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| Rachel Hauck |
RachelHauck is the author of Once Upon A Prince and of RITA nominated The Wedding Dress and RITA nominated Love Starts with Elle. She is the author of more than 16 books.
Rachel,
welcome to Overcoming With God. We appreciate your willingness to share your
testimony of overcoming with our readers.
Would
you tell us about the most difficult thing in your life you have had to
overcome, with God’s help?
RH: First, thank you for having me on OWG. I am an
overcomer. In my late teens, then again in my mid-20’s I battled sudden anxiety
and panic. There wasn’t a lot of talk in those days of “panic attacks” but they
would hit me out of the blue and last for a few seconds, but over time, the
fear of them happening or getting worse lingered.
That fear was worse than the actual “event.”
I could actually write a book about my experience and how
the Lord met me. Let me just affirm and confirm, prayer and the Word work! We
can overcome anything in Him.
My battle was a cocktail of hormones, open doors to the
enemy, and maybe a bit of inheritance from my family. Either way, I was
determined to win. I had to take up my cross daily. I had a scripture verse for
fear, for peace, for love, for overcoming, for every errant thought.
I believed God’s Word was true and it would deliver me and
heal me.
He is true to His Word.
I walk in peace and joy. The unfounded fears and panic are
no longer a part of my life. I truly understand “I can do all things through
Christ who strengthens me.”
For anyone struggling emotionally or spiritually, devour
God’s Word. Make it your “bread and water. It will give you life. Change you
in ways you cannot imagine.
Disability
friendliness: Is this latest release available in audio format or do you have
any other works available on audio? Do
your e-books have audio capability? Do you have any in large print?
RH: I have no control over the audio versions or audio
capability. I would love for Once Upon a Prince to be released in audio format. Hopefully
it will soon. But I do believe e-readers have audio capability and this book
will be released in e-book. So, check your Kindle or Nook for reading aloud
features.
(Note: Rachel's "The Wedding Dress" and three books with Sara Evans are available on audible.com.)
(Note: Rachel's "The Wedding Dress" and three books with Sara Evans are available on audible.com.)
In this
latest work, do you have any topics useful for bibliotherapy, or therapeutic
influence through reading about a disorder or situation?
RH: Most of my stories are about the love of the Lord and
His passion for us, or His divine plan for us. In Once Upon A Prince, we meet
Susanna who thought she knew what her life was going to be – she had a plan –
but when her boyfriend breaks up with her instead of proposing, she is confused
and lost.
Her journey is about surrendering completely. I think for
anyone struggling we find ourselves battling the desire to cling to what we
know – even if it’s negative – and leaping out in faith and trusting God.
It’s hard to trust a God we don’t know well or actually see.
But it’s actually in that place God begins to meet us.
Susanna must face the same choice. Keep doing things her way
or leap out in faith and believe God.
Plus, she meets a prince. Sigh… It’s an encouraging story!
Thank you Rachel for agreeing to answer these
questions. Have a blessed day and keep
on writing!!
RH: Thank you for having me!
Use this link to view all of Rachel's books with links to purchase (click here.)
GIVEAWAY: We are giving away a book of Rachel's--winner's choice of book and choice of format, this week. Answer the question and leave your email address to enter. Q: Have you ever had to deal with severe anxiety? How did God help you cope?
Use this link to view all of Rachel's books with links to purchase (click here.)
GIVEAWAY: We are giving away a book of Rachel's--winner's choice of book and choice of format, this week. Answer the question and leave your email address to enter. Q: Have you ever had to deal with severe anxiety? How did God help you cope?
RACHEL, welcome to OWG! I'm so glad you were willing to share your story on overcoming with us!
ReplyDeleteI hope it will encourage many of our readers.
Blessings!
Thanks for having me, Marian and Carrie!
DeleteWe're glad you agreed to visit with us. I know some authors are really nervous, or anxious ;), about interviews!
DeleteAs Rachel found, we are not given a spirit of fear, 2nd Timothy 1-7. but we have to train ourselves to keep one from attaching or to keep from picking one up on our own. I have hymns that help me. Angels don't interpret emotions, so my quivery voice (panic) whispering the words to HOLY HOLY HOLY gets my message to the rescue! This is a favorite hymn because every phrase speaks to the condition of God.
ReplyDeleteThank you for a sweet interview and review.
Judy, praise and worship are so very key! Thank you for reminding us! I left that out of my testimony. But worship was very much a part of my journey!!
DeleteBless you!
Judy, Rachel is such an amazing worship leader and praise team member at the ACFW conferences! Thanks for sharing!
