At the Well...January 2026 Newsletter

When adversity strikes - when prayers seem to echo unanswered for months, when a loved one’s struggles leave you feeling helpless despite your deepest care, or when life blindsides you with an unexpected bill or a spike in mortgage rates - the weight can feel relentless. Each setback chips away at your resolve, leaving you exhausted and questioning how much more you can bear. In these raw and vulnerable moments, I often wonder about those who seem to carry hope so effortlessly - the “glass half full” souls. Do they ever feel the sting of disappointment, or the ache of anger toward God when life feels unfair? Or do they quietly swallow their pain, choosing not to voice their complaints, even as their hearts wrestle with unspoken sorrow?

It’s in these vulnerable places that I’m reminded the Bible does not shy away from honest emotions. Scripture is filled with stories of faithful people who felt the hurt of disappointment and the burn of anger toward God. David, for example, poured out his anguish in the Psalms, asking, “How long, O LORD? Will you forget me forever? … How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and every day have sorrow in my heart?” (Psalm 13:1-2). Job, in his suffering, did not suppress his pain but spoke openly to God: “I will give free rein to my complaint and speak out in the bitterness of my soul” (Job 10:1). Even Jesus, in His darkest hour, confessed, “My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death” (Matthew 26:38).

The Bible invites us to bring our deepest pain, disappointment, and even anger honestly before God. We are not asked to suppress our emotions or pretend everything is fine. Instead, we are encouraged to “pour out your heart before him; God is a refuge for us” (Psalm 62:8), and to “cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7). God is not distant from our sorrow; He draws near to the brokenhearted and promises comfort to those who mourn (Psalm 34:18; Matthew 5:4).

So, when adversity strikes and hope feels fragile, we can find assurance that God welcomes our honest prayers and meets us in our vulnerability. In bringing our true selves before Him, we open the door to healing, comfort, and the deep assurance that we are fully known and deeply loved

Some of the practical strategies I have deployed in responding to disappointment, anger, despair and hopelessness are:

(1)    When I felt the weight of generational strongholds or darkness pressed so heavily on my heart that I felt utterly powerless to break free, desperation drove me to seek out women of faith - sisters who would stand with me in prayer, their voices rising with mine as we pleaded for God’s light to reveal darkness  that seemed to keep me trapped. The longing for deliverance was raw and real, and sometimes, all I could do was cling to hope that breakthrough would come.

(2)    Even when it’s hard, I found myself reaching for worship songs like a lifeline. I would turn up the radio, letting the music fill every corner of the room and my soul, singing until my own voice blended with the chorus of praise. It was in those sacred moments, when the Holy Spirit swept over me, that tears would spill freely - tears of pain, surrender, and longing for healing. I wept not just for my struggles, but for the deep ache of wanting to be seen and restored.

(3)    There were also quiet days, when words failed and all I could do was sit in stillness, with my favorite pen and prayer journal in hand. I would pour out gratitude to Jesus - not just for the blessings, but for the wounds and the wilderness, too. In the silence, I waited, sometimes for what felt like an eternity, for God to speak. And then, in the gentle hush, I would sense His presence so near, hear the tender whisper, “My beloved daughter.” In those moments, the dam would break, and words would flow from my heart - raw, honest, unstoppable - a testament to the healing that comes from being fully known and deeply loved.

If you are longing for a space to be renewed, equipped, and surrounded by a community of women who understand the journey of faith through both mountaintops and valleys, I invite you to join us at the 3rd Wise Well Woman Summit 2026. This event is designed to be more than just a gathering - it’s a sacred opportunity to encounter God’s presence, receive encouragement, and discover practical strategies for navigating life’s challenges with hope and courage. Whether you are seeking breakthrough, deeper connection, or simply a reminder that you are not alone, the Summit offers a place to be seen, heard, and inspired. Come expectant, and leave empowered to walk boldly into the next season of your life.

50% discounted tickets are sold out as of midnight 24^th January 2026 GMT11.59 pm. Regular tickets are now available for £30 and student, over 60s and unemployed tickets for £15, both for a limited time. We have a few sponsored tickets available. Contact us at info@womenlifeleadership.org for fully funded options.

Check out Instagram reels featuring past attendees of the Wise Well Woman Summit 2024 and 2025 as they tackle rapid-fire questions, guaranteed to energize you! A conference by working women for working women, Well@Work,