“I’ve always struggled with anxiety and depression, and then suddenly everything just got worse. I wasn’t good enough, and God just disappeared.”
Kimberly was desperate. Her mental health issues had always been a problem. But then she fell and hurt her back. Chronic pain and the loss of income added to her difficulties. Financial pressures left her distressed and unable to pay the bills and help the people who relied on her the most: her children and her aging mother.
“And then it’s Christmas and I have nothing for my kids because I missed the deadline for free toys.” Kimberly struggled with guilt, regret, and anger. Worse yet, she found herself constantly arguing with the people most important to her – her children and mother. She just wanted to run away. In a desperate moment, Kimberly felt her Christian faith slipping away.
“How could God love someone so messed up?”
We do this all the time, don’t we? We expect God to love us because we are good, and we are good to make God love us. But it doesn’t work that way. Catholic Charities is a ministry in search of people who don’t believe they are good enough. Because we know they are.
We know that God is always at work, especially in the hearts of people like Kimberly. Hers was a mother’s heart, searching for a way back to God and her family. Kimberly found the strength to do what love requires. She sought help from Catholic Charities of Idaho. Because of supporters like YOU, a Catholic Charities counselor and social worker teamed up to help Kimberly climb out of a dark place.
Together -- with you -- we helped her find tools to overcome anxiety and depression, adopt positive new ways to communicate with her family, and learn new strategies to financially support her loved ones.
We even helped Kimberly make sure her children had gifts under the Christmas tree. And most importantly, we helped Kimberly find her way back to God. Because God’s love never excludes anyone, ever.
This Christmas, will you join Catholic Charities in bringing the love of Christ to brothers and sisters in need? Especially to those who are struggling in these difficult times, who are feeling far from God?
Please consider making a gift today. Christmas is an especially challenging time for Idahoans in need. Your gift will do so much to bring the light to them this season. No matter how large or small, your contribution will help us remind people, like Kimberly, that God’s love never turns anyone away. Thank you!
Please keep praying for us and those we serve, that we may continue to be a ministry of God’s holy and enduring love. And our prayer is for each of you and your loved ones this Advent and Christmas: May Christ, who is Emanuel – “God with us” – stir up His power and be born into each of your lives in a new and powerful way! Christ is born! Glorify Him!
Douglas S. Alles Executive Director
PS The prophet Jeremiah reminds us of the Lord’s promise: “For I know the plans I have in mind for you…plans for your welfare, not for woe! Plans to give you a future full of hope.”
Thank you for being part of the Lord’s plan to help your fellow Idahoans -- your brothers and sisters -- in need today! Please send your gift!