Hope During Heartache

I recently had the privilege of contributing my story off loss in a book by Cheri Swalwell.

I look forward to reading the whole book, which she will be sending me in the near future.  If you are interested in purchasing the book , you will find it on Amazon.

A post from Cheri's blog:

Have you ever dealt with the pain of infertility? Heard the devastating words, “I’m so sorry but your child is no longer alive?” Lived with a heartache so deep it feels as though there will never be any relief?

 

By answering yes to any of these questions, you know how it feels to belong to an exclusive club. This group is designated for men and women who have had to learn how to live with the pain of either the lost dream of a child through infertility or the crushing reality that a child you love is no longer with you – the result of miscarriage, stillbirth, or death. It’s a group to which no one wants to belong, but nevertheless, the list of members of this group is long.

 

If you find yourself enrolled in this membership, know that you aren’t alone. There are many who have walked this road that are waiting to come alongside and help. Just as the picture on the cover shows the reality of a fierce storm with the hope of bright skies, there is Hope for the storm you are currently facing as well.

 

Step inside this book to hear from twelve different men and women, through their own words, how they were able to find hope during their heartache. Let them offer you a chance to experience that hope for yourself.

 




 

Available at:  Amazon – amzn.to/1sKLduh

(Paperback and eBook)

 $13.97 for paperback

$4.97 for Kindle

When Life Hurts (Part 2)

Abuse. Humans can be cruel and things can happen that are hard to forgive. Sometimes life may hurt because of abuse in our lives or abuse from the past. There are things that might be more complicated than the hurts I talked about in my last post .

I believe we can be healed by the power of God. I also think this may take time and help from others who are walking in the faith. If you have not experienced abuse, don't be too quick to judge those who have. Maybe they are more sensitive and do need more help and attention. Loving encouragement can go a long way.

The word of God is what it is though, and we can't disregard it. God knew that forgiving others would be for our own good no matter what. This doesn't mean we should just allow continuous abuse. Every situation is different and in no way can I determine what is right for others. I do think that if this is the case, talk to another believer who can help. There are situations we do need to remove ourselves from.

Forgiving doesn't mean we have to become best friends with the person we are forgiving. It just means we let go and let God. Let God deal with the one who has done us harm and even pray for this person.

Jesus set a good example of this.

And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. 34 And Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." Luke 23:33-34

This was abuse. He was beaten, spit on, and nailed to the cross. During this time, He spoke the words, "forgive them Father".

Forgiving also does not mean we keep secrets for an abuser and hide a criminal. There are things that need to come to light. In some cases you might not be the only victim. Pray for wisdom and seek counselling from others who believe in God's word,  if you feel like you can't find the right way to handle it.

Eventually all things come to light.

"For nothing is secret, that shall not be made manifest; neither any thing hid, that shall not be known and come abroad." Luke 8.17

There were things that happened in my life that I wish hadn't happen. I would say I have experienced some forms of abuse. There were circumstances around me that could have put me in a much worse position. I was, however, protected  from a lot. I do not have the experiences of abuse that many have had. Therefore, I cannot say what I would do if... I am still in the process of learning things everyday and do not have all the answers. All I can do is encourage everyone to not give up and seek God for answers and help.

I have  talked with others who have had extreme abuse in their lives. Hearing these stories has touched my heart. They also made me realize more, to never be to quick to judge or dismiss anyone from our lives.

A few years ago, I heard a very sad but amazing testimony by a woman from Africa. She was sold by her father when she was just a child to be a wife to an adult man. She was raped and abused by this man for years. I won't go into all the details but you can already imagine the horror of it.

God did set her free from the situation. She and her children escaped and last I heard are doing well. I believe she was able to move on because she trusted God and left the past in His hands. The memories will always be there but that didn't hold her down and ruin her life.

With time comes healing if we allow God to do the healing. Believe in the power of God to heal all your wounds.