Reports of anxiety and depression have been steadily rising. A 2022 report from GoodRx revealed that from 2019 to 2022, one in ten prescription fills was for anti-anxiety or antidepressant medications—a dramatic increase. While the COVID-19 pandemic played a major role in this surge, these numbers have not returned to pre-pandemic levels.

What can we do? The Society of Clinical Psychology states that “talk therapy”, or counseling, is as effective as medication. Their research shows psychotherapy is often more effective than medication, with no significant benefit when the two are combined.

Now, let us reason together. In Isaiah 1, God spoke to a fearful and anxious society, calling them to “seek justice, correct oppression”, and care for the vulnerable. He promised that “though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow”. As believers, we recognize this as pointing to Christ—His life, death, and resurrection—our ultimate source of cleansing from guilt, fear, anxiety, and depression.

God, in His mercy, has provided many means of help. Medication may ease symptoms, but it cannot address the root problem: FEAR. The term psychotherapy comes from Greek words meaning “soul healing.” Who better to heal the soul than the One who created it? Psalm 139 tells us God uniquely and wonderfully formed each of us, and He alone knows the perfect prescription for every soul.

Fear entered the world through sin, severing our connection with God. Since then, humanity has struggled, but in His love, God sent His Son to redeem us and restore our security in Him. This is the Good News of the Gospel. Yet, many have forgotten how to be God’s children—how to live in the freedom Paul describes in Romans 8:21 as “being free from bondage and decay”.

Today, we need our hearts and minds renewed. We must apply God’s directives; for only this will resolve the deep fears that drive anxiety and depression. Biblical counseling—what we offer at the Women’s Refuge—is true soul therapy. It renews our minds and emotions with the only lasting cure: the Word of God.

If you seek the freedom God offers, call us to schedule an appointment with a Biblical counselor. Let us reason together through the Word of God.

Lanie Bishop
Biblical Counselor

In the busyness of life, we often forget one of the most important relationships we have—the relationship with ourselves. As a Christian non-profit dedicated to serving others, we understand the call to care for our families, communities, and those in need. However, we must also remember that self-care is not selfish; it is necessary to fulfilling God’s purpose for our lives.

Even Jesus, during His ministry, took time to step away and pray alone (Matthew 14:23). If our Savior needed moments of rest and renewal, so do we. When we neglect self-care, we risk burnout, exhaustion, and a weakened ability to serve others effectively. Our minds, bodies, and spirits require time to recharge, and when we prioritize our well-being, we reflect God’s love and stewardship over our lives.

One of the greatest challenges to self-care is the inability to say no. Many of us hesitate to set boundaries out of fear of disappointing others, but saying yes to everything can lead to stress, resentment, and exhaustion. Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us that there is a time for everything—including rest and healing. By establishing healthy boundaries, we protect our peace and allow ourselves to serve with renewed strength and joy.

Self-care is also an acknowledgment of our worth in God’s eyes. Psalm 139:14 declares that we are fearfully and wonderfully made. When we take care of ourselves—whether through rest, prayer, healthy habits, or moments of quiet reflection—we honor the life God has given us. Often, we feel guilty for stepping away, thinking our absence will be noticed or judged. Yet true self-care isn’t about seeking approval; it’s about trusting that God calls us to care for ourselves so we can better serve others.

In a world that constantly demands more from us, self-care is an act of faith. It allows us to maintain a healthy mindset, nurture our physical well-being, and deepen our relationship with God. When we prioritize rest and renewal, we become better equipped to handle life’s challenges and serve others with love and grace.

Lisa Miller
Resale Shop Manager

2 Timothy 2:7, "Consider what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything."

Have you ever been confused about which direction to take? Do I go left or right? Do I choose this job or that one? Should I move or should I stay? God's word doesn't mention which house I should buy or who I should date. So, what do we do when we're confused?

When a woman comes to stay in the live-in program, many are confused - confused about how much God loves them, confused about how to "clean up their act," confused about relationships, and confused about suffering. The first thing we do is direct them to who they are in Christ. We teach them the fundamentals of what God does with sin, as in Romans 6:6, "Knowing this, that our old self was crucified with Him, in order that our body of sin might be done away with, so that we would no longer be slaves to sin." We teach them about their security, as in 1 Corinthians 3:23, "And you belong to Christ; and Christ belongs to God."

