Tag: Empowerment

Circle of Hope Counseling Services, End the Stigma

Empowerment: You Are Stronger Than You Think

Brandi C

Empowerment: You Are Stronger Than You Think

Empowerment: You Are Stronger Than You Think

Empowerment isn’t about becoming powerful on your own—it’s about discovering the strength God has already placed inside of you. You were created with purpose, intention, and strength. Sometimes life just covers that up with trauma, doubt, or fear.

In therapy, we work on peeling those layers back. We learn how to speak up, set boundaries, and believe in our worth. I remind my clients often: God didn’t make a mistake when He made you. You’re not too much, too broken, or too late.

True empowerment is quiet confidence—not arrogance. It’s knowing who you are and Whose you are.

But let’s be honest—walking in that truth takes practice. If you grew up in an environment where your voice didn’t matter, reclaiming it can feel terrifying. If you’ve been in relationships that silenced or shamed you, speaking up may feel foreign. And yet, God invites us to live in freedom. Empowerment doesn’t mean you never feel fear—it means you step forward anyway, trusting that God goes before you. The more we lean into that truth, the more we begin to live like we are truly free.

Practical Tips:

  • Start each morning with an affirmation from Scripture (Ex: “I am fearfully and wonderfully made” – Psalm 139:14).

  • Practice assertive communication with “I” statements.

  • Identify a situation where you want to reclaim your voice, and take one step forward.

Faith Perspective:
Philippians 4:13 is more than a motivational quote. It’s truth: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” That includes setting boundaries, asking for help, and saying “no” when you need to.

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Circle of Hope Counseling Services, End the Stigma

Be Unapologetically You

Brandi C

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Be Unapologetically You

The world will always have opinions about who you should be, how you should act, and what path you should take. But here’s the truth—you are not here to meet someone else’s expectations. Instead, you are here to be fully, unapologetically, and authentically yourself.

Embracing Who You Are

Being yourself doesn’t mean being reckless or unkind. Rather, it means standing firm in your values, embracing your quirks, and refusing to shrink yourself for the comfort of others. You were not created to fit inside someone else’s mold; instead, you were made to be exactly who you are.

Grace and Dignity in Authenticity

Some may think that being unapologetically yourself means being harsh or dismissive. However, the key is to carry yourself with grace and dignity. You don’t have to argue for your worth, nor do you have to prove anything to anyone. Instead, you walk in confidence, knowing that those meant to be in your life will love and respect you as you are.

The Power of Boundaries

✔ Know Your Worth – You do not need external validation to confirm your value. Instead, trust in yourself. ✔ Set Healthy Boundaries – It’s okay to say no. In fact, protecting your peace is essential. ✔ Surround Yourself with Supportive People – Choose relationships that encourage and uplift you, rather than those that drain your energy. ✔ Let Go of People-Pleasing – You will never make everyone happy, and that’s okay. More importantly, you deserve to prioritize your own happiness. ✔ Love Yourself Fiercely – Speak to yourself with kindness and appreciation, just as you would to a dear friend.

Other People’s Opinions Are Not Your Problem

What others think of you is a reflection of them, not you. If someone has an issue with who you are, that’s their burden to carry—not yours. Rather than worrying about their judgment, focus on living in alignment with your truth. You are not responsible for making yourself smaller so others feel comfortable.

Live Boldly, Love Yourself

Be unapologetically you. Show up in this world with confidence, love yourself without hesitation, and set the boundaries that protect your peace. Ultimately, those who are meant to be in your life will celebrate you for exactly who you are. And those who can’t? Let them go with grace.

You are enough—just as you are.

💛 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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Circle of Hope Counseling Services, End the Stigma

Keep Moving Forward

Brandi C

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Keep Moving Forward and You Will Never Have a Reason to Look Back

Life has a way of throwing challenges in our path. Some obstacles leave scars—both seen and unseen. The weight of the past can feel overwhelming, making it tempting to dwell on what was, what could have been, or the pain we’ve endured. But true growth happens when we shift our focus from what’s behind us to what lies ahead.

