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Is your past pain causing you to live in guilt and shame? It may be hard to see now, but even your darkest moments can reveal God’s hand on your life. When you look back and see how He carried you through the tough times, it becomes clear that there can be purpose even in your pain.

Anne Beiler has become well acquainted with God’s redemptive power at work in her life. As the founder of Auntie Anne’s, the world’s largest soft pretzel franchise, she has reached many people with her story of overcoming obstacles. Even after selling her company in 2025, she continues to inspire with her story of redemption and resilience.

During our conversation, Anne shared her journey of loss, grief, and depression. I know it’s one that many women can relate to, as we tend to carry so much on our shoulders.

 

If the weight of your reality is keeping you from living, you may wonder:

  • “How can I connect with God when He feels so far away?”
  • “When will things get better?”
  • “Why do I feel so alone?”

It’s totally normal to ask these questions. My conversation with Anne is a reminder that even when life is hard, because life can be so hard, God is still good. Think back to every time you’ve overcome hard things in your life. The times when you couldn’t hear God’s voice, yet you still found the strength to pray. When things felt hopeless, there was a small glimmer of hope in the distance. When you felt so alone, someone came along to hold your hand. 

Anne’s testimony really reflects that last point. In her life, she has learned to do just what it says in Revelation 12:11, “overcome by the word of your testimony.” She shared three ways to move out of the darkness and back into the light.

  • Confess to Jesus – Communicate with God through prayer, even when you can’t find the right words to say.
  • Confess to yourself – Take pen to paper and write down the things you may not have the courage to say out loud. 
  • Confess to someone else – Connect with a trusted person or community as you move forward in your faith.

The enemy wants to keep you bound by your past. But when you confess your pain, you create a deeper connection with God, yourself, and the world around you. Even if your pain was caused by someone else, you have the power to move in a different direction. 

Having the courage to reveal the darkest corners of your life will allow you to begin the process of healing your heart. (James 5:16) Sometimes, it feels like the better option to move through life numb to everything happening to keep you safe, but that also keeps the rest of your story from unfolding. I want to encourage you to keep bringing the pain of your past to God, keep writing down your feelings, and keep seeking support from someone who has proven to have your best interest at heart.

If you’re looking for a safe way to find your courage again, download Anne’s free Story Starter Guide on her website. I pray you take the steps toward experiencing the redeeming power of God’s love in your life.

 

Highlights from Today’s Episode

  • Hearing from the Holy Spirit
  • Moving mountains in marriage
  • Choosing to live again

Related Resources

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Other Stuff to Check Out

Let’s Talk!

  1. What is preventing you from truly living life? 
  2. How can you make time to write down your innermost thoughts?
  3. What relationships make you feel heard and supported? How can you connect more with those people?

 

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