Tag: Faith

Circle of Hope Counseling Services, End the Stigma

Legacy, Faith, and the Sacred Work of Finishing Well

Brandi Crum, MA, LMFT

Legacy, Faith, and the Sacred Work of Finishing Well

Legacy, Faith, and the Sacred Work of Finishing Well

In the final stage of the family life cycle, focus often shifts from building to blessing. From striving to stewarding. From achievement to legacy.

Legacy is not about perfection. It’s about presence. The values lived, not just spoken. The love extended, not just intended.

Finishing well doesn’t require grand gestures. It happens in quiet consistency. In forgiveness offered. In wisdom shared when invited. In faith lived authentically rather than performatively.

Many wonder what they will leave behind. But legacy is already unfolding in relationships shaped, resilience modeled, and stories told.

Faith becomes less about certainty and more about trust. Less about proving and more about resting. Hope is no longer abstract. In fact, it is embodied.

This stage invites testimony. Not as performance, but as truth. Naming what sustained you. What changed you. What mattered most.

Finishing well is sacred work. It honors the journey without clinging to it. It blesses the future without controlling it.

And it reminds us that every season, every single one, was held.

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

What Do I Say to My Kids

Brandi Crum, MA, LMFT

What Do I Say to My Kids

What Do I Say When My Kid Asks, “Why Did They Die?”

One of the hardest moments as a parent comes when your child looks at you with wide, wondering eyes and asks about death, especially death by suicide. Their question is simple, but the weight behind it is not. As adults, we often wrestle with how much to say, how to protect their innocence, and how to speak truthfully without overwhelming them.

The truth is, children are remarkably perceptive. They sense when something is wrong, and they notice when adults avoid answering. Silence can create confusion, fear, or even shame. But honest, age-appropriate conversations build trust and help children feel safe to come to you with their big questions.

Age-Appropriate Responses

For young children (ages 4–7):
Use simple, clear words. You might say:

“They were very, very sad and their body stopped working. Sometimes people feel so hurt inside that they forget to ask for help.”

Keep it short, offer reassurance, and remind them they are safe and loved.

For school-age children (ages 8–12):
At this age, children can understand more but still need gentle explanations. Try something like:

“They died because they were hurting inside. Their pain felt too big, and they didn’t know what else to do. But there are always people who want to help when we feel that sad.”

Invite questions, and don’t be afraid to say, “I don’t know, but we can talk about it together.”

For teens:
Teenagers are often ready for more direct honesty. You might say:

“They died by suicide. That means they made their body stop working because their pain felt unbearable. Suicide is never the answer, but it happens when someone feels hopeless. That’s why it’s so important to talk about how we’re feeling and to get help.”

Be open to deeper conversations, encourage dialogue, and listen without judgment.

Guiding Principles for Parents

  • Be honest, not graphic. Children deserve the truth, but details can be harmful. Stick to clear, compassionate explanations.

  • Use the word “suicide” when they’re old enough. Avoiding the word can make it feel more frightening or shameful.

  • Offer reassurance. Children often worry about their own safety or yours. Remind them that they are safe, loved, and never alone.

  • Invite questions. Let them set the pace. Answer what they ask, and pause if they seem overwhelmed.

  • Model openness. Show that it’s okay to talk about hard things and that feelings, no matter how big, are normal.

Why These Conversations Matter

When we talk to our children about suicide with honesty and compassion, we break the cycle of silence that has existed for generations. We give them language to express their feelings and permission to reach out when life feels heavy. Most importantly, we remind them that no pain is too big to share, and no question is too scary to ask.

💛 Call or text 988. You are not alone.

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

Breaking Generational Silence

Brandi Crum, MA, LMFT

Breaking Generational Silence

Suicide, Secrets, and the Stories We’re Finally Telling

For generations, suicide has been treated like a shadow. It is a whispered tragedy, hidden behind closed doors, wrapped in shame, and carried in silence. Families didn’t talk about it. Churches avoided it. Communities swept it under the rug. And so the pain grew heavier, passed down quietly from one generation to the next.

But silence is not the same as healing.

