National Wellness Month: Walking in Victory Over Past Trauma

National Wellness Month: Walking in Victory Over Past Trauma

National Wellness Month: Walking in Victory Over Past Trauma

By Toni Weisz / Recovery Tools

Scripture: Psalm 147:3
He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.

Healing Is a Journey, Not a Destination

August is National Wellness Month, a time to focus on caring for our minds, bodies, and spirits. While wellness often brings to mind exercise, healthy eating, and getting enough rest, true wellness reaches much deeper. It includes emotional healing, spiritual growth, and finding freedom from the pain of yesterday.

At My Ashes to Beauty, we believe God never intended for trauma to define your future. Whether your wounds came from childhood, abuse, loss, addiction, betrayal, or life-changing disappointments, healing is possible. The scars may remain, but they no longer have to control your life.

Walking in victory doesn’t mean pretending the pain never existed. It means allowing God to transform your ashes into something beautiful and discovering that your story is still being written.

Choosing Wellness Every Day

Healing from trauma is rarely a single moment. More often, it is a series of small choices made one day at a time.

Choosing wellness may look like:

  • Spending quiet time with God each morning.
  • Reading Scripture that reminds you of His promises.
  • Talking with a trusted friend, pastor, or Christian counselor.
  • Taking a walk while thanking God for His faithfulness.
  • Practicing forgiveness—not because what happened was acceptable, but because you refuse to let bitterness keep you captive.
  • Giving yourself grace on difficult days.

Some days you may feel like you’ve taken two steps forward and one step back. That’s okay. Progress is still progress.

God is patient with us, and we can learn to be patient with ourselves as we heal.

Psalm 147:3
He heals the brokenhearted and bind up their wounds.

God sees our pain, and His desire is to bring healing and restoration to every broken area of our lives.

Walking in the Victory Christ Provides

The enemy often wants us to believe that our past determines our future. God’s Word tells a different story.

Through Christ, we are not victims—we are overcomers.

Victory isn’t found in our own strength but in trusting the One who restores broken hearts and gives hope where there once seemed to be none. As we surrender our hurts to Him, He replaces fear with peace, shame with purpose, and despair with hope.

That doesn’t mean life suddenly becomes easy. Challenges still come, and memories may still surface. But they no longer have the final word. God’s love is greater than every painful chapter you’ve lived through.

As healing takes place, many discover that the very experiences they once wished they could erase become opportunities to encourage someone else. God often uses healed hearts to help heal other hearts.

This National Wellness Month, take one intentional step toward your own healing. You don’t have to have every answer today. Simply begin where you are and trust God with the next step.

He specializes in restoration. He redeems what seems lost. He brings beauty from ashes.

Your past may explain part of your story, but it does not determine your destiny. In Christ, you can walk forward with renewed strength, restored hope, and the confidence that your best chapters are still ahead.

 

Please reach out if you would like to talk this week to my email: toni@myashestobeauty.com.

Here for you,

Toni

Back to BLOGS

Speaking Life: The Power of Words

Speaking Life: The Power of Words

Speaking Life: The Power of Words

By Luci Boudreaux/Spiritual Insights

Scriptures:
Proverbs 16:24 “Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”

Col. 4:6 “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.”

Eph. 4:29 “Let no corrupting (unwholesome) talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.”

Questions:

Have you experienced a pattern of destructive words spoken over you?

Are you able to speak life affirmation to others but not yourself?

What can you do to change this pattern in your life?

How can we pray for you today?

In order to love someone, or to love ourselves, we need to speak life into hearts and minds. And as we do this, the evil that has been corrupting our thinking will lose its hold on us and our relationships.

When I came to know Jesus at age 25, I had a family history of harsh and critical words spoken over me. I believed those lies, and over time, they became my identity. My heart was wounded to the point that I saw no hope for a different way. I was told that I was ugly, stupid, and wasn’t wanted.

I was deceived into thinking that all the world was dark and that my future was just an endless string of rejection and disappointment. After leaving home, I continued to tell those lies to myself and lived them out as if they were the truth.

That all began to change when I surrendered my life to Jesus, repented of my known sin and trusted Him as my Lord and Savior. I was made new that day! And I can remember feeling a sense of hope and freedom for the first time.

