To Live, or Just Be Alive

https://youtu.be/ksqH6OHrkYs Say I Won’t by Mercy Me

I left Vermont in 2014. All I had was what fit into my car. The background noise in my head was that I would not ever do anything of significance nor be able to take care of myself very well at all. I had a mental illness. I was broken. I had very little in way of resources. All I had to look forward to was medication, occasional hospital stays, and to struggle to survive. No one who knew me thought much differently, either. That is except the God Who created me!

This song means so much to me. It is the way I was trying to see myself and my life, but it was like a flickering candle flame. But step by step, God marched me onward and upward. He provided a fully furnished place for me live at an incredible price. He led me to a church. He enabled me to start a support group, and landed me part time jobs as I needed them. He provided for me to take the training and acquire the credentials to become a Certified Recovery Peer Specialist. I was able to start a few more groups, and meet so many individuals who needed the encouragement and support from which I myself have benefited. The volunteer work led me to form a non profit called Together To Thrive, Inc. I take no mental health medications. I have not needed any hospitals since 2014. I have learned many things throughout my journey, and I am able to share my experiences with others who struggle as I did. (And sometime still do) I have a terrific group of friends and supporters who are faithful in keeping Together To Thrive alive and well.

If this sounds like one of those “success stories”, be sure to note that I am NOT a success. I have a God Who loves to bless His children. I have incredible friends and children who encourage me. And I was free to choose which messages to which I would listen and pay attention. I chose not listen to the ones that said I won’t. I chose to trust the message that I am loved by God and that I can do all things through Him Who gives me strength. Besides, I never really wanted just to run, I wanted to fly. I wanted to know what it is to live and not just be alive. I am thankful for every day of my life–the past ones , the present ones and the ones yet to come. Living is SO MUCH BETTER than just being alive! Need help finding that, too? Contact us at togethertothrive@gmail.com or call 352-261-3367 Maybe we can help get you on the runway, too. Blessings, Sue