The Collage Podcast: Episode 55 - Wendy

Release Date: December 4, 2024
Host: Feed My Sheep
Guest: Wendy
Location: Temple, Texas

1. Introduction to Wendy

The episode opens with the host welcoming Wendy to The Collage Podcast. Wendy introduces herself, sharing her origins from Roxboro, Pennsylvania, and her upbringing in Philadelphia's Kensington neighborhood during the 1970s.

"Good afternoon. Hey, My name is Wendy." [01:24]

2. Early Life and Upbringing

Wendy delves into her childhood experiences, particularly the challenges of racial integration through busing in her public school. She describes the cultural clashes and the impact of segregation lines in her neighborhood.

"It was rough, it was not dangerous, but it was hard... we have come so far and we are not where we were." [03:43]

The host reflects on the differences between Wendy's experiences in Pennsylvania and his own upbringing in Temple, Texas, highlighting contrasting approaches to school integration.

"We were one of the last school districts that bused kids for just the opposite reason." [07:22]

3. Struggles with Mental Health and Homelessness

Wendy shares her profound struggles after losing her parents—her mother in 2012 and her father in 2019—which led to homelessness and severe mental health challenges. She discusses the inadequate mental health support she received, including numerous hospital stays and being misdiagnosed.

"I have been in 27 hospital stays here in Texas for mental health, for suicide, for depression really." [09:27]

4. Personal Losses and Challenges

Tragedy strikes again as Wendy loses her son, Armando, who has Down syndrome, and her daughter, Mandy, who faces severe health issues. These losses exacerbate her mental health struggles, leading her deeper into despair and homelessness.

"I have been struggling with depression, suicide, and drugs all my life, since I was 12." [28:14]

5. Turning Point and Recovery

A pivotal moment occurs when Wendy meets Steve Neviller through a support group. Steve's intervention helps Wendy transition to a ministry where she begins her journey toward sobriety, achieving three years of sobriety at the time of the interview.

"Since I've been here, I've been sober three years now." [18:39]

Wendy credits her recovery to her newfound faith and the support from her church community, which provided her with a sense of belonging and purpose.

"The Lord has transformed me. I haven't. I don't have the skill to do what God has done in my life." [18:55]

6. Role of Faith and Community

Wendy emphasizes the crucial role that faith and community support played in her healing process. She speaks about her active involvement in Trinity Church, where she found spiritual solace and practical support through Bible studies and volunteer work.

"I've never been to a church like this... They have done Bible studies who explained." [22:03]

The host highlights the importance of such communities in providing love, mentorship, and accountability, which are vital for individuals recovering from similar struggles.

"It's not asking too much, but it is... a group of people that cared about you." [24:37]

7. Current Perspective and Philosophy

Wendy expresses a profound sense of gratitude and self-love, attributing her positive outlook to her relationship with God. She rejects the notion of entitlement and chooses to focus on what she has rather than what she lacks.

"I have an attitude of gratitude because I could be sick, sad, sorry, or I could be grateful, healthy, motivated." [45:35]

Wendy discusses her transformation, highlighting how she no longer relies on medications and maintains her well-being through hydration, prayer, and a positive mindset.

"God is my answer to everything. I have an attitude that says... I am grateful, I have no reason to tell you." [46:18]

8. Conclusion and Key Takeaways

In the concluding segments, the host and Wendy reaffirm the episode's central messages: the inherent worth of every individual, the power of community and faith in overcoming adversity, and the importance of treating everyone with dignity and respect.

"You are a person and you matter also." [45:31]

Wendy shares her belief that everyone is a child of God, deserving of love and respect, regardless of their circumstances.

"There is nobody that I looked at isn't a child of God 100%." [42:56]

The host encourages listeners to adopt similar attitudes of gratitude and non-judgment, emphasizing that everyone deserves kindness and understanding.

"They are of worth and they deserve to be treated with dignity." [53:19]

The episode wraps up with mutual expressions of gratitude and a reminder to listeners of the power of love, kindness, and community support.

"We thank you for listening to another Collage podcast." [55:11]

Notable Quotes

• "I have been in 27 hospital stays here in Texas for mental health, for suicide, for depression really." — Wendy [09:27]

• "Since I've been here, I've been sober three years now." — Wendy [18:39]

• "God is my answer to everything. I have an attitude that says... I am grateful, I have no reason to tell you." — Wendy [46:18]

• "You are a person and you matter also." — Host [45:31]

• "We are the Collage Podcast. Like we mentioned, we're recording out of a little place called Temple, Texas." — Host [00:02]

Key Themes and Insights

• Resilience Through Faith: Wendy's journey underscores the transformative power of faith and spiritual communities in overcoming personal tragedies and mental health challenges.

• Importance of Community Support: The episode highlights how compassionate communities and mentorship can provide critical support for individuals facing homelessness and mental health issues.

• Intrinsic Human Worth: A central message is the inherent value of every individual, advocating for dignity, respect, and non-judgment irrespective of one's circumstances.

• Mental Health Awareness: Wendy's candid discussion about her mental health struggles emphasizes the need for better mental health support systems and understanding societal stigmas.

Conclusion

Episode 55 of The Collage Podcast with Wendy is a moving testament to human resilience and the profound impact of faith and community support. Wendy's story from hardship to healing serves as an inspiration, reminding listeners of the importance of compassion, self-love, and the unwavering belief in one's inherent worth.