into the light (by randi)

So, I feel the need to share a little bit of my life with you all.  You all show up faithfully to read my blogs, take a step into my life, and encourage me, and there is a little something hidden that I feel I need to bring into the light.  Not because I want to expose myself, but rather because I want you to share in the work God has done in my life over the last couple of years.

It's been an incredibly rough ride, but more and more I am finding that the ride has been completely worth it in every way.

Here goes:

I am single.

No longer married.

Divorced.

I never thought those words would describe my life.  NEVER.

But I have found over the last couple of years that circumstance has caused me to take a pen to paper and make them true.

Walking this road has been more than rough.

Grueling.  Heartbreaking. Impossible.  Destructive.  Depressing.  Frightening.  Confusing.  Unclear.  Shameful.

But God found me on that road.

I have been a Christian for a long time, but to be honest, becoming a person who follows God whole-heartedly is new to me.  I really do believe and know that there is a certain level of relationship with God acheived only in the furnace of pain.  At least that holds true for me.

And I have finally reached the point where I am totally and completely thankful for this new life God has given me.

HE has dragged me up and out of a miry, dark pit and has placed my feet firmly on the rock that is HIM, and He has cleared my vision to see that there is so much more goodness in this life than I ever knew possible.

Friends. I can't even begin to tell you how blessed I am in this area.  My friends have encircled me, held me, encouraged me, and scraped me up off the ground too many times to count.  The have guided me through difficult decisions, and cheered me on while I took my first tentative steps into single life.  There have been times when I have been so low that they had to remind me to breath.  To simply take in breath.  And the prayers.  A million of them.

There is no way for me to properly thank them.

And God Himself.  He is my everything.  Everyday.  He is my Husband, my Partner, my Friend.  My Shepard. My Strength, my Redeemer.  My Peace and my Guide.  My Protector, my Covering.  My Daddy.

HE truly is the love of my life.

And He has cared for me in every way.  Everyday.  The ways in which He has demonstrated His provision and care for me are nothing short of miraculous. 

Believe me when I say that HIS PROMISES ARE SURE!

For me and for you!

Because of all it's shiny newness, I wouldn't trade my new life for anything in the past.  Not one bit.  The sparkling love that my God rains down on me each and every day is almost too much for me to contain. 

I can't believe my good luck in this life.

Thank you for hearing my heart, friends!

I waited patiently for the Lord; and He inclined to me, and heard my cry.  He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my steps.  He has put a new song in my mouth—praise to our God; many will see it and fear, and will trust in the Lord.      ---Psalm 40 1-3

Comments

[Lani]

Randi, I have tears as I read this! Heartbroken and delighted all at the same time. So sorry you've had to walk through such pain and delighted at where it brought you, too. God's grace is truly enough isn't it. You are not alone in bringing things into the light. May I encourage you to go read Jacque Watkins blog (sorry I don't have the link right in front of me) - it will encourage and bless you. May you continue to delight in His presence. (If you don't remember me, I used to be over at 'fresh flowers' - the 'flowerlady' but I have a new blog now...

[Mary on Lake Pulaski]

Peace Randi.

[Karen]

Dear Randi, I have followed your blog for so many years. I wondered if something like this was happening in your life, I'm so sorry for this path and yet so thankful for God's faithfulness in your life. I love your honesty and spirit. Love and blessings to you.

[Misty M]

Thank you dearly for sharing...and reminding. May God continue to bless you and may you continue to grow in Him.

[Megan]

Thank you for sharing. such a hard time, but wonderful that God is teaching you and loving you so much. Keep on clinging to him. I'll be praying for you. :)

[MarshaMarshaMarsha]

Amen, sister. There are such sweet blessings that can only be found in brokenness. I'm so sorry for the heartache you have suffered, but I am so thankful that you are choosing to see our mighty God that carries you and loves you through it all! (((hugs)))

[Teresa]

Randi, your story is mine and probably many more women's, too. Thank you for sharing and healing with us all.

[Robin in New Jersey]

(((((Randi))))) Thank you for your honesty. God can be found in the pain and brokenness. HE and he alone, is safe to trust. His love endures forever.

[Cheryl]

Thank you Randi, I am living this out in my life also. Thank you, This has uplifted my spirit and given me hope.

[Tamie]

Blessings to you on this journey.

[Carla]

Randi, Your vulnerable post will help so many in your same circumstances, I am sure. It is so refreshing to hear your words without the bitterness that the world usually hears attached to such pain in divorce. May the Lord bless you for your clinging to His hand!