By Kelly Shaw
Amazon Best-Selling Author
Life Hurts. Where Do You Go to Heal?
Let’s be real—life can be brutal sometimes. Whether it’s heartbreak, loss, stress, or just feeling lost, we all face seasons where we’re hurting. And when those moments hit, most people do one of two things:
1️⃣ Try to push through it alone (which usually makes things worse)
2️⃣ Numb the pain with distractions (which only works for a little while)
But there’s a third option that a lot of people overlook: healing in community.
And one of the best places to find that community? Church.
Now, before you think, “But I’m not religious!”—hear me out. Church isn’t just for people who have their spiritual lives figured out. It’s for anyone who needs a safe place to heal, grow, and be surrounded by kindness.
Why Healing Happens Best in Community
There’s a reason why therapists encourage people to talk about their struggles. Bottling things up doesn’t heal wounds—it just buries them deeper. Healing starts when we allow ourselves to be supported.
Here’s why church can be a powerful place for that healing process:
1. You’re Not Alone
Pain feels heavier when you carry it alone. Church reminds you that whatever you’re going through, you don’t have to go through it by yourself. Whether you’re grieving, recovering from trauma, or just feeling overwhelmed, having people who genuinely care about you makes all the difference.
2. Judgment-Free Support
One of the biggest fears people have is being judged for their struggles. But a good church isn’t about perfection—it’s about grace. It’s a place where people recognize that everyone is dealing with something and that kindness is more powerful than criticism.
3. Practical Help When You Need It
Many churches offer:
✔️ Free or affordable counseling
✔️ Support groups for grief, addiction, or mental health struggles
✔️ Pastors and mentors who offer wisdom and encouragement
✔️ A listening ear when you just need to talk
Even if you never set foot in a worship service, these resources are available to anyone—no strings attached.
4. A Reset for Your Mind and Heart
Sometimes, the hardest part of healing is just getting out of your own head. Church offers a space to pause, reflect, and shift your perspective. Whether it’s through a message, a song, or a conversation, it gives you a mental reset that helps you keep going.
The Fruit of the Spirit: Kindness Heals
One of the core teachings in most churches is kindness—not just in words, but in action.
Kindness isn’t about fixing people’s problems or offering cliché advice. It’s about:
🌿 Listening without judgment
🌿 Offering support without expecting anything in return
🌿 Showing up when someone feels invisible
When you’re hurting, being surrounded by kind, supportive people can be the first step toward healing.
A Challenge for You
If you’re carrying something heavy right now—stress, grief, anxiety, heartbreak—don’t go through it alone.
Maybe visiting a church this week is exactly what you need. Not because it will magically fix everything, but because healing happens faster when you’re surrounded by kindness, support, and community.
Worst-case scenario? You spend an hour in a peaceful, welcoming place.
Best-case scenario? You walk away feeling a little lighter, a little stronger, and a little more hopeful than before.
Because no matter where you are in life, you deserve a safe place to heal. And church might just be that place.
Let’s Talk!
💬 What’s something that has helped you heal during a tough season? Drop it in the comments!
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