Hello! My name is Brandie, and I am so glad you’re here! Thanks for stopping by. I wanted to tell you a little bit about myself so you can get to know me a little bit better.
I grew up in California, where I met my husband, and we relocated to North Carolina about 5 years ago. We have been married for close to a decade. We had 3 babies in 4 years; two of which were born within the same year, 10 months apart! To this day, I have never come across anyone else that has birthed two babies so close together. I definitely win the Irish Twin award!
I am most passionate about seeing God transform people’s lives through inner healing. As a person who has experienced His transforming power through inner healing prayer, I think it is a powerful tool that He uses to bring wholeness, healing, restoration, and redemption to the broken areas of our lives. I am a living testament to God’s miracle-working power, as I have lived through many difficult circumstances in my life and overcome many adversities; many of which I will share with you on this blog.
Before the Lord started the process of transforming my life, I was a Christian who was spiritually starving. I had no grasp on the concept of my “identity in Christ” and in truth had no clue what that really meant. I did not know who I truly was. I had no schedule, no structure, no order, unhealthy boundaries with the people in my life and all of my priorities were backward. I thought self-care was selfish, I had low self-esteem, I was insecure and had no sense of how to keep my peace when I came across conflicts in my life. I was a people pleaser with a false sense of purpose. I had no concept of what a healthy “connection” looked like with God, my family or my friends. I couldn’t dream anymore because I thought I didn’t deserve to. I was manipulative and controlling and didn’t trust anyone—including God. Laughter and fun had faded from my life, and I had forgotten how to do the things I love. Fear of all kinds of things paralyzed me, perfection was my mantra, I didn’t know how to “love my neighbor as myself” because I didn’t know how to love myself. I was miserable and thought that Joy was something for everyone else but me. I was so acquainted with the pain from my past and felt that it was too much for me to get past. I had a victim mentality. My voice had become so silent over the years, that I had forgotten how to use it. I was unaware of the great lengths that God had been going to, to make sure I was happy and healthy. I didn’t see why that would be something on His to-do list. Hiding in shame and isolation was much more comfortable than exposing what I was really feeling inside. Freedom seemed like something unattainable. I didn’t feel strong enough or courageous enough to overcome any of my problems. Anger was eating me up. Worthlessness was something I felt all the time. The lies I told and the lies I believed held me captive. I always wanted to do my own thing, in my own time, in my own way. I had this warped idea of how life and relationships should be, and that idea was far from reality. Rather than being full of love, I was full of judgment. I was completely worn out.
This verse from Philippians 3:12 (TPT) has an excellent description of where I am now after I have started to walk through the process of transformation that God has ordained for me in my life:
I admit that I haven’t yet acquired the absolute fullness that I’m pursuing, but I run with passion into His abundance so that I may reach the purpose that Jesus Christ has called me to fulfill and wants me to discover. I don’t depend on my own strength to accomplish this; however, I do have one compelling focus: I forget all of the past as I fasten my heart to the future instead. I run straight for the divine invitation of reaching the heavenly goal and gaining the victory prize through the anointing of Jesus.
In November of 2016, I met a woman who God used to change my life. When I met her, I was in a bad place (to state it lightly). Throughout my time of working on myself with her help, I have experienced a tremendous amount of inner healing, deliverance and personal growth. I have also experienced the most significant breakthroughs in my life that I have ever experienced.
God is beginning to fill me and grow me spiritually, in a compelling way. I have started working through and facing the grief that I have held onto for so long. I’m discovering what it feels like to have stable, connected, meaningful, authentic relationships. I’m learning how to draw healthy boundaries to protect myself and my family. I’m learning how to communicate effectively and use my voice again. My identity in Christ is something I am finally beginning to grasp. My days are scheduled, and there is an order and a structure in place so I can make sure I take care of myself, my household and keep my priorities in order. I no longer view self-care as something that is selfish, but something that is necessary so I can thrive instead of just survive. I’m finally on the road to what loving myself looks like. I’ve been practicing the art of keeping my peace, and I have found joy in the process. I’m beginning to care more about what God thinks of me than what people think of me. I can dream again. There’s this supernatural Joy that’s been placed inside of me, and it has been a fantastic experience as this miracle has unfolded. My connection with God and other people has matured remarkably. I’m learning how to relinquish my control of needing to have things done my way, in my time and letting go of that has been incredibly freeing. Valuing myself has started to develop, and because of that, I have begun to learn what it looks like to value others. I’m really enjoying (most) of my days. I feel satisfied and fulfilled. I’ve faced so much of my pain, and as a result, Jesus has taken so much of it away from me in such a miraculous way. My “perfection” mentality is beginning to diminish. My marriage is the best it has ever been! I’m learning what it means to honor people and see them the way that Jesus sees them. I am starting to give myself grace, and in turn, I’m starting to give other people grace too. Communing with God is a thing for me now. My connection with Him is more of a lifestyle, moment by moment thing now…instead of an “I’m only going to talk to Him in the morning for a few minutes” type of thing. I’m learning how to be ok with making mistakes and how to trust God with them. I’m beginning to notice the lengths that God goes to, for me to be happy and healthy. I’m not playing the victim anymore. I’m a survivor, and God has a big plan and purpose for my life. I know I’m not a mistake. I feel stronger, braver and freer than I have ever felt! I’m learning how to discern the enemies lies from God’s truth. I don’t hold pent-up anger anymore. When I do become angry in a situation, I know how to deal with it in a healthier way. I feel valued and important. My life matters. I know I’m a good mom and I’m learning how to help my kids make good healthy choices in life. I also help them learn how to be connected to God and interact with Him.
I am a living testament to God’s miracle-working power. If you find yourself struggling in any of the areas that I have mentioned above, then I want to encourage you to follow this blog! This is a place where I will be sharing much more in depth about my personal transformation process, as well as the resources I’ve used that have helped me begin my journey of healing and growth.
I can’t wait to get to know you as we share one another’s lives, and stories and as we journey together toward wholeness, healing, restoration, and redemption. If you or someone you know has a story of redemption to share, please contact us!
Love,
Kathleen says
Your testimony seems so close to mine only I haven’t advertised mine yet. My life is also a testimony of Gods grace and restoration from the pit of hell to His glorious life here on earth. I feel called to share my life with others who are going through demonic attacks and can’t seem to rise above them. Usually you can’t do this by yourself but with other Christians who know how to bind and cast them out. In Jesus name. I fell into this hole out of innocence of the occult, never having understood the result of this dangerous trap. This opens up your soul to other forms of sin that you slip into. I’m so grateful to God, my Father for His forgiveness and generous gifts of restoration. He sent me remarkable Christians who were able to give time, instruction and deep knowledge of how the spiritual world works. It is an on going process to resolve your brokenness in Christ so that you may walk in Christ closer than ever before.
Brandie says
I would love to hear your story Kathleen! When we open up submissions, send your story to us!