Beauty in the Ashes – Guest Post by Naomi Sheldon

Today I have a guest article from my friend Naomi Sheldon! Check out her website and subscribe for recovery

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Anxiety. Is it the end? Is this my life now? Will I always live like this? 

These were some of the questions I asked myself in late 2024/early 2025 as I went through a very hard time with my mental health. I legitimately thought I would never be healthy again, that I would be paralyzed with fear for the rest of my life. I thought that the shaking hands and pounding heart were normal now. Everyday occurrences. 

And for a short time, they were. I had what’s called Contamination OCD, which is pretty much an overwhelming fear of germs. I know you might be thinking, “Germs? Seriously? What a cliche thing to be afraid of.” 

But I was terrified. I washed my hands so much that they cracked and bled. I had trouble eating. I touched nothing. My life was hardly a life anymore. Anxiety and fear absolutely controlled every aspect of my existence. I lived every day in constant terror that I was going to die. 

But one day, I’m not sure when, or how, I realized something: My life is out of my hands. I am not the one who numbers my days. That is God’s job. If God wants to take me home early, then so be it. He has his reasons. And if not, then I will live a long, full life. 

So why did I worry about things out of my control? Why did I spend days shaking in fear when I could have been happy and at peace? 

Because I am human.  Because I am imperfect, I am a sinner, and I make mistakes. Because I could not heal myself. I needed God for that. And so I prayed. I asked God to help me, to take away the fear that was ruining my life. I realized that I needed to trust him to care for me. My life is in his hands, not my own.

Now, in 2026, I am doing much better. I have been to therapy, and my amazing friends, wonderful family,  and super sweet boyfriend have helped me so much. But ultimately, my healer was God. God pulled me out of the ditch I had fallen into, restored my happiness and my peace, and ultimately showed me who was really in control. 

If you have mental health issues and are reading this, I have some words for you. Don’t give up on your life. Turn it over to God, and pray for healing. And let me say, healing is not some overnight thing. God may give you the strength, but you have to choose to put in the work to get better. It’ll be a struggle. It’ll be hard. But God will help you through. 

Remember, there are brighter days ahead. The clouds will pass and the sun will shine again. Persevere even when it hurts. Just keep your eyes on God, and do not give up. 

Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.” — 1 Peter 5:7

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