| | | | Newsletter | September 2026 | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | We are an organization of women volunteers passionate about reaching out to the broken women affected by domestic violence, sexual abuse or any other type of brokenness in need of mental and emotional healing. | | | | | | | | | |
| | |
|
|
|---|
|
| | Sometimes strength doesn’t look the way we expect. It can be as simple as taking a deep breath when your heart feels heavy, or choosing to try once more after a long pause. There are moments when we stand in places that feel both familiar and uncertain—where the path isn’t clear, but something within us is still willing. Like the sunrise each morning, grace meets us where we are, not where we think we should be, and reminds us that even small steps forward count. If today feels tender or unfinished, take heart. There is quiet courage in continuing—and often, that is where healing begins. | | |
| Carmen Alonso, Founder and Executive Director |
|
|
| |
|---|
|
| | "Again?"–What If Starting Over Isn’t Failure...
Some mornings feel like a reset you didn’t ask for.
You thought you were doing better… and then a memory hits, a feeling resurfaces, or the weight returns. It can feel like you’re back at the beginning. But you’re not.
Healing rarely moves in a straight line. A woman recovering from emotional pain may find herself strong one week and struggling the next. She prays, grows, takes steps forward—and then grief, fear, rejection, or shame suddenly returns. The temptation is to believe she has gone backward.
Yet Christ sees something different. What feels like failure is often part of restoration.
Just as someone learning to walk again after an injury may stumble while still becoming stronger, healing often unfolds in layers. Old pain resurfaces not always to harm—but to be healed more deeply.
Beginning again is courage in motion. If today feels heavy, don’t focus on fixing everything. Just begin—right where you are.
The resurrection of Christ is a reminder that endings are not always endings. What looked hopeless on Friday became redemption on Sunday. In the same way, moments that feel like defeat do not have the final word.
God is not discouraged by the days that feel messy or slow. Scripture reminds us, “His mercies are new every morning” (Lamentations 3:22–23). New mercy means there is grace for today—not just for the strong days, but for the fragile ones too.
Sometimes victory looks smaller than expected. It may look like whispering, “Lord, help me,” before the day begins. Reaching out to someone safe instead of isolating. Getting out of bed when staying hidden feels easier. These moments matter. They are not signs of weakness. They are evidence that hope is still alive.
So if today feels like another beginning, perhaps the question is not, “Why am I starting over?” but rather, “What if God is still faithfully rebuilding?”
Because every “again” can become meaningful ground—where healing continues, courage rises, and Christ gently reminds the heart:
You are not finished. Begin again. | | |
|
| | |
|
|---|
|
When Science Begins to Ask Questions Faith Has Long Carried
As psychology and psychiatry increasingly recognize the role of faith, prayer, and meaning in healing, perhaps science is beginning to rediscover something Scripture quietly knew all along.
For generations, conversations about emotional healing have largely belonged to the worlds of psychology and psychiatry. Therapy, medication, neuroscience, behavioral patterns, trauma responses—these have shaped much of how suffering has been understood.
Yet quietly, something interesting has been happening.
Increasingly, researchers and clinicians have begun exploring something that many once considered too personal, too spiritual, or too difficult to measure: faith, prayer, meaning, and belief in God as part of the healing journey.¹
This does not mean psychology and psychiatry have suddenly become religious, nor does it mean science now explains suffering through spiritual causes. But there has been a growing willingness to acknowledge that spiritual life often matters deeply in a person’s ability to endure hardship, recover from trauma, and sustain hope through difficult seasons. | | |
|
|
|
|---|
|
| | | | | |  | | | | | |
|
|---|
|
| | All photos are shared with permission. Each woman pictured is either a healed survivor who is no longer in danger, or a volunteer supporting the cause.
|
| Research increasingly suggests that faith, prayer, and spiritual community can strengthen resilience, foster meaning, strengthen hope, and help people persevere through grief, illness, anxiety, and emotional pain. ² ³
Research increasingly suggests that faith, prayer, and spiritual community can support resilience, foster meaning, strengthen hope, and help people persevere through grief, illness, anxiety, and emotional pain.²,³
Some mental health professionals have gone a step further, asking difficult questions about whether every form of severe psychological suffering can be fully understood through psychological or biological explanations alone. Drawing on years of clinical experience with deeply distressed patients, some psychiatrists and other clinicians have considered whether, in certain cases, spiritual or non-material dimensions may also deserve consideration.⁴ ⁵
Their observations have led them to take seriously the possibility that spiritual realities could interact with human psychological experience.⁴ ⁵
These perspectives remain controversial and are not accepted as part of mainstream psychiatric science. Yet the questions are noteworthy because they have been raised by trained mental health professionals based on what they report encountering in clinical settings—not simply as matters of religious belief.⁴ ⁵
From a faith-based perspective, some clinicians and authors have also explored another important dimension of healing: the connection between emotional wounds, unresolved pain, spiritual struggles, with healing and wholeness, and physical well-being.⁶
Within this Christian framework, fear, shame, bitterness, trauma, and deeply rooted emotional burdens are understood as affecting the whole person—not only the mind or body, but also the heart and spirit.⁶ | | |
| At Mending The Scarred, we deeply value emotional, spiritual, and relational healing. We believe faith, prayer, biblical truth, encouragement, and loving community matter profoundly in a woman’s restoration journey.