Why Moving Forward Matters

Looking back too often keeps us stuck. Regret, guilt, and fear can act as chains that hold us in place, preventing us from embracing the future. But when we choose to move forward, we give ourselves permission to heal, to grow, and to discover new possibilities that we never imagined.

How to Keep Moving Forward

✔ Accept the Past – Acknowledge what has happened, but don’t let it define you. ✔ Forgive Yourself and Others – Carrying resentment only weighs you down. ✔ Set New Goals – Focus on what excites and motivates you. ✔ Surround Yourself with Positivity – Be with people who uplift and encourage you. ✔ Take Small Steps Every Day – Progress isn’t always huge leaps; even small movements count.

The Power of Forward Motion

When you keep moving forward, you shift your mindset. You become more focused on growth rather than pain, more centered on opportunities rather than losses. The road ahead may not always be easy, but every step forward is a step away from the things that no longer serve you.

No Need to Look Back

Keep moving forward, and you will never have a reason to look back. Not because the past doesn’t matter, but because the future holds so much more for you. Walk boldly into it—you are stronger than you think, and your best days are ahead.

💛 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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Be a Warrior, Not a Worrier

Brandi C

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Be a Warrior, Not a Worrier

Worry has a way of creeping into our minds, filling us with doubt, fear, and endless “what ifs.” It steals our joy, drains our energy, and keeps us stuck in cycles of anxiety. But what if, instead of being a worrier, you chose to be a warrior?

A warrior faces battles head-on, not because they are fearless, but because they refuse to let fear win. A warrior acknowledges the struggle but pushes forward anyway. Life will always have challenges, but you are stronger than your worries.

Worry keeps you focused on the problem, while a warrior mindset shifts your focus to solutions. Instead of letting fear paralyze you, choose to take action. Pray, prepare, seek wisdom, and trust that God is bigger than whatever you’re facing.

How do you stop worrying and step into a warrior mindset?

  1. Trust in God’s promises. He tells us not to fear because He is with us (Isaiah 41:10). Surrender your worries to Him, knowing He is in control.
  2. Take action where you can. Some things are out of your hands, but for the things you can change—do the work, make the decision, and move forward.
  3. Speak life over yourself. Instead of dwelling on negative thoughts, remind yourself: I am strong. I am capable. I am not alone.
  4. Let go of what you can’t control. Worry won’t fix anything, but faith will give you peace.

Warriors don’t waste time on worry. They stand firm, trust God, and keep moving forward. Whatever battle you’re facing today, step into it with courage. Be a warrior, not a worrier. You were made for more than fear—you were made to fight and rise.

💛 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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You are Enough

Brandi C

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You Are Enough

I know it feels like the world can be against you sometimes. The weight of others’ opinions, assumptions, and judgments can be exhausting. But hear me loud and clear: you are enough. You are worthy of love, respect, and all the good things life has to offer.

You do not deserve to be treated as “less than”—not by family, friends, co-workers, or even a stranger having a bad day in a drive-thru. Your worth is not up for debate. You deserve kindness, just as you should extend kindness to others. We are all trying to navigate this life, and we only get one shot at it. Make it count.

People will believe what they want to believe about you. Let them. You cannot control someone else’s thoughts, assumptions, or misunderstandings. What you can control is how you allow those things to affect you. You don’t have to make space for people who tear you down, question your worth, or bring negativity into your life.

Setting boundaries is not just healthy—it’s necessary. Protecting your peace is not selfish; it is self-respect. If that means creating distance from toxic people, do it. If that means cutting them out completely, don’t hesitate. The people who truly care for you will respect your boundaries, not challenge them.

You are not here to prove yourself to anyone. You are here to live, to love, and to embrace the beauty of who you are—without apology. Do not let anyone convince you that you are anything less than enough.

