Desiree’s Story: Transformed in Community
Before Restore, I walked covered in shame, anxiety, and depression. I thought that was just how I was. There was no hope or redemption for me. It was just part of me.
God felt so distant and I was mad at Him. I was even mad that I had to do Restore. I thought, “Why bother? Nothing is going to change who or how I am.”
But through Restore, God changed my view on so much.
The first one and the biggest one is my view on community. Wow, did the Lord redeem my view on a small group setting with a bunch of women! I am truly still blown away at the work that He did. Before Restore, I had bad experiences with community, through friends and family leaving, bad roommate situation, mentors leaving me, and being kicked out of a church small group for not talking. But I never thought that I would be where I am today. He knew I needed each and every woman in my group to love me, encourage me, welcome me, and spur me on. He knew I needed them during thsi season, and for that I am extremely thankful.
I never would have thought that I would be able to sit in a group setting without crippling anxiety, let alone to be able to talk. I'm learning to lean into community instead of running away.
I also learned through Restore that there is hope and freedom for me. My shame and anxiety isn't part of me, it's because of the fall, but Jesus took it all, all of my pain and suffering on the cross with Him. My relationship with the Lord is stronger than it's ever been because I'm learning to run to and cling to Jesus through the trails.
The work that the Lord did in me through Restore is amazing and things I never thought would change. I know there is still a lot of work to be done but I am expectant for what the Lord is going to do. But honestly I am a little nervous about what will happen after Restore. I'm nervous because outside of this group, I don't have a group to share with in the same way, so I'm nervous that I'm going to turn back to my old ways. But I'll continue to cling to Jesus and remember all the work that He has already done—He is the one who will carry me.
- Desiree, KY
