I've Come a Long Way...

Smoke shrouded skies welcome the gaze this morning...hiding the warmth of the sun, rays of light struggling to push through and greet me while I sip hot coffee...as in the beginning of this journey I struggled to see...to perceive and know what lay ahead...the future unclear, the past a terrifying minefield to work through, the present a day to get through in grief, in sorrow, in fear and trembling...

Dear hearts...that light at the end of the tunnel...that light that shines above but hidden from our gaze...it exists...day by day grows brighter, grows warmer, grows in hope and faith and love and joy. I've come a long way...over the mountains, through the valleys, across the desert to discover an oasis of calm, of peace, of freedom from fear...of such beauty and grace it brings me to my knees daily in thanks, in gratitude, in awe...

The hardest part to accept is our place in this beautiful world...our place amongst loved ones...the rules changed, the parameters grew and expanded leaving one feeling confused, lost even...tethered no longer we are free to set our feet upon that path...and that one over there...and there...and there....freedom is a hard pill to swallow after being held under water, after having walls placed round bout you so close some days you felt you would die for lack of oxygen...one misstep would land you punishment, beratement, disgust and derision...

No longer do we need fear displeasure, nor anger or violence of any kind. Free, dear friends...free to spread those wings meant to fly, meant to soar to new heights...to discover the grandeur, the beauty around us and in us. This path is now yours....dizzying and disorienting at first...steps become sure, become confident and bold.

God is good dear hearts...He will make a way...I know this as a way was made for me and I have seen the goodness, the faithfulness of God...the kindness, the love, the grace, mercy and compassion I have encountered has restored so much...my heart, my spirit have bathed in a love so deep I cannot fathom it and I stand today to speak to you this truth....

You are meant for better...for more...meant for love, for joy, for peace....

Now walk out your journey dear loves....one day you will look back over your own unique path and stare in wonder at the distance you have come...at the obstacles set before you that have been overcome...at the giants in the land that have been slain, brought down to rubble at your feet....oh the joy!! The rejoicing!! The sense of awe, the sense of the mighty Hand of God in your life...it is humbling and inspiring to understand you walked through that and survived...more than survived, you excelled...you may stand trembling, but you stand firmly planted in the Love of a creator who strengthens, who guides, who loves without ceasing...who rejoices with you in every success no matter how small, no matter how insignificant to us.

Stand tall my friends...and hold on...hold to your path, setting one foot in front of the other...you are going to make it out of that land of terror, of grief and sorrow...you will find your way to truth, to love and peace. May you go with God today and everyday knowing your worth, may you know His peace and comfort no matter where you are on that path.

Speak your truth dear hearts...with passion, with purpose, with grace...