DeleteRACHEL it's so great to have you on Overcomig With God thia week. Thank you for your testimony, I love that you have a scripture for anything that "ails" you! How wonderful that we can find any encouragement that we need in the Word of God if we only take the time to read it. I haven't had the pleasure of reading one of your books yet but I do have Once Upon a PRINCE on my kindle and it's calling out to READ ME...READ ME!! :D
ReplyDeleteTeresa, girl, answer that "read me" call. LOL.
DeleteYea, isn't it great the Word is living and active!!
Yes! Do the read!
DeleteI grew up pretty much an anxious person. I was anxious in school because I was the last one chosen for sports' teams. My dad suffered from Schizophrenia and depression and I grew up anxious especially after my mom died and I was his only caretaker. Then I also suffered from anxiety around 2006 or 2007 worrying about losing others' friendships. In all these situations , I prayed loudly to God , sometimes even with tears, and I believe it was my persistence and God's mercy that saw me through these hard times. Thank you for this opportunity to share. I also like to memorize different lines from Scripture that help me and sometimes I just like to repeat: "Jesus, Jesus..." while breathing in and out. Very quieting and soothing. Sister Mary Lou Kwiatkowski
ReplyDeleteflowersmarylou85@gmail.com Thank you also for your sharing! I believe it is true when they say every time you share difficult moments you heal more and more.
Mary Lou, girl, I did the same thing, just whisper, "Jesus, jesus, Jesus!" So powerful. May you continue to grow in the knowledge and understanding of Him and His love.
DeleteI also found when I began to proclaim who I was and am in Him, my emotional chemistry began to change. I spoke what wasn't as tho it was, you know, and my heart and mind finally caught up! Even now, if an anxious moment hits, I deal with it and it doesn't linger...
God is sooo good.
Blessings to you!
MaryLou, Thanks for sharing! Bless you!
DeleteWell, hello girls. Welcome to Rachel. As for anxiety, I'm not sure that's what it was, but the closest I can think of. After catching my husband cheating my daughter and I left Wyo. for TX. When it was near to New Years, I decided to go back and see how things were, and had a pretty dress to celebrate new Years if we made up. Well, I called him after getting into Wyo. to tell him I would be there the next day.
ReplyDeleteHe told me not to come. It was night at a motel, and I got really nervous and started to cry.
Got real sick to my stomach and was thinking I wish I could just go somewhere and forget everything. But, I couldn't do that for I had children that needed me. This is the only time I ever felt this way, and the nearest to anxiety that I can say. And, I need them. Well I went on anyway, and went in because still had a key and my stuff was there. The house had been decorated for Christmas and lots of other changes, made by his girlfriend.
So, went to a another room in the house, and decided to file for divorce while I was there. (Best decision I ever made). books. Found a Lawyer, got the important things, and loaded my car and went back to Texas. Would love to win one of Rachel's books. Blessings to all of my OWG girls.
MAXIE mac262(at)me(dot)com
Oh, Maxie, I'm so sorry!! But so glad the Lord is with you. And yes, in times like that, anxiety would hit. That makes sense... My situation was the opposite. All was well and bam! Either way, we go to God!! He is the deliverer!!
DeleteHugs to you!
Maxie, I am so sorry that happened to you. And you are such a sweetheart. Big blessings back to you!!!
DeleteI haven't had anxiety as severe as panic attacks and can't imagine how scary those would be. Thanks for the giveaway! shopgirl152nykiki(at)yahoo(dot)com
ReplyDeleteYou are blessed Veronica!! :) My husband hasn't either...
DeleteVeronica, PTL!
DeleteI discovered the fear of anxiety this past two years. I was trying to get my disability and it came to where I had no income.it takes prayer, Faith, and the word of God for me to get through it, but it's amazing how the Lord works. Thank you for this interview! Please enter me in your giveaway.
ReplyDeleteBarbara Thompson
barbmaci61(at)yahoo(dot)com
Amen, Barbara!!
DeletePraying for you Barbara!
DeleteWelcome, RACHEL, and we appreciate you being our guest this week on OWG! Thank you for sharing your battle of overcoming anxiety and panic attacks. I know many people who have suffered with this terrible problem, and as the adult child of an alcoholic and a victim of severe child abuse, I can totally identify. One doesn't come out unscathed when having lived a childhood such as I, but thank God for His delivering power!
ReplyDeleteThank you Diana! Awesome to be here!
DeleteHave you read Shelley Hundlye's book, A Cry for Justice? She talks about God's incredible healing of her heart and soul from severe child abuse.