As the women go through the daily activities and chores, they are encouraged to take time to journal and pray. They are given study materials to go through and meet daily for prayer. They learn how to communicate with one another and work, together, whether doing dishes in the kitchen or working in the yard with Sue, our groundskeeper. They are accountable for their time and meet with a counselor regularly. The residents learn why they sin and how to overcome it through renewing their minds. There is always a staff member available if they need care, compassion, or someone to talk to.

Sometimes clarity comes slowly, and confusion clears up gradually. But daily, God continues to reveal Himself and His will to us - through His word, through godly counsel, and through prayer. Ephesians 1:9, "He made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His kind intention which He purposed in Him." And 1 Corinthians 14:33, "For God is not a God of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints."

If you feel confused, know that you are not alone. Call the Women's Refuge of Vero Beach - we are here to help.

Judy Fitzgerald
House Manager

In 1 Corinthians 13, the Apostle Paul writes beautifully about the power and significance of love, and he reminds us that it is the greatest gift we can offer. This chapter, often referred to as the “Love Chapter,” reveals not only the nature of love but also its incomparable value, emphasizing that love surpasses all other gifts and virtues. As a ministry, we are reminded of the importance of embodying this love in all that we do, for love truly is the heart of our mission. Love for God, love for others, and the love God has for us.

Paul writes, “And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” (1 Corinthians 13:13). In a world that is often focused on material success, status, or accomplishments, love stands as the ultimate expression of God's heart for humanity. This love isn’t just about affection or sentiment; it’s a sacrificial, unconditional love that gives without expecting anything in return.

The Women’s Refuge seeks to reflect the love of God through our services, outreach, and programs. We strive to serve others with compassion, patience, and kindness, reaching out to those who are hurting, lonely, or lost. Whether through biblical counseling or supporting individuals in their faith journey, we know that the most powerful tool we can offer is the love of Christ. This love brings healing, hope, and restoration to broken hearts and weary souls.

But love doesn’t always come easily. In the same chapter, Paul describes love as being patient, kind, and free from envy, pride, and anger. This love requires us to put others first and to demonstrate humility and grace in every interaction. When we choose to love as Christ loved us, we are not just fulfilling a commandment; we are becoming the hands and feet of Jesus to a world in desperate need of His love.

As we enter our 28th year, we are reminded of the profound truth in 1 Corinthians 13:4-7, which teaches us that love “always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.” This is the kind of love we aim to offer—one that doesn’t give up, one that believes the best, and one that always seeks to uplift others. It’s through this love that lives are transformed, and hearts are healed.

In all that we do, we hold on to the truth that love is indeed the greatest gift, and we are privileged to share it with others as we continue to serve God’s purpose. Let us all be a reflection of His love, spreading hope and light in a world that so desperately needs it.

Be encouraged, love never fails.

Allison Hufford
PR Assistant

One of the best-known Bible verses is John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” Typically, we understand this to mean, God loved the world, “so much.”

That idea isn't entirely wrong, but in the Hebrew “so that” means “for the purpose/ in order that / to indicate a looking to the aim or intended result.” This is the very core of the Gospel!

God loved the world enough to come in human form "so that” (in order – for the purpose of – with the intend result or aim) that anyone who believes in Him will be saved from sin and have eternal life. This is the Good News of Christ’s redeeming joy.

Over the years one of my greatest blessings, in being involved in the ministry of the Women’s Refuge, is seeing the visible and profound difference on the faces of those who come to saving faith in Christ as they experience his redeeming joy. As we move from Christmas to a New Year, I want to thank each of you for your continued support of the Women’s Refuge where we are blessed to offer the Good News of his “redeeming joy” to women, men, and families through counseling, Bible studies, support groups, and our residential program.

Without people like you who offer your prayers, your financial support, and your service we would not be able to share the Good News of his redeeming joy year-round.

May God bless you in this New Year.

Becky Calahan
Women's Refuge Board Director