Vivian was surrounded by people who loved and adored her, but no one knew she was suffering from childhood trauma, or that she barely slept—sometimes going days without any sleep at all. Even her closest friends had no idea she was suffering in silence. Tragically, when the darkness pressed in and became too much she took her own precious life, and we lost her forever.

Do you ever experience feelings of fear and anxiety? If so, you are not alone. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), over 40 million adults (19.1%) in the U.S. have an anxiety disorder.1 Although most people will occasionally experience mild symptoms of fear and anxiety, others may find their symptoms to be debilitating. While our symptoms may vary from mild to severe, for those of us who are believers in Jesus, we can find comfort in His presence.

The season of thankfulness is upon us. It is the time of year when we begin reflecting on all we are grateful for. Family, friends, and the many blessings God gives us. These Bible verses will help you reflect on God's goodness in your life. With Christmas just around the corner, we anticipate with gratitude the celebration of the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. However, in this joyful season, as we reflect on our many blessings, being thankful isn’t always easy.

I cried out to the Lord and grieved for my hurting and grieving friend. In my weakness, I didn't know if I would have the right words to say