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From Stress to Serenity: A Journey of Faith and Healing
A few years back, when teaching gigs were as rare as a good hair day in humidity, I hit rock bottom with my skin. Picture this: severe acne flare-ups amid job rejections left and right. Cash was tight, and my knowledge on skincare was even tighter, so I went for the bargain-bin makeup online. Big mistake. That just threw fuel on the fire, making my skin an absolute disaster zone. The stress of it all didn’t just leave its mark on my face; it dug deep into my self-esteem, making every job interview and social hangout a mental battleground.
I finally dragged myself to a dermatologist, who basically told me, “Chill out, and maybe your skin will chill too.” Yeah, easier said than done when you’re chasing your dream job. The treatments she gave me were about as effective as a chocolate teapot. The real fight wasn’t just with my skin; it was in my head, amped up by every sideways glance or snide remark I encountered.
Just when I was about ready to throw in the towel, God threw me a lifeline in the most unexpected place: a coffee shop. I overheard a conversation between women who’d been through the same skin battles, and it was like a ray of light in my storm of despair. No, it wasn’t a quick fix, but it sparked a change in perspective, slowly lifting the weight of my acne and my anxieties off my shoulders.
Throughout this ordeal, Philippians 4:6-7 became my mantra, teaching me to hand over my worries to God and let His peace, which is way beyond our understanding, take over. Every little step I took, even in dealing with something seemingly as trivial as acne, turned into a testament of faith, showing me the way forward. Psalm 127:1-2 hit home, reminding me that without God in the mix, I was just spinning my wheels.
This whole mess turned out to be a crash course in what really matters: inner beauty and a solid faith game. Instead of obsessing over every blemish, I started focusing on my strengths and deepening my chats with God. It hit me that we’re more than our reflections in the mirror; it’s about the love we give and the faith we live by.
Looking back, I see the beauty in a life anchored by faith, humility, and a drive for something deeper, as 1 Timothy 4:8 suggests “For bodily exercise profits a little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that now is and of that which is to come.” It’s about seeing beyond the now, aiming for a godliness that brings promise for both the present and what’s ahead. This journey taught me to face my youth with purpose, hand my struggles over to God, and shine with a Christ-centered glow that’s more than skin deep.
We warmly invite you to come to the True Jesus Church’s bi-annual Evangelical Service and Spiritual Convocation. See details below.
18-21 April, 2024 Evangelical Service and Spiritual Convocation
Thursday, 18 April, 2024 6:50PM to 8:10PM
Friday and Saturday, 19-20 April, 2024 9:00AM to 8:10PM
Sunday, 21 April, 2024 9:00AM to 1:00PM
Complimentary lunch and dinner will be served.
Please find our church location below:
4N550 Church Road
Bensenville, IL 60106
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For online streaming, please click here.
For regular service hours, please click here.
Email us at ilovejesus@tjc-chicago.org