“I’ve written this book because I’ve been there,” Dr. Michelle Bengtson shares in her newly released book Hope Prevails. Not only does she treat patients who are in the pit of depression, but she’s been there herself.
“I’ve written this book because I’ve been there,” Dr. Michelle Bengtson shares in her newly released book Hope Prevails. Not only does she treat patients who are in the pit of depression, but she’s been there herself.
Teres’sa* is definitely a warrior woman. She and the other warrior women at the sexual abuse counseling center where she works adopted the motto “Hear Me Roar!” to remind them
oh my I was overwhelmed with emotions reading this! You are a survivor and overcomer! Your strength in the Lord will continue to heal you and guide you down a path to be able to help others. sharing your story is the only way to educate others and to show others there is another path you can take. Thank you for sharing such intimate details of your life. Prayers for continued healing and courage.
Thank you so much! I speak at many events and tell my story when I feel that there maybe someone there that I could help. I have been surprised at the response I get. It is amazing how many people come forward asking how they may get the same kind of help that I did. I tell them that they have made the most important step already; that is, by standing up and facing the fact that they have been abused. I know now that I was put here for a reason and that reason is to help others to become an overcomer and a survivor because once you have done that you are no longer a victim. Thank you for the continued prayers.
A beautiful testimony of God’s redemptive love!
Thank you and yes it is, I see him working in my life daily now! I know he has a great plan for me. I trust him to lead the way.
Teressa I couldn’t bring myself to read your story til now. I wish I’d known and I’d have let you come down the street to our house. I’m SO proud of you and love you dearly!!
Tiff that is the thing NO ONE knew or if they did know they weren’t saying anything. I was too afraid to tell anyone after what happened at school. I have taken the negative that was given to me and made it into a positive. With each person I help it makes me that much stronger. I am proud of you too my dear friend and love you too!
Hi Teressa,
I read your story and I am very happy you have been surrendered to God and received His great love, mercy, grace, strength and power to accomplish all the positive works and life changes He has provided for you and others that you wrote about. Praises to God for all your blessings!!!
You will be staying with me March 23 rd for our Overcomer Celebration on 24th…. I am so looking forward to meeting you!
Hi Amelia,
I am so sorry that I am just now responding back to your kind words. I am also so sorry that I did not get to make it to the celebration. I was just so worn out after the passing of my dad and returning from my vacation just to have to get right back on the road again. I am hoping that I will be able to attend next years. I was looking forward to staying with you and having dinner with everyone on Friday evening. Thank you again!
Teres’sa
Teressa, I can not imagine having been so abused. I’m glad you decided to seek God and professional health. I’m hoping you are leading a happy life now.
Thank you Glenda! It was hard for so long, I understand that God had a greater plan for me which I am for filling now. I am blessed with a very happy life now.
Teressa,
Wow, so many emotions reading your story! I love that you’re an overcomer helping others overcome. Brings to mind 2 Corinthians 1:4.. Thanks for sharing!
I am proud of you that you found your way through this abuse, and I pray you are living a happy life now.
Wonderful story with such powerful encouraging words!
She tried hard to keep them together. It goes to show you that it takes both partners to make a marriage work. Each giving 100%. I’m glad she replaced all this sadness with putting God in her life.
You are a brave woman, Jenna! I am SO PROUD of you!
Many of us face a health struggle at some point in our lives. Uncomfortable and inconvenient as it may be, it generally has a short duration. One hundred thirty-three million Americans wish for a health struggle with a short duration.
Erin is a beautiful young woman, inside and out. I’m thrilled to see how God uses her to reach out to others who are struggling with chronic illness. She’s right, we can’t begin to understand the moment-to-moment struggle, but this post certainly helped me see it in a new light. Thank you, Erin, for your honesty, and thank you, Melony, for sharing Erin’s story!
I am very sure that this story will encourage someone today! sometimes we think we have it hard, or we have major obstacles, then we have a clarifying moment, understanding what others have going on
Wow… some big overcoming for Erin. Having several auto immune diseases myself.
It’s hard enough trying learn and research and going from doctor to doctor in hope for a answer
Or a miracle. Then add on a very difficult child trama. It’s amazing to me that Erin was about to find her way back to her faith and overcoming some of the hardest challenges.
