Breaking the shackles of depression

“After matriculating, I did not have a direction in life. My marks were not good enough for me to be allowed entry into a tertiary institution.

My mother also passed on around that time and that put a lot of emotional strain on me. I plunged into depression. I could not eat. Even when I was around people I felt alone. I felt like I was in a dark place and nothing could bring me joy. I had a huge void that nothing and no one could fill. I could not even talk to my sisters because they were always busy.

My boyfriend invited me to attend services in the Universal Church. In the church, I understood that God loved me and nothing was impossible for Him. I participated in the chains of prayers on Fridays for my deliverance from depression. My life started improving. I also attended the Wednesday services for my spiritual growth.

I got baptised in water because I wanted a fresh start in the presence of God. The 21-day Fast of Daniel was introduced in the church and I decided to take part in it. I cut off social media and any form of entertainment because I wanted to dedicate more time to reading the Bible and praying. On the day that I received the Holy Spirit, I was alone at home, and as I sought the Holy Spirit, I felt an overwhelming sense of peace.

From then on, my mindset changed. I started caring for other people as well. I wanted their lives to change just as mine changed. I no longer feel a void inside or depression. My boyfriend and I got married. We are doing well financially. God is blessing everything we do. Today, when I face challenges, I turn to the word of God for solutions,” said Valencia.