I grew up knowing the Lord, but at fifteen came to know Him in a more personal way that changed my life forever. I’m 32 now, and I have followed Him since that day. But, the last year of my life has brought tumultuous and uncertain circumstances. I came to GFI because, though I loved the Lord and wanted to follow Him, I was stuck in patterns of anxiety, confusion, and resistance toward my circumstances. I suddenly began experiencing panic attacks and daily physical anxiety that seemed to control my life. Though I pressed into the Lord for help, I felt unable to reach Him and often a disappointment toward Him. Why was I like this? How could I get out?

I found the “Handbook to Happiness” after searching on YouTube for people who God had led out of similar anxiety. The book spoke to my heart and touched heavily on the topic of “self”—a principle that the Lord kept highlighting in my life. I had been praying for the Lord to lead me to counseling if that was something He wanted for me. GFI seemed to me a resource that was Scripture based, Holy Spirit driven, and made sense. It felt like the Lord answered my prayer!

After reaching out, I began meeting weekly with Cheryl. I will always be grateful for my time with her. Through her, the Lord helped me see how I was living through my own strength, a life of striving and “trying” to be like Jesus—but, of course, always falling short and growing more and more frustrated. Through our time, I learned how God wanted to live through me and the true meaning of surrender. I found comfort in the truth that He uses uncomfortable circumstances, like mine, to bring us into greater surrender which ultimately leads to more intimacy and life in Him.

The Lord has been bringing me to this surrender, and I have found that I am not so afraid anymore. Things that I could not do before because of fear, He is enabling me to do now. If you are in a spot of frustration, fear, and disappointment, like I was, then I highly recommend GFI. For me, it was the truth I needed to begin laying down my “self” and looking to Jesus for true life. I am very thankful for Cheryl and her kindness, wisdom, and gentle way of helping me understand. We had a great time chatting and I always looked forward to our time together! She made it so easy for me to be open and honest. Thank you to her and GFI for all your help, encouragement, and resources. I pray your ministry would be blessed as you continue to aid Christians in their walks with Jesus. Here’s to “exchanging” our life for His!