Here, Kitty Kitty!

Have you ever tried to tame a stray cat? No matter what you attempted, even bribing it with food, it came close but never embraced your efforts. It never showed trust on a deep level or saw your kind face as a safe place. Perhaps, its distance was due to the feline being neglected or abused.

Sometimes, we can become stray cats as we live out life and experience unexpected hurt. At times, the hurt incurred may have been unintentional and other times, harshly directed and malicious. The wound that can scar us the most can also come from those closest to us. Whatever the case may be, damage is done and it can cause us to become distant and suspicious of even the slightest human contact.

We may, no longer, feel as though we can share our true selves with anyone or have deep and meaningful relationships due to the fear of being hurt again. Some scars are so deep and excruciating that it can prevent us from living a life filled with laughter, joy, and hope. Yet, while suffering in this life might be inevitable, it doesn't have power over us. The agony and discomfort of negative life experiences can be overcome with the right tools and careful healing.

For me, it was time in counselling and the diligent support and safety of family that helped me come out of my abuse as a young girl. That I felt like I could live without fear to a certain extent and take some enjoyment in life. I'm sure it wasn't easy getting there and I remember never liking school, but I didn't allow that time in my life to keep a grip on me as I tell you about it today.

Now, as an adult woman, the distresses of life, while disheartening and still uncomfortable as they may be, can be disposed of more quickly because of the relationship I have with God. He has demonstrated His power and promises of the Bible in my life time and again. He has brought me full healing from the things of my past and present that cause pain.

It was the invitation of Jesus that had me know that no matter what I was encountering, there was always rest and recovery in His presence and through reading the words He spoke within the Bible. It was one such promise in the book of Matthew, in particular, that brought and still brings a great assurance and relief when I take hold of and remember it in times of struggle or trouble. It says, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." (11:28)

It's an extraordinary promise that calms even the tumultuous of storms that might be raging against me at any given time. I can actually exhale with confidence as I relax my stressed mind and muscles, waiting for the calm that comes from reading the above verse. Soon, the anxiety melts away and I can turn back my focus to lighter things and look forward to someone greater, taking care of things on my behalf as I simply be.

The same holds for you, sweet girl, if you enter into a life changing relationship with Jesus, the Son of God. While He does make things clear over time, He also never hesitates to help us when we call on Him and His heavenly Father. It's just one of His many promises available to us as His beloved. You can have confidence, healing and victory over the dark things of your life, just as I did.

Encouragement for the week:

If life has you feeling like a stray cat, without true meaning or sense of belonging, you are not alone my friend. I have been where you are and I understand.

If you are a Christian reading this, you have come through great hardships and mind altering struggles because of the power and promises of God. It has been as a result of the close relationship you have forged with Him. No matter what, don't turn away from His goodness and love. Take a break in His comforting stillness and sovereign protection.

If you are not a Christian reading this, you can look for Jesus and you will find Him. His heart for you beats with a longing that will keep Him in pursuit of you until you open your heart and life to Him. True goodness, mercy, and grace are awaiting you in His loving arms. You can trust Him.

The Injustice League

The bewildered look on my face may have something to do with sitting on the lap of someone I wasn't familiar with. I'm guessing that there may have been a handful of awkward moments before returning to my mother's arms.

The labyrinth of life can be a series of peculiar minutes and uncertain situations. As I look into the eyes of myself in the above picture, I consider how such a small life could have ever experienced a peculiarity like injustice.

Our world has become a succession of appalling and horrendous events perpetuated by broken people. At some point within their lives, they saw a crime as being the only way of righting the wrong that may have happened to them.

Perhaps, that is what went through the mind of my abuser as he carried out his plan against me. While it was out in the open at my school's playground, I'm sure my only thought was to enjoy recess that day, as any kindergarten aged child should.

Yet, as it happened, there was no caped crusader to swoop in and save me from the clutches of those participating in the offense. The fallout of that day had me fearful of going to school.

We have all experienced some kind of injustice that leaves a stain on our conscience. When we believe the actions of others should be held accountable and our flesh cries out for them to 'get theirs'.

While I may still have those thoughts from time to time, especially when I see a loved one in the throws of injustice, I also know someone who sees and knows every wrong doing and will make things right.

That someone is God. He promises to act on our behalf if we say we trust Him for the outcome and I do. One example of that promise found in the Bible is within the book of Exodus 14:14, which says, "The LORD will fight for you; you need only to be still". That brings relief to my soul and a reassurance to my life.

I can take the above words not only as truth, but speak them to those who are struggling within their own unfathomable situation, to encourage and uplift. That as unjust as the circumstances may be, no good can come from issuing retaliation on the injustice league they face.

So, I fix my eyes on God who can bring proper justice because He never rests until his children are secure in his promises for their lives; they're made new by his healing touch on their hearts and bodies; and they're stronger in his presence to come through a difficult time without taking the law into their own hands.

My most admired example of strength in the face of corruption is Jesus. There are several times in the Bible when Jesus, the son of God, has accusations hurled at him, to which he doesn't defend himself on. Jesus' silence was deafening to his fault finders right up to the Cross, where Jesus was crucified.

