Light in Darkness...

For every moment of light, there are moments of darkness...

For every moment of darkness there are startling moments of light, bringing us back from the precipice, bringing us back round to see the light surrounding all things.

No matter how dark it becomes, there, see it? That ray of light piercing the shadowed clouds...that crisp, clear moment of perception of all that is good, all that is right, always behind the scenes, in front, around, through...

Joys become highs to match the lows...

Love becomes tangibly different, settling heart, mind and spirit...

Cold morning walks in vast fields...pricelessly peaceful...

Hot baths replete with candlelight, wine and chocolate and furry friends....bone deep comfort to chase away the chill.

Laughter with a forever friend, safely ensconced in arms of acceptance and love brings foundations of stone where shifting sands once stood.

You see dear treasures, survivors and lost ones? But for a moment in time that shall pass like every other, dissipated in the warmth of love, of peace, of goodness that God ALWAYS brings to our door to offset bring-you-to-your-knees pain and sorrow. Always.

He is near...He is present in every battle, every mashup life tornadoes into our midst.

Alone no longer...alone never at all.

"For thou hast possessed my reins: Thou hast covered me in my mother's womb. I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: Marvellous are thy works; And that my soul knoweth right well. My substance was not hid from thee, When I was made in secret, and curiously wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Thine eyes did see my substance, yet being unperfect; And in thy book all my members were written, Which in continuance were fashioned, When as yet there was none of them."

Psalm 139:13-16

He knows, sees, weeps, works behind the scenes, sends His angels...so much happening we do not see, do not know...

'You are

Way maker, miracle worker, promise keeper

Light in the darkness

My God, that is who You are

You are

Way maker, miracle worker, promise keeper

Light in the darkness

My God, that is who You are

You are here, touching every heart

I worship You

I worship You

You are here, healing every heart

Healing every heart'

Waymaker - Elevation Music

He made a way for me...though all was lost, so much worked for lost...He provided each for each step, every pathway open with opportunity and provision. In the end and with distance and time, none of the material things matter...only the broken parts, only the suffering and shame escaped from...things can be bought again, the innermost wholeness to your spirit and soul cannot.

This is what brings darkness...loss of such magnitude physically, financially, mentally, emotionally, spiritually, sexually (yes that one too, for it is part of abuse and power) that storm clouds form within and without until that is all the survivor knows.

We can bring the light of love into that darkness...by simple kindnesses, compassionate listening, gracious and merciful extension of helping hands in whatever way we can.

So simple...in an age where connection has taken a backseat we see lost ones mutliplying for lack thereof. Poison couched in humour, internet trolls carry out bullying, harassing, pointing fingers of judgement and hold nothing back with nothing to be lost, hidden safely within their cozy four walls.

So simple...we NEED connection, each one. We NEED validation in order to enhance and encourage self-validation.

I see you...

I hear you...

I know you...

And offer understanding and validation.

It was not your fault...you did nothing wrong and could have done NOTHING differently to bring about a better end instead of the bitter end you were left with.

My friends, please hear me...do not go back in hopes of loving more, forgiving more, until that abuse ends and miraculously the abuser changes, loves you as you love him...

Take it from the thousands, millions (yes, true facts) of women (and men) who have done just that...had those exact same thoughts, feelings, second-guessing...it must be my fault...

You see, the characters are different....different faces and places, slightly different scenarios, but the same EXACT script.

You see dear hearts, each and every abuser THINKS themselves different from everyone else...better, smarter, entitled...every one of them...but truth is, they are ALL to a man the same.

Do you not deserve the same grace you extend?

Do you not deserve the same forgiveness and grace you extend?

Do you not deserve the same love you give out?

Yes...you do. You deserve to live not only in peace, but kindness, respect, understanding, long-suffering and LOVE.

If any or all of these (to name only a few) are missing on the regular, then you are in the wrong place with an entitled, abusive individual. True...

It feels cringe-worthy to just think it when you're in the midst, doesn't it? Like somehow you're betraying the one you love just by having thoughts of resentment and hurt.

Another sign that not is at all well...true companionship is the sharing of thoughts, ideas, far-out dreams and plans...all of this without fear, without trepidation that you will pay for some time to come for voicing your pain or your plans.

Light in the darkness...

May God shine His light of love in your situation...may He grant strength of heart and gird your loins with courage to see, to accept that which you cannot change, to seek peace and the true light of love and life.

There is a light shining for you, and only you. You are fearfully and wonderfully made for more...so much more.