I highly recommend.
http://www.amazon.com/Cry-Justice-Overcome-bitterness-ebook/dp/B005JSEFMM/r
Hugs!
PTL Diana that God is delivering you, Diana! That book sounds good!
DeleteI've dealt with some anxiety but thankfully nothing on-going. Like Rachel, I find that praying and reading God's word really helps allay my fears.When I'm feeling especially anxious, listening to Christian music also helps me let go of that anxiety.
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to reading Once Upon A Prince and would love to win it here. Thanks for the chance.
pmk56[at]sbcglobal[dot]net
Amen, Pam! Praise and worships stops those evil fears and whispers!
DeleteBlessings!!
PAM, I think the Dutch must be looking to publish this because Marian read and reviewed it for us on OWG. I hope you get to have Rachel show up at your book club too!
DeleteIn my 20s I suffered great anxiety. I was in an abusive marriage and it took much prayer and bible reading to over come
ReplyDeleteLinda Finn
faithfulacres7@gmail.com
Linda Marie, yes, situations can cause anxiety. :) Then when we get out we don't always get free but we fight the good fight.
DeleteRachel
Linda,
DeletePTL God has delivered you.
I've had to deal with severe anxiety when having to speak in front of people. I would break out in a horrible (soaking) sweat, not be able to breathe and couldn't speak at all. Almost passed out several times.
ReplyDeleteGod is still working with me on this. Much prayer has helped some but I have a long way to go.
cindialtman(at)gmail(dot)com
Yay Cindi! To your victory!
DeleteRachel
Will keep praying for you, Cindi!
DeleteI find at those times when I become anxious, that when I forge ahead I overcome. He is with me.
ReplyDeletemarypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com
MARY, that He certainly is! Bless you!~
DeleteThank you for sharing! Beautiful interview and testimony. We all need to dig into the Word and make it our "bread and water". I like how you reminded us of that. I am a very laid back person and cannot ever remember suffering from severe anxiety. But, because of that I don't like drama and tend to not get too close to people which isn't good. Thanks again for reminding me I need my daily "bread".
ReplyDeleteSusan P
farmygirl at hotmail dot com
SUSAN, I just love that, too! Our bread and water, not just an afterthought in our busyness.
DeleteI am fortunate to have grown up in a loving Christian family and never really had a time of extreme anxiety, and I thank God for that. Like others had mentioned, whenever I had to go through times that frightened me or caused anxiety, I have always found worship songs to be calming and encouraging. That is why I asked for a CD 'walkman' & a worship CD, along with a light snugly blanket for Christmas the year I was diagnosed with breast cancer and knew would be undergoing chemo beginning the 1st day of the following year--and that was almost 19 years ago! PTL for a loving and caring God who carries us through our trials and troubles.... And thank YOU Rachel for sharing with us here at OWG.
ReplyDeleteVicki
Vicki, PTL that you were delivered from your cancer.
DeleteRachel--I LOVE the picture of you that was posted, showing happiness & laughter--far from the anxiety you spoke of! ;-)
ReplyDeleteVicki
Vicki, you are one of the bravest people I know! I'm certain that through your worship in song and trusting in His word His spirit empowered and healed you! I love Rachel's pic as well!
DeleteSending out a welcome to you RACHEL from OWG and myself as well!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your encouraging Overcoming testimony on an issue that unfortunately is a problem for so many. I love using God's Word for praying, there is such enormous power and life in his living Word!!
I have your new book Rachel, on it's way to me right now lol... and I can't wait to get it in my hands to read!! God bless! :)
Noela, Rachel is such a sweetheart in person, too! I met her years ago when I was a new ACFW member and she and Susie May Warren were starting MyBookTherapy.com. Got to meet her in person at two conferences. And she's consulted with me on one of my MSes!
DeleteRachel, so glad to see you at OWG! Carrie, thanks for hosting her!
ReplyDeleteI used to suffer from anxiety attacks, too. They would come from nowhere, and I'd tremble almost violently. Then, the tears would come and I'd cry and shake and shake and cry until my emotions had spent themselves. God gave me a mom who has suffered them as well, so she was able to help me learn how to use breathing techniques to calm myself down. The biggest help I received, though, was from God. I kept praying, asking Him to take these attacks away from me, to make me stronger. Faithful as always, He has healed me of them. He has made me a stronger person because of them. He has born in me a compassion for people who suffer similarly. If it wasn't for those attacks, I wouldn't be so understanding of them myself. I thank God for those attacks and for healing me from them.
Blessings to you both!
