a Time

This story doesn’t have a clean ending yet. There are still panic attacks, still days I cancel plans, still fears I can’t always fight off. But I’m learning to hand my fear back to God—to trust that He’s still writing this story.

I’m ready to start healing. To breathe again. To trust again. Not just in doctors, or therapy, or time—but in the God who never once turned His face away from me.

If you’re walking through something hard, I hope our story reminds you: you are not alone. There is no valley too deep for God’s presence. No diagnosis, no fear, no trauma that disqualifies you from His love or your purpose.

Let’s Keep the Conversation Going

This month, I’ll continue sharing parts of our journey with Opsoclonus Myoclonus Syndrome (OMS)—the diagnosis that changed everything. If you have questions, I welcome them. If you feel led to comment, please do so with kindness.

Thank you for being here—for witnessing our story and holding space for it.

There is beauty on the other side of brokenness. And I believe God is still making all things new—even here.

💛 If you’re navigating life’s hard places and need a safe space to heal, grow, or just breathe—Circle of Hope Counseling Services is here for you.

We offer trauma-informed, faith-filled therapy for individuals, couples, and families.

📞 Reach out today to schedule your first session (KY residents only) or learn more: Circle of Hope Counseling Services.

You don’t have to walk this journey alone. Hope starts here.

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Faith Through the Fog: Our Journey with OMS, Eight Years Later

Brandi C

faith through the fog our journey with oms, eight years later

Faith Through the Fog: Our Journey with OMS, Eight Years Later

In the month of June, I’m leaning into something I’ve long put off—sharing more of our story, the unfiltered version. Eight years ago, our lives were flipped upside down when our youngest son was diagnosed with Opsoclonus Myoclonus Syndrome (OMS), a rare and often misunderstood neurological disorder.

It’s a journey that has left a permanent mark on our family, especially on me as a mother—and as a woman of faith. This summer, I’m pulling back the curtain. Not for sympathy, not for shock value, but to honor my son’s story… and to tell mine.

Honoring a Warrior: My Son’s Story

Lord willing, I hope to get my son to help me tell his side—his memories, his moments, and what he understands of it all, eight years later. He remembers some things with a sharp clarity, and others, he doesn’t recall at all. That alone is hard for my mama heart to sit with.

But I believe there’s healing in the telling. There’s something holy about giving space to the hard, and allowing our kids—especially those who’ve been through trauma—to have a voice. This month, I want to hold space for him. And for me, too.

A Mother’s Faith in the Middle of the Fire

This journey changed me. It didn’t just impact our schedule or our parenting style.  OMS changed who I am. It reshaped how I see God, how I pray, how I walk through suffering, and how I love others who are also barely hanging on.

There’s a lot I still can’t fully unpack. This diagnosis came in like a wrecking ball—but so did the rest of my life at the time. It wasn’t just my son’s illness. It was everything else swirling around it: the weight of other children to care for, my own health, marital strain, and what I believe was a full-blown nervous breakdown that I didn’t have time to name.

And yet—through it all—God never left.

What Is Opsoclonus Myoclonus Syndrome (OMS)?

If you’ve never heard of OMS, you’re not alone. It’s an ultra-rare autoimmune neurological condition that often presents suddenly and without warning. It affects motor control, speech, behavior, and sometimes cognition. Most of all, it brings chaos and confusion—not just to the child, but to every person who loves them.

This month, I’ll be sharing more about what OMS is… and what it is not. There are so many misconceptions, and I believe awareness can be a bridge toward compassion. Toward better care. Toward understanding what families like ours really go through behind the scenes.

Why Now?

Why share this now, after eight years? Honestly, I don’t think I could have done this sooner. Even now, parts of this feel too fresh to touch. Some memories still sting like they happened yesterday. But I’m learning that healing doesn’t mean forgetting—it means finally making peace with what has been, and giving God permission to use it.

This month is about remembrance. It’s about grief. It’s about gratitude. And it’s about faith—real, raw, wrestling-in-the-dark kind of faith.