But my deeply rooted, negative thought pattern took time to change. I needed other healthy believers in Jesus, who had learned about speaking life affirming words, to show me what that looked like for me.

As I spent more time in the company of these people who were confident in who they were, I learned that the words I spoke to myself, and to others, had a powerful influence in the direction that my life was going in.

I experienced a positive change in how I saw myself. And I noticed that as I began to see myself through the eyes of Christ (beautiful, forgiven, beloved), others treated me differently, with dignity and respect. So, do you see the connection? As we respect and love ourselves according to who we are in Christ, others will see us this way.

My words were becoming more positive, more gracious. But in the beginning, I wouldn’t allow the good things to be spoken over me, nor did I build myself up; I resisted when people affirmed me in a life-giving way. I affirmed others but not myself. I believed myself to be unworthy. But God’s Word says otherwise, so I had to reconcile with this truth.

In order to speak life into ourselves and others, we need a source from within. That is Jesus and His Word! It nourishes us so we can be healthy enough to pour into others. He calls you by name, and as you listen, you will be fed “living water.” Jesus has the Living Water that flows from Him to you and then into others as you share His Words.

We often underestimate the influence that our words possess in our everyday lives. This is not just a call to say nice things; rather, it is a reminder that our speech can affect the hearts and minds of others.

From The Bible Repository:

“Speaking life is not just about saying nice things; it’s also about sharing the hope we have in Christ and standing in truth. We must encourage each other daily and maintain a spirit of positivity in our conversations. God’s word equips us with wisdom and strength, allowing us to be vessels of encouragement and love.”

“Every person we encounter is on their own journey, facing struggles we may never fully understand. With this in mind, we can choose to be a source of support and encouragement, actively uplifting those around us.”

I pray the Lord guides you in all you say and do; may He be glorified in our lives.

In Christ’s Love,

Luci

 

Back to BLOGS

Freedom That Lasts: Celebrating Independence Day Through the Freedom Found in Christ

Freedom That Lasts: Celebrating Independence Day Through the Freedom Found in Christ

Freedom That Lasts: Celebrating Independence Day Through the Freedom Found in Christ

By Toni Weisz/Spiritual Disciplines

Scriptures:

“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” John 8:36 (NIV)

“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.” — Galatians 5:1 (NIV)

Freedom That Reaches Deeper

As Americans gather to celebrate Independence Day, we remember the courage, sacrifice, and determination of those who fought for our nation’s freedom. Fireworks light the sky, flags wave proudly, and families come together to celebrate the blessings of liberty.

But while political freedom is a wonderful gift, there is another kind of freedom that reaches much deeper—the freedom found in Jesus Christ. No matter what our past holds, Christ offers healing, forgiveness, and a new beginning.

Freedom From the Weight of the Past

Many women carry burdens that no one else can see. Past mistakes, broken relationships, abortion, abuse, shame, guilt, fear, or regret can become invisible chains that keep us from experiencing joy and peace.

Jesus came to break those chains.

Scripture reminds us:

“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” — John 8:36 (NIV)

The freedom Christ offers isn’t based on our performance or our past. It is rooted in His grace, mercy, and unconditional love. Through His sacrifice on the cross, we are invited to leave behind condemnation and embrace forgiveness.

Healing Begins With Surrender

Freedom doesn’t mean pretending the pain never happened. It means allowing God to enter our broken places and transform them into something beautiful.

God Turns Ashes Into Beauty

Isaiah 61:3 tells us that God gives us “a crown of beauty instead of ashes.”

That promise is at the heart of every healing journey.

At My Ashes to Beauty, we believe no story is beyond God’s redemption. Whether your wounds come from abortion, loss, addiction, abuse, or other painful experiences, the Lord specializes in restoring what feels impossible to repair.

Healing often begins with one simple step: surrendering your pain to the One who already carried it on the cross.

Walking in Your New Freedom

Just as our nation celebrates freedom every July, believers can celebrate spiritual freedom every day.

That freedom allows us to:

  • Let go of shame.
  • Receive God’s forgiveness.
  • Experience His peace.
  • Walk confidently in His purpose.
  • Share His hope with others who are hurting.

Your past does not define your future. God’s grace has the final word.

