From suicidal to life coach

Elizabeth Elliot, 74, shares her story of God’s healing from an emotional breakdown.

I was born in Southsea in Portsmouth, Hampshire in May 1949. We moved to London when I was ten with my two younger brothers. My parents were Christian, but I had a very strict upbringing, and it wasn’t until later in my life that I realised I needed healing from all I experienced. I went to a grammar school, but I didn’t do well, probably connected to the problems at home.

Once in Purley, we went to a church that had a really good youth group. For the first time in my life, at 17, I saw young people who had Christian faith and they talked about it. That greatly influenced me. They were good fun to be with and there were lots of really nice boys!

The church used to go away for the Easter weekend, and I think during one of those trips was when I said yes to Jesus in my head. But to be honest, I didn’t feel it made any difference to my life. I always felt a bit guilty about that.