She is healing.
The founder of Auntie Anne’s Pretzel company, Anne Beiler, recently shared the leadership principles that propelled her business from a single pretzel stand in Pennsylvania in 1988 to a widely recognized franchise in malls and airports across the nation. In an op-ed for The Christian Post, Beiler outlined the principles she derived from her faith-based upbringing and the challenges she faced.
Raised on a farm in the Amish-Mennonite community of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, Beiler credited her parents for instilling a strong foundation in faith. However, unforeseen storms entered her life, starting with the tragic loss of her 19-month-old daughter, Angela, in a farming accident in 1975. This event led Beiler into a dark spiritual valley, prompting her to question why such tragedy occurred despite her commitment to being a good person.
The pain deepened when Beiler sought counseling from a pastor, only to find herself trapped in a secretive and abusive relationship that persisted for nearly seven years. Keeping this abuse hidden took a toll on her mental and spiritual well-being, pushing her to the brink of suicide. Feeling unlovable and unforgivable, Beiler struggled with the belief that she was irreparably broken.
Her perspective began to shift when she embraced the biblical principle of confessing sins for healing, as outlined in James 5:16. Beiler took the courageous step of confessing her situation to her husband, initiating a journey toward reconciliation. Seeking counseling further illuminated the anger she harbored, leading to the realization that blame hindered her healing.
Over time, Beiler learned to forgive herself, recognizing that Jesus had already borne the burden of her shame. In a transformative moment, she felt God’s grace calling her to self-forgiveness, an idea she hadn’t considered before. Despite lingering memories of her past, Beiler no longer carries the weight of guilt and shame.
Reflecting on her journey, Beiler emphasized that life is challenging, but God is good. Her profound experiences led her to establish Broken Silence in 2018, an organization aimed at teaching and equipping women to live a lifestyle of confession. Through her three books, Beiler shares her spiritual journey, highlighting the transformative power of faith, forgiveness, and redemption.