Stand tall. Walk in your worth. And if someone refuses to see it, let them go. You are enough—exactly as you are.

💛 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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You Can Always Begin Again

Brandi C

untitled design

No Matter How Hard the Past Is, You Can Always Begin Again

Life has a way of throwing us into storms we never saw coming. Painful moments, regrets, and heartbreak can make us feel like we are stuck—trapped in a cycle of the past. But here’s the beautiful truth: no matter how hard the past has been, you can always begin again.

Starting over isn’t about erasing what happened; it’s about choosing to move forward despite it. The past may have shaped you, but it doesn’t define you. Every sunrise brings new mercies, every breath is an opportunity to rewrite your story, and every step forward is proof that you are stronger than what tried to break you.

Maybe your past holds trauma, mistakes, or loss. Maybe you carry the weight of things you wish had been different. But beginning again isn’t about forgetting—it’s about healing. It’s about learning to give yourself the same grace you would offer someone else.

The most powerful thing you can do is believe in the possibility of renewal. It doesn’t have to be a grand, dramatic reinvention. Sometimes, beginning again looks like getting out of bed, making one small change, or allowing yourself to dream again. It looks like choosing hope, even when it feels impossible.

You are not your past. Remember, you are not your mistakes. You are a person capable of growth, love, and new beginnings. The past may be behind you, but your future is waiting—with open arms, ready for you to step into the next chapter.

So take a deep breath. Let go of the weight you no longer need to carry. And begin again.

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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Focus On the Step In Front of You

Brandi C

@circle of hope counseling services (2)

Focus on the Step in Front of You

When life feels overwhelming, it’s easy to get caught up in the big picture—the long journey ahead, the challenges still to come, the uncertainty of it all. But when you stand at the bottom of a staircase, you don’t climb it all at once. You take it one step at a time.

The same goes for life. When anxiety whispers that you’ll never make it, when depression tells you it’s all too much, when the weight of responsibilities feels unbearable—pause. Breathe. Focus on the step in front of you, not the whole staircase.

What is one thing you can do today? Maybe it’s getting out of bed, drinking a glass of water, answering one email, or simply reminding yourself that you’ve survived hard days before. That one step is enough for today. Tomorrow, you’ll take another. And then another.

It’s okay if progress feels slow. Healing isn’t a race. Growth isn’t always obvious. Some days, just standing still is a victory. Small steps lead to big changes, even when you can’t see them yet.

So, if the road ahead feels too long, don’t let it paralyze you. Shift your focus. Just take the next step—no matter how small. And when you do, know that you are moving forward, that you are capable, and that you are not alone.

You don’t have to climb the whole staircase today. Just take the step in front of you. That is enough. 💛

💛 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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What Do You Want To Do?

Brandi C

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What Do You Want To Do?

This is a question that I would pose to my ladies when I worked as the inpatient residential therapist, “What do you want to do when you grow up?”. They would come to our facility, at their lowest of lows, broken with little hope. My job was to give them the hard core facts but to lace it with beauty and hope.

When I asked this question (with ladies between the ages of 18 and 70), they would just look at me with wide eyes. For a moment, there was a world that they could become anything they wanted to be. Some ladies wanted to be moms, others wanted to work in the field of addiction, some wanted to be therapists, nurses, work in retail, the answers varied from person to person.

Facts

Here is a fact that most people don’t like. Every single person is one bad decision away from complete devastation in their lives. Everyone. The ladies I worked with, they made that decision and their lives were turned upside down and inside out. Here is the beauty. There is ALWAYS hope. Tomorrow is fresh and new. Each person can take the brokenness of life and create something beautiful out of it.

What are the pieces of your life that are broken? Is there something, out of that brokenness, that you can create and make something beautiful out of it? If you see a pitcher…like to hold water. The job of that pitcher is to hold liquid for drinks, possible put flowers in it but it has a purpose, right?