At the same time, we also recognize the importance of professional support. When deeper mental health care is needed, women may be encouraged and helped to pursue counseling or therapy as part of a holistic path toward healing. Healing is not either/or—it is often together. Through our survivor support efforts, we seek to help women access needed care when appropriate through programs such as the Sponsor a Survivor Program.
This understanding of healing—one that values both spiritual care and professional support—reflects the heart of Mending The Scarred’s approach to restoration. We explored this more deeply in our September 2025 articles: From Scars to Strength: A Place for Healing, and What Makes Our Approach Distinct—and Why It Matters, which reflects why we believe healing happens most powerfully when faith, truth, compassionate community, and practical support come together. September 2025 Newsletter Archive
|
| | | Where Faith and Healing Meet
Perhaps what is most striking is not that science has suddenly “discovered” faith, but that many researchers are increasingly acknowledging something people of faith have quietly leaned on for centuries: human beings can find greater hope, meaning, loving support, and strength when they have something greater than themselves to hold onto.¹ ²
And perhaps this should not surprise us. Long before research explored resilience, emotional well-being, trauma recovery, or the sustaining effects of belief, Scripture had already been speaking to the whole person—mind, body, heart, and spirit.
The Bible had it first.
Its pages have long pointed weary hearts toward truth, forgiveness, peace, belonging, prayer, and the healing presence of God.
What science is slowly learning to measure, faith has quietly carried through generations.
“Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” — Matthew 11:28 | | |
| | | ¹ Koenig, H. G. Religion, Spirituality, and Health: The Research and Clinical Implications. International Scholarly Research Notices, 2012. A comprehensive review examining links between religious/spiritual involvement and mental and physical health. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3671693/
² Hefti, R. Integrating Religion and Spirituality into Mental Health Care, Psychiatry and Psychotherapy. Religions, 2(4), 611–627, 2011. Explores the growing recognition of spirituality in mental health care and psychotherapy. https://doi.org/10.3390/rel2040611
³ Koenig, H. G. Religion, Spirituality, and Health: A Review and Update. Advances in Mind-Body Medicine, 29(3), 19–26, 2015. Reviews research on the relationship between religion, spirituality, mental health, and physical health. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26026153/
⁴ Marzinsky, Jerry, and Sherry Swiney. An Amazing Journey into the Psychotic Mind: Breaking the Spell of the Ivory Tower. Reviewed by Athanasios Komianos in The International Journal of Regression Therapy, Issue 32, 2022. A work presenting the authors' perspective on the voices experienced by some people diagnosed with psychotic disorders, drawing particularly on Marzinsky's reported clinical experience. https://regressionjournal.org/book_review/an-amazing-journey-into-the-psychotic-mind-breaking-the-spell-of-the-ivory-tower-by-jerry-marzinsky-sherry-swiney/
⁵ Peck, M. Scott, M.D. People of the Lie: The Hope for Healing Human Evil. Simon & Schuster, 1983. Drawing on cases from his psychiatric practice, Peck explores destructive behavior, human evil, and the possibility that some forms of evil may not be fully understood through conventional psychological categories. https://books.google.com/books/about/People_of_the_Lie.html?id=up94PidCO8AC
⁶ Wright, H. W. The #1 Block To Healing. Be in Health. A Christian perspective exploring the relationship between forgiveness, emotional wounds, and spiritual healing. https://www.beinhealth.com/blocks-to-healing-1/ Wright's broader work, particularly his book A More Excellent Way, also explores his view about the relationship between emotional wounds, spiritual well-being, and physical health. For further reading, see A More Excellent Way by Dr. Henry W. Wright: https://resources.beinhealth.com/products/amew
|
|
|
|
|---|
|
Healing Together: Finding Strength in Community One Calendar, Many Ways to Connect Gathering in person brings a special kind of strength—sharing a meal, exchanging stories, and finding comfort in each other’s presence. These moments create spaces where women can learn, support one another, and form genuine connections that last well beyond the meeting. Alongside our in-person gatherings, our weekly online prayer group offers a quiet, welcoming space to grow in faith, share encouragement, and stay connected—right from home, no matter what season of life you’re in. | | |
| | |
|
|
|---|
|
| | | | | | Moving Together in Hope: Finding Healing in Community
There’s something powerful that happens when women come together—hearts open, stories shared, and hope gently restored.
Across every Mending the Scarred chapter, women gather each month to pause, reflect, and grow in a space where they are seen and supported. While each location carries its own unique rhythm and personality, the heart behind every gathering remains the same—a safe place for healing, faith, and authentic connection.
Whether you’re joining us in Orlando, Jacksonville, or in our Spanish-speaking community, you’ll encounter the same monthly focus, thoughtfully experienced in a way that resonates with each group.
