For 35 years Anita has journeyed with 1WAYFM.
Anita says that it has been through the station, Jesus has helped her to walk in His presence.
It hasn’t been easy for Anita, however, Anita says that without the stations words of encouragement, hope and joy through anointed music and podcasts, she would be so much more worse off.
Anita’s favourite, live by scripture is Philippians 4:13:
I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.
Read along to find out about Anita’s story and how 1WAY FM has play a part in keeping her rooted in God in the hardest of seasons.
Let’s keep 1WAYFM on Air!
(Warning Anita’s story is raw and honest. She very briefly mentions aspects of the struggles she has with severe mental illness, and abuse. Please contact Lifeline 13 11 14 or 1WAY FM care line 5119 0774 if Anita’s story triggers anything for you.)
Find Anita’s books, ‘Jottings on the Journey’ and ‘Whispers to My Father’ as well as some beautiful are and photography at The Final Countdown Fundraising Finale.
All items will be for sale and some items will be auctioned off. 100% of profits go to 1WAY FM.
Could you take us back to when you were 15 and first started listening to 1WAYFM – what was life like for you then?
“15 – teenage years: we all go through those years of high school, body changes, mood swings, and trying to find ourselves and where we fit in.
It was at this time, that my life was such a struggle, and I felt there was nowhere to turn, except a bible given to me by my parents, which was an engagement gift to them from my dad’s sister.
I often read the book of Job and the Psalms, as Job was in a dark place like myself, and the Psalms where an expression of my feelings that I didn’t have words for.
So, 1WAYFM was a life line for me at age of 15, as things at home were dysfunctional. On top of that, my nanna passed away from a cancerous brain tumour the night before my 15thbirthday, I was sexually assaulted, I started self-harm, and my moods were so erratic – not the normal teenage mood swings, much more sever and intense.
Anyway, there used to be a Christian Bookshop at the Woden bus interchange. That’s where I was told about the station 1WAYFM. I would often record songs off the 1WAYFM radiostation onto cassettes, which I later used in my first car – A 1968 VW Beetle which I was so proud of. I had a portable cassette player on the front seat and played those cassettes to the maximum volume while driving around. My dad even converted the miles per hour into Kilometres per hour by sticking a piece of cardboard on the speedo. It was just great!”
During those hospital stays can you describe a specific moment when 1WAYFM gave you hope, or kept you going through the night?
“So, at age 18, I was diagnosed with rapid cycling bipolar 1 mood disorder. I was suffering manaia, depression, hallutations and delusions, as well as mixed episodes, which is a combination of maina and depression at the same time. I was suicidal many times. It was dreadful.
I was admitted to what was then called 2N, a mental health unit in Canberra a few times. It was not long until I started being admitted to the private mental health unit.
During 20 plus years of being admitted to mental health units, I always listened to 1WAYFM on my MP3 player which I still have, and still to this day I use it in hospital. As you can probably tell, I’m rather old school!
Anyway, a song by the artists ‘for King and Country’ titled ‘God only Knows’ just jumped at my heart. It taught, and still teaches me that ‘God only knows what we have been through’ as the lyrics say, and that despite myself trying to wear more make up than a clown to pretend everything is fine, God sees it all, he knows what’s happening in my life, and, he just loves me with a perfect love, that is unfailing and everlasting. Despite everything that is happening which other people don’t see let alone understand, God is there, with me. It’s a powerful song.”
In some of the hardest seasons, how did the music, or the messages you heard on 1WAYFM bring you hope or encouragement?
“During the hardest times in my life, especially when my mental health is all consuming and I can’t read the Bible or devotionals because I am so unwell, 1WAY’s music and messages from artists and speakers worldwide, allows God to work in me through just listening.
I have learnt over the years that the Holy Spirit has, and continues to work through 1WAYFM to help comfort me and, advise and bless me through the anointing of such musical artists and speakers.”
When you look back over these 35 years of listening, what’s one moment or message that you still carry with you today?
“The most important message that I carry with me is the power of prayer.
I fully believe this because I have experienced and witnessed the power of prayer in my life and the lives of others. I have had miracles in my life, that a non-believer may say, ‘that was just a coincidence,’ or ‘that’s just luck.’
The miracles I am talking about include inner healing of wounds so deep, that I never thought possible to forgive. Then there have been physical miracles that I prayed boldly for – it’s a long story; however, those bold prayers allowed me to have exactly what I wanted in a house a few years back. I was on my knees in awe… prayer is powerful.
I have learnt after many years throughout my journey, God hears everything we ask for. It may not always be answered in our timing, because God makes everything beautiful in his timing. I have also learnt though listening to 1WAYFM that a prayer as small as ‘God Help’ or ‘Thanks God’ are mighty prayers, because you are communicating with the one who loves you the most.”
For someone listening right now who might be going through a similar struggle, what would you say to them about staying strong?
“I think being strong in one’s self is not the answer. Being strong in Christ as a firm foundation is the way, though surrender. This is not easy. Often, I buck up and try it all in my own human strength. I am learning it’s just not possible.
However, for the listeners out there who are struggling … Please tell someone you trust. A family member, friend, GP, life line, care line here on 1WAYFM or, present to the hospital if things are life threating.
Also, it’s important to remember its ok not to be ok. Crying is good. On a faith level, I know God catches all our tears and stores them in a gold bottle. (The passion translation bible says in the Psalms). Physiologically, crying releases endorphins that release pent up emotions.
It’s important to validate how you feel because you are going through the rough time. I still find this hard. There is a song by Elevation Worship titled ‘Come to the Alter.’ I listen to it frequently, to help me bring my struggles before God.”
What would it mean to you if 1WAYFM was able to keep being that life line for others – what difference would it make?
“I believe Having 1WAYFM as a lifeline for others would make the city of Canberra and beyond a place of personal growth for individuals willing to listen and be open to the Word of God.
For me, it would mean a great opportunity for anyone, from preschool (the kids show on Saturday mornings are pretty good – even I listen to them occasionally when I need a sleep in) to teens (the hip hop and techno nights) to adults, to get to know Jesus in a way that is upbeat, inspiring, encouraging and humorous to become faith filled people.”
Join the live audience for our fundraiser finale… The Final Countdown.
Meet Anita in person and purchase her prophetic art, books and photography – 100% of profits to 1WAY FM
If you believe it’s important to keep 1WAY FM on air, for people like Anita and so many others, we invite you to take part of our Sharing Faith, Bringing Hope Fundraiser and give hope!