What to Expect This Month

  • Personal stories from the early days of our OMS journey

  • Reflections on how it shaped (and tested) my faith

  • Insights from my son, as he remembers his own story

  • Education and awareness about OMS for those who want to learn more

If you’ve ever felt like life hit you out of nowhere… if your faith has ever been shaken by a diagnosis, a trauma, or a season of survival—you’re not alone.

Walking Together

My hope is that this corner of the internet becomes a place where people feel seen. Where messy faith is still welcome. Where God’s presence is real, even when the path feels anything but clear.

Thank you for being here. For reading. For walking this with us. I pray that as I share this story, God uses it to minister to your heart in some way—even if your road looks completely different.

He is faithful. Even when it’s foggy, even when we’re broken, and even when we can’t see the way forward. He is still God.

Here’s to healing. And to the God who walks with us through the fire, not just on the other side of it.

I’d love to hear from you:

If you have questions about OMS, drop them in the comments or message me privately. If you’ve walked through a similar season of suffering or medical trauma, I see you. Let’s hold space for each other.

💛 If you’re navigating life’s hard places and need a safe space to heal, grow, or just breathe—Circle of Hope Counseling Services is here for you.

We offer trauma-informed, faith-filled therapy for individuals, couples, and families.

📞 Reach out today to schedule your first session (KY residents only) or learn more: Circle of Hope Counseling Services.

You don’t have to walk this journey alone. Hope starts here.

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Cultivating Positive Self-Esteem

Brandi C

Cultivating Positive Self-Esteem

Cultivating Positive Self-Esteem: Seeing Yourself Through God’s Eyes

At some point in life, we all wrestle with how we see ourselves. Whether it’s the voice of comparison, past trauma, or the weight of unmet expectations, we can start to believe that we’re not good enough. That inner critic is loud, and sometimes it drowns out the truth. But what if we began to see ourselves through the lens of grace instead of shame? Through God’s eyes, not the world’s?

Positive self-esteem isn’t about thinking you’re better than everyone else—it’s about knowing that you are valuable, created with purpose, and loved beyond measure.

What is Positive Self-Esteem?

Positive self-esteem is rooted in a balanced, healthy view of yourself. It’s not about ego or perfection. It’s the quiet confidence that comes from knowing who you are and Whose you are. It means:

  • You can recognize your worth without needing constant validation.

  • You can make mistakes without believing you are a mistake.

  • You can celebrate others’ successes without feeling less-than.

God didn’t create you to live small. He created you on purpose, with purpose. Psalm 139 reminds us that we are “fearfully and wonderfully made.” That truth doesn’t change—no matter how we feel about ourselves.

Why Positive Self-Esteem Matters in Healing

When your self-esteem is damaged—often by trauma, criticism, or rejection—it becomes difficult to move forward. It impacts your relationships, your decision-making, and your spiritual life. You may shrink back from opportunities, avoid connection, or engage in negative self-talk that keeps you stuck.

But God’s heart is for you to walk in freedom, not fear. To live from a place of security in Him, not insecurity about yourself.

At Circle of Hope Counseling Services, we often walk alongside individuals who have forgotten how to see themselves with compassion. The healing journey involves not just learning to cope with the past, but also rebuilding a sense of identity and worth.

Faith-Filled Foundations for Healthy Esteem

  1. Anchor Your Identity in Christ
    Your worth is not based on your job, your weight, your relationship status, or how “together” you look on the outside. You are a child of God. Full stop. When we root our self-esteem in the unshakable love of God, we begin to build on solid ground.

  2. Recognize the Lies
    Pay attention to the stories you’re telling yourself: “I’m not enough.” “I always mess up.” “No one would love the real me.” These aren’t God’s words. They’re lies that need to be replaced with truth.

  3. Practice Gratitude for Who You Are
    Start small. Maybe you’re a good listener. Maybe you’re loyal, creative, kind, or resilient. Begin noticing those things and giving thanks for them. What you water will grow.

Therapeutic Tools to Rebuild Self-Esteem

If you’re struggling to feel confident or lovable, therapy can help you uncover the root causes and gently guide you toward healing. Some approaches we often use include:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps identify and challenge negative thought patterns.

  • Narrative Therapy: Encourages you to rewrite your internal story with truth and hope.

  • Inner Child Work: Addresses early wounds and unmet needs that may still be shaping your self-image.