Thanks for sharing your story.
wishing you good health and hope you our filled with peace and comfort.
bless you,
Angie
wow-the spoon analogy was great. I am no where close to where Erin is in her health struggles. But the spoon thing really hit me. I have neurological issues that are not evident to most people. People just assume that I am clumsy and gawky, uncoordinated. They shake their heads and say “That’s just Shannon”. Which is true. But I really do not like being known for being the clumsy one. Its very frustrating for me. I really do want my body to cooperate. I have to work twice as hard, pay twice as much attention. Its tiring sometimes. And people-most people anyway-don’t get it. I have SO OFTEN wanted to put two different size shoes on my husband and have him go trail run 5k…and then wonder why I fall down. (not that he does not respect what I am trying to do…more to have someone ‘normal’ understand.) I am SO GLAD to hear the Erin has found some resolution and healing and is off most of her medications. She is beautiful and to look at her you would not think there was a thing wrong w her. That is probably frustrating to her as well. I have always maintained that our health is one of the biggest things we take for granted.
Beautiful story Melony!!
As Alyssa* shared her story with me, I couldn’t help but think of Francine Rivers’ book. It should have been no surprise when at the end of the interview, I asked if any books had impacted her during her
Mel- awesome article! Alyssa is an inspiration for all, she is such a testimony about how God pursues us, even when we don’t want (or don’t think we want) Him to. God is awesome, so is Twyla!
Thank you for sharing Alyssa’s overcoming story! Redeeming Love is one of my favorite books and I highly recommend it.
Well written and very encouraging to me – saved by God’s grace.
Blessings, Maureen
Like many, I have read hundreds of wonderful books over the years, and when anyone asks what’s my favorite, I always respond with Francine Rivers’ Redeeming Love. Everyone should read! So proud of you Alyssa, one day at a time, overcoming so many challenges, living in His redeeming love. God Bless and thank you for sharing your story.
Wow! Great testimony! Thanks for sharing your story!
Wow, what an incredible journey she’s been through. Thanks for sharing! Redeeming Love is one of my favorite books!!
If you haven’t read part 1 of Jule’s story, please read it before reading the conclusion to her story.
Bryan, Jordan, Jule, and Christian
Two years after having a double mastectomy, Jule’s doctors found a suspicious
Jule is an amazing woman whose light does always shine! She truly does rock on!
Jule certainly practices what she preaches! She is an inspiration to all she meets and I feel blessed to know her and call her a friend! What a blessing!
Wow.. This is truly “one for the books.” What a life long journey!!!
What an incredible story of strength and faith. Jule, you are walking testimony to the power, strength and grace of God. Thank you for running into His arms instead of running away!
Jule is definitely an inspiration to all she meets. I’ve never seen her without one of those amazing smiles. Many blessings to you all!
Jule is truly a testimony of her love for God and his love for her. I’m glad she had lots of good firends and family to help her through a lifetime of challenges.
Jule is a true inspiration for all.
Once again, JULE is the most inspirational person/friend I have ever known. I will be the first in line to see her speak. love you Jule
It is rare to find someone that has the spirit that Jule does….she is truly a remarkable person and she proves that life is not about the things that happen to you, but most important what defines you is how you react to the things that happen. Jule has a message that needs to be shared and I want to help her get it out to the people that need to hear her…..any suggestions will be appreciated!!
HI Melony! I happened upon your Blog this morning when I searched for The Scarf Game, and I am so happy I did! I, too have blogged about this courageous woman who I was blessed to call my friend.
As I consider all I know and love about Jule Furr, I am inspired to go forward in my life journey with her mind, living out my faith with the best version of myself.
These writings (both Part 1 and Part 2) are wonderful, thought-provoking, and moving. I have linked both parts in my recent blog post on Pages From Joan (Facebook Page) / joanwpage.com (on the web)
I look forward to following your blog!
Best,
Joan
As Jule* approaches her 50th birthday this year, she realizes she has faced one type of health struggle or another for many years of her life. Her beautiful smile and positive outlook on life would cause you to think she’s
Mama Furr is by far the strongest woman I have ever met. She is one big ray of Sunshine wherever she goes. God bless you, Jule Furr! Lots of love from the Barto clan.
