Hana is an elderly Christian woman in Egypt who is active in women’s groups at her church. She got in touch with us via one of our social media platforms and wrote that she was overwhelmed by things from the past. She was constantly struggling with feelings of regret that just wouldn’t go away. She would often wake up in the night and start crying. ’I feel so defeated,‘ she said.

Our counsellor reassured her and spoke to her about pangs of conscience. ‘The constant feeling of regret over past matters that were not sinful does not allow the soul to rest, so we must leave it to God.’ She told Hana that being able to comfort others whilst you yourself are in pain is not hypocritical, and suggested practical ways of surrendering the past to God whenever gloomy thoughts arise.

Some time later, Hana got in touch again and said she was feeling much better than before, but had two more things to discuss. The first concerned a financial loss she had suffered whilst helping others. The second was a memory of her young son, which still caused her pain. The counsellor discussed the issues with her and reminded her that Christ had freed her from feelings of guilt. ‘Don’t get caught up in that vicious circle again, but talk to your son and reassure him of your love!’

Every now and then, Hana would share another story from the past, but the latest bit of good news she wrote was that, for a while now, she hadn’t woken up in the night feeling like crying, as she used to.

Hana is grateful for our advice and encouragement. She is feeling better at the moment and is able to cope with her negative thoughts by following the steps we discussed. She has asked us to pray for her and we are staying in touch with her.