Germany, United States of America
After 14 years of marriage, I found myself in a foreign country with a 13-year-old son. I was in a challenging mental state, and I was all alone, no family, not many friends or associates to talk to. All my sadness, thoughts, and concerns were bottled up and festered.
I started to bury myself in my jobs, neglecting “self-care” and needs of my teenage son. My family in Germany was not supportive of me marrying a black man, and for the most part, cut off all communication with me. I felt ALL ALONE in a loveless world. I had to take a look at myself and my relationship with God.
I started with simple conversational exercises, just to be able to lift all the pressure that built up inside, then went to prayers for the ones around me and started to forgive people for the things done to me, which lifted a lot of weight off me. Through spiritual guidance, I achieved inner peace and was able to concentrate on self-care and ensuring my son is taken care of. Those were the two most challenging years of my life that in the end, helped me grow to be the woman I am today.
Alexandra
United States of America
Oh how I wanted to go to Helderberg College after high school! Mama said no. I slammed some doors, hollered, “How could you go against God’s choice for me?” Tears streamed down my face. She couldn’t let me go. Yes, there was a young man there who wanted me to go. We both knew if I didn’t, there’d be no future together.
Life moved on and I moved with it; captured by a smart, musician optometrist. I dropped out of college to marry and start a business together, relinquishing my dreams for his. Before we knew it, we had a little girl and a few years later, another. Had this all not happened when it did, those beautiful women would not have been.
During the early years of marriage, God gave the vision of the Place. A place for healing for women from hurt, to strengthen, and to find purpose. It was crushed, and the long journey of healing, learning, preparation for its due time and place began. Because of this marriage, we moved to the USA. Life fell apart, and it seemed to begin again and again. A new marriage. Girls have grown and are blessed.
I walked away from God during these years of survival. How thankful I am that God brought me back to Himself and the Place He prepared for His work through me. Pulled me into my calling. Placed me right where He intended for what He created me for! Through all the twists, turns, rebellion, and healing – He won!
“…All thing work together for (God) good, to them that love God, to them who are called according to His purpose.” -Romans 8:28
Yes! Yes! And Yes! Believe it!
Emra
United States of America
Charlie Henry Gladney, Sr. When you are a “daddy’s girl” and your dad is gone…
In 2010 my world changed. Everything I thought about…hoped, dreamed, and prayed about for my future was gone on April 15, 2010. My dad died. Period.
The man that I never saw ill or brought low was gone. I was angry with God. I recall bargaining and pleading with God to allow him to stay with us.
Over the last eleven years, I have met God on the floor so many times. I am grateful that He’s been right there for me time and again to remind me that I am not alone. God has blessed us with two boys that amaze me daily. They do and say things that remind me of my dad often. I want to encourage anyone reading this to know that there is a Sovereign God who will meet you in your pain.
S.G. Smith
United States of America
January 1, 2017, was the best day of my life. I had struggled through life with the call of God to lead His people. I had finally submitted and was being introduced as the Small Groups Pastor of my church. The day was beautiful and full of hope.
I recall the joy as though it were happening right now all over again. That was the morning.
That afternoon at 5:30, there came a call that shattered my world. David, my firstborn, had been tragically taken from us in an instant. My joy turned to deep sorrow and pain without notice! How Lord? Why Lord? What Lord?
The space between the last sentence and this sentence I call my rebirth. The time and patience, the love and endurance of God were all experienced in that space. He answered my questions. He dried my tears. He held my heart. He renewed my hope. He loved me back to life! Everyday my heart remembers David and everyday I find Rebirth in Christ!
Valarie
