Hello friends! It's Thursday night again and chatting with the #fmfparty crew this evening. I always get a chuckle and tonight's was from a friend who "may" need bail money! LOL Not really but it cracked me up!
Every week we get together and share our Faith with prayers, words of encouragement and inspiring women that lift one another up. It's a wonderful party on Twitter and I encourage you to join us!
Tonight Kate has chosen the word BREAK. We have 5 minutes of unedited, fast typing as we listen to our hearts as God supplies us with what message He has put upon us to write.
Ready, set, GO!
Every week we get together and share our Faith with prayers, words of encouragement and inspiring women that lift one another up. It's a wonderful party on Twitter and I encourage you to join us!
Tonight Kate has chosen the word BREAK. We have 5 minutes of unedited, fast typing as we listen to our hearts as God supplies us with what message He has put upon us to write.
Ready, set, GO!
If you have followed my posts, you know that domestic violence is a huge passion of mine. When I saw the word 'break' I instantly knew what I was going to write about. How far can one push another until they break? Battered women and children often feel broken in a world that (until recently) has been hushed. "I love him," she pleads to her friend. "He doesn't mean it" she defends him. Until the next night when he has a gun to her nose asking if she wants him to pull the trigger. When would YOU break?
Last Saturday I spoke to a group of Christians regarding my childhood. Before I went up to the podium I was shaking uncontrollably. Honestly, I don't know why- it wasn't the first time I ever spoke about my upbringing. But this time was different and I knew it. Afterwards, I saw the faces of those women that my message effected, and I hurt for each one of them. All I could do was offer hope and a place of refuge... Our Lords loving arms. You see, women who's been abused can be weak and filled with fear. They aren't sure who to trust and opening talk about what goes on behind closed doors. So, God used my story to shed the shame of abuse, to be a beacon of light for salvation, and the courage to be bold enough to speak the truth.
Last Saturday I spoke to a group of Christians regarding my childhood. Before I went up to the podium I was shaking uncontrollably. Honestly, I don't know why- it wasn't the first time I ever spoke about my upbringing. But this time was different and I knew it. Afterwards, I saw the faces of those women that my message effected, and I hurt for each one of them. All I could do was offer hope and a place of refuge... Our Lords loving arms. You see, women who's been abused can be weak and filled with fear. They aren't sure who to trust and opening talk about what goes on behind closed doors. So, God used my story to shed the shame of abuse, to be a beacon of light for salvation, and the courage to be bold enough to speak the truth.
1 Corinthians 16:13-14 Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be Strong. And do everything with love.
God won't let us break. Why? Because when we turn to Him for our needs, He. Will. Provide. Even as a child and into my teens I thought I couldn't go on. I sunk to my knees and begged Him, "Please Lord, Please, Save me from the violence." Looking back it reminds me of Paul's own battle. Three times he begged God to take it away. And our Creator said,
My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness. (2 Corinthians 12:9)
Paul goes on to save one of my favorite, most powerful statements I have ever found...
STOP
If you find yourself living in an abusive home, I sincerely encourage you to seek His refuge. Ask your local churches if they offer Bible studies or support groups. Speak with a Christian counselor or Pastor. Don't let another day slip through your fingers believing that's its your fault...because it's not!!! And most importantly- pray. Ask God to lead you, to carry you- He already loves you - let Him help you so you begin to mend from your brokenness.
Find refuge in His arms
-Shannon
Find refuge in His arms
-Shannon