“When God Becomes a Neurosurgeon and Hijacks Your Blog, Your Brain and Your Life”

It seems like very few things in life actually happen on my timeline. Shocking, I know. When I quit my corporate job, I was fully convinced I’d be a rockstar millionaire by the end of the year—thanks to a couple of smooth-talking internet gurus who made it big overnight (or so they claimed).

Fast-forward over ten years later—yes, ten years (no fooling, not dog years, actual years)—and spoiler alert: still not a millionaire. Not even a thousandaire on most days.

Sure, I’ve published a couple of books. I was absolutely positive that my book, “Speak to Me God I’m Listening – 365 Daily Meditations for Those Who Want to Hear God Answer Life’s Toughest Questions,” would go viral. I mean, Sarah Young’s “Jesus Calling” topped the charts, even outselling 50 Shades of Grey the year it came out—and my book had all the Jesus with none of the bondage! Plus, mine included everything someone in recovery needs. A no-brainer bestseller, right?

Well, each month I eagerly await my royalty report, thinking maybe this is the month. Last month’s grand total? Wait for it… $0.37. That’s right, thirty-seven glorious cents. I couldn’t even buy a gumball with that. But hey—don’t be jealous of my success!

Clearly, it’s not God’s timing yet for me to be a New York Times bestselling author. YET.

BUT HERE’S THE GOOD NEWS.
This week, my blog “Resetting Your Brain Like You Reset Your Router” was published in our local newspaper. A total shock—because I never submitted it. I didn’t even know it was in the paper until my husband asked when I became a local journalist. Apparently, God took the wheel and emailed it in for me. Boom—divine intervention at its finest.

Moral of the story: God shows up the minute I stop trying to fix everything myself. Imagine that!

Now, as someone with ADHD (and, let’s be honest, a few brain cells that may or may not have been pickled by years of alcohol and age), I still struggle with that verse from Isaiah 41:10: “Cease striving and know that I am God.” Cease striving?? You mean… give up control?? I’m sorry, come again?

But here’s what I’m learning—if I really want my life to go His way, I have to stop clinging to my way. That means handing over my dreams of being a writer, speaker, counselor, life coach, and corporate trainer, and trusting that God knows exactly what He’s doing.

It hasn’t happened without a lot of mental decluttering, detoxing the toxic thoughts and fears swirling around in my brain. So, because I love you (and because I wish someone had given me this 10 years ago), here’s my little guide on how to reset your brain and let God lead the way.

Step 1: Get a Diagnosis.
To get an accurate diagnosis you have to be honest.  It is the difference between “I like a little wine with dinner” compared to the truth which is “I like dinner with my wine.” Big difference. God’s not buying the casual shrug-and-smile routine. He’s like, “Nice try, but let’s talk about that toxic waste you’ve been stuffing way down since 1997.” You know, that tangled mix of old feelings, your ex’s nonsense, and that time you cried in Walmart for reasons you still can’t explain.

The truth is, most of us avoid digging into the past because it’s messy and confusing—like cleaning out a junk drawer labeled “emotional baggage.” But here you are, bravely reading this slightly strange, possibly helpful, and mildly sarcastic guide to sorting it all out. Welcome to my mess. You’re doing great.

Step 2: Admit You’re Not the Surgeon.
You’ve been trying to fix your life with the equivalent of duct tape and a butter knife. (Seriously—ask my kids and husband how many things in my house are currently being held together with duct tape. Spoiler: it’s more than zero and less than “should probably be condemned.”)

It’s time to drop the tools and admit: “I have no idea what I’m doing.” I mean, would you perform brain surgery on yourself? No? Then why are you trying to rewire your soul without the One who designed it? That’s not brave—that’s bananas.

This first step of “admitting” is often the hardest because many of us have been called control freaks. I like to call myself “efficiently bossy,” but God probably just calls it “stubborn.”

There’s a verse that says, “Humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, and He will exalt you in due time.” (1 Peter 5:6) Translation: put down the scalpel, Linda, and back away slowly.

That’s exactly what happened to me—this week with the news article, and back when I finally handed over the hot mess express that was my drinking and my life. It’s amazing what can happen when you stop white-knuckling everything and just… let go and let God.

Step 3: Hand Over the Scalpel.

Let God take the lead. He’s got the credentials. He made your brain, your heart, and even those emotions you’ve been drowning in White Zinfandel and Miller Lite. Trusting Him is like choosing a board-certified neurosurgeon over a YouTube tutorial with 10 views on a “I’m pretty sure I know what I’m doing” channel”.

He also gave you every talent, ability, skill, interest and experiences you have to prepare you to use all of them for doing your dream job. In the meantime, he is using his scalpel to shape you.

Step 4: Follow the Treatment Plan.
Yes, this includes prayer, community, maybe therapy, and definitely telling that sneaky little voice that says, “Just one drink won’t hurt” to take a permanent vacation. That voice? Fired. No severance package. No references. Blocked on all platforms.

Instead, let the Great Physician write your treatment plan. Trust me, His prescriptions are life-giving—and He won’t stick you with a co-pay.

Also, allow me to introduce you to a little something I call BT—short for Brain Therapy. (No, not Botox for your brain—although some of us have considered it.) I’m talking about the real transformation kind, straight out of Romans 12:2:
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

Every day becomes a mental gym session. You’re not just lifting emotional weights—you’re building brand new neural pathways like a boss. And yes, it’s a workout. But instead of six-pack abs, you get peace, clarity, and a spiritual glow that no Instagram filter can match.

Step 5: Schedule Regular Checkups.
Recovery isn’t a once-and-done. Every kind of procedure needs after care, especially if you are having brain surgery1 I love it when my counseling clients are emotionally intelligent enough to realize that even if they think they are going to be ok they schedule regular “check-ups” anyway just to be sure they are staying on track. 

So just keep showing up for God. Read His Word. Talk to Him. Stay connected with people who are sober and not selling scalpels (or booze) out of their trunk. You need support—and sometimes, a good laugh.

Step 6: Celebrate Every Clear Scan.

Every sober day is a miracle, especially the ones when you feel like hiding in a blanket fort with fancy cheese and deep regrets. Thank God for His mercy and your progress. Don’t forget where you came from and don’t be afraid of where you are going because you have the best care you can possibly get. And maybe write a Google review for the world’s best Surgeon: “Saved my life. Five stars. Would repent again.”

Step 7: Be the Before-and-After Photo.

Let others see what God can do. People knew what a mess you were before the surgery. They had to deal with your annoying behaviors, your anger, your whining and your hangovers and painful regrets. Now it’s time to show off that renewed mind, peaceful heart, and clear eyes. Tell your story. Be the proof that you don’t need a drink when you’ve got divine anesthesia and heavenly healing. 

If you are wondering if you are in need of “brain surgery” in order to stay sober and kick whatever other bad habit you are struggling with, have the courage to take my 5 Day Mindful Sobriety Challenge that will offer the opportunity to do a self-assessment of your life and give you some tips to make changes. It will also lead you to a free strategy session with me so I can help you in your journey of recovery. 

Blessings and Peace!

Linda