When we choose not to speak about suicide, we don’t protect our loved ones. We isolate them. We send the message that their pain is too much, too taboo, too dangerous to name. And yet, the truth is that suicide has touched far more families than we realize. It isn’t just a distant statistic; it is a reality that has impacted neighbors, classmates, colleagues, and maybe even our own families.

The Cost of Silence

Cultural and generational silence doesn’t just keep us from telling the truth about what happened. It also keeps us from telling the truth about how we’re hurting. People grow up believing that grief must be hidden. That questions must remain unanswered. That shame is more powerful than love. And in that silence, wounds go unhealed, and cycles of pain continue.

The Power of Breaking the Silence

Something shifts when we begin to speak. When families bravely say, “Yes, suicide has touched our lives,” not with shame, but with compassion, we create space for honesty. We give others permission to tell their stories. We begin to dismantle the stigma that keeps people suffering in the dark.

Sharing our stories doesn’t dishonor those we’ve lost. It honors them. It says their lives mattered enough to be remembered, and their struggles mattered enough to be named.

Why It’s Time to Speak Up

Our culture is beginning to recognize that silence has not protected us. It has hurt us. And the only way forward is through truth-telling, compassion, and connection. When we speak about suicide openly, we shine light into the places where shame once lived. We remind one another that none of us are truly alone in our struggles.

The stories we’re finally telling are not just about loss. They’re about love. About hope. About creating a future where talking about mental health is as natural as talking about physical health. A future where the next generation doesn’t inherit our silence, but instead inherits our courage to speak.

If you’re carrying a story that feels too heavy to share, know this: you don’t have to speak it all at once, and you don’t have to speak it alone. But your voice matters. Your story matters. And telling it just might be the key to breaking the silence for someone else.

Call or text 988. You are not alone.

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Faith Journey, Medical, Opsoclonus Myoclonus Syndrome

When the Doctor’s Told Me There Was No Hope

Brandi C

When the Doctor's Told Me There Was No Hope

I will never forget the day a doctor told us, “There’s no hope.”
Not in those exact words, maybe—but close enough. The weight of it settled like a stone in my chest. My son—my precious, brave boy—was facing Opsoclonus Myoclonus Syndrome, and suddenly, it felt like the world was holding its breath. When the Doctor’s Told Me There Was No Hope, the Lord was whispering something different.

There is something soul-shaking about hearing someone in a white coat, someone trained to fix what’s broken, tell you that your child may not get better. That this could be your forever. That this is as good as it gets.

But here’s what I’ve learned:

Hope doesn’t come from doctors. It comes from the Lord.

Doctors are human. They do their best with what they know. But their knowledge is limited. Our God is not.

When the medical community stopped speaking hope, God kept whispering it. In every quiet moment, tear-stained prayer, and in every ounce of strength I saw in my son when he should’ve had none.

The world says, “Don’t get your hopes up.”
But I say: Get them up. Lift them high. Anchor them in Jesus.

Because even when the diagnosis is rare, the prognosis is grim, and the outcome is unknown—God is still the God of hope. He isn’t confined by statistics and He isn’t intimidated by symptoms. The Lord doesn’t operate by percentages.

We saw Him move. In ways medicine couldn’t explain, in tiny improvements that felt like miracles. Also, in strength returning where it had disappeared. In joy rising up in the middle of impossible days.

And no matter how long the road is, or how uncertain tomorrow looks, we keep walking with hope—not because we ignore reality, but because we know Who holds it.

So if you’ve heard those crushing words—“there’s no hope”—I want to gently, fiercely tell you:
That’s not true. There is always hope where God is.

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 Journey, Medical, Opsoclonus Myoclonus Syndrome

Hold On to Hope

Brandi C

stay inspired. never stop creating. (2)

When my son was diagnosed with Opsoclonus Myoclonus Syndrome (OMS), the world shifted beneath our feet. It was one of those moments that divides life into before and after. Fear came crashing in, and the questions outnumbered the answers. The only phrase that permeated through my life was “Hold On to Hope.”

In the middle of that storm, Hebrews 10:23 became a lifeline:
“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful.”

It didn’t say, “Hold on when it’s easy,” or “Hold on when everything makes sense.” It said, unswervingly. Without turning. Without hesitation. Without giving in to the fear or the doubt.

