By Cyrus Guccione
Mail

A program created for women who want to learn a Biblical perspective on inner distress, Rev. JoAnne Crosby is hosting her weekly program, Hiding, Hurting & Healing Thursday evenings beginning Feb. 8 through April.

Hiding, Hurting & Healing is for any woman who desires to find healing in Jesus Christ, says Crosby, a retired minister for a church of 5,000 members in the Twin Cities area. Her women-focused ministry began in 1999, at one point meeting five times a week to help women in crisis.

Personal testimony

“Going through depression was a very difficult period for me and many people deal with it,” Crosby said, who remembers a time when she would lay in bed all day, feeling stuck in the mire of depression.

Crosby was in a troubled marriage with a husband who suffered from alcoholism.

“Through the ministry of Billy Graham and Alcoholics Anonymous, we said a prayer and asked the Lord to take control of our life,” Crosby said. “Little by little, God began working in our life in a powerful way.”

Crosby’s husband beat his addiction and the two have been married for 67 years this September.

After addressing the issues in their marriage, Crosby hopes to offer support to women in similar situations.

Crosby has worked with women who have deep trauma from sexual assault, marital issues and more. Her ministry was first a program for women in controlling relationships. Now, Hiding, Hurting & Healing covers topics on abuse, betrayal, trauma, shame and forgiveness.

The power of prayer

Crosby says finding peace starts with a simple conversation with God.

“I said to God, ‘If you don’t help me, I’m done for,’” Crosby recalled. “The Lord said, ‘If you listen to me, I’ll help you out.’”

Crosby said the Lord led her through baby steps like making a cup of tea, moving her body and finding joy in the little things in life.

“He is a very mighty God and knows things I don’t,” Crosby said.

All women welcome

“If you want help or you want to help somebody, this program is for any woman who wants to come regardless of religion or no religion,” Crosby said, who is eager to share her testimony and help women be brave enough to share their own testimonies. The group meets in small confidential groups which Crosby says promotes honesty and intimacy.

“If you feel like you want to help somebody or you want to benefit by knowing what the bible has to say about your difficult situations, especially in relationships, then this program is for you,” she said.

Hiding, Hurting & Healing begins Thursday, Feb. 8, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Desert Creek Fellowship, 15024 N. Ivory Drive.

For further information, contact Rev. JoAnne Crosby at 763-242-9181, by email at joannecrosby40@yahoo.com or by visiting hidinghurtinghealing.com.

We invite our readers to submit their civil comments on this issue. Email AZOpinions@iniusa.org. Cyrus Guccione can be reached at cguccione@iniusa.org.