Tag: Overcoming Fear

Circle of Hope Counseling Services, End the Stigma

Dear Amygdala

Brandi C

Dear Amygdala

Dear Amygdala,

You are not my friend, dear Amygdala. The emotions you project are not welcome.

It has become clear that you are being used and manipulated. Past trauma is being stirred up, allowing old wounds to resurface and impact the present. Pain that should have remained in the past is now bleeding into new relationships and experiences.

But I see through it. Your tricks are exposing.

God is bigger.

For Inquiring Minds

The amygdala is the “fear center” of the brain. It is the primitive part that begins developing at conception. It holds implicit memories from early life, shaping responses and reactions in ways that aren’t always rational or helpful.

Simply put—it can be a troublemaker.

This small, almond-shaped cluster of neurons plays a key role in processing emotions and is part of the limbic system, which governs responses to fear, stress, and survival instincts.

Hard Conversations

Difficult conversations have filled this past week—bringing unspoken truths to light and revealing insights that offer both clarity and discomfort. There is peace in understanding but also uncertainty about the next steps.

The road ahead is winding, but the journey continues. Healing is not linear, and growth is often uncomfortable. Yet, in these struggles, there is transformation. There is strength in facing fears, in refusing to let past pain dictate the future.

The amygdala may try to whisper fear, but the heart and mind have the power to choose a different path. Forward, with faith.

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

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

Facing Fear God is Bigger

Brandi C

circle of hope counseling services (1)

Facing Fear: Remember, God Is Bigger

What is your biggest fear right now? Maybe it’s the fear of failure, rejection, the unknown, or something deeply personal that keeps you awake at night. Fear has a way of creeping in, whispering lies that you are not strong enough, not capable enough, not enough. But here’s the truth: God is bigger than your fear.

Fear thrives in isolation. It grows louder when we try to face it alone. But you weren’t meant to carry it by yourself. Seek help. Talk to someone you trust—a friend, a pastor, a therapist. There is strength in admitting that you need support, and there is no shame in reaching out.

One of the best ways to overcome fear is to confront it with truth. What does God say about you? He says you are loved (Romans 8:38-39). You are chosen (1 Peter 2:9). You are not alone (Deuteronomy 31:6). When fear tells you that you can’t, remind yourself that God can.

Pray. Surrender your fear to Him, even if you have to do it over and over again. Fear loses its grip when we trust God’s plan more than our own anxieties.

Take action, even when you’re scared. Fear will always try to keep you stuck, but faith moves forward. One step at a time, you will find that what once felt impossible becomes manageable.

Whatever you are facing, God is bigger. You don’t have to have all the answers, and you don’t have to be fearless—you just have to trust the One who holds it all in His hands.

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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Inspiration of the Day Mark 5:36

Brandi C

circle of hope counseling services (6)

Faith Over Fear: Learning to Trust in God

The inspiration of the day is found in Mark 5:36, which says, “But Jesus overheard them and said to Jairus, ‘Don’t be afraid. Just have faith.'” Faith, according to Webster’s Dictionary, is defined as “belief and trust in and loyalty to God,” “firm belief in something for which there is no proof,” and “complete trust.”

Trust is something I’ve always struggled with—it’s no secret to those who know me well. There are reasons for that, but I am a constant work in progress, learning not only how to trust but who to trust. One thing I know for certain is that God is someone I can lean into fully, without hesitation or fear.

Do I always do that?

Nope. I sure don’t—not all the time. But I am learning. When challenges arise, I remind myself, The Lord is putting this in front of me, not to hurt me, but to give me an opportunity to trust in Him because He has my back. I will, quite literally, repeat this to myself until the issue is resolved or until I find peace. And you know what? It helps. It really does.

My hope and prayer for those reading this is that you can learn to release fear, have faith, and trust God completely. As His children, we are sealed and held securely in the right hand of Jesus. I imagine myself sitting in His palm, His hands clasped around me, and then His hand resting in the palm of God. Nothing can take me away from Him. We are safe. He has us, and He already has the perfect provision in mind for whatever we are facing.

