by Cori Leigh | Sep 3, 2024 | Cups of Hope
When life is hard, it’s easy to lose hope. Health crises, the loss of loved ones, and traumatic experiences often leave us wondering, “When will it ever get better?”
I’ve certainly had my share of difficult seasons. During those tough times, I experienced intense anxiety and uncertainty, often feeling lost and broken.
I sometimes felt consumed by my circumstances, with fears, the weight of grief, and many concerns weighing me down. Hope dimmed, energy dissipated and joy faded.
Yet, even in those darkest moments, I discovered that hope prevails. There are ways to rise with hope in tough times!
How to Rise with Hope
When life feels overwhelming, it’s easy to lose sight of hope. But there are ways to stay anchored in faith and keep moving forward. Here are a few ways you can hold on to hope when life feels unbearable:
Lean on Your Faith
In the stormiest seasons of life faith becomes our anchor. Have you ever felt distant from God during hard times? I have. Yet, when I spent even a few quiet moments in prayer, I was reminded that He never leaves, even when my heart feels heavy.
When you feel weak and the heavy weight of burdens, remember that He is your strength, Jesus is with you, even when you can’t feel his presence.
The Power of Prayer in Tough Times
When life becomes overwhelming, and we feel burdened by grief, fear, or uncertainty, prayer can be a powerful source of comfort and strength.
Praying during tough times isn’t just about asking God to fix our problems. It’s about opening our hearts to His presence, surrendering our burdens, and trusting Him to guide us through the storm.
Have you ever noticed that when you give your burdens to Jesus, your heart feels lighter?
By offering our worries and fears to Him, we lighten our hearts, renew our hope, and find the strength to keep moving forward.
Prayer reminds us that God is with us every step of the way, helping us rise with renewed energy and peace.
Take One Day at a Time
When life feels overwhelming, it’s tempting to focus on everything that’s going wrong. But trying to solve all our problems at once can feel unbearable. Instead, focus on today. Take one small step at a time, trusting that God will give you the grace you need for tomorrow when it comes.
Matthew 6:34 reminds us not to worry about tomorrow because today has enough trouble of its own. When you focus on today’s steps, you’ll find strength in each moment, without feeling weighed down by tomorrow’s unknowns.
Surround Yourself with Support
Grief and hardship can make us feel isolated as if no one truly understands our pain. But remember, you don’t have to carry this weight alone. Reach out to trusted friends, family, or a faith community.
Sometimes, hearing someone say, “I’m here for you,” can remind you that you’re not walking through this storm alone.
Don’t hesitate to seek professional help or pastoral counseling if needed. There’s no shame in getting the support you need when life feels too heavy to bear alone.
Attitude of Gratitude
It can be hard to see the good when everything feels wrong. But even in the darkest seasons, there are glimmers of hope. Make it a habit to look for small blessings each day—whether it’s the warmth of the sun, a kind word from a friend, or a moment of peace.
Gratitude helps shift our focus from what we’ve lost to what we still have. And sometimes, those small moments of gratitude are enough to keep us going.
Take Care of Yourself
Grief, anxiety, and stress can take a toll on your physical health. It’s important to care for your body, mind, and soul. Make sure you’re nourishing your body, getting enough rest, and doing things that replenish your spirit.
A walk outside, quiet time in nature, or a few moments of stillness can do wonders and restoring your energy and perspective.
Hold on to Hope
Hope doesn’t mean pretending everything is okay. It’s the quiet confidence that, even when things are hard, God is working for your good. Hold on to that hope, even if it’s just a small glimmer. Sometimes, just believing that tomorrow could be better gives us the strength to face today.
A Poem: Wrapped in His Perfect Love
I wrote this poem several years ago during a difficult time. It’s a reminder that, even when life feels overwhelming, we are wrapped in His perfect love!
Your heart shatters beneath the weight of fear,
this brokenness you carry year by year.
Hope dims as shadows cloud your sight,
and faith, once strong, gives way to fright.
What future lies ahead in this despair?
In the storm, is Jesus truly there?
Anxiety’s tide has shifted the shore,
and peace feels distant, lost evermore.
Consumed by fears that steal your days,
the past has melted in an anxious haze.
Longing for freedom, though the path seems dim,
at last, you surrender all to Him.
