The previous article "Husband Becomes Pastor After Coming to the Church to Save Depressed Wife" tells the story of Brother Zeng, who entered the church in an effort to help his wife, who was struggling with depression. Over time, he not only embraced faith in Jesus but also committed himself to ministry. This article continues the story, focusing on the remarkable recovery of Sister Yang as she overcame depression and restored her marriage to a healthy, normal life.
Sister Yang and her husband, Brother Zeng, came from very different family backgrounds. Brother Zeng was raised in an intellectual family, while Sister Yang grew up in a modest, working-class family with an older and a younger brother. As the middle child, she felt that the adage "the father shows no affection, and the mother offers no care" described her situation perfectly.
Yang's family members "liked" to quarrel, always arguing for no specific reason. During her teenage years, Yang was the type of person who was especially afraid of upsetting her family. Living in such an environment for a long time left her feeling exhausted. Sometimes, after quarreling with her husband, Yang's mother would retreat to the company dormitory, leaving all the household chores to Yang. "I think I stopped laughing at a very young age," she recalled. "Later, when I began dating Brother Zeng, what struck me most was how humorous he was and how he could always make me laugh."
Although her father was educated, his parenting style was very simple and harsh. "That made me hate studying," she said. Meanwhile, her mother always felt that no one supported her. Yang began working at 15 after graduating from junior high school and handed over almost all her wages to her family. "Over time, I was deeply resentful toward my mother because she gave all the money I earned to my older and younger brothers. The preference for sons over daughters was very evident."
For many years, Yang had a strained relationship with her family of origin. Even during holidays such as the week-long Spring Festival, peace typically lasted only until the fourth day before the cycle of "violent communication" resumed. At that point, she would feel the urge to escape. After leaving, she often found herself missing home but lacked the courage to return.
After she got married, Yang was able to create some distance from her parents' home, but since they still lived in the same city, her mother continued to exert influence, often interfering in their family matters.
Living with Zeng's family after marriage was peaceful and harmonious, yet Yang found herself uncomfortable with the calmness of their life together. She often picked on Zeng.
"But God showed me great mercy, and Zeng's family was incredibly patient with me. We lived not only with his parents but also with his sister," she explained. At times, even when no one had done anything to upset her, Yang would stay home from work, lying in bed. "I often stayed in bed for two or three days without leaving the room. I would lock myself in." Even when Zeng's family brought her food, she would throw it on the floor. "Sometimes Zeng and I would argue late into the night, and when my in-laws couldn't manage anymore, they would call for help. His sisters and brothers-in-law would rush over in a taxi in the middle of the night to comfort me, as they didn't have a car."
When Yang was single, she had given almost all of her earnings to her family, and she continued this practice after marriage. Her husband tried to discuss setting aside money for their own family, but Yang would react strongly, shouting and refusing to compromise.
After graduating from junior high school, Yang began working, but due to her limited education, she struggled to find good jobs. Her husband suggested that she return to school and offered to cover all her educational expenses.
To foster a positive attitude toward learning, Zeng encouraged her, accompanied her during her studies, and helped with her assignments. As a result, Yang successfully passed the adult college entrance exam and chose accounting as her major, pursuing a junior college degree. After graduating, she returned to her company. However, a few years later, the company raised its educational requirements, stating that all positions now required at least a bachelor's degree. This change was, in effect, a way to lay off older employees.
Because she enjoyed working in the company, Yang took the college entrance exam again and passed. She is deeply grateful to Zeng for his support, but she is even more thankful to God. "Whenever I prayed to Him, He guided me every step of the way. Though there were many challenges in preparing for the studies and exams, it was especially difficult for someone like me. But God gave me the confidence and strength to overcome all obstacles."
In 2008, Sister Yang fully overcame her depression. One summer day, while cleaning her house, God suddenly opened her eyes. She realized that her heart was filled with dirt and many sins. She paused, then began to pray to God. Under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, Yang recognized her many sins and the debts she owed to her husband, children, and in-laws.
In that moment, she felt as though she were like Job, "loathing herself" in dust and ashes. Due to her troubled family background, she had longed for a better family life in the future. Yet, after marriage, she had made a mess of this ideal family, causing turmoil and chaos.
"It was only when I was nearly 40 that I gained some enlightenment and realized what kind of life a responsible adult should live." From that moment, she began to make positive changes in her life. She learned to apologize to her husband and became more patient with him.
Gradually, the Holy Spirit guided Yang, step by step. At first, whenever she tried to read the Bible, she struggled to focus and would often fall asleep. But once God opened her eyes, she developed a love for the Bible and couldn't put it down.
As for her depression, it had long disappeared. Yang noted that the first seven years in the church were marked by fewer words from her, whereas after her transformation, she spoke much more in church.
- Edited by Karen Luo, translated by Poppy Chan
