Author Archives: Lori Lara

About Lori Lara

I'm 7 years into recovery from PTSD, major depression, and addiction. Even though I've experienced miraculous spiritual healing in my life, I sometimes have to fight my way through new layers of grief and unanswered questions that continue to challenge me. I've come to realize recovery as a life-long journey, and I believe it's worth every frustrated scream and painful tear we endure to find the deeper purposes of life and meaningful relationship with God. It's time well spent to dig for the truth, freedom, and love we were created to enjoy. Love is the only answer to heal our spiritual wounds. Nothing breaks my heart more than hearing stories of people who struggle silently and think they're alone; the truth is we are never alone. My goal is to remain committed to my own recovery while taking with me as many people as I can. I'm inspired by people who share similar stories of recovery and their never-ending and perseverant quest for freedom and healing. Now that I've found my voice, I'll never be quiet again. I'd love to hear your story and share this journey together... www.lorilara.com

Closing the deal with my mom…

Posted on May 17, 2013

Last Friday, with sparring helmet, boxing gloves, and mouthguard, I stepped onto the testing mat with adrenaline rushing in my head. My heart was beating so hard I could feel it in my throat. “This is your black belt test! … Continue reading →

Posted in addiction, blog, brain cancer, childhood trauma, christianity, depression, eating disorders, Glioblastoma Multiforme, grace, gratitude, healing, hope, inspiration, love, major depression, mother daughter relationships, ptsd, recovery, spiritual healing, trauma | 9 Comments

Why bulimics hate going to the dentist…

Posted on May 9, 2013

As the metal scraper moved across my teeth, the dental hygienist paused when it landed on inside of my front teeth. Ok, here it comes…I thought. “So, I see the enamel has worn away here on the inside of your … Continue reading →

Posted in addiction, anxiety, childhood trauma, christianity, eating disorders, fear, grace, guilt, healing, hope, inspiration, recovery, secrets, shame, spiritual healing, trauma | 22 Comments

Where heaven and hell meet

Posted on May 3, 2013

I never thought I’d find comfort in a cemetery, but I do. I visit my mom’s grave often, usually at dusk. It’s the only place where I can unpack all the sorrow and questions that linger in my heart. The … Continue reading →

Posted in brain cancer, christianity, faith, Glioblastoma Multiforme, grace, grief work, healing, hope, love, mother daughter relationships, motherhood, prayer, recovery | 17 Comments

Closing the door to depression…

Posted on April 16, 2013

Sunday was a wonderful and very hard day. That’s how most days have felt since my mom died, a mix of both horror over losing my mom and extreme gratitude for the people who are still in my life. But … Continue reading →

Posted in anxiety, blog, brain cancer, depression, fear, forgiveness, Glioblastoma Multiforme, grace, grief work, healing, love, major depression, mother daughter relationships, ptsd, recovery, spiritual healing, trauma | 13 Comments

doing hard things

Posted on April 11, 2013

“Will your wife be staying here during your procedure?” the nurse asked my dad as she motioned to me. Yuck. “Oh, this is my daughter,” he said sweetly as he looked at me and patted my shoulder. We locked eyes … Continue reading →

Posted in anxiety, blog, brain cancer, depression, faith, fear, Glioblastoma Multiforme, grace, gratitude, grief work, healing, hope, love, mother daughter relationships, motherhood, prayer, recovery, trauma, Uncategorized, wisdom | 16 Comments

You can heal from anything…

Posted on March 24, 2013

For those who struggle. May you find a piece of hope in my story. Blessings for your journey. 7 years ago… For more than a year, I had a standing date with myself every Tuesday, 5pm-10pm at Borders Bookstore. As … Continue reading →

Posted in addiction, anxiety, childhood trauma, christianity, depression, devotional, eating disorders, EMDR, faith, fear, forgiveness, grace, grief work, guilt, healing, hope, inspiration, love, major depression, motherhood, parenting, prayer, ptsd, recovery, self help, shame, spiritual healing, therapy, trauma, Uncategorized, wisdom | 15 Comments

Gratitude and grief…why we need both to be healthy.

Posted on March 21, 2013

“Don’t be sad, your mom is happy in heaven.” It was the day after my mom’s funeral when someone bearing a huge, plastered smile said those words to me. You want me to be happy? I thought. One day earlier … Continue reading →

Posted in addiction, blog, brain cancer, christianity, depression, devotional, eating disorders, friendship, Glioblastoma Multiforme, grace, gratitude, grief work, guilt, healing, hope, love, motherhood, parenting, ptsd, recovery, trauma, wisdom | 16 Comments

Living through the storms of life

Posted on March 20, 2013

We all get knocked down by life. Some of us are hit early on in life, and it takes decades to realize the damage we live out every day. But no matter what life has dealt us, and no matter … Continue reading →

Posted in addiction, anxiety, blog, brain cancer, christianity, depression, devotional, eating disorders, faith, Glioblastoma Multiforme, grace, grief work, healing, hope, inspiration, love, prayer, ptsd, recovery, spiritual healing, trauma, wisdom | 2 Comments

To my friends who are grieving…

Posted on March 18, 2013

When I first entered recovery almost 7 years ago, via a serious breakdown, I quickly learned how important grieving was to my recovery. I had a mountain of unprocessed sadness and pain that trailed me since childhood, and the only thing … Continue reading →

Posted in addiction, anxiety, blog, brain cancer, depression, devotional, eating disorders, faith, fear, Glioblastoma Multiforme, grace, grief work, healing, hope, inspiration, ptsd, recovery, spiritual healing, spirituality, therapy, trauma, wisdom | 7 Comments

The fantasies of mothers…

Posted on March 14, 2013

I had big mommy dreams before I had kids. I pictured myself chasing lady bugs and butterflies through open fields with my children as they giggled with curiosity and delight. I could practically hear the Chariots of Fire soundtrack in … Continue reading →

Posted in co-dependency, depression, faith, fear, grace, grief work, healing, hope, inspiration, motherhood, parenting, ptsd, recovery, trauma, wisdom | 14 Comments