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

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The Way of Cain

The Way of Cain

The Way of Cain

By Toni Weisz/Spiritual Warfare

Scriptures: Jude 8-11, 1 John 3:10-12, and Genesis 4:3-8

Jude 8-11
Likewise these dreamers defile the flesh, reject authority, and speak evil of dignitaries. Yet Michael the archangel, in contending with the devil, when he disputed about the body of Moses, dared not bring against him a reviling accusation, but said, “The Lord rebuke you!” But these speak evil of whatever they do not know; and whatever they know naturally, like brute beasts, in these things they corrupt themselves. Woe to them! For they have gone the way of Cain, have run greedily in the error of Balaam for profit, and perished in the rebellion of Korah.

1 John 3:10-12
In this the children of the devil are manifest: Whoever does not practice righteousness is not from God, nor is he who does not love his brother. For this is the message that you heard from the beginning, that you heard from the beginning, that we should love one another, not as Cain who was of the wicked one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his works were evil and his brother’s righteous.

Genesis 4:3-8
And in the process of time it came to pass that Cain brought an offering of the fruit of the ground to the Lord. Abel also brought of the first born of his flock and their fat. And the Lord respected Abel and his offering, but He did not respect Cain and his offering. And Cain was very angry and his countenance fell.

So, the Lord said, “Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen? If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin lies at the door. And its desire is for you, but you should rule over it.”

Now Cain talked with Abel his brother; and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother and killed him.

 

I was watching the news the other day and they were interviewing this man from Great Britain, Winston Aubrey Aladar Marshall, a former band member of Mumford and Sons, but because he spoke up about things like Antifa and BLM, he had to leave the band. He was being persecuted for speaking the truth. In the interview, he was speaking about Ann Widdecombe, who was a former governor in parliament who was murdered for her stance on protecting life in the womb and biblical marriage. He then mentioned something I never heard before, “The spirit of Cain,” or also known as “the way of Cain.”

When I thought about Cain in the past, I felt sad for Him that God did not receive his offering because he was a tiller of the ground. I came to find out after reading some commentaries that God did not accept his offering because Cain was coming to God on his own terms; he rejected God’s way. Cain’s heart was not right before God. The way of Cain is a rebellious and prideful religious system; they are consumed with jealousy, hatred, envy, and they will even murder others who disagree with them. They have sexually perverted God’s design for marriage and sexual intimacy.

Does this sound familiar? This is what people today on the extreme left are doing. If they don’t like what you are saying, they will silence you by killing you. It’s been almost a year since Charlie Kirk was assassinated in broad daylight with thousands of people present. What a tragic and very sad thing.

How did we find ourselves under the spell of this insidious spirit? For those of us who had abortions, we terminated our child’s life because they stood in our way. They did not fit into our plans at the time. We were our own little “g” god. We wanted to control our own destiny. They were an inconvenience, a problem to be taken care of. How heartless of us. We were blinded and deceived by the evil one instead of recognizing the beautiful gift from God that they were.

For those of you dear ones who have been abused, that same spirit of Cain caused the perpetrator to be taken over by this prideful evil spirit, doing things that were ungodly and an abomination in the sight of God.

This same spirit seems to be in those who are running for political offices here in the U.S. as DSA Democratic Socialist of America, aka communism. Many of them have won in cities such as New York City, Portland, Washington DC, and it’s definitely concerning.

What are we supposed to do about this? I would say, first if you are an American citizen and are not a registered voter, you need to be. Second, you need to vote in every election. Get involved at serving at the polls or distributing voter guides to inform people of the issues and the candidates. Luci and I met back in 2010 when we were distributing voter guides to our churches. There are still organizations you can get that information from.

How do we combat this evil spirit? The answer can be found in the verse above in Jude , “The Lord rebuke you!” Also pray that God will remove the blindness so these people can see clearly the error of their ways and receive the beautiful and life-transforming power of the Gospel and be saved. We need to build and continue to have relationships with family members and friends who have become disillusioned and bitter about God and our country. We need to speak the truth when we can, if we can, and never stop praying for them.

Articles of interest:

You can research this topic on www.GotQuestions.Com search the Way of Cain.
https://www.gotquestions.org/way-of-Cain.html
Six Characteristics of the Way of Cain, Pathway to Victory, August 7, 202, ptv.org.
https://ptv.org/devotional/six-characteristics-of-the-way-of-cain/

Questions:

  1. What are your thoughts about, “The way of Cain?” Have you heard about this before?
  2. Have you personally experienced this spirit through another person’s words or actions?
  3. Please pray for our nation to come back to God.
  4. How can we pray for you?

Please do not allow the evil one to gain even more ground. Stand on the truth, defend the faith, and vote your conscience. Please reach out if you need to talk, toni@myashestobeauty.com.

You are loved,
Toni

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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

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Honoring Our Fathers—Both Heavenly and Earthly

Honoring Our Fathers—Both Heavenly and Earthly

Honoring Our Fathers—Both Heavenly and Earthly

By Toni Weisz/Spiritual Disciplines

Scriptures:

“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.” Matthew 6:9
“Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.” Exodus 20:12

The Meaning of Father’s Day

Father’s Day is a special time to honor the fathers who have influenced our lives through their love, guidance, and sacrifice. It is also an opportunity to celebrate our Heavenly Father, whose perfect love and faithfulness never fail.

