I couldn’t believe I made it. I had been in one of the most exhausting, painful seasons of my life, and yet, by some miracle, I found myself on a plane to Florida, heading to the Jesus ‘24 gathering in Orlando. Just weeks before, the idea of such a trip seemed impossible. I was largely bedridden, tormented by debilitating pain that had overtaken my body. Words like trigeminal neuralgia—the most excruciating pain known to humanity—were being whispered by doctors. But this pain was not just in my tooth and jaw; it was a relentless, all-encompassing agony that ran throughout my entire body and consumed my life.
My body had become a prison, trapping me in a cycle of pain and despair, unable to use the healing tools that had worked so well in the past. Day after day, I lay in bed, unable to move, overwhelmed by the intensity of the suffering, only able to wait the next four to six weeks it would take to get into the next doctor or specialist. The idea of going anywhere, let alone halfway across the country, felt like a distant dream. Yet, when I mentioned the conference to my husband, he responded with a pretty quick, "Go for it." (Thank God for supportive husbands!) That simple encouragement sparked something within me, and I felt a burst of energy and clarity that I can only describe as spiritual in nature. As if God had something for me there.
A Miraculous Journey
Despite my condition, I made it to Florida. The journey itself was nothing short of a miracle. I attended the first morning session of the conference, pouring everything I had into simply being present. That session, along with one other, would be the only times I would experience the event in person. The rest of the weekend found me back in a hotel room, lying in bed, with only enough strength to get up for brief moments.
It would be easy to see this as a setback, yet I sensed something different in that hotel room. On the second day of the conference, as I watched the worship and teaching sessions on my phone, I felt a stirring deep within me. It was as if, in the midst of my suffering, something new was being born—something creative, transformative, and purposeful.
What emerged from that quiet room was the beginning of what would become Love Letters of Healing and Hope. One by one, these short writings flowed out of me, as if I were simply a vessel, transcribing the very heart of God. Each word felt infused with His love, compassion, and desire to heal His children.
Writing from the Depths of Pain
Writing these letters was a deeply personal and spiritual experience. As I wrote, I felt as though I was being enveloped by the love of the Father. Some of the letters resonated so deeply with my own pain, my own agony, that it was as if God was speaking directly to my wounded soul. Others felt as though they were meant for someone else—someone beyond the reach of that little hotel room, someone who needed to hear these words of comfort and hope.
As a trauma specialist, I have spent years helping others navigate their own pain and healing journeys. But this was different. This was not just about applying professional tools or techniques; this was about simply being in the healing presence of God and hearing His still small voice.
A Message from the Heart of God
As these love letters came one by one, a thought came so strongly to me, as if God Himself were speaking: “These are Love Letters of healing and hope for My people, to quiet and strengthen their weary souls.” That moment was a profound confirmation that what I was writing was not just for me, but for others—others who were suffering, who were grieving and lost, who needed to know that they were not alone. It was 2 Corinthians 1:3-7 being fully realized.
Love Letters of Healing and Hope is not just a devotional; it is a testimony of God’s faithfulness and love in the midst of suffering. It is a reflection of my own journey, a journey that has been marked by pain but also by profound moments of divine intervention and inspiration.
The Healing Power of Jesus
During my intense season of physical pain, I repeatedly found myself saying, "I am so thankful that I do what I do!" I was able to process medical trauma as it emerged, regulate my nervous system, and heal from past experiences that still impacted me. Despite consulting over 15 healthcare providers without lasting answers, I held onto the belief that they existed. After a time of prayer, I felt a clear nudge: "Ask for your next healing step." This led me to research one specific topic and eventually find a doctor with the answers I had been seeking. This is truly a testimony of the faithfulness of God in healing! Healing that may not look as I asked for and had faith for, but the healing power of Jesus, nonetheless.
As I uncovered terms like POTS, EDS, MCAS, Lyme disease, and more, I realized how everything had caught up to me after 43 years. Old traumas from near-death accidents, stored deep within, resurfaced, overwhelming my brain's pain centers. I learned that, genetically, I’m unable to detox well. There were finally answers! As the weeks passed, the insurmountable began to lessen. God strengthened my spirit, body, and heart, bringing clarity and joy back into my life.
Healing, I’ve learned over and over, is not just a physical or emotional journey but a deeply spiritual one. Trusting in God's guidance, embracing the knowledge He led me to, and finding the right medical support were all essential parts of my healing. My story is one of God weaving together the hard lessons of past seasons, bringing them to fruition for His glory. I share my story because I fully believe this can be true in your life, as well.
Impact and Purpose
It is my mission to help others find healing and wholeness in their lives. This book is an extension of that mission, a way to reach those who desperately need to know that they are loved, valued, and not alone. Writing this book was a journey born out of suffering, yet filled with divine inspiration and purpose. It is a testament to the power of God’s love and faithfulness, even in the darkest of times. The devotional is not just a collection of writings; it is a beacon of light, a source of comfort, and a guide for those who are searching for healing and hope. My prayer is that these love letters will continue to speak to the hearts of those who need them most, and that they will lead them to the One who truly provides healing and hope: Jesus Christ.
Love Letters of Healing and Hope: A Journey from Suffering to Divine Inspiration by Liza Heidelberger was published in Gritty Faith: Rooted (c) 2024
|
Liza Heidelberger is a Trauma Specialist who is trained in nervous system healing strategies, IFS (a form of psychotherapy), Applied Neurology and the neuroscience of trauma, and Pain Reprocessing Therapy. Her specialty is in assisting clients in releasing hidden hurts and wounds from the past, as well as healing the emotional connection to physical illness and pain. Learn more at lizaheidelberger.com. |