The Label Doesn't Define You

Has a mental health diagnosis invaded your life? Has it destroyed job opportunities or the relationships of family or friends? You are not alone! In The Label Doesn’t Define You: Using Mental Illness for God’s Glory catch a glimpse into the life of a woman who has found that good can come out of what seems like hopeless circumstances.
Growing up, Kayla was a serious, performance-based perfectionist. She was a Junior Olympic swimmer, straight-A student with a rock-sold faith that had her life all mapped out. Her plans included God, yet she had never asked Him what He wanted to do with her life. The summer before her sophomore year of college, a near-death experience shattered her world. Triggering guilt, worry, anxiety, and ultimately a serious mental illness, her life became a nightmare. Clinging to her now wavering faith, she had a skewed view of a God who was just waiting for a chance to condemn her. Struggling for years with depression and mania, countless medications and counselors, life seemed hopeless. Follow her journey from an idealistic life to hopelessness and finally, to finding her true worth in God’s eyes. Kayla’s story will inspire you as you discover that a label of mental illness doesn’t define who you are. Discover how you too can make a difference as a Christian, despite the false belief that you cannot be a useful part of the boy of Christ.

Kayla is a devote wife and mother who is active in her church and making disciples of Jesus Christ all over the world. She teachers Bible classes at a local women’s shelter and guides a woman’s bible class over Skype with Christians and non-Christans in India. She helped begin and now co-leads a mental health awareness group through her church. In her free time, she enjoys reading, listening to music, and baking. Kayla and her husband, Jeremy, own a CPR and first aid training business and teach classes together. Kayla lives in Pasco, Washington, with her husband, Jeremy, sons, Levi and Miles, and dog, Trooper.