Dear Becca

I’m a firm believer in honesty and authenticity. I believe vulnerability can lead to freedom and I believe God gave me the life I have because He wanted me to share it with others.

In light of Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain’s tragic deaths last week - I think mental illness has become a topic people are more open to discuss and I think that’s vital. I think a lot of people, especially in the church, are struggling and hurting. I’m one of those people.

Recently I’ve been going through the Genesis Process because I realized I wasn’t living in the freedom that Christ won for me and I was highly codependent on some friends and living in a works-based, perfectionist mentality that only left me feeling like an isolated failure.

One of the processes in Genesis is writing a commitment letter of recovery to yourself. And I guess I just felt compelled to share it.

Because it’s not just true for me, it’s true for all of us.

Dear Becca,

I just want to start with the obvious - you are dearly and deeply loved. I know it doesn’t always feel that way and life can be a lot - but the Creator of the universe absolutely adores you and Becca, I promise that is more than enough.

So Becca, let’s live in that freedom. I know this process and this change is hard - it’s downright painful. But it’s so worth it and you’re gonna do it. Because honestly, the alternative isn’t great. God doesn’t want you to just survive - He wants you to thrive! He wants you to be free to give Him everything and to rock it. He’s called you to so much more than you could imagine - let’s be healthy so we can pursue that! God also wants you to love others and yourself in a healthy manner. He wants you to be free to freely give and love while maintaining healthy boundaries and not taking too much on. Becca, God wants you to see yourself and others the way He does. Living in bondage doesn’t release you to live the way God has called you to. You can’t do all the these dreams without this. Embrace the challenge and let God win.

- Becca

All this to say - you, whoever you are, whether you struggle with depression and suicidal thoughts or anything else - you need to know you are loved. You are loved beyond what you can imagine. I know it doesn’t feel that way. But please hold on. Because there are people who need to hear your story. There are lives you are going to impact. Don’t be alone. Find someone to talk to. Don’t believe the lie that no one cares.  Be brave and ask for help. The process isn’t easy. It’s the most painful thing I’ve experienced but I promise the result will be worth it. And if you need a friend - know that whoever you are, I’m here. And I may not be able to do much but I’ll listen. And I’ll probably speak truth because I can’t help it. Ask my friends. :). I love you all but more than that God loves you all and His love never fails.