Practical Ways to Cultivate Positive Self-Esteem

  • Speak Affirmations Daily: “I am loved. I am enough. I am healing.” Speak life over yourself.

  • Set Healthy Boundaries: Know your limits and honor them. You are not less loving for saying “no.”

  • Surround Yourself with Uplifting People: The voices around you matter. Choose people who speak encouragement, not criticism.

  • Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection: Every small step is worth acknowledging.

Final Thoughts: You Are Already Enough

You don’t have to wait to be skinnier, smarter, calmer, or more successful to believe in your worth. You don’t have to do more, be more, or fix every flaw before you start loving yourself.

Friend, you are already enough. Right now. Right where you are. Not because of what you’ve done—but because of who you are in Him.

As you continue to walk the path of healing, be kind to yourself. Give yourself permission to grow, to rest, and to shine. Let your self-esteem be rooted not in the world’s standards, but in the unchanging truth of God’s love.

You are deeply loved. Incredibly valuable. And never alone.

💛 If you’re navigating life’s hard places and need a safe space to heal, grow, or just breathe—Circle of Hope Counseling Services is here for you.

We offer trauma-informed, faith-filled therapy for individuals, couples, and families.

📞 Reach out today to schedule your first session (KY residents only) or learn more: Circle of Hope Counseling Services.

You don’t have to walk this journey alone. Hope starts here.

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Learning to Love Yourself Again

Brandi C

Learning to Love Yourself Again

Learning to Love Yourself Again

There may come a point in your life where you look in the mirror and barely recognize the person staring back. You’ve been through too much. You carry invisible wounds. You’re weary, fragile, and maybe even angry with yourself. Maybe shame has wrapped itself around you like a heavy coat you don’t remember putting on. In the end, you have to begin Learning to Love Yourself Again.

But here’s the truth I want you to hear today: you are worthy of love—even from yourself.

Loving yourself isn’t arrogance. It’s not pride. It’s acknowledging that the Creator of the universe calls you fearfully and wonderfully made. And if He can delight in you, maybe it’s time you learn to do the same.

Why We Struggle to Love Ourselves

Many of us grew up hearing conflicting messages. Some of us were taught that humility meant shrinking ourselves. Others were shaped by trauma, criticism, or comparison that whispered, you’re not enough—not pretty enough, not smart enough, not holy enough.

Then life adds its own scars. Abuse. Grief. Poor decisions. Betrayal. Chronic illness. Mental health struggles. Before long, it feels like we are a pile of broken pieces with nothing left to love.

But friend, even in your brokenness, you are beloved. God does not wait for you to have it all together to love you. He meets you right in the mess and reminds you: You are mine.

Faith-Filled Foundations for Self-Love

Loving yourself begins with seeing yourself the way God does. You are not a mistake. Also, you are not your trauma. You are not your sin, your diagnosis, or your past. Remember, you are redeemed and you are made new.

Here are some ways to rebuild that foundation of self-love through faith:

  1. Speak God’s Truth Over Yourself
    Replace negative self-talk with Scripture. Start with verses like Psalm 139, Romans 8:1, and Zephaniah 3:17. His Word is the antidote to your inner critic.

  2. Forgive Yourself
    You can’t love someone you’re still punishing. Forgiveness opens the door to healing and compassion. Remember: Jesus paid it all—not just for others, but for you too.

  3. Surround Yourself with Safe People
    Healing often happens in community. People who reflect God’s love back to you help you see yourself more clearly.

  4. Make Space for Grace
    You’re learning, growing, healing. That deserves gentleness. Be patient with yourself the way God is patient with you.

Therapeutic Ways to Rebuild Self-Love

At Circle of Hope Counseling Services, we encourage clients to view self-love as a practice, not a destination. You don’t wake up one day and magically love everything about yourself. But you can wake up and choose to care for yourself, honor your needs, and move in the direction of love.

Here are some therapeutic strategies that support that journey:

  • Mirror Work: Practice looking at yourself with kindness. Say something positive out loud each morning—even if it’s hard at first.

  • Inner Child Healing: Connect with the younger version of you who needed love, safety, and affirmation. Write them letters. Speak kindly to them.

