It's Time to Heal

By Esther Solomon-Turay

It's Time to Heal is for the young woman that secretly has enough of life and the constant battle of feeling insecure in herself; she is intentional about breaking out from her secret struggles, but still seeks to compare herself with others. Yes, she desires to be healed, but her past is battling with her future. She knows what it is like to feel left out and often ends up hidden in the corner broken. No one knows the real agony she faces, so she puts it on with a smile and a few laughs. But little did she know that something is missing: HEALING. This book is a guide that reminds her of the Father's love and His promise in Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give YOU a future and a hope". She will be uplifted knowing that her future is bright and that healing is available when she makes the choice.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Esther Solomon-Turay
• Release date: Jul 22, 2016
• ISBN: 9781532933073

Esther Solomon-Turay

Esther is a Multi-Published Author, Writer, Blogger, Speaker, Workshop Facilitator, Business Ambassador for BIPC, Wife and the Founder of Authentic Worth Publishing. Esther supports aspiring authors and creatives to turn their stories into published books. She believes that a book is one of the best ways to stand out, add value in the lives of others and leave a unique legacy in the community.  Esther is an advocate for helping people to believe in themselves and was a Finalist for 'Social Value' from the Mayor of Lewisham Awards and awarded 'Christian Book of the Year 2022' from The Wise Women Awards Association. She has been given opportunities to speak on TV programmes, podcasts, radio stations, secondary schools and community centres to talk about her books, the journey of business and being invited to hosting workshops and seminars with several firms. Esther determines to continually support creatives and authors by giving them a voice to share their story authentically and further enhance their writing and confidence-speaking abilities in small groups and audiences. 

Book preview

Table of Contents

It's Time to Heal

Chapter 1.  INTRODUCTION TO THE YEAR 2013

Chapter 2.  UNIVERSITY LIFE

Chapter 3.  THE MEANING OF ‘FRIENDSHIP’

Chapter 4.  TESTS, TESTS, TESTS!

Chapter 5.  MY BIGGEST ACHIEVEMENT

Chapter 6.  GOD’S GRACE AND FAVOUR

Chapter 7.  EMOTIONS

Chapter 8.  DEPRESSION

Chapter 9.  HIS COMFORT IS ALL I NEED

Chapter 10.  WHATEVER YOU DO, JUST SMILE!

Chapter 11.  WHAT’S THE MATTER?

Chapter 12.  DOES PRAYER WORK?

About the Author

Esther Jacob

IT’S TIME TO HEAL

A Woman’s Journey

to Self-Discovery & Freedom

IT’S TIME TO HEAL: 

A Woman’s Journey to Self-Discovery and Freedom

Copyright © 2014 by Esther Jacob

All rights reserved. No portion of this book without permission may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means — electronic, photocopy, or recorded, without the written prior consent of the author, as it is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to the author with specific direction to the original content.

If you would like to use material from the book for short quotations or occasional page copying for personal or group study, is permitted and encouraged (other than for review purposes), prior written permission must be obtained on request by contacting the publisher at [e-mail]. Thank you for your support of the author’s rights.

Unless otherwise indicated, scripture quotations are taken from the HOLY BIBLE ENGLISH STANDARD VERSION (ESV).

Printed in the United Kingdom

Published in the United Kingdom

Blog address: www.womansworthconference.wordpress.com

Email address: [e-mail]

ISBN 10: 153293307X

ISBN 13: 978-1532933073

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT(S)

Looking back on my life and the trials encountered, I realised that there was one thing I didn’t take into thoughtful consideration, and that was the word healing. For this reason, I want to express my gratitude to my Father in Heaven for inspiring me to write this book and share my story with young women who have struggled with all sorts of problems, and have not given themselves time to heal. I also want to thank my friend, Prisca Nambuusi, who took her time to conduct a workshop I attended and taught me the importance of writing with passion, and utilising my gifts to its highest potential.

My special thanks go to Jackline Richards Waziri and Susan Deborahs for their consistent support and love. I choose to continue using my gift to impact many, and I know I have much more to learn and give. My family, who I adore and cherish, thank you for your support on my project. Without you, it would not have been possible. As you have blessed me, the good Lord will bless you all too.

INTRODUCTION

Make the decision to get up and walk in boldness. I found it difficult to do this because my past was too powerful for me to handle because I was weak, but then I realised that my past had nothing to do with my present or future. Many of us can relate to moments when we’ve stumbled and felt defined by what we did, or the things hoped for, but did not receive them due to negative thinking habits. I have come to realise that our words can either entangle us or set us free. You have to be intentional about your freedom and keep fighting until the victory is won.

Be naked, yet unashamed and scream for help if you have to. You have a responsibility to stand up for yourself because no one will do it for you. You are the one who requires healing to come into your broken parts because whatever angers you, controls you. Remember that your tribulations expose the true you, so don’t be afraid when it arrives because your character is being refined, for it is when God’s power is shown exactly what He has, to heal and restore.

Do not ever look down on yourself thinking you won’t be able to overcome your situation, but instead, see the beauty in each season because experience is a great teacher. I have encountered true healing and restoration from the Father in my previous years and have remained steadfast through it all. I had the choice of being free and decided that enough was enough. I refused to live a life that was mediocre and settling for less. I realised the load I carried was too much and needed to encounter the Father’s healing and I did. I understood that every trial was a chance for me to trust Him more with my life and my emotions. I believe you can too!

