Welcome to this episode of "Messy Can't Stop Her." I am your host, Judith Kambia Obatusa – JKO.
Before we go into today’s topic, I want to remind you that messy can’t stop you. Neither your messy past or even your messy present can stop you. Do not be drawn into comparing yourself and your situation with the carefully curated stories, social media posts and sometimes even so-called lived experience stories of others. The truth is that none of us has a perfect life. Each person, no matter their packaging has a thorn in their flesh that you most often do not know about. Do you know how I know this? We are all living on this earth in an imperfect world populated by imperfect people. I could go into the spiritual part of it but that would be for another time.
However, we are still going to talk about something spiritual on today’s episode – the role of faith when our mistakes haunt us and impact our mental health. Now let’s get into it.
We all make mistakes. It's an inevitable part of being human. But sometimes, those mistakes can cling to us and become haunting ghosts that lurk in the corners of our minds, sometimes whispering, sometimes shouting, and a constant presence reminding us of our human fallibility. They haunt our thoughts, disturb our peace, and replay in our head on repeat, like a broken record, chipping away at our mental health.
We've all been there, or at least I have been there. That moment when you mess up, when you stumble and fall, and suddenly it feels like the world is collapsing around you. Maybe it was a missed opportunity, a broken promise, or a word spoken in haste that cut deeper than we ever intended. Whatever it was, the weight of it hangs heavy on our hearts, shaping our thoughts, our actions, and even our sense of self.
Before we continue, I would like to ask you for a favour. To help more women benefit from this episode, could you please subscribe, share, and leave a comment about today's episode in your listening app? I thank you in advance.
So today, I want to explore how faith can serve as a beacon of hope and a source of healing in these dark times. We'll look at biblical wisdom, scientific perspectives, and hear testimonies from well-known women who have walked this path.
The Bible offers profound insights into handling guilt, shame, and mental turmoil.
Romans 8:1 says "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." This verse should remind us that God's love for us is unconditional, even when we mess up.
One of the most powerful verses that speaks to this is found in Isaiah 43:18-19: "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland."
This passage reminds us that God is always at work, even in our messiest moments. He's not confined by our past mistakes. Instead, He is continually creating new paths for us, new opportunities for growth, and new ways to find peace.
Another verse that resonates deeply is Psalm 51:10, where David pleads, "Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me." David's story is one of great sin and equally great repentance. One of his great mistakes and repentance can be found in 2 Samuel chapter 11 and 12 where he committed adultery with Bathsheba, the wife of one of his soldiers and orchestrated the murder of her husband, Uriah. Despite his many sins, the Bible still called him a man after God’s heart.
David’s life shows us that no mistake is too big for God's grace, and that renewal is always possible.
Science, too, supports the transformative power of faith. Numerous studies have shown that religious faith and spirituality can have a positive impact on mental health.
Studies show that religious faith can be a powerful tool for mental health. For instance, A Pew Research Center study found that people who report strong active religious beliefs tend to report lower levels of stress and anxiety. Faith can provide a sense of purpose, belonging, and hope, which can be incredibly comforting in dark times.
Another study published in ResearchGate found that individuals who engage in regular spiritual practices are better able to deal with adversity, find meaning in their lives, and avoid depression. Faith can provide a sense of purpose, community, and a framework for understanding life's challenges.
Dr. Harold G. Koenig, a leading researcher in the field of religion and health, has documented that people who are religious tend to cope better with stress, recover more quickly from illness, and have a more positive outlook on life. This is often because faith encourages practices like prayer and meditation, which have been proven to reduce stress and promote mental well-being.
Now, let's turn to some inspiring testimonies from women who have found solace and strength in their faith amidst their struggles with past mistakes and mental health challenges.
Deb’s Story – Deb's journey is a poignant reminder of how faith can transform a life burdened by mistakes and mental health struggles. Deb grew up in a turbulent environment, turning to drugs and alcohol at a young age. Deb battled drug addiction for years. She lost everything, her dreams, her relationships, and even the will to live. One day, at her lowest point, she stumbled upon a Bible. Desperate for any kind of hope, she started reading. The words she found resonated deep within her soul. She discovered verses about forgiveness, love, and a second chance. Deb found hope in the Bible, specifically in the promises of God. She shares, "When I found Jesus, I found everything I had been searching for. His love gave me a new identity and a new purpose." Her newfound faith gave her strength to seek help, and eventually, the path to recovery. Today, Deb is clean, surrounded by a loving family, and living her dreams. Her story is a powerful reminder that no matter how far we fall, there's always hope for redemption. You can read Deb’s story in detail in the link I have shared in the show notes.
In Michelle Obama’s memoir "Becoming," she writes about the importance of prayer and relying on God's guidance, especially when faced with public scrutiny and personal challenges. The former First Lady has also shared insights about how her faith has helped her through difficult times.
Beloved researcher and author, Brene Brown has discussed her battles with shame and vulnerability on various platforms. In her book, "The Gifts of Imperfection," she talks about the importance of spirituality and how it helps her to embrace her flaws and learn from her mistakes. Brown believes that connection with a higher power provides the courage to face and overcome life's challenges.
I can also testify about how faith has helped me through many challenges especially the loss of my first born…
Faith has been my anchor, giving me strength and hope in times of despair.
My sisters, your mistakes are not the end of your story. It is okay to lean into faith in God during difficult times. There is also no shame in seeking guidance from a spiritual leader or religious community. Through faith, we can find the strength to move forward, the grace to forgive ourselves, and the courage to heal. Remember, as it says in Philippians 4:6-7, "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 your minds in Christ Jesus."
My sisters, God's forgiveness is always there for anyone that seeks it.
If you're struggling with past mistakes and their impact on your mental health, know that you are not alone. Lean into your faith, seek support, and believe in the possibility of renewal and peace. When you do this, messy won’t stop you. Thank you so much for listening, see you next time.