  • Journaling: Track your thoughts, progress, and small victories. Reflect on how far you’ve come.

Breaking the Shame Cycle

Shame keeps us stuck. It tells us we’re unworthy, and then convinces us to hide. But shame loses its power when we step into the light of truth. Loving yourself is a form of spiritual warfare. It is saying, “I will not let darkness define who I am.”

The enemy wants you to believe you’re beyond love. God wants you to believe you’re deeply loved, right now, exactly as you are. Let that truth be louder.

A Gentle Challenge

Take one small step today:
Look in the mirror and say this—
“I am worthy of love because I am a child of God. I may be healing, but I am whole in Him.”

It may feel awkward or uncomfortable, but don’t give up. Self-love is not a feeling—it’s a discipline. It’s the steady, sacred decision to treat yourself with the same love and compassion you offer others.

You are not too broken or too far gone. Remember, you are not unlovable. You are His.

And He has never stopped loving you.

💛 If you’re navigating life’s hard places and need a safe space to heal, grow, or just breathe—Circle of Hope Counseling Services is here for you.

We offer trauma-informed, faith-filled therapy for individuals, couples, and families.

📞 Reach out today to schedule your first session (KY residents only) or learn more: Circle of Hope Counseling Services.

You don’t have to walk this journey alone. Hope starts here.

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The Power of Self-Care in Healing

Brandi C

The Power of Self-Care in Healing

The Power of Self-Care in Healing

We often think of self-care as bubble baths, spa days, or quiet moments with a good book. And while those things are beautiful expressions of rest, true self-care is deeper. It is sacred. It is healing. And it is necessary—especially when you are walking through seasons of trauma, grief, or emotional exhaustion. There is The Power of Self-Care in Healing.

At its core, self-care is about stewardship: caring for the body, mind, and spirit God entrusted to you. It’s not selfish or indulgent. Honestly, it’s honoring the image of God in you.

Why Self-Care Is Essential to Healing

When we go through hard times—whether it’s unresolved trauma, chronic stress, loss, or anxiety—our nervous systems stay in a heightened state of alert. This prolonged stress can lead to burnout, illness, and emotional breakdowns. That’s why self-care is not a luxury. It’s a lifeline.

Scripture reminds us that even Jesus stepped away from the crowds to rest and pray (Luke 5:16). If the Son of God needed intentional rest, how much more do we? When we care for ourselves, we’re better equipped to care for others, to serve, and to fulfill our purpose.

Faith-Based Self-Care Practices

Self-care as a believer means aligning your practices with the Word of God. It’s not just about pampering—it’s about peace, presence, and purpose.

Here are a few ways to integrate faith with self-care:

  1. Quiet Time with God – Start your day with prayer, worship, or journaling Scripture. Let His truth fill your heart before the world has a chance to speak.

  2. Sabbath Rest – Honor God with a day of rest. Unplug from responsibilities and reconnect with what gives life to your soul.

  3. Healthy Boundaries – Jesus had boundaries. He said no. He walked away from crowds to care for His soul. You can too.

  4. Physical Movement – Caring for your body is honoring God’s temple (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Even a walk outside can be healing.

  5. Community – We are not meant to heal alone. Safe people, support groups, and faith-filled friendships are essential.

Therapeutic Tips for Self-Care

At Circle of Hope Counseling Services, we guide clients to develop practical and sustainable self-care routines. That often begins with asking:

  • What helps you feel grounded?

  • What rhythms help you feel connected to God and yourself?

  • What’s one thing you can stop doing that drains your energy?

We help you build a toolkit of self-care practices that support emotional regulation, reduce anxiety, and increase your sense of safety and well-being.

Remember: even five minutes of intentional care each day can make a difference.

Giving Yourself Permission

One of the greatest hurdles to self-care is permission. Somewhere along the way, we’ve believed the lie that caring for ourselves is lazy, selfish, or unnecessary. But let me say this clearly: you have permission to rest. You have permission to say “not right now.” You have permission to take up space, to breathe, to heal.

Healing is hard work. Self-care supports that work by allowing you to pause and be filled again.

A Loving Reminder

Psalm 23:2–3 says, “He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside quiet waters. He refreshes my soul.” That is self-care. That is the heart of God for you.

