5 years ago....... to the day, the lives of my family, community, and countless others were affected forever.
It seems appropriate I share a few thoughts on this day, as my "summer sabbatical" has come to an end. I will avail myself again and so many of you have graciously opened your hearts to me and received my raw emotions, honest dialogue, and real life struggles. All steps are meant to move us forward........ and I freely admit that I am not perfect and would not have you believe otherwise.
I speak for myself today, as my children have each grown up since that day; they are leading lives and finding themselves. My guidance, support, love, and acceptance will be unending, forever and always. To say we have come through more in 5 years than most have in a lifetime is an understatement. I could, and may, write multiple books on the recovery process.......
We never could have foreseen all the layers of changes, heartaches, transitions, and never ending adventures we would undergo in this time. Loss has shaped our family; impacted our hearts like nothing else. Through it, each is finding who they are; what they want out of life and who is important. This has been a journey in which I have needed to rely on the supernatural power of God to sustain me, in every way, every day.
Just when I think I am "okay", I am driven to the place of complete reliance upon Him.
We traveled from coast to coast multiple times, and I thank God I took the opportunity. Because of our California ventures, I found courage. Intentionally putting myself in situations that stretch me has been at times, a painful process; but it is however, during those pressure testing times, that I have found what God himself has placed inside of me.
"Treasure in a jar of clay"...... 2 Corinthians 4. I encourage you to read this awesome chapter of the Bible. It may inspire you to believe that you have something inside of you that you don't even know exists. Because of this promise, I know I have far more to accomplish and challenge myself to believe it, even when I feel I fail........
I believe many women, mothers, may feel this way.
Transition challenges vision; religion attacks real vision that offers victory. Faith fuels victory. Since releasing my book 1 year ago, I have been put to the test like you would not believe. I submit myself to the refinement. The fire. The clarifying process. I see a tribe coming together....... my people.
As the second half of my life is taking shape, be looking for more "secrets" to come. The nation is waiting; a world is watching...........