Andrea
And my email address is andrearenee2004@yahoo.com.
DeleteSorry. I totally forgot about it once I got typing my story of healing. :)
ANDREA, I praise the Lord for healing you! Oftimes we do have to go through things that we might have compassion on others.
DeleteAndrea, so glad God has delivered you, PTL! And you are such a sweetheart, too!
DeleteThanks, Diana and Carrie! May your kind words be returned to you ten-fold. God is so good to us.
DeleteHave I ever dealt with anxiety or panic? Ha! Oh yeah! It's why I later became a therapist specializing in it. What helped me? I healed in stages. My relationship with God was not a good one when I sought therapy. Therapy helped, but finally trusting in a sovereign Lord was the clincher. So glad I decided to work for a Christian Counseling office many years ago. They helped me put balance in my life from a Biblical perspective.
ReplyDeleteI would love Rachel's book. So love her stories and her people. cbalmony(at)yahoo(dot)com.
Thanks for the opportunity.
CONNIE, I'm so thankful you found healing by trusting in our Lord and His word! And for the opportunity to work in Christian counseling!
DeleteConnie, you are one of the sweetest people I know--so glad God delivered you!
DeleteSevere anxiety - at the beginning of each school year! Even though I have taught for 28 years, I still have anxiety at the beginning of each school year wondering, worrying, and praying that I will be the best teacher I can be for my elementary students! I'm always nervous the first week of each school year, but with God's help, I get through it. As I drive to school each day, I use that time to pray for my students and their family.
ReplyDeletesusanlulu@yahoo.com
SUSANLULU, I'm sure your students love you, not to mention those that you are employed by! You truly care about your students and what a gift you are to them. God is with you and you need not fear or worry anymore. He will enable you to do what you can't do yourself. Ask and trust Him to do the rest! Bless you~
DeleteSusan, I found teaching college students was anxiety provoking, too! You just never knew what would come up in class!
DeleteThe first time I had a major, full blown attack, I admitted myself to the hospital. I overcame those debilitating attacks, but continue to deal with daily anxiety disorder. With my Fibromyalgia, the exhaustion makes my anxiety worse. I pray, and sometimes just have to realize we all have problems. Thank you for being so open about yours. It helps to know how human we all are.
ReplyDeletejosieringer(at)gmail(dot)com
Martha, you are in our prayers for complete healing from these disorders in Jesus name!
DeletePraying for you!
Deletemy mom died in 1996 i was so scared and lonely, then 21 months later my son died ater a 14 year battle with leukemia, fear set in i hovered over my son and daughter prayed over and over for God to protect them , i live in fear and severe anxiety, that they too would die my son was married but my daughter was home. if i heard sirens i run called her at work just to know she was safe. then my dad passed in 2005 i thought no more cant lose no more, but one night in church a women came to me who did not know me, know my kids , know my fears, said God told me to tell you, you worry tomuch about your kids, He is taking care of them, praise God after that i was ok
ReplyDeletejcisforme2aol.com
God bless you, SHIRLEY! I'm so sorry for your loss. Thank God for His faithfulness in sending that lady to give you the reassurance you needed.
DeleteWow, that is so cool that the person delivered that Word to you, Shirley! PTL you are doing better especially after you've had so much loss.
DeleteWhat a wonderful testimony! I have dealt with depression and anxiety. My husband of 23 years has been sick for the past 22 years of our marriage...taking care of him, working full-time, and taking care of three boys. Well, let's just say I had a "melting point." Last year, was a really bad time for me. I realized I could not do it alone anymore and needed help. I realized that God created the minds of man to be able to help deal with those that are suffering with this. Now mind you, not everyone goes for help and depend on doctors. I went depending on God and doctors'. I had battle so long holding onto God to get me through each day. That I finally, knew what I had needed to do. After receiving the help I need, I am a different person today. Do I still battle? Yes, but I have learned to lean on God to get me through my storms. I love my life and everything that surrounds me! :D
ReplyDeleteSorry, I forgot to put my email address: strgth4yu@hotmail.com
DeleteRACHEL, Thank you so much for sharing a little about your teen and young adult years, and your battle with anxiety. Those years can be so emotionally volatile. As an adult, I thought my teen years were just drama filled, but I now realize I had quite a bit of anxiety going on. I still battle that at times and the only way to overcome those negative emotions is to read Scripture and pray. Of course, it's not easy. The enemy would like nothing better than for me to think I am defeated and that life is hopeless but I KNOW BETTER! I serve a RISEN SAVIOUR who is my strength and my shield! :)
ReplyDelete