Now you look to Jesus, your soul at rest,
for in His peace, your heart is blessed.
Wrapped in His perfect love, you rise with hope, set free,
no longer bound by life’s stormy sea.
In His perfect love, you’ve found your way,
from darkness to light, to a brighter day.
Friends, if you’ve survived hard things, you are not alone. I encourage you not to give up. God’s perfect love will comfort you and bring new hope, even in the darkest moments.
On those days when getting out of bed feels impossible, remember this: His light is still shining. Sometimes it may feel faint, just a small glimmer on the horizon, but it’s enough. That tiny spark of hope can light the way through today, and before you know it, brighter days will come again.
by Cori Leigh | Aug 15, 2024 | Coping while Grieving, Dealing with Loss, Encouragement for Caregivers, Grief
Losing a loved one is a heart-wrenching experience. The weight of grief is often compounded by extreme fatigue. When someone you love dies, it feels as if your world has been upended. My world was turned upside down as I cared for my dad, who lived with mixed dementia and cancer. I coped with waves of anticipatory grief, deeply saddened to see him struggle with his health conditions.
I cherished every moment I had left with my dad. He lived his 85 years to the fullest, filling every corner of my life with his love. My dad navigated life with vibrant energy, artistic talent, humor, and kindness. I see the season of caregiving and being with him in his time of need as a gift. It provided a chance to give back to a dad who loved me so much.
In the early morning of November 12, 2022, my dear dad passed away. During his final months, I cared for him almost every night until the personal support worker arrived in the morning. In the aftermath of his passing, I realized just how much exhaustion had accumulated over those few years of caregiving.
In this post, I share some of my journey through the intense grief and fatigue that accompany the loss of a loved one. I offer suggestions for gradually finding a new balance, renewed strength, and hope while coping with both grief and fatigue.
Coping with the Weight of Grief
“In the silence of grief, we find seeds of peace and whispers of hope for renewal and strength.
Grief affects every facet of our being, impacting every aspect of life. After my dad passed away, the weight of sadness entered every fiber of my being. I couldn’t fathom living each day without him. The loss was overwhelming and touched every area of my life. I couldn’t envision what the future would look like without my dad in it. The physical and emotional fatigue from caregiving often goes unnoticed until after our loved one has passed.
It was only after my dad’s death that I became acutely aware of how emotionally and physically drained I had become. The brain fog was so thick that I struggled to think clearly or carry out everyday tasks. I needed restoration and healing but didn’t know where to start. I felt disoriented, as my mind and body reacted to the stress of the emotional journey leading up to my dad’s passing.
Grief and fatigue affect the body and mind in various ways. Physically, you might experience sleep disturbances, headaches, muscle tension, and a weakened immune system. Emotionally, fatigue can amplify feelings of sadness, anxiety, and guilt. The constant demands of caregiving, and the emotional strain of loss, can deplete your energy, leaving you feeling drained and disoriented.
Here are some suggestions to help you cope with grief and the fatigue that accompanies it;
- Recognize that what you are feeling is normal and valid. Grieving is a complex process.
- Fatigue is a natural response to the emotional and physical strain you’ve been under.
- Give yourself permission to feel and express your emotions.
- Make rest a priority. Ensure you get enough sleep, as your body needs it to heal.
- Practice self-care activities that nurture your body and soul.
- Reach out to friends, family, or support groups who understand what you’re going through.
- Sharing your feelings with others can provide comfort and reduce feelings of isolation.
- Consider speaking with a therapist or counselor who specializes in grief.
Moving Forward with Hope
Though the path through grief may feel endless, hold on to hope. In time you can rediscover a new sense of balance and hope. Moving forward with your grief isn’t about forgetting your loved one. Be gentle with yourself and recognize that this is a journey, not a destination. By taking small steps toward self-care and seeking support, you can navigate the challenges of grief.
Remember, every step forward, no matter how small, is a step toward healing. Embrace the journey with patience and compassion, knowing that peace and strength will come with time.
by Cori Leigh | Aug 8, 2024 | Journey From Anxiety to Peace, Stress
Anxiety crept in during various challenging seasons of my life. The constant worry about what the future might hold weighed heavily on my heart. I would sometimes wake up in the middle of the night, my mind racing with endless “what ifs.” It wasn’t until I realized how much worry was fueling my anxiety that I began to seek ways to find peace.