Let Him lead you into stillness. Let Him refresh your soul.

You are not a machine—you are a beloved child of God. And you are worth caring for.

💛 If you’re navigating life’s hard places and need a safe space to heal, grow, or just breathe—Circle of Hope Counseling Services is here for you.

We offer trauma-informed, faith-filled therapy for individuals, couples, and families.

📞 Reach out today to schedule your first session (KY residents only) or learn more: Circle of Hope Counseling Services.

You don’t have to walk this journey alone. Hope starts here.

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Forgiving Yourself: A Path to Grace

Brandi C

Forgiving Yourself: A Path to Grace

Forgiving Yourself: A Path to Grace

We often talk about the power of forgiveness—how freeing it is to release bitterness toward others. But what happens when the person you need to forgive is staring back at you in the mirror? Forgiving Yourself: A Path to Grace.

Self-forgiveness can feel like the hardest form of grace to extend. It’s one thing to believe that God can forgive you. It’s another to believe you can forgive yourself. Maybe you’ve said the wrong thing, made a mistake you deeply regret, or failed someone you love. Maybe you carry the weight of what-ifs and should-haves like a backpack full of bricks.

Here’s the truth: we all fall short. Romans 3:23 reminds us, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” That includes you. And me. But the story doesn’t end there—because the same grace that saved you is the grace that invites you into healing.

Forgiving yourself isn’t about forgetting what happened. It’s about releasing yourself from the prison of shame and allowing God’s truth to replace the lies that say you’re unworthy of love, healing, or a second chance.

The Healing Power of Self-Forgiveness

When we hold onto guilt and self-condemnation, it affects our mental, emotional, and even physical well-being. Unforgiveness toward ourselves can lead to anxiety, depression, chronic stress, low self-worth, and damaged relationships.

But when we allow God to enter those broken spaces, we find freedom.

At Circle of Hope Counseling Services, we often work with clients who are carrying silent guilt—some for things outside their control, others for decisions made under pressure or in pain. Part of the therapeutic process is helping individuals recognize that healing doesn’t come from pretending something didn’t happen—it comes from telling the truth and letting God meet you in it.

Practical Steps to Begin Forgiving Yourself:

  1. Name what you’re holding onto. Write it down or speak it aloud. Clarity is the first step to release.

  2. Challenge shame with truth. What does God say about you? What would you say to a friend in the same situation?

  3. Seek therapy and support. Sometimes we need help untangling the roots of shame and guilt. That’s okay—healing was never meant to be done alone.

  4. Accept that you’re human. Mistakes are part of growth. You are still worthy of love and kindness.

  5. Pray through the pain. Ask God to help you see yourself through His eyes—a beloved child, not a failure.

Faith-Based Encouragement

Jesus didn’t go to the cross for perfect people. He came for the broken, the weary, the guilt-ridden, and the burdened. His grace is not limited by your past. Isaiah 1:18 reminds us, “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.” When you confess your wrongs to Him, He doesn’t hesitate to forgive—and you are not disqualified from forgiving yourself either.

Give yourself the same compassion you would offer someone else. You are not defined by your worst moment. You are redeemed, loved, and being restored, day by day.

💛 If you’re navigating life’s hard places and need a safe space to heal, grow, or just breathe—Circle of Hope Counseling Services is here for you.

We offer trauma-informed, faith-filled therapy for individuals, couples, and families.

📞 Reach out today to schedule your first session (KY residents only) or learn more: Circle of Hope Counseling Services.

You don’t have to walk this journey alone. Hope starts here.

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How the Body Keeps the Score

Brandi C

How the Body Keeps the Score

How the Body Keeps the Score: Listening to What Your Body Is Trying to Say

Have you ever felt like your body was reacting to something even when your mind couldn’t quite explain it? A racing heart, tight chest, sudden exhaustion, or a stomach that flips for no reason—these are all ways your body might be trying to communicate that something unresolved is still lingering beneath the surface. Trauma doesn’t just live in our memories—it lives in our bodies. This is How the Body Keeps the Score.

