Laura Lentz took to Instagram to share about her emotional journey over the past year, revealing that she has experienced anxiety and PTSD in the wake of the scandals surrounding her husband Carl Lentz, who is the former pastor of Hillsong East Coast.
Carl was fired by Hillsong in November 2020 for “leadership issues and breaches of trust, plus a recent revelation of moral failures.” It was later revealed that Lentz had at least one extramarital affair, and he has since been accused by a former nanny of sexual abuse. Leona Kimes, who made the accusation, is now the co-pastor of Hillsong’s Boston location.
It was reported late last year that Laura would remain married to Carl despite his infidelity and that the couple was seeking counseling together. It was reported that Carl was also being treated for depression and pastoral burnout.
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Laura recently posted pictures of herself with an art piece entitled “Beautiful Scars.” Laura shared that when she learned the name of the piece, it brought her to tears.
“It may not mean much to you but this past year was a doozy for our family,” Laura wrote. “I have dealt with so much personally, I have never experienced anxiety or PTSD until this year!”
Laura went on to say that while this isn’t the first time she’s experienced struggles with her mental health, this past year has been especially difficult, saying, “I have struggled with a mild depression for many years, but this year it got to be (sic) so bad that there were days I didn’t want to get out of bed.”
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“Although I wouldn’t wish my journey on my worst enemy (I apparently have a few), I would not change my story,” Laura continued, alluding to the criticism she has received in the past year, which she discussed in a previous post. “I know as I continue on my journey of healing, learning to put myself first, focus on my family and grow in my marriage, I can use my story so far to help someone else!”
Laura admitted that while she is thankful for the growth in her life, it hasn’t been easy. “Don’t get me wrong it’s not easy, everyday I feel the trauma, the thoughts and memories. and geez am I grateful for my therapists,” she wrote. “We all have scars from many of life’s experiences, and I am choosing to see mine as ‘BEAUTIFUL’… this artwork is my reminder – the bumps, rips and rough parts!”
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