Anxiety can take on many forms and intensities. In our fast-paced world, stress and anxiety have become almost synonymous with daily living. Millions of people around the globe struggle with countless burdens and find reasons to worry every day.
We race against the clock, trying to pack so much into our days. In our rush, anxiety and busyness rob us of the joy in the present moment. Life isn’t meant to be a relentless mix of stress, worry, and fear.
We were created for something more—a divine purpose beyond the daily grind. God calls us to cast our cares upon Him, to release our worries about the next second, minute, hour, or years past.
The Universal Reality of Anxiety
Anxiety is widely considered a universal reality today. Several factors contribute to the prevalence of anxiety across different populations:
Modern Lifestyle Pressures
The fast pace of life, constant digital connections, work demands, financial stress, and social pressures all contribute to higher baseline stress and anxiety.
Global Challenges
Events like the COVID-19 pandemic, economic uncertainties, political instability, and climate change have increased feelings of uncertainty and fear, fueling anxiety on a global scale.
Mental Health Awareness
Increased awareness and understanding of mental health issues have led to more people recognizing and acknowledging their experiences with anxiety, which may have been overlooked or stigmatized in the past.
Widespread Stressors
Factors like health concerns, family responsibilities, caregiving, and societal expectations can lead to anxiety across different age groups, cultures, and backgrounds.
While the intensity and manifestation of anxiety may vary from person to person, it is a common experience for many people in today’s world. This doesn’t mean everyone experiences clinical anxiety, but most individuals encounter feelings of anxiety at some point in their lives, whether due to specific stressors or more generalized concerns.
How Worry Feeds Anxiety
Worry is a subtle yet powerful emotion. It often goes unnoticed until it spirals into full-blown anxiety. It starts as a small concern and nagging thought about what could go wrong. When left unchecked, worry can grow, feeding on our fears and insecurities.
Worry and anxiety are closely linked. Worry acts as the fuel that keeps anxiety burning. When we worry, we dwell on potential negative outcomes. We imagine scenarios that may never happen. This constant mental rehearsal of worst-case scenarios keeps our minds on high alert. This triggers the body’s stress response.
The more we worry, the more anxious we become, and the more anxious we become, the more we worry. Breaking this cycle is essential to managing anxiety effectively. By recognizing when worry starts to take over, we can take steps to interrupt the loop and bring our focus back to the present moment.
Letting Go of Control: The Path to True Peace
It’s easy to fall into the trap of believing we must carry life’s burdens alone. Society often promotes self-reliance, urging us to handle everything without asking for help. But the truth is, we’re not alone, and we don’t have to face our struggles by ourselves.
In our own strength, life’s burdens can be overwhelming. Anxiety arises when we try to control everything, believing we are solely responsible for making things work. The weight of our concerns, anxieties, and worries is too heavy to bear alone. This is where faith comes in.
Finding peace in an anxious world requires surrendering our lives and days to God. The world offers no true peace, but in Him, there is a peace that surpasses all understanding—sufficient for today and every day.
Practical Steps to Finding Peace
So, how do we find peace in a world filled with anxiety, stress, and worry? Here are some practical steps that can help:
Pause and Breathe
One of the simplest yet most effective ways to combat anxiety is to pause and breathe. When anxiety starts to take hold, it often causes shallow, rapid breathing, which only increases feelings of panic. Taking a moment to breathe deeply and slowly can help calm both the mind and body.
Practice Deep Breathing
Try this simple exercise: Breathe in slowly for a count of four, hold your breath for a count of four, then exhale slowly for a count of four. Repeat this several times until you feel calmer.
Re-evaluate Your Priorities
In our quest to do it all, we often overcommit ourselves, leading to increased stress and anxiety. It’s important to re-evaluate our priorities.
- Learn to Say No: It’s okay to say no to things that don’t align with your values or that add unnecessary stress to your life. Focus on what truly matters to you.
- Simplify Your Life: Consider ways to simplify your daily routines. This might mean decluttering your home, streamlining your schedule, or reducing screen time. Simplification can reduce the mental load and create more space for peace.
Connect with Others
Anxiety can be isolating, making it easy to feel like you’re going through your struggles alone. But human connection is essential for mental health. Don’t isolate yourself—reach out to others.
