Hey PB,

Just wanted to update you and share a little bit about what's been going on. (Last year) was a really rough year for me and I began questioning a lot of things like my identity and purpose. After a long time of feeling lethargic and apathetic, I started going to a therapist. Not many people know this, but I was recently diagnosed with depression. I know myself as a happy, bubbly person, but this diagnosis began taking over my life. It was hard to even get out of bed and I started to hate who I was. My time with God would just be me crying out from the bottom of my soul. I was so confused because I felt so far from God, yet he continued to give me dreams and visions. I felt like I wasn't worthy of these things and that I'm better off disappearing from Church. However, I felt this subtle tug in my heart that God still wants me here and he still isn't done with me. I started getting overwhelming texts, words of encouragements, and support from my Ekko family. Even though most of them don't know my situation, they all somehow around the same time, encouraged me and reminded me that I am loved.

Yesterday on Ash Wednesday, I got this text from an Ekko member: "Hey. I want to dedicate part of my Lent season to pray with you and that true joy will become real to you again."

I read the text and just bawled for a good 20 minutes. Although I didn't receive some grand epiphany or miracle healing, I realized that healing is a process and that I wouldn't even have the strength and courage to try and get better if it wasn't for this tribe. (I thank God for) this tribe, (and I thank God) who never seems to give up on me and goes with me wherever I may go, even if it's when I take detours.

Warmly,
Ekko Member {Email Sent February 2016}