What happens when there is a crack in that pitcher or if the handle broke off of it or even if someone dropped it and it shattered all over the floor. Typically, one would sweep up the shards of glass and throw it away. What if…just what if, you took the shards and brokenness and did something besides throw it away.

What if you took a canvas, slathered it with glue and created a beautiful mosaic with those broken pieces and you hung up that creation in your house. That pitcher will no longer hold water but the beauty of the sun shining on the different colors of glass will be stunning. You took what was broken and created beauty out of it.

💛 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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Dare to Step Out of Your Box and Live

Brandi C

dare

Dare to Step Out of Your Box and Live

I recently came across a piece of content by Luke Mind Power that really resonated with me. He shares empowering messages about self-love, positive thinking, and believing in yourself. Honestly, I need that kind of encouragement right now. His encouragement was to Dare to Step Out of Your Box and Live.

This season of life has been incredibly difficult for me. I feel exhausted. As I’ve shared in recent posts, I’ve withdrawn into myself to preserve what little sanity I have left. Everyone reaches their breaking point at different times, and we all handle situations uniquely. What I’ve been through feels traumatic to me, but for others, it might seem like a walk in the park—and vice versa. People cope with challenges differently.

Perspective

I don’t share a lot of personal details because, often, I get unsolicited advice and “I would” statements. I appreciate that people mean well, but in my mind, I think, “Let’s hope you’re never in my situation, but if you are, I’m sure you ‘would’ do this or that.” Right now, we are choosing to make decisions that feel right for us. We are literally living moment by moment. If the choices we make don’t sit well with someone else, that’s their problem, not ours. We might have made the wrong decisions, but we’re doing the best we can.

It’s exhausting to try to navigate life, make decisions, confide in others, get advice, and follow it, only to find ourselves in a tough situation. This cycle of self-doubt—wondering if things would be different if I had listened to someone else—has to stop.

In my heart, I know that we are loved and prayed for. I understand that people want to help or fix the situation, and that’s natural. No one likes to see someone in pain, and I respect that. But here’s the thing—please only give advice when it’s asked for. As a therapist, I’m aware that this advice-giving behavior is a bit of an oxymoron.

Dare

This brings me back to the theme of the TikTok I saw, which struck a deep chord with me. I want to live by it, to the best of my ability:

“Dedicate the next 6 months exclusively to my goals. No announcements, just fall back, and do the work. It’s me versus me this time. Stay in my lane. There is no traffic and no competition. I can do this. Write my goals down, create a vision of where I want to be, and take action. Shut my mouth, don’t talk about it, just let my success be my noise. My mind is a powerful thing. I’ll start using it to my advantage. When I fill it with positivity, my life will change. My time is now, no more excuses. I can’t keep getting mad at people for sucking the life out of me if I keep giving them the straw. It’s time for me to grow.”

Drop the Mic

Doesn’t that just hit? That line—“I can’t keep getting mad at people for sucking the life out of me if I keep giving them the straw”—is the one that needs to be tattooed on my forearm so I can see it every day. Seriously, I might ask one of my daughters to write it on a canvas and hang it up in both of my offices.

I hope my girls are reading this! If so, I need one of those for the house and one for each of my offices. My clients need to hear that too! Now, I need to process and think. Maybe a blog series about this in the future? I’m not sure, but if I do, it’ll be after I’ve spent the next six months focusing on my own goals and staying quiet.

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Let Them by Cassie Phillips

Brandi C

Let Them by Cassie Phillips

Let Them by Cassie Phillips

 

Cassie Phillips poem, “Let Them” is a poem I read on social media. I first read it during a chaotic season in my life. Let’s be real—most days feel chaotic. I had just realized that some “friends” weren’t truly friends and that people can’t always be trusted. I already struggled with trust, but this became the last straw. People judge quickly without knowing all the details.

The truth is, unless someone shares your bed or eats every meal at your table, they don’t need to know the details. Frankly, it’s none of their business. I choose to make it their business, and by doing so, things get misunderstood.