Celebrate the Greatest Freedom

This Independence Day, enjoy the celebrations with grateful hearts—but don’t forget the greatest freedom ever offered.

Jesus invites every weary heart to exchange guilt for grace, fear for peace, and ashes for beauty.

If you’ve been carrying hidden burdens, know that you don’t have to carry them alone. Christ’s love is greater than every mistake, every regret, and every painful memory.

Today can be the beginning of a new chapter—a life marked not by your past, but by God’s redeeming love.

As we celebrate our nation’s freedom, may we also rejoice in the everlasting freedom that can only be found in Jesus Christ.

“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.” — Galatians 5:1 (NIV)

 

My prayer for you is that you will experience all of the deep and lasting freedom the Lord has provided for your spirit, soul, and body.

Please reach out if you would like to talk this week: toni@myashestobeauty.com.

Here for you,

Toni

Back to BLOGS

PTSD Awareness Month: Hope, Healing and Support After Abuse Trauma

PTSD Awareness Month: Hope, Healing and Support After Abuse Trauma

PTSD Awareness Month: Hope, Healing and Support After Abuse Trauma

By Toni Weisz/Recovery Tools

Scripture:
Psalm 34:18: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” (NIV)

June is recognized as PTSD Awareness Month, a time dedicated to increasing understanding of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and encouraging those who are struggling to seek support and healing. At My Ashes to Beauty, we understand that trauma can leave deep emotional wounds, but we also believe that healing is possible and that every survivor deserves hope. Our main focus is helping women heal and recover from post-abortion and abuse.

Understanding PTSD

PTSD, or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, can develop after a person experiences or witnesses a traumatic event. While many people associate PTSD with military veterans, trauma can affect anyone. Survivors of abuse, domestic violence, accidents, natural disasters, medical crises, grief, and other life-altering experiences may also develop PTSD.

Symptoms can vary from person to person and may include:

  • Flashbacks or intrusive memories
  • Nightmares and sleep disturbances
  • Anxiety and panic attacks
  • Emotional numbness
  • Difficulty trusting others
  • Feelings of guilt, shame, or isolation
  • Hypervigilance or feeling constantly on guard

These symptoms can impact relationships, work, physical health, and overall quality of life. Yet many people suffer in silence because they fear being misunderstood or judged.

Breaking the Stigma

One of the most important goals of PTSD Awareness Month is to reduce the stigma surrounding trauma and mental health challenges. PTSD is not a sign of weakness. It is a human response to overwhelming experiences.

Healing does not happen through willpower alone. Just as physical injuries require care and treatment, emotional wounds often require support, understanding, and time to heal. Seeking help is a courageous step toward recovery.

At My Ashes to Beauty, we encourage individuals to recognize that they are not defined by what happened to them. Their story is greater than their pain, and their future can be brighter than their past.

The Journey Toward Healing

Recovery from trauma is not always a straight path. Some days may feel difficult, while others bring new breakthroughs and hope. Healing often involves building healthy coping skills, developing supportive relationships, processing difficult emotions, and learning to feel safe again.

For many survivors, finding a compassionate community can make all the difference. Being heard, believed, and supported helps reduce the feelings of loneliness that trauma often creates.

Whether healing comes through counseling, faith, support groups, self-care practices, or trusted relationships, every positive step forward matters.

From Ashes to Beauty

The mission of My Ashes to Beauty reflects a powerful truth: even after life’s most painful experiences, restoration is possible. While trauma may be part of a person’s story, it does not have to be the final chapter. God has a wonderful plan for your life. Now is a good time to get started on a new chapter of your life. And compassionate support is available at My Ashes to Beauty.

This PTSD Awareness Month, let us choose compassion over judgment, understanding over silence, and hope over despair. If you or someone you love is struggling with the effects of trauma, know that support is available and healing is possible.

Your journey may have begun in the ashes, but beauty can still emerge. One step, one day, and one moment of healing at a time.

Being in a space where others understand—where you don’t have to explain or hide—can make a meaningful difference. Recovery support groups, like those at My Ashes to Beauty (which focuses on post-abortion and abuse recovery and healing), are created to offer that kind of safe, compassionate environment. We invite you to join us on a conference call, a safe place where you can speak honestly about your abuse trauma, in an understanding and loving environment.

