From Restlessness to Redemption
Orla’s Story of Finding Peace in Christ
Welcome friend,
I’m Mark, and this space is for the wanderers, the worn out, and the ones still wrestling with God at 2 a.m. I don’t have all the answers, but I know the One who does—and I’m learning to trust Him more.
If this message meets you where you are, stick around. Subscribe, share, or simply pray with me as we walk this narrow road together.
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“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” – Psalm 34:18
Growing Up Without a Foundation
Orla grew up in Dublin, Ireland, one of eight children in a Catholic family. Her earliest memories of faith were tied to her First Communion—dressed in white, feeling holy, sensing the Spirit’s presence around her. But after that, real teaching about Jesus and salvation never came.
She was taught to be kind, quiet, and to refrain from complaining. But deep inside, Orla had questions. What was she supposed to do when kindness wasn’t returned? Where did she belong when she didn’t fit into the world around her?
Trying to Please Everyone
As she grew, Orla tried to be the “good daughter.” Nursing became her career, not because it was her calling, but because it was safe, steady, and her mother approved. She worked hard, but restlessness never left her.
By her early twenties, life grew heavy. The world around her was loud and persuasive, and with no Christians near to guide her, she drifted with its current. She wasn’t trying to rebel; in fact, she wanted to do the right thing. But without truth to anchor her, she was swept along by the strongest voices.
Relationships left her wounded. She kept trying to stay kind, but inside she was confused, exhausted, and alone.
The Breaking Point
At 29, Orla’s world came crashing down. A toxic relationship and an unfulfilling career left her at the end of herself. The world told her she was supposed to be happy—but she wasn’t.
In despair, she cried out to God:
“If this is life, I don’t want it. I hate it all.”
And that’s when everything changed. God showed her she didn’t need to “try harder” or “be nicer.” She just needed a Savior. Jesus set her free and placed her feet on solid ground.
“He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock.” – Psalm 40:2
Walking a New Path
From that moment on, Orla’s life took a new direction. She left the toxic relationship and the job that chained her down, embarking on a new walk in Christ where Orla found peace and freedom.
Her journey wasn’t easy—healing old wounds never is—but she learned that the world’s promises are empty. God’s way, though harder, leads to life.
Now in her fifties, she has peace. Single, content, and living with purpose as a Christian writer and life coach. She still grieves losses, but she knows who holds her future. She’s no longer restless, because she’s resting in Jesus.
“I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” – John 10:10
Why Her Story Matters
Orla’s testimony is for anyone who has ever tried to be “good” enough, only to end up empty. It’s for the one exhausted from people-pleasing. It’s for the soul who has done all the right things, but still feels lost.
The truth is simple: salvation isn’t found in religion, or in trying to be nice, or in making everyone else happy. It’s found only in Jesus Christ.
Want to know more about Orla? Check out her page here:
Call to Repentance:
If you’ve been trying to earn your way into heaven, it’s time to stop striving and start surrendering. Today can be the day everything changes. The Bible says in 2 Corinthians 6:2, “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” Don’t wait for a better moment. Turn from your sin, believe in the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross, and receive the gift of eternal life. He is calling—respond to Him today.
Call to Action:
If this message spoke to your heart, don’t keep it to yourself. Share it with someone you love—and make sure to subscribe so you never miss more biblical truth, encouragement, and hope. Let’s walk this journey of faith together.
Excellent testimony.
Good job Mark and Orla.