Rose,
After reading all of your posts, I have concluded that you are tried by fire and fireproof. You refused to let the heat of the flames burn you. You never wilted or burned, rather you were tempered by the extreme heat and quenching. Your story is one of escape and survival. At times, tears welled up in my eyes. I could feel your pain through your vivid recollection of past events.
Your story is going to help many to process their past events, pain and potentially lead them to a life less burdened by their struggles, whatever they may be.
My hat is off to you. You are a remarkable woman and I can only wish you God's love and grace as you move forward in life.
Your stories and thoughts drive me to a place where I always sought comfort. Maybe, this will help you one day as well.
Psalm 23 and footprints in the sand.
PSALM 23
A psalm of David.
The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.
Footprints in the sand,
One night a man had a dream. He dreamed
he was walking along the beach with the LORD.
Across the sky flashed scenes from his life.
For each scene he noticed two sets of
footprints in the sand: one belonging
to him, and the other to the LORD.
When the last scene of his life flashed before him,
he looked back at the footprints in the sand.
He noticed that many times along the path of
his life there was only one set of footprints.
He also noticed that it happened at the very
lowest and saddest times in his life.
This really bothered him and he
questioned the LORD about it:
"LORD, you said that once I decided to follow
you, you'd walk with me all the way.
But I have noticed that during the most
troublesome times in my life,
there is only one set of footprints.
I don't understand why when
I needed you most you would leave me."
The LORD replied:
"My precious child,
I love you and I would never leave you.
During your times of trial and suffering,
when you see only one set of footprints,
it was then that I carried you."
God bless you always, Rose
I'm hoping to find some encouragement in your story... I'm just lost , numb, I believe what happened to me back in January just triggered everything that's ever happened to me since I was a young child.