Please reach out if you would like to talk this week: toni@myashestobeauty.com.

Here for you,

Toni

 

Back to BLOGS

Mental Wellness and Relationship with Jesus the Healer

Mental Wellness and Relationship with Jesus the Healer

Mental Wellness and a Relationship with Jesus the Healer

By Toni Weisz/Spiritual Disciplines

Scriptures: Matthew 11:28 (NIV)
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

In the journey of mental wellness, many people are searching for more than coping strategies—they are searching for true, lasting peace. For those navigating the emotional aftermath of trauma, including abortion or abuse, healing often requires both practical support and spiritual restoration. A relationship with Jesus as Healer offers a powerful source of comfort, renewal, and stability for the mind.

Understanding Mental Wellness After Trauma

Mental wellness after trauma involves caring for your thoughts, emotions, and overall psychological health. Trauma can leave lasting imprints—such as anxiety, intrusive thoughts, depression, or feelings of guilt and shame. These mental patterns can feel overwhelming, especially when they persist over time.

Mental wellness is not about ignoring these struggles. It’s about learning how to respond to them in healthy ways—developing awareness, building resilience, and creating new thought patterns that support healing. This is where both intentional habits and spiritual connection become essential.

Jesus the Healer and the Mind

A relationship with Jesus is not only spiritual—it deeply impacts mental and emotional health. Throughout Scripture, Jesus is shown as a healer of the whole person—body, mind, and heart. He meets people in their brokenness and brings restoration, not condemnation.

When the mind is burdened with anxiety, guilt, or pain, turning to Jesus can bring a sense of peace that goes beyond circumstances. His presence offers rest for overwhelmed thoughts and comfort in moments of emotional distress. For many, this relationship becomes an anchor during seasons of mental instability.

Renewing the Mind Through Faith

One of the most powerful aspects of mental wellness and faith is the concept of renewing the mind. Trauma often plants negative beliefs—about self-worth, safety, or identity. These beliefs can become deeply ingrained.

Through a relationship with Jesus, those thoughts can begin to shift. Replacing lies with truth—such as moving from “I am broken” to “I am being restored”—is a key part of healing. This process takes time, but it creates lasting mental and emotional change.

Spending time in prayer, reading Scripture, or sitting in quiet reflection allows truth to take root and reshape how you think and feel.

Practical Ways to Strengthen Mental Wellness

While faith is foundational, daily practices also play an important role in supporting mental health. Combining both creates a balanced approach to healing:

  • Prayer and Quiet Time: Helps calm anxious thoughts and create mental clarity
  • Journaling: Allows you to process emotions and track your healing journey
  • Community Support: Encourages connection and reduces isolation
  • Healthy Boundaries: Protects your mental and emotional space

These habits, paired with faith, help build consistency and strength in your mental wellness journey.

Healing from Guilt, Shame, and Emotional Pain

For those walking through post-abortion and/or abuse recovery, mental struggles often center around guilt, shame, or self-blame. These emotions can be deeply rooted and difficult to release.

This is where Jesus as Healer becomes especially significant. His message is one of forgiveness, grace, and new beginnings. Bringing your pain honestly before Him—without hiding—creates space for healing to begin. Instead of carrying the weight alone, you are invited to release it and receive peace.

Moving Forward with Hope and Healing

Mental wellness and a relationship with Jesus work together to create a path toward wholeness. Healing is always not instant, and it’s not always easy—but it is possible. Each day is an opportunity to take a step forward, to think a little differently, and to experience a little more peace.

If you are on this journey, know that you don’t have to navigate it alone. Jesus meets you where you are—in the middle of the struggle—and walks with you toward healing. With time, intentional care, and faith, your mind can find rest, your heart can find peace, and your life can move forward with renewed hope.

Being in a space where others understand—where you don’t have to explain or hide—can make a meaningful difference. Post-abortion and abuse recovery support groups, like those at My Ashes to Beauty, are created to offer that kind of safe, compassionate environment. We invite you to join us on a conference call, a safe place where you can speak honestly about your abortion or abuse, in an understanding and loving environment.

Please reach out if you would like to talk this week: toni@myashestobeauty.com.

Here for you,

Toni

 

Back to BLOGS