Just Let Them

If they want to choose something over you, LET THEM.

If they want to go weeks without talking to you, LET THEM.

If they are okay with never seeing you, LET THEM.

If they are okay with always putting themselves first, LET THEM.

If they are showing you who they are and not what you perceived them to be, LET THEM.

If they want to follow the crowd, LET THEM.

If they want to judge or misunderstand you, LET THEM.

If they act like they can live without you, LET THEM.

If they want to walk out of  your life and leave, hold the door open, AND LET THEM.

Let them lose you. You were never theirs, because you were always your own.

So let them.

Let them show you who they truly are, not tell you.

Let them prove how worthy they are of your time.

Let them earn your forgiveness.

Let them call you to talk about ordinary things.

Let them take you out on a Thursday.

Let them talk about anything and everything just because it’s you they are talking to.

Let them have a safe place in you.

Let them see the heart in you that didn’t harden.

Let them love you.

Author: Cassie Phillips

Thoughts

Geez, this strikes me on so many levels. It may not impact everyone the same way, and that’s okay. It reminds me of Welcome to Holland by Emily Perl Kingsley. So much has happened over the last several years. Some have revealed their true colors, while others have stepped up with unwavering love and support. I pulled back, reflecting inward to see where I need to make changes. Slowly, I’m finding my way back to the surface, letting the Light shine on my face.

Remember, you can’t control the actions or thoughts of others. The only thing you can control is your reaction. Anxiety comes from fearing the future and the lack of control over it. Depression lingers in the sadness of what you can’t change from the past. Live in the present—moment by moment. Breathe in, breathe out. Your goal is to change the life of one person. What if that one person is you?

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Medical, Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis

Let’s Talk Hair Loss in Women

Brandi C

Let’s Talk Hair Loss in Women

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Let’s Talk Hair Loss in Women

Hair loss in women can be devastating. Let me rephrase that—hair loss in women IS devastating. No matter who you are or how confident you are in your own skin, it is a hard reality. Can people adjust, accept, and learn to love themselves through it? Yes, they can! But for me, that hasn’t been the case. My hair loss stems from Psoriasis, which has led to Psoriatic Arthritis.

What I didn’t fully realize was how bad it had gotten until I saw pictures of myself. My husband tried to sugarcoat it, saying, “It’s not that bad.” But let me tell you, it was that bad. And sometimes it still is. The real wake-up call came when I showed my mom, and her gasp confirmed how bad things had gotten. She wasn’t trying to be unkind—she was just shocked because I’d been hiding it so well.

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Stigma About Hair Loss in Women

The stigma around hair loss in women is huge. People often say, “Just get a wig,” but getting a good-quality wig is expensive. And at the end of the day, every woman just wants a head full of beautiful hair. My therapist suggested I try extensions, which would cost around $3,000 a year. As much as I’d love that, I don’t have the money—or the hair to attach the extensions to.

I did try a halo-style wig, but that didn’t work well either. If you don’t have enough hair to hide the band around it, the wig just doesn’t look natural. I tried Rogaine for women, but it was a waste of time and money. For a while, I avoided washing my hair until my hairstylist told me I had to wash my scalp at least once a week to help with natural oils. I wouldn’t even comb my hair for fear of it falling out in clumps.

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Rallying the Troops

The depression hit rock bottom when I could no longer hide it. In a truly loving way, my hairstylist encouraged me to keep going. “It will grow back. We’ll find you a really good wig. You’re beautiful.” Her encouragement was a lifeline. My sisters and my mom rallied together, and we made plans for a day trip to meet one of my sisters in Tennessee.

We’d done something similar before, just to spend time together, but this time had a different purpose: wig shopping. My sister found a place called Top This Wigs in Murfreesboro, TN. The store is private and appointment-only, which was exactly what I needed. The owner of the store, a woman whose husband had cancer, turned the business into a mission to help others.

