Living a life of integrity … ‘Integrity – the state of being whole.’
HOPE, HEALING AND WHOLENESS are significant themes that have dominated my journey thus far, all merging into a characteristic I have striven for over the years – integrity, the ‘state of being whole’. For me, that state of being whole embraces my entire being – body, soul and spirit. It also incorporates the expression of my Christian faith into all parts of life, to the best of my ability.
For me to be writing my story for my blog is an amazing accomplishment. It comes at the end of a traumatic journey through the mire of intense psychotherapy with many lengthy admissions to a psychiatric hospital, dealing with a major mental health disorder. That journey culminated in my returning to work as a social worker, then – on my recent retirement – returning to my love of writing. I have completed my autobiography – Peace and Freedom Are My Names – that I plan to have published in the near future.
I am interested in writing articles for Christian magazines, primarily to stir people up in their faith in God, and to encourage all to be Christ in the community – among the poor, the homeless, those with mental illness, the broken hearted and those who live with the consequences of child abuse.
I am also keen to help others write their stories, particularly those who have a lived-experience of triumph over extreme difficulties.
It was through my writing that I became a social worker. At the close of my social work career, that is now having an impact upon what I need to write. Encompassing all that I do is my heart’s desire to communicate the love of God in all that I do, to those with whom I come in contact, and through my writing.
PERSONAL
Name: Irene Frances – formerly Irene Frances Oliver
Age: Recently retired
Children: Debi, Tania & Darren
Grandchildren:
Daniel, Nathan, Matthew; Alexandra Kate (With Jesus), Monique & Sabrina; Imogen & Bethany.
Faith: Committed Christian
Most Important: Vibrant faith in God my Heavenly Father, His Son – the Lord Jesus Christ – and the empowering ongoing presence of the Holy Spirit.
Interests: Writing, reading, cryptic crosswords, coffee and good conversation with friends.
