Fighting Goliath by Jesslyn McCutcheon
Yet Not I, But Through Christ In Me
Life can change in the blink of an eye, and Christmas 2019 was one of those pivotal moments. I had set my alarm for 5:00 AM with one goal: getting the Elf on the Shelf moved before the kids woke up! As I rushed toward the stairs, my foot slipped at the top of our 13-step staircase, sending my body tumbling down with the back of my head taking a beating to each stair. It’s truly a miracle I didn’t break my neck. At the time, I didn’t realize that this accident would mark the beginning of my journey to becoming a writer. I had dreamed of writing a book for years—since 2013, to be exact—but never found the time. Between being a wife and a mom and working full-time in a corporate purchasing role, my dream of writing or finding my true purpose seemed out of reach. The daily grind continued—until the accident. It forced me to slow down, recover from multiple surgeries to repair the damage to my neck, and reflect on a more profound question: What was God trying to teach me during each one of these seasons of my life?
After my third major neck surgery in March 2024, I began writing my upcoming book, Fighting Goliath: Slaying the Giant of Bipolar Disorder. In addition to the life-changing fall down the stairs, I have spent the past 25 years battling bipolar I disorder—a complex and often misunderstood illness that currently has no cure. For many years, I hid in the shadows of my illness, afraid of the stigma and the fear that others wouldn’t understand. However, during my periods of recovery, my voice began to shift—from one of defeat to one of victory.
This book and my calling emerged from the many valleys I’ve navigated. I’ve learned that, to rise, it’s essential to understand that only One can conquer the grave and bring even the biggest giants to their knees. This upcoming book is not just a memoir, it addresses:
Living with Bipolar Disorder
Stigma Surrounding Mental Illness
The Role of Faith
Why Mental Health Should Matter to the Church
Psychological Health and Safety
The Power of Community
Finding and Living Your Purpose
Overcoming Your Giant with Christ
Living your calling to its fullest.
Giants in our lives can be anything that seeks to destroy or diminish the life God desires and intended for us from the beginning. This book is for any person, friend, colleague, mental health professional, or advocate who has been affected by bipolar disorder or a mental health condition. Although gut-wrenching to read at times, you will find that it is only through the Provider that our giants can fall for good. I propose this question: Do you believe your giant can fall?
When life’s storms come, we must not fear. We are called to keep believing, keep trusting, and keep declaring that we can do all things through Christ, who gives us strength. When the waters rise, and I feel like I’m sinking, I often turn to the letters of the Apostle Paul. If anyone endured turbulent times, it was Paul. Throughout his ministry, he faced persecution, imprisonment, beatings, shipwrecks, and near-death experiences. Yet, he boldly declares in 2 Corinthians 1:10: “He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and He will deliver us again.” Time and time again, God has shown His faithfulness in my health, finances, family, and marriage. His promises and truth are what brings peace to my soul.
From the beginning, God has declared a unique purpose for our lives. We don’t have to hide the parts of ourselves that ache or live in fear—our giants were never meant to be faced alone. As Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble, and you will find rest for your souls. My yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30). When we truly understand that our lives are holy and bound to His, miracles happen, chains are broken, and we realize: Yet not I, but through Christ in me.
About Jesslyn:
Jesslyn McCutcheon is a member of NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) NW Piedmont and the AACC (American Association of Christian Counseling).
Since being diagnosed with bipolar 1 disorder 25 years ago, she actively advocates and speaks regarding mental illness to normalize and destigmatize conversations around mental health. Jesslyn is the Founder of Fighting Goliath for Mental Illness, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit ministry that helps women who live with bipolar disorder overcome hopelessness through resources, our lived experiences, and incorporating God’s word in order to live a more fulfilling life.
Jesslyn’s book: Fighting Goliath: Slaying the Giant of Bipolar Disorder is coming Spring 2025.
Jesslyn, her husband and three daughters reside in King, NC.
Connect:
www.jesslynmccutcheon.com
https://www.instagram.com/@jesslynmccutcheon
TikTok.com/@jesslynmccutcheon
https://facebok.com/jesslyn.mccutcheon.3
https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesslynmfgfmi/
