We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Maree Dee. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Maree below.

Maree, appreciate you joining us today. Can you tell us the backstory behind how you came up with the idea?

My ordered world came crashing down when my loved ones developed mental illness. Suddenly, life became a tumultuous maze filled with unexpected twists and turns full of pain and suffering, not just for my loved ones but for me, too. I wasn’t sure if we would survive, but I made a promise to myself that if we did, I would not waste my pain.

The truth is unexpected challenges are guaranteed to happen to all of us. It may not be a mental illness, but it could be any number of difficult circumstances like cancer, estrangement, or job loss. No one is immune. That’s why we all need the right tools, faith in Jesus, and encouragement to navigate the mess and come out stronger on the other side. I want anyone facing these challenges to know that they are not alone and that we can persevere together and even find joy along the way.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Maree is passionate about encouraging and equipping others to embrace life in the midst of the unexpected. She is a warrior who doesn’t give up when the journey gets tough. Maree believes that together with God, we can all find incredible joy along the way, even when surrounded by tremendous pain.

Maree Dee writes biweekly blog posts on her website—Embracing the Unexpected. Each November, she offers a free 30-Day Gratitude Journal and challenges participants on social media to search for thankfulness daily, even in tough times.

In addition to writing, she is the Founder of Embracing Faith & Mental Illness, a Christ-centered online community for people who care for someone with a mental illness. She strives to educate, support, and teach life-changing skills in a faith-based environment. She has four unique ways for caregivers to participate: Two newsletters, a Private Facebook group, Monthly Valuable Talks to empower caregivers, and a support meeting.

Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?

My career was quite different before I founded Embracing the Unexpected and Embracing Faith & Mental Illness. I co-owned a successful Certified Public Accounting practice. While working as a CPA, she co-led mission trips to foreign countries, directed Bible study groups, served on non-profit boards, co-led Girl Scouts, and volunteered in numerous capacities.

Almost overnight, I chose to sell my practice and become a full-time caregiver. I had to pivot from something I valued and was good at to something I felt ill-equipped and lost in.

However, after the pivot, I found a way to use my pain to help others.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

Now, over a decade into a journey that I once thought was beyond my abilities—one fraught with pain, frustration, fear, and a lot of waiting—I understand why God allowed this particular battle in my life. It’s a testament to the transformative power of struggles, turning what we once thought was beyond us into a journey of growth and understanding.

My family’s struggle brought me to my knees, stripping away my self-reliance and pride and leading me to a place of complete dependence on God. In my weakness, I found Jesus in ways I never imagined.

God has led me into spaces I never would have chosen—places where I often feel inadequate, fearful, and deeply aware of the pain others are enduring. Yet, when I stand in those spaces, I know with absolute certainty that I AM NOT ALONE.

Yes, we can step out from the safety of our comfort zones into the places where God calls us. He will equip us for the journey, but we must say “yes” and trust Him in the struggle, not placing our faith in our abilities.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.embracingtheunexpected.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/embracing.the.unexpected/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Embracingtheunexpected/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maree-dee-32614b205/
• Other: https://www.embracingtheunexpected.com/embracing-faith-mental-illness/
  https://www.facebook.com/groups/embracingfaithandmentalillness/
  

Image Credits

Andre Furtado (30 day journal)
Philip Warp (Woman on the Beach)
Photo by Michele Piacquadio (woman with her back to us)