Healed from PTSD through dance at Destiny House

by Jessika Tate, Destiny House alumni 2015-2016

On October 24, 2014, I walked into Friday morning worship at Destiny House, still battling anxiety and still having nightmares. I was still trying to pretend like I was okay and that I was strong even though I had no hope and was unsure if I would ever be “healed” and have my life back. That morning a woman I had only talked to a couple of times before came over and asked if she could put me in the middle of the crowd and dance over me. Having anxiety, depression, post-traumatic issues, and deep heartache, the thought of being the center of attention sounded miserable. Unsure of what was going to happen and way less than confident that this would help me at all, I reluctantly moved to the middle, mainly because I didn't want to be rude.

As she began to dance, I put my head down, shut my eyes, and pleaded with God for it to be over. Then I felt it. I felt something physical begin to fall off my shoulders; it felt as though heavy weights were being knocked off with a sledgehammer. Then I felt the "foggy" head I had for months clear up. I felt anxiety leave the pit of my stomach for the first time in months. I physically felt a release of pain and tension in my heart. As this happened, I crumpled into a heap in the floor and began to weep uncontrollably. When I did, I was soon surrounded by people praying and prophesying over me.

That day has forever changed my life. I have not battled that consistent anxiety one day since then, nor had another nightmare. My hope has been restored. My joy is overflowing. My complete healing has been a process, but that process began with this miracle. God used dance to break off what nothing else had managed to do. I'm still overwhelmed by His mercy, His creative healing, and His kindness. I found out later that I was the first person she had ever danced over. I am so thankful to Katharina Welt for being obedient to dance over me even when it seemed crazy. God is so good and there is always hope. Whatever your struggle has been, GOD will see you through it and He will use it not only for your good but to help others! Don't quit, there is HOPE!

To learn more about Jessika's story and heart to take Jesus into War Zones, go HERE