Each chapter shares its own flyer with simple details, making it easy to find a gathering near you and take that next step.
Different communities. Unique expressions. One journey of healing, together.
We would truly love to welcome you. | | | | | |
| This Month’s Topic: When Anger Speaks... Learning to Listen
What if anger isn’t something to fear—but something to understand?
Beneath that rising intensity often lies something real trying to surface: a boundary that’s been overlooked, a hurt that hasn’t been named, a truth waiting for courage. This month, we’ll gently challenge the idea that anger must be pushed aside and instead learn how to recognize what it’s revealing.
When guided by truth and grounded in love, anger can lead us toward clarity, deeper conviction, and a strength that brings healing rather than harm.
It may even become the very place where restoration begins. | | |
| | | | | | |  | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |  | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | |  | | | | | |
| Tema de este mes: Cuando el enojo habla... Aprendiendo a escuchar
¿Qué pasaría si el enojo no fuera algo que temer, sino algo que comprender?
Debajo de esa intensidad que surge, a menudo hay algo real que intenta salir a la luz: un límite que ha sido ignorado, una herida que no ha sido nombrada, una verdad que espera valentía.
Este mes, exploraremos con cuidado la idea de que la ira no tiene que ser reprimida, sino entendida. Aprenderemos a reconocer lo que nos está revelando.
Cuando está guiada por la verdad y fundamentada en el amor, la ira puede conducirnos a claridad, a una convicción más profunda y a una fortaleza que produce sanidad en lugar de daño. Incluso puede convertirse en el lugar donde comienza la restauración. | | |
| | | | | | |  | | | | | |
| | | | | | | | | | | Stay Close to What Matters: Your Place to Connect & Belong
Our Save the Date! page provides a central place to view what’s currently scheduled at Mending the Scarred.
It includes upcoming monthly gatherings, weekly prayer calls, special events, and the theme guiding this season. The page also outlines how to stay connected through our WhatsApp groups, along with details about our regular rhythms and ongoing opportunities for participation.
Reviewing this page can help you stay informed about what’s ahead and find ways to remain connected in a manner that fits your schedule and season. | | | | | | | | | |
|
|
|
|---|
|
Together, We Can Break the Cycle of Trauma | At Mending The Scarred, we believe every woman deserves the chance to heal, rebuild, and thrive after trauma. Many women survivors of domestic violence and other hardships face overwhelming challenges—homelessness, financial instability, and emotional wounds that feel impossible to heal alone. That’s where we step in. | We provide real, life-changing support to women in need, offering counseling, job assistance, emergency aid, food, clothing, medical care, and access to education. But we don’t stop there—we’re working toward a secure, transitional housing program in Central Florida, giving survivors a stable place to stay while they rebuild their lives. This mission isn’t just about meeting basic needs—it’s about empowerment. We want women to move beyond survival, to become confident, self-sufficient, and ready to build a bright future. But we can’t do this alone. Your support—whether through donations, volunteering, or spreading the word—can change lives. Together, we can provide a fresh start for women who need it most. Will you join us?
Our Vision | Our Team | Volunteering/Partnerships |
|
|
|---|
|
Exciting Ways to Make a Difference Be the Change: Join Our Mission to Empower Women Mending the Scarred thrives because of dedicated volunteers like you—individuals with a passion for transforming the lives of women impacted by domestic violence, sexual abuse, and emotional trauma. Together, we can create a brighter future. |
| | | | | | | Here's how you can make a difference:
🍂 Community Outreach: Share hope by helping us connect with local schools, churches, and community events, introducing women to the life-changing support of MTS.
🍂 Prayer & Intercession Team: Lend your heart and faith by praying for the women we serve and supporting our leadership team through intercession and special events. | | | | | | | | | |
| | | Your time, energy, and compassion can change lives. Take the first step today! Click the link below to explore volunteer opportunities and email us at info@mendingthescarred.org to get started.
Let’s make an impact together! |
| | |
|
|
|---|
|
Sponsor a Survivor Imagine the profound impact you can have on a woman who has endured the unthinkable—abuse, trauma, and heartache. Your sponsorship isn't just a donation—it's an investment in the restoration of a life. It’s a chance to show a woman who has suffered that she is seen, valued, and worthy of the care and healing she so desperately needs. Every session provides a safe space for her to process her pain, rebuild her self-worth, and reclaim the strength that trauma tried to take from her. | | |
|
|
|---|
|
Spread the Healing: Invite Others to Join Our Journey Every journey toward healing becomes more powerful when shared. If our newsletter has inspired, uplifted, or encouraged you, we invite you to share it with others who might benefit as well! Encourage your friends, family, or colleagues to subscribe. Together, we can extend the reach of hope, understanding, and connection to even more hearts. Let’s grow this community of healing—one invitation at a time. | | |
|
|
|---|
|
| | Got Questions? See our most popular FAQs! |
| | |
|
|
|---|
|
| |  | |
| |
|---|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|---|
|
|
