In some ways, the world seems to have gone cattywampus these days. I can’t help but feel a little discombobulated. It appears things are getting more confused as the days take us further along. Maybe people have always felt this way. I think that we need God. He knows what we don’t know. I am sure glad that He does. Now that I have your attention, let’s get in gear.

Some people, some friends, some other folk need some help.

The days are confusing at best. But have I no hope? Of course not. I have lots of hope. But it wasn’t always this way. It took quite a bit of learning and keeping quiet. I tried my best to face the problems when they came. As I think back on those difficult days, I tried my level best to make the home a place that managed the tough times. God kept me humming forward. I never gave up though I was tempted to on various occasions.

I remember the very first time I was left, how I went to an attorney in my church. I didn’t know what to do. If I should get a legal separation? What about the money? I’d need to protect it. I met with the attorney. He gave me some appropriate advice. I waited for the bill. But it never came. I then realized there would be no bill. He knew I was having a hard time. That meant the world to me. People are good that way, and I’ve never forgotten it.

I learned as I went & grew as I learned

There was a period of years when I couldn’t keep on going. It all caught up with me. I had to rely on God and on the people in my family and in my church family. It was amazing how they cared for me, Randy, and the children. They gave, and didn’t expect anything in return. They listened when I wanted to talk, which I didn’t too often (at least, that’s the way that I remember it). They helped, and gave it their best. People are caring and they help when and where they can.

My family gave what they could. We are a private family, and are uncomfortable with sharing, I had to get my parents approval, so to speak, when I decided to write parts of my story. I knew they would be uncomfortable with some of what I said. Yet I knew that I must put some of the dark stuff from my past into the conversation. But I needed to do it in a way that my children wouldn’t be hurt by the things I needed to say or other members of my family also. My family supported me in what I had to say. I give them the credit for this and for helping us through it all.

My sister Marilyn gave me some wise advice long ago. She wisely cautioned me to say what I needed to say, but to let the rest go. She’d been through a tough time when she lost her first child. I remembered watching her as she and her husband sought to cope. She knew first-hand the ache that pain brings. We lost our sister, Lois, too. That was a tough pill for all of us to swallow. Marilyn really loved us, me, the family. They sought Randy out because they cared for him, and they wanted him to know that they did. It’s wonderful to have a family that speaks with their words and with the right tone.

How you can help

How do I make this about you? One way. Make the conversation about you, what you can bring to the conversation. We all have something to say. Every single one of us has a little something to say that will encourage someone else. Though your road may not have a lot of bends and twists, it has the lessons of life that can and will encourage someone. If you doubt what God may have you to say, just allow him to speak what He wants through you. We all have something to share, God brings you into conversations at just the right time. Surrender your day to Him and watch what He brings to pass. I’d love to hear what God shows to you.

Let me say a caution of a sorts. God will work in your life in many different ways. Let Him direct your path in whatever way He wants. Be a good follower and then you won’t make many wrong choices. Ask yourself the following questions.

Do you want to pay attention? Do you want answers to the hard questions? Where and how does your faith matter? If you know what you believe it becomes easier to answer these questions. But, as with most things, you have to employ faith in the product. Same is true for the heart matters. Trust God with all your heart and then you can believe with confidence. God will make Himself known to you.

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A YouTube pleasure for you today. I love listening to the meaningful podcasts.