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1 Peter 5:7
As I shared in my book, I did not grow up in the church and did not feel connected to God. It was during some of the most difficult seasons of my life that I encountered Him. For me, that journey was about discovering what true connection meant. Having grown up in an environment marked by abuse, neglect, and intimate partner violence, I had never experienced healthy connection and did not know what it looked like.
One of the practices that helped me begin connecting with God was spending quiet time alone with my thoughts. In those moments of stillness, I not only began developing a relationship with God but also recognized my need for mental health support. I believe God meets us exactly where we are—and He certainly met me where I was.
Are you curious? I was.
If you're interested in exploring your own spiritual journey, start by finding a quiet place free from distractions. We live in a world filled with constant noise, making it difficult to hear our own thoughts, let alone connect with something deeper. Begin with five minutes of quiet reflection and gradually increase the time as you feel comfortable.
Give yourself grace. Sitting in silence can feel uncomfortable at first, and like any new practice, it takes time. You may want to keep a journal, notebook, or your phone nearby to write down thoughts, feelings, questions, or insights that arise. Your notes do not need to be complete sentences—sometimes a few words are enough.
During this time, simply invite God to reveal Himself to you. Be patient with the process. Connection often develops over time through consistency and openness. As I shared in my book, God can reveal Himself in many ways—through nature, dreams, relationships, moments of peace, and unexpected experiences.
If silence feels too challenging, consider using a devotional with Scripture or guided reflections to help focus your thoughts and create space for spiritual growth.
Most importantly, remember that this time is for you. You deserve moments of reflection, healing, and connection.
Jeremiah 29:13–14 (NIV)
"You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you," declares the Lord.
When you spend time in silence, you may begin to notice negative thoughts about yourself. Rather than judging these thoughts, try approaching them with curiosity. Ask yourself: Where did these beliefs come from? How long have they been with me? Have they been present for weeks, months, or even years?
Writing your thoughts down can be a helpful way to gain insight and perspective. Journaling often creates enough distance to observe patterns and better understand what may be contributing to these thoughts.
On the Resources page, you'll find helpful tools on Cognitive Distortions and Negative Thoughts that can support you in identifying and challenging unhelpful thinking patterns.
If these thoughts have been recurring for a long time or are causing significant emotional distress, it may be beneficial to seek additional support. Working with a therapist can provide new perspectives, practical tools, and guidance for creating lasting change. You may want to consider a therapist who specializes in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), an evidence-based approach that helps individuals identify and reframe unhelpful thought patterns.
If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, feel unsafe, or are in immediate danger, call 911 or 988 for emergency support.
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