The people who put Him there thought it was over but Jesus shocked them in saying, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing." (Luke 23:34) Not only did Jesus suffer for all, but he sought forgiveness for those who had no remorse for the punishment they inflicted on the Savior. He is an example of how I wish to be whenever wronged because the forgiveness of injustice, and those who perpetuate it, sets us free and allows us, the accused, to heal and live a life of abundance.

I need to trust God to make things right in my life and those I love - not take matters into my own hands and create a scenario holding irreversible consequences. You, sweet girl, can do the same.

Encouragement for the week:

Personal justice might be on your mind for a wrong doing, but it will only lead to greater heartache in your life. Believe me, I know.

If you are a Christian reading this, you know the key to justice lies in your God because He promises to fight life's battles on your behalf. Continue to trust Him for the outcome of your unjust situation and see what He will do.

If you are not a Christian reading this, you can look for Jesus and you will find Him. He's not only a God of love but He is also one of justice. He sees the wrongs you have had to endure and He can make things right if you accept him into your life and trust him for the results.

Walk This Way

This is me at Easter of 1973, three months shy of my first birthday. I think it's safe to say that the startled look on my face is due to the unexpected camera flash as opposed to fear.

Back then I didn't believe in much except that Mom would hold on to me so as not to fall on my keister. Also, that wherever I was headed, it was the intended direction to walk. While part of walking meant falling down, it also meant getting help to stand and keep going.

Though walking the road of abuse and self-hatred was never part of a desired journey as a young girl, I believe today, that it was a path I was meant to take. Whether good or bad, all our roads lead to some kind of destination.

When we affirm strongly enough in something, a deep conviction takes root that helps move us toward a better destination which is where I find myself these days. Not necessarily being on an easy road but knowing the difficult parts will work together for a fantastic end point.

There are specific details about my life that serve as inalienable and immovable. That is, I will not cave to external pressures in order to appease internal discomfort. It's taken a while but when I come to believe in something, I believe it and there is no going back.

Learning to walk was a milestone for me as an infant. Walking in the calling I, firmly, believe God has for me right now is, admittedly, a nail biter. Yet, everything I am says to not be afraid and just take the next step.

It's not that I am stuck in the past and unable to break free as I share it. On the contrary. It is because of God's truth that I have been set free in order to use the former to help young and mature women walk in a different direction.

One that means healing and wholeness. And not only would I have serious regrets that I didn't use what I endured to help someone, but I would be even more remiss in failing to share the reason for my jail break. So, I'm walking day by day, step by step, to a predetermined destination that, while unknown to me, is of no surprise to my God.

In fact, God says in His Word, within the pages of the book of Isaiah, "Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you saying, "This is the way; walk in it."" - Isaiah 30:21. Though I might have apprehension in going ahead, I know I'm in the hands of someone who works all things for good.

Encouragement for the week:

Perhaps, you're looking to walk a certain road that makes you uneasy but your convictions say to continue, no matter what. Stay true to the road, knowing the destination's glory will far outweigh the difficulty of the trip.

If you are a Christian reading this, you know God has a calling on your life.  While you may not fully know what that is yet, be assured that He will give you the conviction and strength to carry it out for His glory.

If you are not a Christian reading this, you can look for Jesus and you will find Him. He has a beautiful plan for your mess of a life right now. You can trust Him to see things through and bring healing along the way.

I Vant To Be Alone

My home growing up was a busy one. The ladies in the picture above, with myself and my sister, were part of a care home my Mom headed in our house.

Aside from my parents being nurses, they both had hearts of compassion, care and love for others. While Dad worked a traditional nursing position in a local hospital, my Mom had a desire for tending to mentally handicapped men and women who occupied our residence.

So, there was never a shortage of activity. For years, I would have meals with them and, when the weather lent, threw horseshoes into pits during back yard picnics. They all became a larger part of our family.

Suffice it to say, there were occasions when I needed time to myself, away from the action. To be alone so that I could rest before the next set of meals and games. Not much has changed since then.

While I love people, I still require time away from folks so that I may be recharged and refreshed. Being an extroverted introvert means there is a limit to my exchanges with people before quiet rest is a must.

There's nothing wrong with that and I am not weird for being that way. In fact, one of my favorite persons of the Bible frequently left crowds to spend time alone. That person was Jesus.

He, often, stole away from the demanding hoards in order to seek time and interaction with his heavenly Father. He would get into a boat, sailing to the opposite side of a lake or get up very early in the morning, just to be by himself.

I love the fact Jesus did that because if He needed a break from the people He greatly loved, that means it's okay for me to need some quiet time. It means that after some solitude with God and prayers in between, I'm able to serve others more effectively, just like Jesus.

So don't feel guilty, sweet girl, for taking a break from people in order to get some down time. There is a place in each of our hearts that God created to long for quiet time with Him.

Breathe in deeply, take steps slowly, and enjoy the stillness that surrounds you during those times of isolation.

Encouragement for the week:

Taking a time out isn't just for kids. You can't expect to be everything to everyone at all times. Steal away from the crowds, just like Jesus did, and you will find rejuvenation.

If you are a Christian reading this, you have an innate need for stillness. The next time you find yourself in noisy surroundings, take a break with God. He'll energize you so that you can rejoin the masses.

If you are not a Christian reading this, you can look for Jesus and you will find Him. He longs to have you to Himself and recharge you for whatever lies ahead in your life.