The phrase “the body keeps the score” comes from Dr. Bessel van der Kolk’s groundbreaking work on trauma. His research confirms what many people experience daily: your body remembers what your mind tries to forget. Even if you can’t recall every detail of a traumatic experience, your nervous system often responds as though you’re still in danger. This can lead to chronic anxiety, panic attacks, pain, digestive issues, or even autoimmune problems.

Unresolved Trauma

Unresolved trauma can trigger a constant state of hypervigilance. Your body stays on high alert, always bracing for the next blow. You might overreact to small stressors, withdraw emotionally, or feel completely numb. These reactions aren’t signs of weakness—they are survival mechanisms. Your body adapted to protect you, but now it needs permission to rest.

God created our bodies with incredible design and purpose. Psalm 139:14 reminds us, “I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” This includes our brain chemistry, our nervous system, and even our stress response. He doesn’t condemn us for our trauma responses—He gently calls us into healing.

Healing starts with awareness. If your body is holding onto trauma, it’s not betraying you—it’s asking you to pay attention.

At Circle of Hope Counseling Services, we recognize the deep connection between emotional and physical well-being. In therapy, we help clients become more aware of how trauma lives in the body and how to gently unwind that tension through grounding techniques, breathwork, somatic awareness, and faith-based practices.

Practical Tips to Support the Body After Trauma:

  • Practice grounding: Try placing your feet flat on the floor and focusing on what you can see, hear, and feel. This brings your mind back to the present.

  • Breathwork and prayer: Deep, intentional breathing combined with prayer calms the nervous system and invites God’s peace into your body.

  • Gentle movement: Stretching, walking, or yoga can help release stored tension and increase body awareness.

  • Be kind to yourself: Don’t push past your limits. Listen to your body and honor its signals without judgment.

Faith-Based Encouragement:

Jesus understands pain—not just emotional, but physical. He bore it all on the cross. When you feel overwhelmed by your body’s reactions, remember that you are not alone. God is present in every heartbeat, every breath, every moment of unrest. He’s not asking you to push through alone—He’s inviting you to rest in Him.

💛 If you’re navigating life’s hard places and need a safe space to heal, grow, or just breathe—Circle of Hope Counseling Services is here for you.

We offer trauma-informed, faith-filled therapy for individuals, couples, and families.

📞 Reach out today to schedule your first session (KY residents only) or learn more: Circle of Hope Counseling Services.

You don’t have to walk this journey alone. Hope starts here.

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Understanding Unresolved Trauma

Brandi C

Understanding Unresolved Trauma

Understanding Unresolved Trauma: Naming the Wound, Beginning the Healing

Trauma has a way of settling into the hidden corners of our hearts, often unnoticed but deeply impactful. It doesn’t always come from one big, catastrophic event. Sometimes, it’s the accumulation of smaller wounds—a childhood marked by emotional neglect, a betrayal by someone we trusted, the loss of a loved one, or even a time in life when we felt completely unseen or unheard. These moments—when left unspoken and unhealed—become unresolved trauma.

As therapists and believers, we know that healing begins with awareness. Naming your trauma is not about blaming others or staying stuck in the past. It’s about understanding how certain experiences have shaped your worldview, your reactions, and even your relationships. Unresolved trauma affects how you view yourself, how safe you feel in the world, and how you respond to stress or conflict.

Patterns

You may find yourself stuck in patterns—shutting down when conversations get too deep, avoiding vulnerability, or feeling overwhelmed by things others seem to manage with ease. You may not even realize your body is keeping score—tight shoulders, frequent headaches, digestive issues, insomnia, or chronic anxiety can all be connected to trauma that hasn’t been processed.

Here’s the beautiful truth: God is not afraid of your broken places. In fact, He is the Healer who binds up the wounds we’re too afraid to look at. Psalm 147:3 tells us, “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” God doesn’t ask us to hide our pain—He invites us to bring it to Him.

At Circle of Hope Counseling Services, we walk with you through this sacred process of healing. Therapy provides a safe, non-judgmental space where your story is held with compassion. Together, we’ll explore the roots of your pain, identify how it’s showing up in your present, and create a personalized plan for moving forward.