- Talk about it: Share your struggles with trusted friends or loved ones. Sometimes just talking about what you’re going through can bring relief and perspective.
- Join a Support Group: Consider joining a support group where you can connect with others dealing with similar challenges. There’s comfort in knowing you’re not alone.
Practice Gratitude
Even on the hardest days, there are things to be thankful for. Cultivating a heart of gratitude can shift your focus from what’s wrong to what’s right in your life. Gratitude has been shown to reduce anxiety and increase overall well-being.
- Keep a Gratitude Journal: Each day, write down three things you’re grateful for. They don’t have to be big things—sometimes, it’s the small blessings that make the biggest difference.
- Express Thanks to Others: Take the time to thank the people in your life who support and care for you. Expressing gratitude can deepen your connections and bring more positivity into your life.
Take Care of Your Body
Our physical health is closely linked to our mental well-being. When we neglect our bodies, we make ourselves more vulnerable to stress and anxiety.
- Nourish Your Body: Eat a balanced diet rich in whole foods. Avoid excessive caffeine and sugar, which can exacerbate anxiety.
- Get Proper Sleep: Lack of sleep can make anxiety worse. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night. Create a bedtime routine that helps you wind down and prepare for rest.
- Increase Activity: Regular physical activity is a powerful tool against anxiety. Exercise releases endorphins, the body’s natural mood lifters. Even a daily walk can make a difference.
Faith – A Source of Strength and Peace
Spending time in prayer, reading scripture, or sitting in God’s presence provides comfort and peace.
- Daily Devotionals: Set aside time each day for devotionals. Whether it’s reading a passage from the Bible, meditating on a verse, or journaling your thoughts and prayers, this time can help you stay grounded.
- Cast Your Cares on Him: Remember the invitation in 1 Peter 5:7, “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” Surrendering your worries to God can lighten your load and bring a sense of peace.
An Invitation to Slow Down
When the going gets tough, God invites us to slow down. To take a deep breath. We’re reminded in Proverbs 3:5-6 to not lean on our understanding but to acknowledge Him in all our ways, and He will direct our paths.
Life is full of day-to-day hassles, hustle, and hurry. Yet, in the midst of it all, there is peace to be found., you’re not alone on this journey. Together, we can navigate life’s challenges and find the peace that God promises—a peace that passes all understanding.
I’d love to hear your thoughts about what helps you stay grounded.
How do you manage to find peace?
How does living in this anxious world affect you?
by Cori Leigh | Jul 19, 2024 | Grief & Loss
Journaling through grief offers a unique path to healing. It provides a safe and personal space to process complex emotions, reflect on our experiences, and gradually piece together the fragments of our shattered hearts. For me, journaling has been a constant companion in my life.
Over the past five years, journaling has become both a healing and transformative practice. Through writing, I’ve been able to express my deepest feelings and find a sense of healing, peace, and strength. This practice has allowed me to navigate my grief more effectively, offering a space to untangle my emotions and gain clarity during challenging times.
My Journey Through Grief and Loss
In 2019, my life took a drastic turn when my parents were involved in a severe car accident. Overnight, I became a caregiver for both my mom and dad. Just months later, my close aunt was diagnosed with aggressive cancer and passed away within six weeks. As if that wasn’t enough, my dad was diagnosed with cancer while also living with dementia.
The pandemic then intensified caregiving responsibilities and isolation. In August 2022, my 17 1/2-year-old dog Bella passed away suddenly beside me. Soon after, my dad entered palliative care at home, and I cared for him each night until he passed away on November 12, 2022.
Since then, I’ve faced more loss, including our 16-year-old Lab mix, Koda, another close aunt, and a cousin. Navigating grief and loss while attending to my well-being has been challenging, yet journaling has been a vital practice that has helped me immensely.
The Role of Journaling
Journaling became my refuge during the quiet, often lonely nights caring for my dad. With only the light of my laptop screen piercing the darkness, I poured my heart onto the pages. Writing about the pain of losing loved ones provided a glimmer of hope and strength.
Journaling was not just an outlet for my grief but a crucial tool for self-care. Writing multiple times a day offered comfort and clarity, helping me navigate the tumultuous waves of grief and find moments of peace. My journal writing helped to lighten the consuming weight of grief enabling me to feel a sense of peace.