When we arrived, my family dove into looking for wigs, and I stood there, overwhelmed with shame and sadness. They picked out a few for me to try on, and when I sat in the chair and looked at myself in the mirror, I broke down in tears. Surrounded by my Oak and sisters, they cried with me, prayed with me, and comforted me.

Eventually, I found one I liked, a “work” wig since my usual blonde hair with purple and pink highlights wouldn’t work for professional settings. But my sister and my Oak chipped in to pay for it, and the store owner gifted me the one I really wanted: a gorgeous purple wig that made me feel alive again. We all cried—again.

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Learning to Love Wigs

I still struggle with the change, but I’ve learned some things along the way. I bought wig grips to help keep them in place and followed tips from Chiquel on how to style them and care for them. They offer a lot of helpful videos on TikTok, YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram that helped me feel more confident in wearing them.

The purple wig has earned me lots of compliments, and my “work” wig was so well-made that no one knew it wasn’t my real hair. During the summer, I wear ponytails a lot because wigs get hot, and let’s face it—hot weather plus menopause equals a cranky woman! My hair is slowly starting to grow back, but I know I have my wigs as a backup when needed. My kids still get scared when they walk into the bathroom and see the wigs on their holders!

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Words of Wisdom

In the end, the love and support of my family have been crucial in helping me get through this difficult time. It may sound vain, but losing your hair can be deeply sad, and it’s okay to feel that way. Men lose their hair and often look distinguished; women lose their hair and are seen as haggard. I don’t like feeling that way, but my feelings are valid, and I’m allowing myself to work through them.

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Your hair doesn’t define you, but you are allowed to feel sadness and not be shamed for those feelings. People who haven’t experienced hair loss may offer well-meaning advice, but the truth is, they don’t understand what it’s really like. Sometimes, you just need to cry, grieve, and not feel guilty for being sad about something you can’t control.

Know that you are still beautiful, with or without hair, eyebrows, or eyelashes. Allow others to love you even when you don’t feel like it. My family has been my village, and I hope that everyone reading this has at least one person in their village to provide love and support through tough times.

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Get Your Fight Back

Brandi C

Get Your Fight Back

Get Your Fight Back is one of the first videos I saw on TikTok.  This, well, it gave me chills.  Every time I hear/read it, I have the same experience.  Sarah Jakes Robert amazingly delivered this sermon.

“Get Your Fight Back” by Sarah Jakes Robert

It is titled “Get your fight back.”

Girl, get your power back.

~Girl, start acting like you are a king’s daughter, and that there has always been a crown attached to your head.

Even when I was sick I was still His. Even when I was dead, I was still His.

Do you know who I am?

I am a child of the highest God.

He has kept me alive so that I can be a testimony to everyone attached to me.

Get Up: There is No Hold on You

Girl, you can get up again.

And Girl addiction can’t have you.

Girl divorce gotta let you go.

Get up girl, Girl get up, Girl get up, Girl get up, Girl get up again.

Girl Depression gotta let you go.

And Girl anxiety has to lose its hold.

I’m pleading for you to get up.

My daughter needs to see you get up.

And My sister needs to you get up.

Get up, Get up.

I gotta get up, I gotta get up again,  I gotta get up again.

Get Your Prophecy

God’s you just sent a word, And now I know I need to get up again.

Something died on the inside of me, but I feel my spirit coming back.

I feel my power coming back and my ideas.

And I feel these dry bones shaken and coming back to life.

I’m getting up, I’m getting up.

I’m getting in position.

And I’m tired of crying about it.

I’m tired of fighting about it.

So I’m getting in the position.

Girl, You gotta get up.

I’m getting up for my daughter, I’m getting up for my sister, I’m getting up for my kids, I don’t even have them yet, but I was getting up for them too.

And I’m getting up for my community and marriage.

Gotta get up, I gotta get up, I gotta get up, I gotta get up.

Jesus, you’ve been chasing me too long.

I’m here and I surrender.