Healing from unresolved trauma takes time. It requires courage. But every small step is an act of reclaiming your story. You are not weak for struggling. You are strong for surviving. And now, you are brave for choosing to heal.

Practical Tips for Healing Unresolved Trauma:

  • Name your story: Write out your memories or journal your emotions. Giving your trauma language is a powerful first step.

  • Seek professional help: Trauma is complex. A licensed therapist can guide you through your healing process with care and expertise.

  • Stay connected spiritually: Spend time in prayer, Scripture, or worship. God is a faithful companion in every step of your healing.

  • Create safe routines: Consistency and predictability can help bring a sense of calm to a body and mind shaped by trauma.

Faith-Based Encouragement:

Remember, trauma may explain how you got here, but it doesn’t get to define where you go next. God’s plan is for wholeness and peace—not perfection, but presence. Jesus loves you, deeply and your healing matters.

💛 If you’re navigating life’s hard places and need a safe space to heal, grow, or just breathe—Circle of Hope Counseling Services is here for you.

We offer trauma-informed, faith-filled therapy for individuals, couples, and families.

📞 Reach out today to schedule your first session (KY residents only) or learn more: Circle of Hope Counseling Services.

You don’t have to walk this journey alone. Hope starts here.

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Learning to Forgive: Freedom for Your Heart

Brandi C

Learning to Forgive: Freedom for Your Heart

Learning to Forgive: Freedom for Your Heart

Forgiveness is some of the hardest, holiest work we’ll ever do. It’s not about condoning what happened—it’s about choosing not to carry it anymore. Eventually, we will learn that Learning to Forgive: Freedom for Your Heart.

So many people come to therapy carrying anger they’ve never named, grief they’ve never expressed, or pain they’ve never given themselves permission to feel. Therapy helps you untangle that. It helps you name it, feel it, and finally, release it.

Forgiveness is a process. But the freedom it brings is worth the work.

We often think forgiveness is for the other person—but it’s also for us. Unforgiveness is heavy. It ties us to past hurt and holds our hearts hostage. Forgiveness, however, is a release. It doesn’t always mean reconciliation, but it does mean peace. In therapy, we explore how forgiveness doesn’t happen overnight. It takes grieving, boundaries, truth-telling, and, often, God’s help. He’s the one who softens hardened hearts and helps us do what feels impossible. Forgiveness isn’t weakness—it’s strength fueled by grace.

Practical Tips:

  • Identify one person you need to forgive (maybe even yourself).

  • Write a letter expressing how you feel—whether or not you send it.

  • Set boundaries to protect yourself moving forward.

Faith Perspective:
Jesus modeled radical forgiveness. In Matthew 6, we’re reminded that as we forgive others, we receive freedom too. Forgiveness isn’t just for them—it’s for you.

Reach Out

💛 If you’re navigating life’s hard places and need a safe space to heal, grow, or just breathe—Circle of Hope Counseling Services is here for you.

We offer trauma-informed, faith-filled therapy for individuals, couples, and families.

📞 Reach out today to schedule your first session (KY residents only) or learn more: Circle of Hope Counseling Services.

You don’t have to walk this journey alone. Hope starts here.

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Perseverance: Pressing On with God by Your Side

Brandi C

Perseverance: Pressing On with God by Your Side

Perseverance: Pressing On with God by Your Side

Perseverance is often less about strength and more about surrender. It’s waking up and choosing to keep going, even when everything in you wants to quit. And God honors that kind of courage. Sometimes it is hard but we can experience Perseverance: Pressing On with God by Your Side.

In therapy, we break the pressure of perfection and focus instead on progress. We celebrate the small victories: attending your session, speaking up for yourself, choosing to eat when you’re depressed, praying when it feels like a whisper.

You don’t have to climb the whole mountain today—just take the next step.

Perseverance isn’t glamorous—it’s gritty. It’s choosing to believe there’s still purpose in your pain, even when the outcome isn’t clear. In all honest, it’s trusting God to carry what you can’t. It’s learning that even setbacks don’t mean failure—they just mean you’re human. In counseling, we give ourselves permission to go slow, to rest, to heal. God never called you to hustle through suffering. He calls you to endure—not by your own strength, but by His. That’s where real perseverance is found—in your surrender, not your striving.

