You are reading Reflections of a Survivor, in which I share my family’s escape and healing from spiritual abuse.
Other portions may be found here. May this story inform, inspire and motivate.
There’s something I have kept from you and I am a little excited about it. Something unexpected has happened, something that has completely changed our world… again. You’ll never guess what it is.
I could not tell you at first, because I was not sure what to say or even how I felt about it. I knew it would change everything. I was not sure how we would survive or what we would do next. To be honest, I was pretty afraid. Have you guessed what it is, yet?
I know what you are probably thinking and you are probably wrong. Do you remember when I wrote that Life is Hard? I wrote that when things had come to a climax and something new was about to happen. I was not sure exactly how it would end, but I knew it would be hard. It was such a comfort to know that we would not be alone this time. Surrounded by friends, we have thrived. So, do you want to know what I’m talking about?
My husband is unemployed. Again. For the second time in less than a year, we are living without regular income. As I write these words, a dark voice stands behind me saying, “You crazy girl, this is nothing to be happy about. You are foolish. Don’t you know?” He’s wrong, though. I’m not foolish. Well… can I be foolish for Christ? Then I’ll claim that one.
I have kept this secret from you for over a month. It happened the week Jessica wrote these beautiful words. Yes, many of you met me on my husband’s first day off.
It was hard at first. There was a lot that led up to that day. So much of it I can’t get into. Sometimes, you just have to move on without saying a word.
I struggled with saying anything for several weeks. I wanted to make sure I do not use this space for whining and bringing you down. I want to be real, but I want to be a blessing in that. Furthermore, I wanted to see what God was going to do.
I do not need to wait for everything to be perfect before I tell you my struggles. Otherwise, I’d never write anything. I do, however, feel the need to write with purpose. My purpose is to tell you what I learn through suffering and healing. Christ can strengthen us before we see his plan.
That is where I am now, strengthened. I do not know what tomorrow will bring, but I know his plan is to be glorified in me. That is enough, because he is enough.
Renewed by freedom in Christ, we are ready to withstand this period of unknowns. This time, we see unemployment as an opportunity. We are not exactly sure what the opportunity is, except to serve Christ. Of course, we work because that is God’s command. My husband is looking for a job, but it does not consume him. We are praying for the Lord to lead us. Perhaps, he will lead my husband to full-time employment or maybe it will be part-time. Maybe we will be self-employed or survive on odd jobs. Maybe, just maybe, God will bless us through my writing. Who knows? In the meantime, we will use this time to serve and take hold of every opportunity God places before us.
Whatever the future holds for us, I know it will be good because God is in control. You know what? That is very exciting!
This post is linked to Thought-Provoking Thursdays at Intentional Me.