That kind of hope doesn’t come from our own strength—it comes from knowing the character of God. And I had to decide: do I believe He is faithful, even when I can’t see the outcome? Even when healing doesn’t look how I imagined? Even when the journey is long, hard, and uncertain?

The answer—again and again—was yes.

There were days I had to whisper it through tears. There were days when I could only breathe it. But I held on. And God held us. Through hospital stays, setbacks, victories, and the beautiful, miraculous moments in between—He was faithful.

If you’re walking through something hard right now, this is for you: Don’t let go. Don’t lose hope. The One who promised is still good. Still present. Still faithful. Hold unswervingly. You are not alone.

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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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 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 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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Nothing is Impossible: One Step at a Time

Brandi C

nothing is impossible when you put one foot in front of the other and take a step.

Nothing is Impossible: One Step at a Time

Life throws obstacles our way, making goals seem unreachable. But nothing is impossible when we take one step at a time. Progress isn’t about giant leaps—it’s about consistent, small steps forward.

The Power of a Single Step

Every journey begins with a step. A child learning to walk stumbles but keeps going. The world’s greatest achievements are built on persistence, not perfection.

Overcoming Fear of Failure

Fear—of failure, judgment, or the unknown—holds us back. Yet, failure is a stepping stone to success. Thomas Edison saw each failed attempt as a step closer to invention. The only true failure is not trying.

Breaking Goals into Small Steps

Big goals feel overwhelming, but breaking them down makes them achievable. Writing a book? Start with a page a day. Losing weight? Begin with small, healthy choices. Each step builds momentum.

The Role of Consistency and Patience

Success isn’t instant. Consistency and patience are key. Some days feel like setbacks, but as long as you keep moving, you’re progressing. Trust the process.

Stories of Perseverance

Helen Keller, despite being blind and deaf, learned to communicate and became an advocate. They kept moving forward.

Faith and Belief

Believing in yourself opens doors to possibility. Doubt will arise, but remind yourself why you started. Surround yourself with encouragers and take steps forward, even in uncertainty.

Practical Steps

  1. Set Small Goals – Break tasks into achievable steps.
  2. Create a Routine – Daily habits build success.
  3. Celebrate Wins – Acknowledge progress.
  4. Silence Doubt – Replace negativity with affirmations.
  5. Seek Support – Surround yourself with positivity.
  6. Keep Moving – Any step forward is progress.

The Journey is Worth It

Success is a of small, consistent steps. The dream that seems distant now will become reality if you stay committed. Take that first step—then another. Before long, you’ll look back and see how far you’ve come.

💛 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, Faith Journey

What Happens When Your Pitcher of Life Crashes

Brandi C

amor propio baby,

What Happens When Your Pitcher of Life Crashes

Life is like a glass pitcher from the 1960s—meant to hold lemonade, sun tea, or even flowers. From the moment we are born, we have a purpose, just as a pitcher is meant to hold liquid. As we grow, we fill that pitcher with our dreams, aspirations, and ideals. We pour into it our vision of the perfect career, the ideal family, the dream home, the car we long to drive, and the life we imagine for ourselves. Every hope and expectation fills the pitcher to the brim, reflecting the future we once envisioned. Here is a story of What Happens When Your Pitcher of Life Crashes.

But then, life happens. The pitcher slips from our hands, crashing to the floor, shattering into countless pieces. Our dreams scatter across the ground, and as we scramble to gather them, we cut ourselves on the shards of broken expectations. In that moment, we face a choice: sweep it all into the trash and discard our dreams, or painstakingly pick up the larger pieces and try to glue them back together.

Choosing the latter, we piece together our pitcher, carefully mending the cracks. To the naked eye, it may look almost whole again, a testament to our resilience. But as we begin to refill it with new dreams and experiences, the invisible fractures reveal themselves. Water seeps through the cracks, reminding us that no matter how hard we try, the pitcher will never hold liquid the way it once did.

This has been the story of my life. My dreams were grand—I wanted to be a veterinarian for farm animals, inspired by my father’s belief in my natural talent. I pursued that path, thinking it was the only way to make him proud. But in time, I realized he was proud of me simply for being his child. My true calling was to help people, though I didn’t have the words for it back then. It took 30 years for that dream to materialize.

