Knowing HOPE Exists is Half the Battle

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Abuse survivors, Faith, finding hope, healing, healing after abuse, hope, hope for hopeless, hope never fails, knowing hope

The weather is changing in our area like a sixteen year old changes outfits before a first date. It messes with that hint of OCD I seem to have about keeping things ‘in line’ or ‘in order’… it’s winter, so it should be cold. When it’s summer it’s supposed to be hot which is why the heat never really gets to me because I expect it. 85 degree weather on Christmas Day throws me way out of whack.   It’s just not right!! lol Even though it was hot, though, I knew it wouldn’t last. It’s December…unless the world was truly coming off it’s axis there was no way we’d spend an entire winter with summer weather.

And today… three days after Christmas we are back to 48 degrees. The weather winter deserves.

In a way I think of Hope in this way. It is a consistent, daily promise that there will be comfort, peace, or joy in every person individual circumstance. Last year at this time I found myself thrown off a personal axis…discombobulated and uncertain of what my life was or held for me. For a very brief moment I felt the anxiety ridden lie form from the darkest depths of my soul – “There is no hope for this to change. How will it change?”

By the true mercy and grace of God the lie had no bearings and it fell apart, disintegrated by the truth of what the past sufferings in my life had already taught me – hope never fails. I’ll never forget, in that weakest moment, I fell to my knees in my bedroom and asked God, “Help me.”

2015 was difficult. I struggled. Fought growth and relented to change. I never stopped hoping for the day when I wouldn’t hurt, struggle, or be as weak as the day before. I prayed. I left it in God’s hands and I put my hope in Him.

12 months later I can say my axis is realigned and moving in the proper direction. If I could have spoken to the me then I’m not sure if she would have believed she would come through the year and end up as well as she did…but…I know she hoped she would and that’s all that mattered.

As you near your end of 2015 I pray you are in a place to claim your daily hope. Realizing it exists for a time to come with peace of heart, true joy within, and comfort in your losses. 2016 is the Jubilee Year of Mercy. A celebration of His mercy. There is no better time to hold onto hope than right now.

Blessings

Shannon

Don’t forget! Beginning next week I will be releasing REDEEMED chapter by chapter (probably one week at a time…I still have to figure it out…might have to attach as pdf file ….)! Be sure to share with your friends. If you missed my announcement on Christmas Day click here to read the prologue.

Sexual Assault Awareness Month and Child Abuse Prevention Month (Healing in having a VOICE)

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Abuse survivors, child abuse, Child Abuse Prevention, Easter Hope, Easter Season, finding hope, healing after abuse, healing after tragedy, hope, how to find hope, how to overcome abuse, how to overcome tragedy, sexual assault, Sexual Assault Awareness

Holy Week was as it should be, contemplative and quite rewarding. My family went to a friend’s beach house and on the way we prayed the Divine Chaplet and later that evening watched  The Passion.

Good Friday reminds me of the perspective I know I need to have and of what TRUE LOVE IS.

It is good because April is one busy month for me! Being Sexual Assault Awareness and Child Abuse Prevention month I am granted the blessing of having a VOICE for all survivors on various radio programs throughout the month.

(I will list a schedule on the site, find it here: SCHEDULE)

Also I have the honor of other bloggers interviewing me for articles on abuse.

http://www.charismamag.com/life/women/22981-5-signs-of-abuse

I did one this afternoon that will hopefully appear in Parent Magazine (online)…if it is I will try to post it as well.

Lent was trying no doubt but the HOPE of EASTER is with us now…and I feel rejuvenated in spirit.

Throughout this month I will try to share other survivors stories of HOPE and pray it gives you what you need to help in the healing journey. If you wish to share YOUR VOICE and tell a little of your story in order to help others know they are not alone, please contact me at hopefulhearts333@gmail.com.

Blessings

Shannon

April’s Hope

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Addiction, Christian rehabilitation, finding hope, healing, overcoming abuse, overcoming addiction, rehabs, Strong Tower Ministry, URMystrongtower

It is a gift to realize that when God’s given the reigns He will get you where you need to go.

A little more than a year ago I was contacted by a friend to help someone she cared about overcome some personal demons. I got in touch with the young woman, April, who was all over the board with her emotions and terrified of what more she’d find on the dark path she’d chosen.

We needed to first figure out why she’d chosen that path. The ‘why’ is always important because when we look inside ourselves and come to terms with what led us to the ‘why’ then we find the catalyst to the turmoil and strife that ultimately leads to bad decisions.

Once April began to speak openly about her life, not just what was happening in the present, but what had occurred in the past, we recognized the very source of which the enemy had ensnared her.

The catch was getting April to the point of recognizing her worth in order to have the strength to fight the battle. That is the catch. When we are trapped by the enemy we lose sight of who God created us to be. We lose our purpose and get lost in the pit of lies and despair. The enemy makes this place seem comfortable and soon being ensnared in the devil’s ways seems to be what is the norm and we forget about the hurt we are causing others and ourselves.

For months April and I worked on getting her to ‘look up’ and ‘fight back’. It is difficult when we’ve been victimized by abuse and turn to substance abuse to make that pain go away. It is like covering an infected gaping wound with a used Band-Aid.

One thing I knew for certain as April talked she also listened. The more she shared the more she heard her own voice reveal her truth. In her truth she found courage and strength. But as for most she needed to fall to the bottom of the pit to realize what to do with that courage and strength.

One year ago I got a call from April saying she was ready to get the help she needed for herself and her children. Her mother drove her to the rehabilitation program Strong Tower in Hitchison, TX and last night she graduated.

April pushed through the pain, the hurt, and despair and looked up to fight back. Listening to the women who spoke of what an encouragement and inspiration she was to them in their own treatment was beautiful. She was beautiful. She overcame and found that she is worth the fight.

God has only just begun with April. She has finally given Him the reigns and there is a world of blessings awaiting her in the plans He has made.

How did she do it? She gave Him a chance. And she ‘soaked in His presence’, allowing herself to be washed by the blood of the lamb, taken out of that pit and free from the enemy’s lies.

“I soaked in the Lord’s presence in constant praise and worship and prayer for His glory. I am still in awe [of Him].” ~ April

I find that one experience in my life tends to flow with another. That every day is purposeful and while I’m struggling with one battle it might be hearing or witnessing of another person’s victory that helps me gain the edge or momentum to endure my own fight. Last night I was encouraged by April and the other graduates of the Strong Tower program. Their battle is not over. We will all always be nipped at the heels by the enemy but I see their strength and in turn that gives hope.

MY HOPE IS IN YOU GOD

I AM STEADFAST, I WILL NOT BE MOVED

I AM ANCHORED, NEVER SHAKEN

ALL MY HOPE IS IN YOU.

~Hope’s Anthem

Again I heard the song that encouraged me about a month ago when I was feeling down and out. I wanted to share it again. Give encouragement and HOPE to you in whatever circumstance you might be in. Be sure to listen to the end. Let God lift you up today.

Hope’s Anthem

Blessings

Shannon