The Importance of Earthly Fathers

Fathers play a vital role in shaping character, values, and faith. While no father is perfect, many work hard to provide, protect, and encourage their families.

Ways to Honor Our Fathers

We can honor our fathers by:

  • Expressing gratitude and appreciation
  • Spending time with them
  • Showing respect and kindness
  • Offering forgiveness when needed
  • Praying for them regularly

These simple actions can strengthen family relationships and reflect God’s love.

God’s Command to Honor Parents

The Bible teaches us to honor our parents. Exodus 20:12 says:

“Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.”

Honoring our fathers is more than a tradition—it is an act of obedience to God and a reflection of His design for the family.

Honoring Our Heavenly Father

While we celebrate earthly fathers, we also honor our Heavenly Father, who loves us perfectly. God provides wisdom, comfort, strength, and guidance through every season of life.

Jesus taught us to pray:

“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.” Matthew 6:9

These words remind us that God desires a personal relationship with each of His children.

When Father’s Day Is Difficult

For some, Father’s Day can bring feelings of loss or disappointment. Yet God’s Word offers hope. Psalm 68:5 calls Him:

“A father to the fatherless.”

No matter our circumstances, God is always present, offering comfort, healing, and unconditional love.

The Greatest Gift of Our Heavenly Father

As we honor our fathers, let us remember God’s greatest gift—salvation through Jesus Christ.

John 3:16 tells us:

“For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

Because of His great love, God sent Jesus to die for our sins and rise again so that we could receive forgiveness and eternal life. Salvation is a gift of grace received through faith in Christ.

Have You Accepted God’s Gift?

If you have never trusted Jesus as your Savior, you can do so today.

“Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner. I believe You died for my sins and rose again. I place my faith in You as my Lord and Savior. Thank You for Your forgiveness and the gift of eternal life. Amen.”

If you prayed that prayer sincerely, God’s Word promises that you are now part of His family.

This Father’s Day, may we honor our earthly fathers, draw closer to our Heavenly Father, and rejoice in the salvation found through Jesus Christ.

“Yet to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God.” John 1:12

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

Here for you,

Toni

 

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Post-Abortion Healing Through Resurrection Power

Post-Abortion Healing Through Resurrection Power

Post-Abortion Healing Through Resurrection Power

By Toni Weisz / Recovery Tools
Scriptures: Matthew 28:1-10 and 2 Corinthians 5:17

Easter is a story of Christ’s resurrection. (Read Matthew 28:1-10)

It also gives meaning to life rising from what seemed lost, of hope breaking through darkness, and of something new being born out of something that felt final.

But for many, seasons like Easter can feel complicated.

When your heart is carrying grief, regret, or quiet pain, it can be hard to fully connect with messages of joy and new life.

You may find yourself wondering:

“Can something in me really be made new?”
“Can God bring life out of this part of my story?”

The message of the resurrection of Christ answers with a gentle but powerful yes.

God Specializes in New Life

The resurrection of Jesus is more than a moment in history—it’s also a picture of what God does.

He brings life out of what feels dead.
He restores what feels broken.
He redeems what feels beyond repair.

In 2 Corinthians 5:17, we’re reminded:
“If anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!”

That doesn’t mean your past disappears.

But it does mean your past does not have the final word.

When Your Heart Still Feels Heavy

After abortion, emotions can linger in unexpected ways.

Grief.
Shame.
“What ifs.”
Silent questions.

And sometimes it can feel like those things disqualify you from experiencing joy, peace, or closeness with God.

But the resurrection tells a different story. Jesus rose for broken, hurting, searching people.

He rose for you—right in the middle of your story.

Resurrection Doesn’t Ignore the Wounds

After Jesus rose, He still had scars.

They didn’t disappear—but they were no longer symbols of death.
They became evidence of victory and restoration.

In the same way, your story may always be part of you—but it does not have to be a place of shame.

Over time, through healing, it can become:

  • A place where God met you.
  • A place where growth began.
  • A place where life started to return.

Healing Is a Process of New Life

Resurrection isn’t always instant in how we experience it.

Sometimes it looks like:

  • A small moment of peace.
  • A shift in how you see yourself.
  • The courage to take one step toward healing.

New life often begins quietly.

But it grows.

And you don’t have to walk that process alone.

Being in a space where others understand—where healing is nurtured gently and without judgment—can make a meaningful difference. The My Ashes to Beauty Post-Abortion and Abuse Recovery Conference Call is helping women experience that kind of safe, compassionate restoration. You are invited to join us.

Your Story Is Not Over

Easter is a reminder that what feels like an ending is not always the end.

There is still life ahead.
There is still healing ahead.
There is still hope ahead.

God is not finished with your story. And even here—right in this place—new life can begin.

Your Thoughts?

What is one area of your heart where you long to experience new life or healing?

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

You are loved,
Toni

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