Faith & Focus: ADHD, Holy Spirit and Me – Post 1
“Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.” – Psalm 139:14 (NLT)
Growing Up Without Answers
I grew up in a time and a church culture where mental health was not a priority. It carried a heavy stigma, and the last thing anyone wanted was for those labels to be attached to themselves or their family. Symptoms were overlooked, and strict discipline was often considered the cure for anything we couldn’t explain.
Being “different” was rarely celebrated. Instead, it was often mistaken for rebellion. I wanted so badly to fit in and be like everyone else who seemed to thrive, succeed, and be embraced by their peers. I tried and tried, but deep inside I always felt like I couldn’t measure up.
I didn’t know what made me different, but I was terrified others would notice and point out my flaws. And that’s exactly how I saw myself: flawed. Those feelings created an inner turmoil I didn’t know how to name. So, I masked my differences as best as I could and focused on passing as “normal.”
Discovering My Diagnosis
Years later, when my oldest son was diagnosed with ADHD, I was shocked to learn that it can be hereditary. His doctor explained that one of his parents likely had it too.
At first, I struggled with denial. Accepting my son’s diagnosis felt like an admission that I had failed him somehow as a mother. But as I worked through those feelings, I eventually decided to get tested myself.
The results surprised me: I was diagnosed with Inattentive ADD. Suddenly, so much about my life began to make sense. My struggles, my challenges, and even the way I processed information all finally had a name. But even then, I was hesitant to “own it.” For so long, I had lived believing my differences were flaws.
The Holy Spirit in My Story
Even before I knew I had ADHD, the Holy Spirit was working in the background.
My foundation in God was laid through prayer. My grandmother, one of the greatest prayer warriors I’ve ever known, never made me feel out of place. Her home was a refuge of peace and comfort. She taught me how to pray, and she showed me that prayer could carry me through seasons I didn’t understand.
One of the hardest subjects for me growing up was math. I knew the basics but often felt like I was barely surviving. It was exhausting trying to keep up and hide my struggles.
Years later, while homeschooling my children, I handed math over to my husband once they reached high school. He was naturally gifted in the subject. But one day, as he was teaching our oldest son, I noticed the same confusion on my son’s face that I used to feel.
As my husband explained, I silently prayed for my son to understand. Then, something unexpected happened, my brain started to click. I interrupted and asked, “Is this what you mean?” I repeated what my husband had shown me, but in a way that made sense to how my brain processed it. My husband listened and said, “Yes, that’s correct. You just explained it a little differently, but it’s the same thing.”
In that moment, the Holy Spirit gently revealed something powerful: my brain simply processed information differently. My husband began letting me explain concepts in my own way, and I was able to teach my son with clarity.
At that time, I had no idea that ADHD was part of the story. But God already knew.
Before I Knew
Before I knew I had ADHD.
Before I knew what made me different.
The Holy Spirit was already showing me my value.
He was gently teaching me that what I once called flaws were actually unique gifts. My mind wasn’t broken, it was designed differently for a reason.
Psalm 139:14 reminds us that we are wonderfully made. That includes every detail of how our brains work. God’s workmanship is marvelous, and He created us with purpose even when we don’t yet see it.
Reflection
If you’ve ever felt “different” and feared that others would notice, I want you to know this: God has always seen you, and He calls you wonderfully made. He doesn’t wait for labels or diagnoses to declare your worth. He has been working behind the scenes all along, weaving your story with love and purpose.
Stay with me in this Faith & Focus series as I continue sharing my heart story of living with ADHD and how the Holy Spirit has walked with me every step of the way.
Let’s Chat!
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- Have you ever felt “different” but didn’t know why? How did that shape your faith journey?
- If you’ve been diagnosed with ADHD (or another condition later in life), what were some “aha” moments that finally made sense for you?
- Who in your life has helped you see your value when you couldn’t see it yourself?
Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below! Let’s build a safe and strong community of support. I look forward to hearing from you!
👉 “If this post spoke to you, I’d love to hear your story too. Join my Facebook group, The ADHD Faith Connection, where we walk together in faith and support.”