I first met Jule when her son, Christian, was in my two year old preschool class. With all the struggles she was going through at the time, she was still an encourager and great preschool Mom! I am blessed to have been a room mom with her as Christian and our daughter, Nicki, shared the same ECS grades! Jule, you are definitely a gift from God to our family! Love from the Hood Gang!
God is so good. We could all use a dose of that Sunshine! Thank you so much for sharing your heart and trust in The Lord. His love endures forever…
I met Jule at my kids school, and fell in love with her, she is all this and much more, my kids came across her during school stuff and fell in love with her as well. She always has a smile, and makes you feel like you are the only person in the room, she is amazing, and I agree God’s chosen one, Such a blessing, and the most courageous women EVER…
Jule is a ray of sunshine to all she encounters! She brings laughter, joy, a huge heart and a sense of what is possible to all! She exudes a life lived without regret and one lived for Christ and loving others. She is a definite blessing in my life!
Our family met the Furr’s through baseball and what a gift and a blessing they are. Led by Mama Furr of course! I have seen her sit in 100 degree weather, sick as a dog, without complaint, to watch her baby boy play ball. And I saw a team of ball players share a national championship with her – rejoicing that she made it to watch them. Thank you for honoring her spirit and zest for life. Everyone who meets her leaves being better than before.
My aunt Jule is truly an inspiration, and I don’t know where I would be without her. She is a wonderful blessing in my life. Thank you for sharing her story!
Jule is a truly remarkable woman! My family has had the pleasure of taking a couple of beach trips with her and her sweet family. Her light most certainly shines!
I am Jule’s cousin only two years younger. I remember learning about Jule being sick so young. We have never lived any closer than 4 hours away from each other. We visit on occasion, and I enjoy taking my nearly 85 year old mother to see Jule and her Dad (my mother’s brother). I’ve never seen anyone with the drive and determination that Jule carries. Not only does she carry it, she freely gives it to others. Jule has always been a beautiful person inside and out. The last time we visited I was going through a painful divorce. The encouragement she gave me will never be forgotten. I remember thinking if Jule can face life with this horrible disease,and offer me encouragement and love, I too can face what is ahead of me. Jule’s spirit is bigger than her sickness and she can’t possibly know the effect she has had on me. I know I am only one of many that she has touched. Jule is a gift~I love her. It’s great that you are sharing her story.
Jule always has a smile on her face. A true joy.
Love her!
I met Jule through our sons playing baseball. She is an amazing person. She is the most positive upbeat person I know! Her faith is so strong. Knowing Jule makes me a better person – she is all of our sunshine! Love her dearly!
I first met Jule a few years ago when our boys began playing football and baseball together. She is a true inspiration. I love her zest for life. She always makes me smile when I’m with her. She truly is a ray of sunshine. My life is so much better with her in it.
Not only does her light shine brightly but it’s done so for many years now. It is one thing to be brave and joyous during a ‘season’ and an entirely different thing to carry the joy of Christ in you so that it never quits. I just hope I get to tell the gate keeper in Heaven that I’m friends with Jule…God’s special one!
I have known Jule since right before she married Bryan. We have been through a lot of times together. Till today, I say, she is the strongest and most positive person I know. She is a great inspiration to ALL…
I must start by thanking you, Melony Brown, for writing such an amazing article about an amazing person that I am lucky enough to call my cousin! Of course in our family we all know how truly amazing and wonderful Jule is but it is nice for others to read this story and especially those that may be struggling with their own health issues. What an inspiration both you ladies are to everyone! She epitomizes what a true Christian mother is suppose to be and I strive every day to be more like her in every thing I do. I wished we lived closer so that I could give her more hugs – but I will count on you guys in GA to do that for me. Can’t wait to read the 2nd part of your article! Love you Julie!
Jule has lead her life with such grace and has shone us all way “joyful” living really is. Love her!
I love the phrase “hope prevails”. I hate that you had to journey through so much pain to understand your clients or patients, but thankful at the same time. I’m sure your ability as a doctor was more meaningful after your own encounter with darkness shed more light on the difficult challenges of depression. I’m definitely interested in your finished book.