By: Clare Bruce
Alongside Beyonce Knowles and Kelly Rowland, the stunning and talented Michelle Williams was one-third of Destiny’s Child – one of the most successful pop groups in history.
But while the trio of divas was taking the world by storm, what fans didn’t know at the time was that Michelle was battling depression.
In 2018 the 38-year-old superstar sought help and shared publicy with fans about her struggles, placing the importance of mental health firmly in the spotlight.
“From the age of 9 until I graduated high school, there were days that were dark,” said Michelle, in a video for YouVersion Bible translation. “There were days I didn’t want to get out of bed, feeling very low and helpless… wanting life to be over.”
Michelle struggled with feelings of unworthiness.
“I experienced and saw some things even in childhood and adulthood that I should’ve never gone through,” she said. “I felt so much shame. I didn’t feel like I was worthy enough to pray, read the Bible, listen to praise and worship music because I’d got to such a low point, and nobody knew.”
The Power of God’s Word to Overcome Depression
One of the most powerful tools Michelle has used to overcome depression and anxiety, is God’s word.
“I’ve always had the Bible App so what I would do is make sure that every day I was getting up, having to walk all the way to the kitchen, because I needed to get out of bed – and the first thing I would do is put praise and worship music on and I would be in the word and writing things down, and everything I needed to hear was right there.
“I thank God for his grace and healing and restoring. God’s word is what continues to sustain me…”
“At times I was like ‘oh my gosh this was right here all along’, I should’ve known – I grew up in church!”
The singing, acting star says the Bible reminded her of her worth, and what we have in God.
“You can do all the self help books and all the relationship books and all the ‘Guide me, o thou, into my career’ books. But you better get that Bible to know what He says for you,” she says.
“I thank God for his grace and healing and restoring. God’s word is what continues to sustain me and keep me.”
In 2017 Michelle famously began dating pastor and sports chaplain Chad Johnson and they were engaged in April 2018, but in December, they announced they had parted ways.
Michelle has recently released a short Devotion video series available in the YouVersion app, aimed at helping people through anxiety and depression.
Article supplied with thanks to Hope Media.
About the Author: Clare is a digital journalist for the Broadcast Industry.