Braving the Raw Truth.

There are so many things I still struggle to write about—parts of my story that feel too raw to share. I know they’re testimonies, I know they hold power, but even now, letting the world in feels vulnerable. So… I’m diving in slow, because it’s been a moment since I shared my journey in the Refine Series. So, here’s a quick summary.

Two years ago, I hit rock bottom—mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. I mean, my little mind broke bad. I cried out to God, “Why do You keep letting these things happen? I don’t want any more stories or testimonies. Please, Lord, no more.”

The weight of it all became too much. At one point, it crushed me. I broke under the pressure—mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. I had a complete breakdown, and for the first time, I thought, I can’t come back from this. I can’t be fixed. The darkness felt like it had swallowed me whole, and I wasn’t sure I’d ever find my way out. (Future post on this.)

Chronic pain became my constant companion—arthritis, Epstein-Barr, and the relentless ache of a body that felt like it was failing me. Fibromyalgia added to the daily struggle, making even simple tasks exhausting. My work life was over; the ambitions I once held tightly slipped through my fingers. But even in that, God began to teach me something I didn’t know how to do: to live slower, to live with Him. He invited me into a rhythm of grace, one where striving was replaced by abiding, and achievement gave way to trust.

Looking back now, I never dreamed I’d reach a point in my life where I could see any of the trials—or the refining fires—as blessings. But here I am.

And it’s crazy what you are forced to face when you hit rock bottom. The traumas and past that beg to be confronted. Decades of tucking it all away no longer works. The only way out is through… and what God reveals when you let Him is eye opening.

Abuse—verbal and physical—left scars I thought would define me forever. But those scars gave me strength I didn’t know I had. They also taught me the importance of treating others with kindness and dignity, because that’s what we all deserve.

Grief came in like a wave and nearly drowned me. The loss was suffocating, but through it, I learned to treasure life in a way I never had before. Grief taught me to cling to the memories, to savor the moments, and to hold life loosely yet tenderly.

Broken friendships left me feeling rejected and unworthy. But they also taught me what healthy love looks like, how to set boundaries, and how to value the relationships that truly nurture my soul.

The mental breakdown, the chronic pain, the struggle to let go of trauma after trauma, and the battles with mental health—each one felt insurmountable at the time. Each one left me crying out, “God, why? Why do You keep letting this happen?”

Like I said, that was two years ago. What a hard journey it’s been…

But now, I see what I couldn’t then. Every trial built something in me. Every tear watered seeds of compassion, empathy, and resilience. Every moment of brokenness became a moment God used to show me His faithfulness.

The biggest lessons weren’t just about enduring or surviving. They were about understanding the depth of God’s grace, the healing that comes in slowing down, and the power of sharing our stories. They were about learning to be with someone in their pain and say, “I get it. I really do. What do you need? Prayer? A hug? Someone to just sit with you in silence?”

But the greatest blessing of all is this: no matter how heavy life became, God never left me. Not once. Even when I broke, He didn’t leave me in pieces. He held me together when I couldn’t hold myself. He listened to my cries, even when I couldn’t feel Him. He sent the right people at the right time. He spoke through His Word. He taught me to stop striving and to simply rest in Him.

Now, I see the refining fire not as punishment but as preparation. I see the pain not as something to resent but as a tool God used to shape me into who I am today.

If you’re walking through your own storm, I hope this reminds you that you’re not alone. God sees you. He hears you. He’s with you in every broken moment, carrying you through what feels impossible.

So, friend, what is something in your life that feels too raw to share right now? How might God be inviting you to lean into His grace right smack in the middle of it?

What a hard road it’s been. But God is faithful, and He continues to teach me, shape me, and hold me through it all. Let me end with this, I’m stronger than I’ve ever been, more centred than I’ve ever been, happier than I’ve ever been. And, I’m ready to share the stories and pieces that some may struggle with themselves. I’m ready to put into words what me and so many others once felt shame to talk about.

Love Sarah x.

*If this post has touched your heart, there’s more to come as I open up about depression, anxiety, church hurt, grief, broken friendships and more in the limited series, ‘Let’s talk about it.’ Comments will be closed in the future posts to paid members only, to keep responses private.

I’d love for you to consider becoming a paid supporter of this space. It helps keep this creator creating, but it will always be totally optional, of course. I’m so thankful you’re journeying here with me no matter how you show up. ❤️ And don’t forget to share this space as much as you can, it means more than you know.

*Little Sparrow Loved Crew, head on over to the chat and let’s discuss this post and it’s also prayer request day ❤️ so let me know what you would like me to add to my prayer wall.