Nervous Breakthrough: Finding Freedom From Fear and Anxiety in a World That Feeds It.Sample

I remember the moment I felt called to share my anxiety journey like it was yesterday. It was warm and sunny on Mother’s Day weekend in 2011—my family was outside enjoying a barbecue. I was dealing with anxiety considerably well and was in a great spot—body, soul, and spirit. Then suddenly, I felt a strong prompting while lounging on my chair on the driveway: It’s time to write about your experience with panic and anxiety. Initially, I laughed it off. Who would want to hear all about my panic attacks? Nobody cares about that.

I was obedient and posted my story on a blog. Laying myself bare, I didn’t hold back. I was shocked by the responses. One by one, I was receiving feedback. Overwhelmingly, the reactions were, "Me too."

I needed to process; what did they mean, me too? Was I not the only one who struggled with panic attacks? How could this be, and why was no one talking about their struggles? Let’s pause to read a scripture: “He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. For the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ. Even when we are weighed down with troubles, it is for your comfort and salvation!” (2 Cor. 1:4–6 NLT)

Second Corinthians 1 directly confirms what I heard on that beautiful sunny day on the driveway. Sharing my story means I get to share the comfort God has given me. We should spread comfort like confetti. Talking openly about my pain and the comfort I have received from God is like pressing a pay-it-forward button. The person on the other side receives comfort for their pain, comfort that could ultimately lead to salvation.

Have you thought about sharing your anxiety story and how God has helped you?