“My friend had been having a hard time struggling with anxiety, so she asked if I could come to a Kintsugi Hope Wellbeing Group with her to keep her company.
Of course I said yes – she is one of my dearest friends, so I happily agreed to attend. On the day of the group she was unwell and couldn’t attend, but for some reason, I went anyway.
I met some lovely people, but didn’t say much at first and just listened to people bravely share their stories. I felt a quiet confidence start to grow within myself.
My story is complex and was untold. No one really knew the truth. I was living in silence, but it wasn’t always that way. When I first got married, I was filled with hope, like many new brides. But it quickly turned into controlling, angry and frightening. It was like walking on eggshells. My skirt was too short; my lipstick wasn’t right. I started to wear makeup to hide the bruises.
I stopped seeing friends. I sat at the back of church, crying through the service. I felt ashamed and alone.
Eventually, I realised I wasn’t just scared for me, I was scared for my children.
I started hiding the kitchen knives and kept my car keys in my pocket, just in case we needed to leave quickly. And one day, it all got too much and we left. We started again.
Then, last winter I joined the Kintsugi Hope Wellbeing Group. There were 12 of us – different ages, different stories. And from the first session, I felt something I hadn’t felt in years of my marriage: safe.
Week by week, we talked about anxiety, shame, disappointment … and slowly, I realised I wasn’t the only one carrying something heavy.
One week, for the first time, I shared my story. I didn’t plan to. But it just came out.
No one judged me. They just listened. And in that moment, I felt lighter, like I’d finally exhaled.
After all those years, I was given a safe moment to share my story. A moment in a soft spotlight and I didn’t have to hide anymore.
I have seen the generous power of a safe space, and how it can bring freedom, light and hope for a brighter tomorrow. It’s often the unnoticed people who have been hiding in the shadows that need to be gently encouraged to share their story.”
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This was the story of someone who was given the opportunity to share their story for the first time in Kintsugi Hope Wellbeing Group. The church is a profound resource that can offer a listening ear to people in their community seeking self-worth, confidence and wellbeing.
Take your first step today. Think of someone who the spotlight doesn’t tend to fall on and give them a platform – in private or in public – to share their story and find their place.
Ellie Gage
CEO, Kintsugi Hope
Reflect
‘Be devoted to one another in love. Honour one another above yourselves.’
Romans 12:10
Pray
- Pray for people who rarely get noticed, that they would feel valued and encouraged today.
- Ask God to help you honour others by giving them time, attention and appreciation.
- Thank Him for the people whose stories, gifts and experiences enrich your own life.
Act
A generosity challenge for you to complete today:
| Swap the spotlight – in a group setting, deliberately give someone an opportunity to share their story, idea, experience or win. |
About Kintsugi Hope
Kintsugi Hope believe that the church and Christian charities are uniquely placed to offer what so many are searching for: support, friendship and community.
We empower them to create safe spaces for mental and emotional wellbeing through our proven Wellbeing Group Programme.
