Shannon Bibby
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When Does One Break?

3/26/2015

11 Comments

 
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!  

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. 
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...

Picture
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 
11 Comments
Marie Gregg link
3/26/2015 04:10:29 pm

Ah, Shannon. I love, love, love that you've taken power away from the Enemy by allowing God to use your past for His glory and your good. I love, love, love that you are reaching out to others with His light and truth. You are a warrior-princess, my friend! God will bless your courage!

Reply
Shannon Bibby
3/26/2015 04:49:49 pm

Marie, thank you so very much! I absolutely adore how you are incredibly encouraging. I'm so blessed that God has put you along my path!

Reply
Tara
3/26/2015 04:35:17 pm

Thank you for writing about domestic violence. It's so hard to watch and understand how someone can bring another to their breaking point. Thank you for being a voice and sharing your story.

Reply
Shannon Bibby
3/26/2015 04:51:17 pm

Thanks Tara, God has certainly laid this upon my heart to stand up and give my story a voice. I pray the message I give is helpful to others.

Reply
bluecottonmemory link
3/26/2015 05:31:53 pm

What brave, courageous love you have - and share, pouring into others! Bless you for telling your story and giving hope!

Reply
Shannon Bibby
3/31/2015 03:29:43 pm

Thank you- just following His lead to help as many people as possible!

Reply
Anita Ojeda link
3/27/2015 07:00:01 am

Keep speaking and keep writing and keep encouraging those who are suffering. One of the best books I've ever read that really helped me to understand the cycle of domestic violence was Wings of Glass by Gina Holmes--I think too often those of us who have never experienced it get impatient with women who don't just leave--but it's far more complicated and insidious that a simple 'leave him' could ever solve. It takes someone who walks hand in hand with God to truly offer hope and a break in the cycle. May we each strive to be equipped to come alongside those who need us most.

Reply
Shannon Bibby
3/31/2015 03:52:08 pm

I say a hearty AMEN to that Anita!! I pray the same thing that God equips each of us for dealing with situations of abuse. According to statistics, 1 in 4 women experience domestic violence sometime during their lifetime. The numbers are staggering when you break it down and really think about it. I'm gonna check out that book that you mentioned- I'm interested in reading it. Thank you for such encouraging words my friend!

Reply
Amy P Boyd link
3/27/2015 07:48:54 am

I can't not tell you how much I need to be reminded today that He will not let me break. I have felt I was at the point of a break for the last few months but you are right He has continued to provide nd to substain me through it all.

Reply
Shannon Bibby
3/31/2015 03:46:57 pm

I'm so thankful these words were a comfort for you! Sometimes it just takes a little reminding :) God Bless you Amy!

Reply
Alexis Olsen link
1/7/2021 07:15:09 am

This is a greeat blog

Reply



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