Look...

I look ahead...as the past rears its ugly head I look forward...relentlessly, ruthlessly...quashing the thoughts that arise, the memories that surface, the pain that has receded but remains to remind me of all that I lost. I woke throughout the night with dreams clinging and sticking until I slipped from under the covers and walked through the house in darkness...willing them gone...speaking life and grace...waking this morning and once again pushing back the covers to greet the morning dew and low lying fog, cows and their calves peacefully grazing I took a deep cleansing breath...letting in the light, in the goodness of what greeted my gaze...joy comes in the morning and despite the lingering traces of grief, sorrow and relief at never having to return back to that which hurt me, I embrace joy.

With God's help I walk as though on the wings of angels...I step out in faith...I rejoice in freedom from fear, in the goodness of a God who loves me as I am...with a thankful heart I survey the damages on spirit, soul and heart and the stitching together that grows with each moment of clarity...with each moment of grace...with each moment of a hand extended in love, in kindness and compassion...with each moment of grace and mercy...

I am loved...oh dear hearts...we are not perfect, rather perfectly flawed and yet we are loved as we are...we strive and move toward better hearts and minds and actions but acknowledge that we are as flawed as the next person and so love with the same grace and mercy extended to us. You see my friends...we love out of a heart filled with gratitude and a heart of thankfulness for the forgiveness and grace extended to us, knowing full well we make mistakes like everyone else.

Treasures each one of you...unique...formed in your mothers womb and fearfully and wonderfully made in the image of God...Kings and Queens each one...walk with grace dear friends and know your worth...stand tall and speak your truth quietly but with the strength of every horror you have endured...you have been forged in the fires of torment, of affliction and come out the other side feeling broken, crushed, smashed to pieces and yet...you pick yourself up, day after day...setting one foot in front of the other in hopes of release, in hopes of love...that is strength dear hearts...mighty strength...we may feel broken but God picks up the pieces and begins to mend, to repair those damaged places...to love us with an all encompassing love, pouring in mercy and acceptance on a level we may never grasp.

Go today in love...go today in grace for what you have endured, for the woman (man) who walked out of the fire burnt but alive...splintered yet holding it all together...

You are more than able...“What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? Romans 8:31

Take up your day, take up your life and walk it out...stand tall and proud and know your worth dear hearts...know your worth....