Benefits of Journaling
- Emotional Release: Journaling provides a safe space to express deep emotions, releasing pent-up feelings and reducing the intensity of grief.
- Processing Grief: Writing helps make sense of complex emotions and find meaning amid chaos. It allows you to explore and understand your pain.
- Self-Reflection: Journaling encourages self-awareness, leading to personal growth and resilience. Reflecting on experiences can provide valuable insights into your emotional responses.
- Stress Reduction: Writing about thoughts and feelings reduces stress and anxiety, promoting a sense of calm. It can act as a form of meditation, helping to alleviate stress.
- Finding Hope: Journaling can help identify moments of hope and gratitude, shifting focus from pain to appreciation. Reflecting on positive experiences fosters a sense of peace.
- Building Resilience: Regular journaling strengthens emotional resilience. It allows you to see your progress and recognize your inner strength.
Life is filled with challenges and moments that weigh us down. Journaling has been my lifeline, helping me navigate deep grief and multiple losses. If you’re facing similar struggles, I encourage you to start writing. Journaling can be a powerful tool for healing and emotional well-being, offering hope and strength.
Through my journal, I found a way to process grief, honor loved ones, and heal my broken heart. It became a testament to resilience and a reminder that even in profound loss, there is a path to recovery. So, take a moment, find a quiet space, and let your thoughts flow onto the paper. As I did, you may discover that journaling can be a light of hope in the darkest times.
by Cori Leigh | Jun 12, 2024 | Short Stories
Sierra sat propped up in her bed, her room shrouded in the dim, gray light of early morning. The laptop screen cast a cold, blue glow on her face as she scrolled through page after page, searching for a glimmer of hope amidst her sea of despair. Each click felt heavier, as if the weight of her sorrow was pressing her down into the mattress.
It had been 18 long months since her fiancé, Seth, was killed in a fatal car crash. The dreams they had shared, the future she had envisioned, seemed to have died along with him. The weight of grief, anxiety, and depression felt like an anchor, dragging her deeper into a chasm of darkness.
Her eyes were red and swollen from countless nights of tears, and her heart felt like it was wrapped in layers of lead. With a heavy sigh, she continued her search for something—anything—that might bring her comfort. Just as she was about to close her laptop in defeat, her weary eyes stumbled upon a blog titled Light in the Shadows. Desperation drove her to click the link, hoping that perhaps, just maybe, this time something would speak to her aching heart.
Through blurred vision, Sierra read a poem titled A Hope for Tomorrow:
A Hope for Tomorrow
Black clouds of uncertainty
leave you no hope;
as you stumble and fall
down a discouraging slope.
Into your valley of
lonely despair,
Jesus is asking you
to meet Him right there.
He’ll raise out from your valley
restoring lost hope,
giving you strength as
you learn to cope.
He is your light of hope
in all of the pain;
joy comes in the morning
so you can dance in the rain.
He knows your sorrows
and just how you feel,
aware you are hurting
and wants you to heal.
He heals your broken places
and calms the fears;
be your light of hope for
all of your years.
Let the Lord radiate your path
for today and tonight,
taking you out of the shadows
and into His light.
Surrender all of your burdens
and broken heart,
Jesus is your comforter
in Him healing will start.
You are wonderfully made
and He loves you,
knowing just when you’re
happy or blue.
One day at a time He’ll help
you to stand,
as you walk in faith toward
all He has planned.
In Him, you have a purpose
and are here for a reason,
the struggles you face
are here for a season.
Sierra’s tears began to dry as she absorbed the soothing words of the poem. A flicker of realization sparked within her. It had been too long since she had turned to God, too long since she had sought solace in her faith.
A sense of clarity washed over her—perhaps it was time to reconnect with the faith she had abandoned. Closing the lid on her laptop, she rose from her bed with newfound resolve.
Grabbing her Bible, she opened it up to the first verse she saw. It said:
“You, Lord, are my lamp; the Lord turns my darkness into light.”
2 Samuel 22:29 (NIV)
Have you ever faced a time when everything seemed to fall apart, and hope felt like a distant dream? What helped you navigate through those moments of darkness? I invite you to share your experiences and insights in the comments below. Your story could be the light of hope someone else needs.