I dreamed of a life on a farm, raising Angus cattle. Instead, I built a different kind of home. Marriage, too, took unexpected turns. He wanted one child; I wanted four. We compromised on three, ended up with five, and now we have seven. Parenting has been anything but perfect. I’ve made mistakes, but I’ve also learned the power of apologizing and acknowledging those missteps. I can’t undo the past, but I can ensure my children know they are loved, seen, and heard. I can’t force forgiveness, but I can model grace and understanding.

The dreams of my youth—riding a canary-yellow Harley, living in a spacious two-story house—evolved over time. I went from a sporty little car to a minivan, then an SUV. Our first home was a tiny 900-square-foot space, squeezing in seven people with a single bathroom. We moved several times before finally settling into a house we love—one we chose with our adult children in mind, a place where they would always feel welcome.

Is my family as close as I had envisioned? It depends on the season. Some relationships are stronger than others, and we all navigate misunderstandings and miscommunications. But we come together for holidays and gatherings, and I believe that, when it truly matters, we will show up for one another.

My pitcher will never hold water again. But rather than discard the broken pieces, I created something new. I took the shards—my pain, trauma, uncertainties, poor choices, regrets, and disappointments—and mourned the loss of what could have been. And then, God transformed those pieces into something beautiful. Like a mosaic, my life tells a different story than I once imagined, but it is still a masterpiece. Isaiah 61:3 speaks of beauty rising from ashes, and I have found that to be true. Even when life feels like it’s burning around me, when I take time for self-care, lean on those I trust, and embrace grace and forgiveness, I can see the beauty in the brokenness.

My story is still being written. My mosaic is still taking shape. And in its imperfection, it is more beautiful than I ever could have planned.

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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Circle of Hope Counseling Services, End the Stigma, Faith Journey

I Did My Best, and God Did the Rest

Brandi C

@circle of hope counseling services (4)

I Did My Best, and God Did the Rest

There’s a deep peace that comes with knowing we are not in this alone. We show up, we try, we give it everything we have—but at the end of the day, we are only human. And that’s okay because God fills in the gaps where we fall short. At the end of my life, I want to say “I did my best, and God did the rest.”

Some days, our best doesn’t feel like enough. We carry burdens too heavy, face challenges too big, and battle thoughts that tell us we should be doing more. But the truth is, God never asked us to handle it all on our own. He asks us to trust Him.

When you’ve given all you can—when you’ve prayed, fought, endured, and still feel like you’re running on empty—know that God is still working. He sees what you’ve done. He knows your heart. And He is carrying you the rest of the way.

Maybe today, you feel like you’re falling short. Maybe you’re exhausted from trying to hold everything together. Take a deep breath and release it to God. Let Him take what you can’t carry.

Your best is all He asks for—not perfection, not endless striving, not doing it all alone. Just your best. And He will take care of the rest.

So, trust. Rest in His grace. Know that He is working in ways you can’t yet see. You are not failing, you are not alone, and you are deeply loved.

Do your best, and let God do the rest. 💛

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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Circle of Hope Counseling Services, Faith Journey

Happiness Versus Joy

Brandi C

Happiness Versus Joy

Happiness versus joy. Is it perspective or something more? What is happiness? A wise man once said that happiness is based on circumstances, and circumstances can ebb and flow like the tides of the ocean. What is joy? JOY comes from the Lord. That phrase has stuck with me many years later.

We are not called to always be happy, are we? We are called to be a City on a Hill and Salt and Light. If God opens a door, no one can shut it. Sometimes, we try to force a door open, and because of free will, He lets us slide in—only for us to deal with the consequences of not being on His path. This can be painful, but on the flip side, it can refine us, teach us, and equip us to teach others.

When He closes a door, it is for a reason—not to harm us, but to prosper us. Often, if a door is shut, there is a window open. Instead of focusing on what you think you have lost, shift your perspective to the possibilities ahead. I promise you, God’s gifts are so much better than anything we could ever imagine.

For those that might not be familiar with Helen Keller, here is some information for 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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What Does Impossible Really Mean

 

Circle of Hope Counseling Services, Faith Journey

What Does Impossible Really Mean

Brandi C

2053782

What Does Impossible Really Mean

I stumbled on this quote by the great actress Audrey Hepburn and it reminded me of Luke 1:37 that says “For nothing will be impossible with God.” As the word IMPOSSIBLE is broken down, she says it really say I’m Possible. However, we can do nothing without the salvation that only Jesus has provided for us.