And in those moments when you feel like giving up, remember: you’re not walking this road alone. God sends people, Scripture, music, even quiet moments of grace to whisper, “Keep going.” Some days, the bravest thing you can do is simply show up. And that is enough.

Practical Tips:

  • Set one small, achievable goal each day.

  • Keep a progress journal—document even the tiniest wins.

  • Use gratitude to reframe the hard seasons.

Faith Perspective:
Galatians 6:9 encourages us: “Let us not grow weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” God sees your effort.

Reach Out

💛 If you’re navigating life’s hard places and need a safe space to heal, grow, or just breathe—Circle of Hope Counseling Services is here for you.

We offer trauma-informed, faith-filled therapy for individuals, couples, and families.

📞 Reach out today to schedule your first session (KY residents only) or learn more: Circle of Hope Counseling Services.

You don’t have to walk this journey alone. Hope starts here.

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Faith in the Wilderness: Trusting When You Can’t See the Way

Brandi C

Faith in the Wilderness: Trusting When You Can’t See the Way

Faith in the Wilderness: Trusting When You Can’t See the Way

Faith is easy when life makes sense. But when we’re in the wilderness—when everything feels confusing, heavy, or dark—faith becomes a choice. Here I talk about Faith in the Wilderness: Trusting When You Can’t See the Way.

I’ve walked through seasons where it felt like God was silent. I questioned everything, even Him. And yet, He never let go. Faith isn’t the absence of doubt—it’s trusting in spite of it. It’s choosing to believe when your feelings haven’t caught up.

Therapy offers a safe place to process spiritual doubts, disappointments, and even church hurt. There’s no shame in asking hard questions. Even Jesus cried out, “My God, why have you forsaken me?”

Practical Tips:

  • Journal your prayers honestly—even the hard ones.

  • If spiritual trauma is part of your story, find a therapist who honors your faith while helping you heal.

  • Practice breathing prayers, pairing deep breaths with Scripture verses.

Faith Perspective:
Isaiah 43:2 promises that “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you.” Not if—when. He doesn’t promise an easy road, but He promises His presence.

💛 If you’re navigating life’s hard places and need a safe space to heal, grow, or just breathe—Circle of Hope Counseling Services is here for you.

We offer trauma-informed, faith-filled therapy for individuals, couples, and families.

📞 Reach out today to schedule your first session (KY residents only) or learn more: Circle of Hope Counseling Services.

You don’t have to walk this journey alone. Hope starts here.

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Surviving the Storm: God Is in the Middle of It

Brandi C

Surviving the Storm: God Is in the Middle of It

Surviving the Storm: Holding On When Life Falls Apart

In Surviving the Storm: God Is in the Middle of It, there are seasons when survival feels like the only goal—and that’s okay. Sometimes just getting out of bed, feeding your family, or making it to church is a victory. Surviving the storm doesn’t make you weak; it proves your strength.

You may not feel brave, but survival is brave. God sees your silent tears and the moments you didn’t give up. He’s not asking for perfection—He’s offering presence.

I’ve lived through storms that shook the foundation of everything I thought I believed. I’ve questioned, cried, and collapsed into His arms when I had nothing left. And still, He stayed.

Sometimes the miracle isn’t in the storm stopping—it’s in realizing you’re not alone in the middle of it. God never promised a storm-free life, but He did promise to be our shelter. And often, He sends others to walk beside us as reminders of His love.

Practical Tips:

  • Don’t isolate—reach out to one trusted person for support.

  • Start a “storm journal”—write down prayers, thoughts, and victories (even small ones).

  • Practice deep breathing with Scripture (Ex: Breathe in “Be still,” breathe out “and know that I am God”).

Faith Perspective:
Isaiah 43:2 reminds us, “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you.” Not if—when. The storms will come, but so will His presence.

💛 If you’re navigating life’s hard places and need a safe space to heal, grow, or just breathe—Circle of Hope Counseling Services is here for you.

We offer trauma-informed, faith-filled therapy for individuals, couples, and families.

📞 Reach out today to schedule your first session (KY residents only) or learn more: Circle of Hope Counseling Services.

You don’t have to walk this journey alone. Hope starts here.

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