After 25 years of loving and supporting my daughter following the diagnosis of bipolar disorder in her early twenties, I had reached breaking point.
My daughter’s ongoing illness has been very stressful and draining, both physically and emotionally. The illness often takes the form of it being ‘everyone else’s fault’, and I had begun to believe that I’d been a bad mother. If it wasn’t for my other children and husband affirming my love and mothering skills, I would have gone under long ago. I have been a Christian for many years and know that God loves me, yet still my daughter’s unkind words would torment and haunt me, and the guilt engulf me, shattering my confidence. Things came to a head earlier this year when I received an abusive text. I had reached breaking point and knew that my health and ministry were being negatively affected. I felt as though the relationship was killing me and cried out to God. I needed to be able to let go.
I shared some of this with Anne and she encouraged me to have prayer ministry at The Well. Wow, after 2 sessions and much heart searching, revelation and powerful prayer from 2 lovely ladies I was able to put the whole situation at the cross and let go, trusting God to take care of my daughter and bring her to a place of healing and trusting in Him.
What a powerful time that was! Telling the story was very healing in itself, as the Team listened so carefully and caringly to me. Words that had bound my spirit and berated me were spiritually broken off me, and I was released from their defining power.
Now I feel set free of guilt, negative emotions, anxiety and responsibility, and I’m trusting God completely instead of saying I trust Him but then trying to fix things myself. I love my daughter dearly, and sometimes the silence is hard and I wobble, but I’m able to keep handing the situation over to God in prayer.
As a result of prayer ministry at The Well, I now have that powerful inner peace which only comes from our Father God, and know for myself the truth of His invitation and promise:
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4 : 6-7