For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. – Romans 8:18
Physical and spiritual abandonment leave devastating life-long scars. -Psalm 27:10.
My journey has been one of neglect, although many testimonies of trials and trauma are more horrifying and even unspeakable. I was spiritually and physically unprotected by a mother so full of guilt that she was unable to properly care and nurture a child desperate to be loved, to be heard.
Sexual and emotional abuse took its toll, and several times throughout my life I considered suicide. Hospitalizations and dreadful medications followed. By His grace, God kept His hand on me. Psalm 34:17, 18.
My God has seen me through loss, betrayal, mental illness, health emergencies, fear of the unknown. Psalm147:3. Through it all, my faith and trust in God alone has become my anchor. Hebrews 6:19.
The Holy Spirit directs my steps. He helped me to realize that the Church was compromising with the world, and ignoring and misusing parts of the Bible. 1 John 2:15-17 and James 4:4. A strong pull in my Spirit led me out and to like-minded, uncompromising brothers and sisters, pastors, and teachers. 1 Peter 3:8.
It wasn’t until the age of 62 that I was informed I had been conceived out of an adulterous union. My whole world came crashing down. Who was I? I cried out to God that night uncontrollably. Suddenly, a warmth and calm spread over me and I understood Philippians 4:7.
With this understanding I was able to forgive. Jesus’s forgiveness to us and our forgiveness to others heal old wounds. Ephesians 4:32 James 1:2-4. 1 Peter 1:6-9.
Proverbs 3:5 :Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding.
-By Kathleen Anderson
Edited by Joanie Schumacher
Wayfarers often meet in passing crossroads, in climate mists,, under the awnings that give shelter from passing storms; and though often they speak not of those tragedies that are their commonalities of similar experiences, glances and even silence while lookinging deeply at a particular object is enough to know in agreement that two hearts have bonded because they understand healing from pain.
Thank you, from the innermost depths of my soul Kathleen for this incredibly beautiful devotional, but most of all, thank you for making yourself accessible by being vulnerable. Not only are you safe in His arms, but you can rely on mine as well. With much gratitude, your faithful friend and servant, Myry
thank you!