So today, let’s choose faith over fear. Let’s trust the One who holds the universe—and us—in His hands.

💛 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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Everything is Gonna be Okay

Brandi C

Everything is Gonna be Okay

everything is gonna be ok

Ya know, Everything is Gonna be Okay. Romans 8:26-28 (MSG) says “Meanwhile, the moment we get tired in the waiting, God’s Spirit is right alongside helping us along. If we don’t know how or what to pray, it doesn’t matter. He does our praying in and for us, making prayer out of our wordless sighs, our aching groans. He knows us far better than we know ourselves, knows our pregnant condition, and keeps us present before God. That’s why we can be so sure that every detail in our lives of love for God is worked into something good.”

There are days when I don’t feel like everything is going to be okay. I feel like my life is going to implode and my actions will explode. I have to stop and tell myself that the Lord is not setting up, on his Heavenly throne, eating popcorn and biting His nails wondering what is going to happen next. He already knows. He sees it all. Knows it all and has a perfect provision in mind for ALL things. Trust. It’s hard but it is necessary in our walk with Christ. If I didn’t trust Him, I’d be running down the road, naked, screaming at the top of my lungs. (That last statement comes from my aka mom and she would tell us that when we were children.)

💛 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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Healing Through Anger

Brandi C

Healing Through Anger

 

Healing Through Anger

In this piece, my guest blogger talks about how she is healing through anger. Anger is a valid emotion, as Jesus was angry when He turned over the tables in the temple. Anger is secondary to fear and/or sadness. In this piece, you can see her fear. Also, you can feel her sadness. Please pray for this young girl as you think of it.

I Am So Angry With You

I have said it a million times, but I am so angry with you. If I were in the business of hating people, you would be first on my list. The thought of you makes my blood pressure skyrocket. Why couldn’t you be a normal stepfather? Seriously, why did you have to abuse me? Why me? I was a child. What kind of man likes children? 

I wish my mom would have never met you. Honestly, I wish I did not blame myself for what you did. I know I was young, and it was not my fault. It’s yours. You are the one who abused me, not the other way around.

Tell the Truth

I have had a few opportunities to tell you the truth, to say whatever I wanted to you, but I did not. Part of me wishes I would not have been such a coward. I want you to know how much you hurt me. The other part of me knows that what I said would not matter; you would not care. You would enjoy the attention; you always like all the attention on you.

What I Want to SCREAM

I want to scream at you and tell you that you hurt me. Also, I want to tell you that you traumatized me. I want to tell you how I cannot even change clothes in the comfort of my own home without feeling uncomfortable or like I am being watched. To yell that you took my childhood and my innocence away from me. That is something I will never get back. I cannot go back and act like a child again. Not all of that is your fault, but a big piece of it is.

I am never a violent person, but I would like to punch you in the face after a few good times. I bet that would help me release some of my anger. That sure would make me feel better. I do not understand how you can have four types of cancers and still be alive. I guess that is just how my life goes.

Papa T is Crossing the Line

I heard a phrase today that I had not heard in a long time. A phrase that makes me nauseous. “Daddy T,” I never understood why you made us call you that. Mom does not understand why that name makes me uncomfortable; honestly, I don’t completely understand it myself. All I know is the name makes me physically sick. My sister told me today that you want her daughter to call you “Papa T,” It incited some rage in me. 

Yet, That Baby is Safe From You

Luckily that baby lives far away now, so you cannot get your hands on her. I could promise you that you would never meet her if she were still around. I would go to jail before that happened, and I would be okay with it. You will never get the satisfaction of her calling you “papa T,” which I feel is WAY too close to “Daddy T.” 

You will never get the satisfaction of taking that baby’s innocence away from her, which brings me just a little bit of you. Your abuse ended with me, and I will do everything I can to ensure it goes no further.

Working on Forgiveness

I know it does not sound like it, but I am trying to forgive you. It is just a slow process. The thing is, I am not forgiving you for you. I am doing this for me. To heal. I am doing it to put you in the past and finally move on. To better myself and be the best person I can be. I know, in the end, you will get what you deserve, and I will not even have to lift a finger.