Friends, He loves you so much that He sent His Son to die on a cross for YOUR sins. If you were the only person, on Earth, God still would have sent His Son for YOU. He loves you so much that He wants you to answer that knock on your heart door, open it up, admit you are a sinner and that you need forgiveness and for Jesus to reign in your life.

Then, my friends, NOTHING is impossible. He makes it all possible. The sky is the limit and His gifts are freely given to you, as well as, His forgiveness for when we screw up. Even with Jesus in your heart, you will have bad days. You will struggle with mental health, you will be angry, you will sin and do stupid things. Here is the good news, all you have to do is repent and turn to Him and ask Him to forgive you and help you.

Grace. Mercy. Love. Forgiveness. This is what God freely gives us and asks that we give to others, though it can be super hard. Stay in the Word, find a church of like minded believers, pray so you can form that relationship with Him. It is so worth it. God is good all the time and all the time He is good. He will never leave you…not even for a minute.

💛 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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Joy in the Morning

Brandi C

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Let’s just leave this right here. Joy in the morning. I highly encourage you to go to YouTube and listen to the song. It is worth it, and I listen to it almost daily. There is a reason and a season for everything under heaven. If we could all just grasp that knowledge, we could truly experience this feeling at any time of the day. I pray you find yours today! Let the lyrics speak to your heart, bringing peace, hope, and encouragement. Trust in His timing and grace! Even when we don’t think it is the right time, in our eyes, it is always perfect in His.

… Everything happens for a reasonBut you don’t know what you don’t know.And you’ll never have peace if you don’t let go of tomorrow.‘Cause it ain’t even faith ’til your plan falls apartBut you still choose to follow.If it doesn’t make sense right nowIt will when it’s over
… There will be joy in the morning
… Giving in to your feelingsIs like drowning in the shallowsOh, you got to keep believingEven in the middle of the unknown‘Cause grace will be there when you come to the end of your ropeAnd you let goIt may feel like you’re going down nowBut the story isn’t over, oh
… There will be joy in the morningThere will be joy in the morning, ayeIf it’s not good, then He’s not done
… There will be joy in the morning(Hold on, hold on ’til the morning) oh we believe, we believeThere will be joy in the morning(Hold on, hold on ’til the morning) oh, aye, wooIf it’s not good, then He’s not doneNo, He’s not done with it yet

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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Circle of Hope Counseling Services, Faith Journey, Suicide Awareness and Prevention

Don’t Quit Just Do It

Brandi C

Don’t Quit Just Do It

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There are days when I am done. Done. DONE. I’ve had all I can stand and I simply can’t take anymore. I’m good until I’m not. Over the years of struggling with depression, I can typically feel myself sliding down the mountain into the pit. I know my traumaversary dates and in those times, I give myself grace. However, last year slapped me upside the head, held me upside down, shook all my innards out, and left me alone.

It’s amazing how you can be surrounded by people who love you and still feel so unimaginably alone. I think it surprised me that it wasn’t a gentle descension down that mountain. It was more like, you are walking up the mountain, on a treadmill cause I have never reached the top, and all of the sudden I am underneath a heap of rubble with only a penlight and no oxygen. I was trapped, in my own mind, which is not a good thing sometimes.

I wanted to quit but instead of running my mouth, ruining things further, I isolated (not good) but in that isolation, I turned to the Word, praise music, hot showers, laying with my head under the covers, got a therapist (hey, we all need one), and I have consciously remembered to inhale/exhale every single day. Am I better? Yes but not 100% by any stretch.

Will I get better?

Yes because I’m working hard at being vulnerable and transparent. Does this mean I don’t love Jesus and my salvation isn’t real? I’ve been told that. If I loved Jesus more, went to church more, prayed more, read the Word more, I wouldn’t be depressed. Newsflash. I love Jesus. I have a mansion waiting for me in heaven.

