I have never been one to run...... to run away from grief, despair, or sorrows. Lord knows, I have had more than my share in my lifetime and will freely share when called upon.

As long as I can remember, from a very young woman who married early, believing a lie that there was nothing more ahead for my life...... the lies that were whispered to me........

I grew into the wife and young mother, knowing this was the greatest calling and love I had ever known. I would choose to become a person who endeavored to break unhealthy patterns and cycles I had grown accustomed to in our families of origin. I somehow instinctively knew, I could not and would not, repeat these behaviors. They would stop with me.......

One could never imagine the share of loss that would try to overtake my life.

Years of hard work, sacrifice, sorrows and growth would shape my character. The face of my family would be developed over time, seeing the past, feeling the present, anticipating the future........

Grief would grip our family in 2011...... suddenly. And again, sorrows in 2016....... gradually.

Through it all, I have learned to surrender...... to trust a God I have known to be my constant in any and every situation. It is with His help that I OWN my loss and GAIN from it.......

"I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned the SECRET of being 'content' in any and every situation......" Philippians 4

#restoration 2017