I gotta get up, I gotta get up.

The bitterness you got to Let me go.

Death, You can’t have me.

I gotta get up.

Honestly, I gotta find my joy.

I’ve got to find my peace.

I Gotta find my spirit again.

My friend made me who I am, my spirit got me into this.

And My spirit is gonna get me out, My spirit is going to get me out of it.

I got my Spirit back.

God touch me, God overflow.

I need your spirit, I’m hungry for it, I’m desperate for it.

God help me up.

Who You Need to Let Know

Let Hell hear you.

And Let the Depression hear you.

Let the enemy know.

And Let death know.

Spirit

The spirit is coming back to me.

This spirit, what spirit?

The Holy Spirit, the Name that is above all Names.

Yes. When we call on that Name things happen.

That’s what I’m calling on.

What I need

Your Spirit.

Jesus, I need your power.

Your healing.

Get Who You Are Back

The King of kings.

Lord of lords.

You are the way maker.

My healer.

What I Call You

Excellent.

Wonderful.

Magnificent.

Jehovah Jairus.

Jehovah

What I Say

You can have control.

I surrender.

Make a way.

Nothing is off limits

I say God touch me as only you can do.

God give me power.

Help me forgive.

I say God Cleanse me from bitterness.

Sermon Video and Full Transcript of Sarah Jakes Robert

Girl Get Up

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Circle of Hope Counseling Services, End the Stigma, Guest Blogger, Suicide Awareness and Prevention

Powerful Note to Self

Brandi C

This Powerful Note to Self is by a guest blogger working through some intense emotions and trauma. Remember, if you are a survivor of anything….it is NOT your fault! That can be hard to believe, especially if you struggle with implicit memories and cannot remember.

Implicit memories are memories that are from conception to three years of age. However, explicit memories are from the age of three until the present moment. Those are the memories that you can pull from and have validation. Implicit memories are ones you “feel.” They, to me, are harder to process and reconcile.

Sadly, any type of sexual abuse or molestation is devastating. It can take years to heal. Honestly, it may never heal this side of heaven. That is something that I’ve had to settle within myself to process things. My guest blogger is deep in the trenches. I am so proud of what she is doing to get help.

Powerful Note to Self

Powerful Note to Self

Note to self

This is not your fault

You are not the one who made the choice

All you did was follow a voice

A voice of someone you were supposed to trust.

Someone everyone else said you could trust

Not Your Fault

It’s not your fault

that you are scared to love

Or scared to be loved

{Or} that you are afraid to be touched.

Stating Truth

If anything it is his fault

He chose to hurt you

and He chose to betray your innocent trust

He chose to do the unthinkable

and steal the innocence that you shouldn’t have lost

Stop!

so stop blaming yourself for his mistakes

you were not and are not at fault.

You didn’t make those choices

So stop claiming it as yours

 

Circle of Hope Counseling Services, End the Stigma, Guest Blogger, Suicide Awareness and Prevention

My Story Will Empower Me

Brandi C

My Story Will Empower Me

Highlighting Stories of Survivors

In this story, you will read about abuse by a stepfather to his stepdaughter. The phrase “My Story Will Empower Me” has stuck in my throat. As my heart was breaking for what this young girl had gone through, in the end, she knows Truth. What man used for evil, He will use for His glory. Somehow, someway, her story will give the strength to someone else to SPEAK UP and GET OUT. Her strength and courage leave me in awe. I’m so proud of this young lady.

A TRUE story of several years of abuse and the suicidal ideations this young lady had at a very young age. She is NOT a victim. This girl is a survivor and a child of the King. Please be mindful that I will not tolerate judgment or hateful things if I leave comments. All names have been changed to protect her.

Her Story

Donald,

Sometimes, I like to lay in bed and daydream about what my life would be like had you not abused me for many years. I want to think that I would be able to look at myself in the mirror and not be utterly disgusted with myself. Maybe I could undress in front of a mirror without cringing every time I see myself. Perhaps I would feel more comfortable around older men.