We also live in a fallen world where the prince of darkness tries to steal, kill, and destroy people and families. God is bigger. He is bigger now and forever. I have read the last page of the Good Book and guess what? God wins and since I am His and He is mine, I win. You are loved. No matter what anyone says (even if that anyone means you saying it to yourself), you are worthy. You are enough. Please, if you ever feel like you can’t make it another day, reach out to a pastor, counselor, friend, call 911 or better yet, call 988 that is the new suicide prevention hotline and someone answers the phone 24/7. You are worth living!

💛 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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He Leaves the 99

Brandi C

He Leaves the 99

He Leaves the 99

Think about it…He He Leaves the 99. For this Valentine’s Day, remember the love that He has for the one! Matthew 18:12-14: “If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them wanders away, what will he do? Won’t he leave the ninety-nine others on the hills and go out to search for the one that is lost? And if he finds it, I tell you the truth, he will rejoice over it more than over the ninety-nine that didn’t wander away! In the same way, it is not my heavenly Father’s will that even one of these little ones should perish.”

💛 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 Lord Will Fight for You

Brandi C

The Lord Will Fight for You

The Lord Will Fight for You

I thought today was fitting for this Scripture. Today is my son’s 11th birthday and let me tell you…I have lived on this verse since the day he entered my life. There are so many facets of this child and the one that impresses me the most is that he is a warrior and he perseveres. He is the strongest person I know and if you knew his story, you would agree.

It has been an honor and a privilege to raise him. The Lord fought for him…from birth to his illness to when he died in my arms to when he woke up (still in my arms) to him telling me what he saw in those moments when I thought he went home to be with Jesus till now when he is as busy as anyone I have ever met. There is a battle, daily with him on different levels.

I began the journey struck with silence. My middle was mouthy. This leg of our journey, I will chose to let Him fight our battles. Do not mistake my silence as weakness because I am fiercely protective of him but I also know Who is fighting our battles. I’m good with sitting on the sidelines, eating popcorn, watching it play out because the Lord is working it all out for His glory. Happy birthday, buddy! You are our treasure and we love you forever and always.

💛 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 Capable

Brandi C

You Are Capable

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You are capable of doing all things when Jesus is by your side. People often tell me that they do not know who they are anymore due to the amount of trauma that has occurred in their lives. It is my pleasure to tell them that they are not only capable of doing all the things they dream of, they were created to do these amazing things because the King of Kings has gifted them with amazing talents. God will take all the tests (trauma) of your life and allow it to be a TESTimony for Him.

This makes you capable of handling any and everything as long as He is on your side because it isn’t you doing the heavy lifting. You are being obedient and He is carrying the burden for you. Matthew 11:28-30: Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”

💛 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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Think Positive

Brandi C

Think Positive

Think Positive

Think Positive. Do you ever find it hard to think positively about yourself or accept something said by others that is positive? I know I do. Do you find it easier to believe the bad things about yourself whether others have said it to you or you have told yourself? I know I do that too.

Remember this, you are a child of the King and He says that you are fearfully and wonderfully created (Psalm 139:14). Also remember that other people’s opinions of you are a THEM problem, not a YOU problem. If they want to think badly of you, let them. You can’t change that and it is 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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Believe in Yourself

Brandi C

Believe in Yourself

Believe in Yourself

Believe in Yourself. I am the ultimate optimist when it comes to the lives of others. I can look into the brokenness of others and I can see the beauty of their future. However, I am the ultimate pessimist when it comes to me and my life. I am constantly waiting for the other shoe to drop. It isn’t a great trait and it is one that I’m working on because of the Truths that the Lord has spoken over me. Jeremiah 29:11 states “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”

I’ve always been someone who can see potential in others, but when it comes to myself, I struggle with believing in my own worth. It’s a difficult place to be, especially when you’re waiting for something to go wrong or anticipating failure, but I know I am not alone in this feeling. A lot of us have this tendency to focus on the negative, to dwell on the things we don’t do right or the mistakes we’ve made. But the truth is, we are not defined by our failures. We are defined by the promises of God.

Jeremiah 29:11 reminds me that God has good plans for me. He has a future for me that is full of hope. And this isn’t just a truth for others—it’s a truth for me, too. I can take comfort in knowing that He has a purpose for my life and that His plans are always for my good, even when I can’t see the whole picture.

💛 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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