Cindy Phyllis

I’m Cindy, and I have a new life in Christ, finding victory over social anxiety. I grew up in a small house with my parents and four sisters, but most of my memories were of being alone or feeling alone. Relationships were painful, superficial, and disappointing.

Growing up, I felt unlovable, ugly, stupid, and useless. I tried different things to help myself, like reading books, listening to self-help tapes, and even joining a phobia support group, but nothing made a difference until becoming a Christian in my early 40’s. Changes came through reading and following God’s word, prayer, attending a Bible-teaching church, and being involved in Christian fellowship.

Memorizing verses was also a huge help…verses like Joshua 1:9: Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.

Even though there was a lot of progress overcoming fears since becoming a Christian, I still had a long way to go. I was stuck in the automatic mode of running from anything uncomfortable, stuck in feeling inferior to everybody, afraid to be myself. Several years later, Celebrate Recovery, a Christian recovery group, came to my church.

It was where I learned everybody had their painful issues and needed some kind of help. In Celebrate Recovery, people were willing to bare all, and it made a huge difference. I no longer felt so bizarre and lonely in a world of billions of people. My life was now filled with hope and purpose that God could use me to help others who suffer from social anxieties, of which there are millions.

Now, down the road several years, it was obvious that the enemy still had a stronghold. I still felt uncomfortable and inadequate making conversation. I much preferred to live in my own little world with my husband. But being involved in a church that encourages small groups was going to make it very hard to avoid them, and I was tired of still trying to hide, so I figured it was time to do something about it.

Hearing about Regeneration, another Christian recovery group, my first thought was “No, thank you,” but I eventually realized that this is what I needed. I felt embarrassed and ashamed by still having social fears at my age, but God reminded me that, like with Celebrate Recovery, this is where I will meet others who are willing to open up and expose who they really are, which to me was not only very admirable but also very comforting.

Hearing testimonies of how Christ has worked in the lives of others renewed my hope that more change would come for me too. 2 Chronicles 16:9 says, “The eyes of the Lord search the whole earth in order to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.”

God opened my eyes to how I was putting too much emphasis on myself and my feelings and not giving Him his rightful first place in my life. As long as I’m willing to work on my relationship with Christ, the Holy Spirit will renew my mind through the Scriptures to become more like Jesus.

It's a joy to share how God has worked in my life. I am proof there are healing powers in the name of Jesus! Trust Him for your healing so that you too will be set free.