I'd like to share my story with you about restoration. Six years ago I was divorced. I was a pastor's wife and my whole adulthood had been military wife, ministry, homeschool mom. So when I began my journey of healing I had to find out who I was without all those things. For some reason in my mind I thought moving back to my home town I would be shunned like I was in the 1950s. I'm not quite sure why I thought that because the opposite was true. I was loved and accepted. It was a very humbling time in my life and I remember being grateful for even the smallest of kindnesses. It was during this time that I saw the power of a kind word or gesture. How it could make or break a person. You see when you have experienced brokenness you begin to see it in others. For me I have a special place in my heart for those that loved me a little extra and were kind to me during that time.
I am forever grateful for this time in my life. At the time I didn't like it very much. I used to say, I hate the taste of humble pie. But without it I would not be able to love others and know their pain as I do. I would not be able to have compassion for them. This is where my heart for my courage cards comes in. These small words of encouragement were things said to me and helped me so much.
I spent a good bit of time thinking that I would be single for a good long time. I was ok with this and learned to love myself for me. I discovered I didn't have to try so hard to receive love from people. People liked me for me. That was weird for me. I didn't have to be someone else just me. It's amazing how you discover things when you are used to be treated another way for so many years. It was freeing. I learned about boundaries. They really are for ourselves and not to make others do things. It's about what we will allow in our lives. I learned that it's ok to allow others to make choices and let them deal with the consequences of those choices. No more managing people. I do not like that job at all. There is so much freedom in that.
I learned about forgiveness and letting go of past hurts. There is so much freedom in letting go. I promise if you are holding on to that hurt it isn't hurting anyone but you. And my friend you deserve to be free of that pain and hurt. Write yourself a note and everytime you go to pick it back up read that note that says NO! Make the choice to move forward. If I can do it I promise you can and it's possible.
Fast forward to February 22, 2024 and the man I had been dating for over eight months proposed to me. I said yes! Let me tell you that God has used this man to help my family grow closer to HIM. I've seen my children and myself grow in our walk with God. I've seen forgiveness that only comes from God happen in our family. My honey takes care of things for me that I would never dream I would have in a partner. Girls, he does the dishes, vacuums, he's handy, and helps me with laundry. You heard me he helps me with the laundry. He helped me make jam this fall and that man helped me sell it too. He loves my cooking and my jams. Brags on me to everyone and treats me like a queen. He protects my heart and cherishes the mess out of me. He loves me BIG! I could go on but I think you get it, he's amazing and a gift to me. As I was letting the fact that I'm engaged sink in I was overwhelmed with how good God has been to me. When others meant to harm, God has protected me and brought me through. God has restored unto me and then some. God said, Hey Sue... Watch this! My Jesus is always showing off.
If you are at the beginning of your healing journey I know how difficult that can be. There is hope, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Hang in there. Everyone's journey is different. But you keep going. Keep working on your healing. Keep pushing through. I promise it gets better. I believe in you and I'm here to cheer you on.
Love you Bunches - Sue
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