Have you ever felt so deeply moved by a quote or verse that it inspired you to make a change in your life? I have read quite a few which have deeply inspired me, and even helped guide me towards healing. For me, these quotes have helped guide me in many different areas of healing. They have inspired me to be better in my actions, thoughts, and prayer.
I have probably mentioned a few of these quotes and verses in various blog posts of mine, but I wanted to gather them here and share with you in what areas of my life they have inspired healing. Maybe they can inspire you, too, in similar areas of your life where you need to be healed.
Mental Health and Anxiety
One of the main topics I have shared in the past has been my journey with mental health and struggles with anxiety. Throughout this area of my life one quote had always kept me grounded:
“Pray, hope, and don’t worry. Worry is useless. God is merciful and will hear your prayer.”
St. Padre Pio
I first realized I was struggling with worry and anxiety about two years ago, in 2021. We had started our Saints for Slackers series, and I had been feeling a connection with Padre Pio. With his help, I had been able to work on ways to combat worry with him.
Trying to Remain Faithful, but I’m Exhausted
My struggle with exhaustion has been my most recent struggle. I have made some progress toward healing (but am still working on it). I have moments where I fall into a dark hole filled with dread, annoyance, and sadness. All of my joys in my life, like writing, traveling, and creating become tiresome and pointless. During our 2nd Annual Little With Great Love Retreat, I was able to finally put a name to the feeling: acedia. You can read more about how I learned about acedia and how I am overcoming it in my blog here.
When I feel down and unwilling to do anything that normally brings me joy, I often wonder if I am experiencing spiritual attack, like acedia, or am I just exhausted and in need of rest. It tends to be hard for me to rest, but I read a quote (while mindlessly scrolling on Instagram) about how “growing up woman I never knew a relaxed woman.” The quote continues on (and you can read more of it in my blog here), but it concludes with “I’m not sure I’ve ever met a woman like that. but I would like to become one.” which made me realize it’s true. We know women who are strong, successful, hardworking, and caregiving, but it’s hard to find a woman who is relaxed. I was inspired to work towards becoming a relaxed woman.
While I may be willing and want to become a relaxed woman, or hope to overcome my acedia, I find myself still falling short. It becomes tiresome when I try and try and try to be better yet I continue to fall. In these moments I remember the Lord is calling us simply to be faithful, not successful. I remember this one line from the story of the Agony in the Garden:
“The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak”
Matthew 26:41
About the Future/Times of Change
Everyone goes through big and small changes in their lives, and we all eventually learn to embrace and adjust to them. But in the midst of change or thinking about the future we can become overwhelmed and scared. I know I do.
In your 20s, there are a lot of changes that tend to happen very quickly, like transitioning out of school to a full-time job, moving out on your own, or maybe getting married. Now at 26, I have been trying to navigate being myself in my 20s, learning to embrace my own path in life and trying not to compare myself. The best “quote” I heard from someone is that 20-year-olds are just baby adults. Think about it, we become legal adults at the age of 18, therefore at 26 I am only an 8 year-old adult. This thought was very very comforting to me.
Change can sometimes be scary, and it can be hard to say yes to God when you can’t see the next step or trying to kick off a new chapter of life with a free and open heart. During these moments of change in life this verse has given me healing:
“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’”
Jeremiah 29:11
Showing Self-Love and Being Ourselves
Oftentimes, it’s hard for Catholics to think of themselves. We are taught to give to the poor, minister to the sick, share the Word of Jesus. We must always obey the Commandments and avoid selfish sins. However, the greatest commandment states to
“Love your neighbor as yourself.”
Mark 12:31
The Lord wants us to love ourselves just as He would love us. He wants us to keep our body, mind, and soul healthy. I’ve shared 5 healthy ways to love yourself and 7 ways to refresh your body and heart which have helped me with healing and showing self-love.
One of the ways we show ourselves love is by being ourselves and embracing who we are. Over the years, I have slowly uncovered who I am, which brings me such joy and love. I have learned to “write my own story” and shared that as women we don’t need to hide our joy.
A Relationship with the Lord
Each of our relationships with the Lord all look different. We may struggle to open up to Him or accept His unconditional mercy and love. But this does not change the fact that He does love us and He will never leave our side.
The Lord always wants us to know that He adorns us as His beloved and He will help us carry our crosses. These quotes have helped me remember this:
- His beloved: “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” (Ephesians 2:10)
- But the Lord stood with me and gave me strength” (2 Timothy 4:17)
- Do not fear: I am with you” (Isaiah 14:10)
I sometimes need to look back on my post “how to refresh your relationship with the Lord” when I find myself feeling distant from Him. Whenever I feel far from Him, I simply ask Him to bring me closer.
I hope some of these quotes and my past reflections inspire healing. I am always praying for you as we walk on our restoration journeys together.
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