Episode 4 :: Simply Stories Podcast :: Jennifer Greenberg
I want to invite you to grab a cup of coffee and sit around the table with me for episode 4 and with an incredibly courageous woman named Jennifer Greenberg. Jennifer has written a book called Not Forsaken: A Story of Life After Abuse: How faith brought one woman from victim to survivor, that shares the story of her growing up in an abusive home, and gives an incredibly vivid, raw and beautiful picture of what survival has looked like, her healing process and her journey with the Lord in it.
Jennifer is gifted at sharing her story honestly, but through the lens of Gospel through such a specific lens for abuse victims, and those who have battle depression and even suicidal thoughts. This conversation is such a tender, but important moment. Jennifer’s willingness to dive deep into some dark places, and for sharing what its been like to walk out one sided forgiveness and trusting God with unresolved parts of life this side of Heaven has moved me in so many ways.
While I was reading her book, I was overwhelmed with gratitude for her insight about depression and suicidal thoughts and sharing them in a way that other’s who have not ever experienced it maybe can get a glimpse into that process. If you are someone who has listened to this episode and this is not your story, but its the story of someone you love, go hug them. Pray over them. Tell them how much they matter to you. It doesn’t matter how long its been, do it. If they don’t know what to say, just sit with them. Or ask them what they need, if they don’t know, buy them a meal. Clean their house. Watch their kids. Just be yourself and remind them how much you want them to be here with you.
If you are a person who is living in the thick of this kind of struggle, personally or within your people, I am just praying my guts out that this conversation and this book, and/or any of the resources listed below bless and encourage you. PLEASE do not hesitate to ask for help. It is never a gift to remove yourself from the equation. And even though there are very VERY painful things that happen in this life, you are not what’s happened to you, and we want you here.
Below in the show notes, you will find some resources for anyone who may be trying to deal with trauma, battling anxiety, depression or even suicidal thoughts that a dear friend of mine who is a therapist shared with me in addition to some I have used for my own journey. I have been there, friend. You are worth the effort. Take it one day at a time.
No matter who you are or where you are today: your story matters. I’m so grateful you were with me in this conversation today.
Scripture:
-Genesis 37 and 39, 40, 41,42, 43, 44, 45, 46- The story of Joseph
-Colossian 1:16 // Proverbs 16:4 // 1 Chronicles 29:11-12
Resources:
-Playlist I created to encourage you and to coincide with this book.
-Suicide Prevention Awareness Day/Month #Bethe1To
-TWLOHA (To Write Love On Her Arms)
-The suicide hotlines and text line: 1-800-273-8255 // Text: HOME to 741741
-Psychology Today is a great place to find therapists and their profiles. Open Path Collective has options for sliding scale therapists.
-Middle Tennessee Counseling Resources (AND their Instagram resources for non-locals): Branches Counseling (Insta) // Novel Counseling (Insta) // Daystar Counseling Ministries (Insta)
Chapters Mentioned in her Book:
-Chapter on Love- Chapter 13: “Defining Love”
-Chapter on Forgiveness- Chapter 12: “The Truth About Forgiveness”
-Chapter on Self Destructive Behavior- Chapter 5: “Deconstructing Self-Destruction”
-Chapter on Jesus’ temptation and how He relates to abuse survivors- Chapter 9: “The Stranger Inside”
-Chapter containing the Walk with Depression and Suicide (an allegory)- Chapter 10 “Out of the Valley of the Shadow of Death”
Connecting with Jennifer:
-Find her book Not Forsaken: A Story of Life After Abuse on Amazon. (Affiliate Link)
Intro and Outro music by audionautix.com