Past into Purpose Series, Post #14: This series is intended to introduce you to the women on the Your Life Still Counts Contributor Team whose inspiring stories of pain into purpose were selected for inclusion in the book. To read the full inspiring story of each contributor, click here to purchase your copy of Your Life Still Counts and be inspired to allow God to turn your past into your purpose too.

Meet Leah DiPascal

Leah DiPascal lives in Mooresville, North Carolina and is a speaker, writer, and inspirational Bible teacher. Her mission is to help women learn how to engage, understand, and apply God’s Word to their stressful daily challenges, while discovering their unique life journey of purpose and freedom. Leah has 19 years of experience in women’s ministry, creating programs to teach and train women within leadership roles through Moms In Prayer International, Stonecroft Ministries, Community Bible Study International and Women of Destiny. Leah is also on the editing team of Proverbs 31 Ministries for the Encouragement for Today Devotions and on the Proverbs 31 Writer Team. After discovering God’s freedom over anxiety, she earned a Bachelor of Theology Degree and a Master of Divinity Degree from Tabernacle Bible College and Seminary. Find out more about Leah at www.leahdipascal.com

My Interview with Leah

How has God opened doors for you to do ministry or touch other’s hearts since you stepped out in obedience to share your story about struggling with anxiety after being robbed at gunpoint as a teenager? 

Leah: God has allowed ministry to unfold organically for me. He started by giving me small assignments and as I was obedient in that area of ministry, He would expand it into something else. Another door of opportunity would open and I would walk through it, however, not always with confidence. Instead, It would require a step of faith – trusting God’s plan and obeying His call, even when I had no idea what was up ahead.  

Since we’re such good friends, and serve together in ministry at Proverbs 31, I know your heart and what you are passionate about. But out of all the things you’re working on, what are you most passionate about right now?

Leah: I am most passionate about helping women who are stuck in bondage – whether it’s emotional, physical, mental or spiritual – and those who believe there is no way out or no hope to escape it. I’ve experienced that sense of helplessness and hopelessness when I struggled with clinical depression and generalized anxiety disorder. It was the most painful season of my life. So now, I want to be a light to that woman whose heart is broken, whose spirit is crushed and whose  will to live is shrinking. That woman who feels helpless, alone and heaps guilt upon herself, which only adds to the unbearable pain she’s already feeling. She cries out for help and senses that if no one comes to rescue her, she will unravel into nothingness … coming apart at the seams.  

I hear from women every day who are looking for answers, and I know the only answer is Jesus.  He is our Rescuer, Comforter and Healer. My passion is to help hurting women discover that as well. 

That’s so awesome Leah. I’ve read that nearly 12 million women struggle with depression and anxiety today in America, and that is an alarming statistic. It serves as proof that God needs women who have overcome that struggle to help women who are still struggling to find victory as well. It’s so amazing how God has done such a mighty work in your heart and life and how you are now using that experience to help others. 

I know you have a lot of things going on right now, and one thing is that you have generously volunteered to help as a Facilitator for my upcoming Your Life Still Counts Online Bible Study – yay! I’m so grateful and excited to have you on board!!  But in addition to the adventure we’re kicking off next week, have you felt God leading you to do anything special and new lately? 

Leah: Last year I started teaching a women’s Bible study in my community. For years I taught bible study and loved it, but due to my speaking and writing schedule, I had to take a break for a while. I missed the face to face weekly connections and relationship building, so I have now started one up again and I’m so glad I did! 

In addition, I’m really excited about launching my Anxiety Cleanse on my blog sometime in the near future, which will be a FREE devotional guide that helps women who struggle with anxiety and depression. One of my goals for the Anxiety Cleanse is to create an online space where Christian woman can discuss the struggles they’re facing with anxiety and/or depression without feeling guilty or ashamed about it.   

I know your Anxiety Cleanse is going to help so many women who feel trapped in a life of depression or anxiety. What an incredible free gift to give to women who might be afraid to seek professional help or admit this struggle in their life. Thank you for your heart for women Leah, and for allowing God to turn your past into your purpose! 

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Have you ever struggled with depression, or know someone who has? Have you seen God do an amazing work in and through that struggle? Share your thoughts today and you just might be a voice of hope to someone in need.

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Sign up to receive inspirational blog posts from Leah at www.LeahDiPascal.com, and be the first to find out when her free Anxiety Cleanse becomes available.

Stay tuned for information about my Live Webcast for the Your Life Still Counts Bible Study taking place on March 9th at 8:00pm, where Leah will join me and two other YLSC Contributors!

Mark your calendars now!