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Three Words I Can Say Could Make You Hate Me

Brandi C

Three Words I Can Say Could Make You Hate Me

Guest Blogger

In this piece, Three Words I Can Say Could Make You Hate Me, my guest blogger begins to outline her life when she was younger. She has a powerful voice yet is still too scared to let it out loudly. Time and Jesus will cure that. I’m so proud of her and all she has been doing to heal.

A Born Fixer

Ever since I was a little girl, all I wanted to do was please and helped you. All I have done my whole life is what you need. You needed someone to bathe a kid. I did it. You needed someone to help feed a kid. I did it. You needed someone to complain to, and that was me. 

I grew up listening to everything wrong in your life, your husband or ex-husband’s drama, your “my kids hate me,” my kids are terrible, and my kids don’t love me. Did you forget I was your kid too? Or am I just an ear to listen and a body to help work? You’ve groomed me well for the job I would like to have one day. If anything, I am a listener and want to help others to the best of my ability. So at least there is a positive within all the negativity. I have listened to and experienced this during my life.

This Thing Called Life

My life has been a series of what mom needs me to do next? What does my youngest brother need? Or even what can I help another brother with that day? He may have had most of your attention growing up, but that also meant that he got the attention of the men in your life. So many negative things were going on in his life as well. As much as I don’t like him, I do love him, so I didn’t want to see him so upset. 

You have complained to me so many times about so many different things that it makes me scared to share anything good or bad with you because I am afraid it will upset you. If I tell you some things, you’ll stop caring, stop loving me. Instead, I would bottle up or ignore it because I know you wouldn’t approve of or hurt your feelings.

What About Me and My Feelings

Like sometimes, I want to point out that I have feelings, too, and I’m tired of having only one-way conversations about you and your kids like I’m not one of them. I know you don’t mean anything by it towards me, but it still hurts me. Especially when you say we are all unmotivated kids, that’s don’t care about you. Maybe not in that order, but they have both been said. I am motivated. I work. I’m trying to move out. I do love you. Stop putting us all together like we are all the same. 

One day I would like to have a conversation with you about my life and the things I am learning about myself. Like I remembered what it was like to be motivated to finish something. Sure, it’s just a sweater, but that is an accomplishment to me. To be able to wear something that I made. Just because it’s not interesting to you doesn’t mean it’s not essential.

My Dreams

The same with schooling; just because it’s not what you want me to do doesn’t mean that it’s not something I can do. I want to work in the psychology field with kids. But that’s not good enough for you. You want me to be able to support myself, and I get that, but why can’t you help me in my decision on what I want to do? It just might take me a while to get there.

The Truth About My Engagement

I would love to sit down and talk with you about why I truly didn’t get married. How it was a lie, to begin with, sure it wasn’t intentional, but a lie nonetheless. I want to tell you that I have recently learned that I am not interested in men but more confused than anything. I’d like to have your support while I try to figure everything out all the way. But you’d disown me for that thought or try to shame me out of it. 

I have listened to everything you have had to say about everything and everyone. I have supported you through good and bad decisions. In short, I have loved you and accepted you as you are. But you would not do the same for me, I am sure. You would hear the words, and then you’d be done. Done with me and done with everything else because without me, who will you talk to?

Three Words I Can Say Could Make You Hate Me

Without me, who will help you when you’re down? Without me, who will help pick up the pieces left and glue them back together when anger or sadness strikes?

I love you, and I worry about you more than anything or anyone else. So me keeping this one thing from you. Keeping it under lock and key may hurt me, but at least I know you’ll be okay. Cause I’ll still help you. The sad thing is there’s nothing you can do to make me stop loving you, but just three could make you hate me.

Thankful

Today, I am thankful for the bravery of this young lady. She certainly has powerful emotion behind her words. Also, she is using them to help her sort through the muddy water. She is loved and a treasure. May she be blessed in her courage and continue to speak for those who do not have a voice.

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