CONTENTS

Chapter 1. INTRODUCTION TO THE YEAR 2013

THEY LIED ABOUT ME

FEELINGS BEING MESSED UP

I REALLY WANTED TO GIVE UP

Chapter 2. UNIVERSITY LIFE

DREADING SECOND YEAR

I WAS SO ANTI-SOCIAL

Chapter 3. THE MEANING OF ‘FRIENDSHIP’

THREE TYPES OF FRIENDS

THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A ‘BEST FRIEND’

DELETING GIVES YOU FREEDOM

DON’T TELL TOO MANY PEOPLE

Chapter 4. TESTS, TESTS, TESTS!

WHY WAS GOD TESTING ME?

NO, I AM NOT A FAILURE

I WAS VULNERABLE

Chapter 5. MY BIGGEST ACHIEVEMENT

COMPLETION OF MY BBA DEGREE

MY NON-PROFIT PROJECT

I AM A YOUTUBER

Chapter 6. GOD’S GRACE AND FAVOUR

FAVOUR ISN’T FAIR

GRACE FOUND ME

CONTENTS

Chapter 7. EMOTIONS

THE EMOTIONAL STRUGGLE WAS REAL

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

I AM LOSING MY MIND!

Chapter 8. DEPRESSION

MY FACE WAS RIDCIOUSLY SPOTTY

THE WAIT

Chapter 9. HIS COMFORT IS ALL I NEED

WHY JOB SEARCHING WAS SO HARD

HIS PRESENCE

WHERE ARE YOU, LORD?

Chapter 10. WHATEVER YOU DO, JUST SMILE!

YOU LOOK BEAUTIFUL WHEN YOU SMILE

SMILING IS GOOD FOR THE SOUL

Chapter 11. WHAT’S THE MATTER?

HAVE YOU CONSULTED GOD ABOUT IT?

FRIENDS WON’T ALWAYS BE AROUND

CHARACTER UNDER CONSTRUCTION (C.U.C)

Chapter 12. DOES PRAYER WORK?

PRAY WITHOUT CEASING

WORSHIP WORKS

Chapter 1.  INTRODUCTION TO THE YEAR 2013

T

uesday January 1st 2013 started off very well. I was at church with a few friends, and was excited about entering a New Year, believing and declaring what we wanted to see happen throughout the year. I resumed work at Dorothy Perkins on the 1st of January in the afternoon. Thankfully it was double pay, and the shop floor was not too busy. I assumed it was because everyone was out and tired. I told myself that the first day of the New Year would present something good for me. It is important to always declare what you want God to do in your life and believe that it will happen.

I was in the fitting room assisting a few customers that wanted to try on clothing and footwear. One of my work colleagues came over to the fitting room and wanted to see what I was doing. I was helping to clear the fitting room out. I said to my colleague Oh, you look pregnant not knowing that she would take it to heart. She informed my deputy manager, who I REALLY had a hard time with, and who gave me a disciplinary hearing. I knew from the first day I met the deputy who prepared the disciplinary hearing that we were not going to get along. She saw my vulnerabilities and used them against me. After all the hard work I put in at Dorothy Perkins, my deputy manager was only there to gossip and criticise.

When my work colleague told half of the team about our incident, I couldn’t believe this was happening; it was as if my whole life had ended. I cried on the shop floor and quickly consulted my store manager. She was very understanding and supportive and I knew I could rely on her. She told me not to worry. I thought that was the end of the drama, but truly it was only the beginning...

THEY LIED ABOUT ME

I REMEMBER RECEIVING a letter in the post regarding the incident between my work colleague and myself. I was so shocked to think that this tiny incident had escalated into such a big issue. I knew my work colleague and deputy manager had serious issues towards me. I just did not understand why they would take the incident so seriously, as I always met my targets at work and offered a pleasant customer service. Unfortunately some people are out to attack you because of the way others love you.

I had my first disciplinary hearing meeting with my deputy manager and a staff member from another Dorothy Perkins store. As I sat down on the chair with these two ladies in front of me, I was shaking with fear. As the meeting started, the deputy manager was asked questions about what exactly happened. I told her what happened confidently, and she took notes with one of her colleagues. Due to the vast amount of questions asked, I cried out bitterly when it became apparent that the staff member I had offended had lied about me to another co-worker of mine. The other co-worker had said that she had heard me making nasty comments about her, when all I said was Oh, you look pregnant. It was as if this work colleague wanted me to get fired, but God had other plans.

My faith was tested at that very moment, so I tried my best to remain calm as my parents were in an adjoining room waiting for the disciplinary hearing to finish, but it was not easy. As soon as I heard the statement regarding what the co-worker who originally complained had written against me, my eyes opened so wide that I could not even talk anymore. My deputy manager told me to calm down, but I really could not because they had lied about me. It was so painful to hear and I felt in my heart that my deputy manager knew something about this. I was sure they were inwardly laughing about it once I was quiet thinking, yes, we’ve got her, but God sees the intentions of our hearts.

A few hours later, the deputy said that I should wait outside so that she and the other staff member could decide what to do. After twenty minutes of waiting, she informed me that I should go home, and come back to work the next week. My heart was crushed, TOTALLY CRUSHED! I was shaking all the way through. I was assuming that I had lost my job and thinking to myself how I would cope financially at university and, how I would be able to cope with the embarrassment of telling my family and friends. As I got home, I was contemplating whether I should tell my parents or not, and let me be real here: my parents are Nigerian so just the eyes alone can scare you! I