I'll leave the light on for you
I’m Renee Fisher for Storyteller Workshop and I’ll leave the light on for you.
I am a mental health survivor.
When I was 11 my anxiety started. I remember the day vividly. My parents tried everything, and I went to many doctors. Eventually, it was decided medication wasn’t for me. I learned how to pray and take my thoughts captive to the obedience to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5). That really helped me.
When I was 15, I lost the skin off my hands and feet from sudden and severe eczema. I had never had eczema before, and it started from a new allergy to band-aids (adhesive tape).
I believed I would never have a normal life.
It wasn’t until I found a promise from God in the Bible that I started to hope again. It took six years to heal including trips to many medical doctors, interventions, and a hospital stay. I gained 100 pounds as a teenager from steroids to control the eczema.
After I healed, I wanted to help others and went to Texas for missionary training. I just wanted to help others because of the help I received from God, my parents, and doctors. Instead of my dreams coming true, I lost the skin off my hands, and came back home feeling so defeated.
How do you fail at being a missionary because that’s what it felt like?
It took three more years to heal and lots of doctors. By this point—almost ten years of my life had passed. I had to be either housebound or home-schooled.
I almost didn’t finish high school. I’m thankful I had parents who loved me even if they didn’t know how to help me.
I had to learn how to advocate for myself.
In my twenties, I was grateful for a nurse practitioner who listened to me and helped me get the right mental health diagnosis and find the right medication. This was a #gamechanger for me!
Instead of becoming a missionary who helps people, I became an author who encourages people. I’ve written and published many books, and more recently became a photographer so I could continue to help others tell their story.
“I’m Renee Fisher for Storyteller Workshop and I’ll leave the light on for you."
I am a mental health advocate.
I believe your story matters. This is my tagline, and I believe it with my whole heart, mind, body, and soul.
Now, more than ever, we need light, positive vibes, and stories. Your life may be the light someone needs now!
When you are the most authentic version of yourself, it is then you are able to find hope and bring healing to those who need your story! How amazing is that? I know because it happened to me.
I am an open book. Seriously, ask me anything.
If I can sign a copy of my book, “Soul Gardening,” for anyone who needs encouragement. No charge. And if I can ever pray for anyone for any reason (online or in person), or be helpful in any way—I’d be honored!
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:14