I Wasn’t the Only One.

You took a genuine interest in my sister, but you preferred to take pictures of her. You saved the majority of touching for me. One of the primary examples of touching I remember is when we would walk next to each other. You would put your arm around me and grab my butt. Sometimes, you would switch it up and rest your hand on my butt.

When It Began

I remember the abuse started when I was about nine, but I’m sure it happened well before then. Never will I forget you making us change in front of you. I remember my sixth-grade year when you made me and my sister rotate, who would change directly in front of you, and how you wouldn’t let us wear anything to the bed besides our underwear. I also remember when you were in a particularly good mood, and you would make us sleep naked so you could come into our room and stare at our bodies.

Innocence Stolen

What traumatized me the most was when you made me and my sister go into the little garage with you. You made my sister lock the door and told us to get completely naked. I remember how shaky my hands were while taking off my clothes. I was so scared of what you were going to do next. You called it “checking us for ticks,” but I know that’s not why you were doing it because you didn’t make our brothers do it either. I also know that wasn’t the real reason because I remember you waited until our mom left to do it. We couldn’t have been in the garage for long, but it felt like a lifetime trapped in there with you.

I vividly remember what it felt like when your rough hands traced every single inch of my body. If I had the choice to forget one day in my life, that would be the day. That was the day that you took my innocence from me. I was ten years old. No ten-year-olds should ever have to feel how I felt on that day. Ten-year-olds should be playing dress-up, not getting abused by their stepfathers. I trusted you. I loved you, and I thought you loved me too. What you did was not love.

Wanting Out

At night, I would lay in bed and think of ways to kill you so the abuse would stop. If I wasn’t plotting to kill you, I was planning ways to kill myself. I didn’t care what it took. I wanted out of the situation. It’s crazy to think about how much I wanted to die at ten. How many ten-year-olds do you know that want to commit suicide?

Anger Flows Freely

I’m angry that you took my innocence from me. You took my childhood. I’m mad you didn’t feel guilty for what you did to me. Also, I’m angry that you didn’t spend the rest of your life in jail. Honestly, I’m mad that you are still alive and my mother still loves you. I’m angry you guys got married. She chose you over me. I’m mad you locked my brother in his room for a week because you thought he was faking it. I had to sneak him food and water. I am so angry about that. I’m mad you waited so long to take him to the hospital.

Even after he was diagnosed {with brain cancer}, you treated him like crap because you thought he was doing it for attention. I’m angry I didn’t get to be there with my brother as he was dying because of you. I don’t know how you live with yourself. How do you sleep at night? I hope you are miserable. I hope the guilt about my brother eats you up inside.

Wishes for My Future

If and when I have children, I will do everything I can to protect them from people like you. I promise that I won’t be like you or my mother. My children will never have to worry about men watching them change or shower. My children will never look in the mirror and hate themselves because of what happened. Hopefully, one day, I will be able to forgive you. I hope one day I will look in the mirror and be proud of who I am and what I have overcome. I wish I could say that this won’t happen to other little girls, but I know many people like you.

My Story Will Empower Me

I hope one day soon that I will be able to publicly tell my story so that other women can speak up about their stories. You will lose your grip on me one day, and I’ll love myself again. Soon, I will love my body. I will no longer be ashamed of you, and my story will empower me. One day soon, you’ll die, and I will sleep a tad bit better at night. You will get what is coming to you and deserve every bit of it.

You will have to answer for what you did to me one of these days. There is nothing you can ever say or do to make up for what you did to me. One of these days, I will be doing better than ever. Your abuse never has and will never define who I am or where I’m going. I hope you are happy with the choices you’ve made in life. I hope that it was all worth it in the end.

Yours Truly,

Nicole

Resources

If you or someone you know is being abused, PLEASE reach out.

ChildHelp Hotline

National Domestic Violence Hotline

Suicide Prevention Lifeline