Sharing my story

This weekend I will have an opportunity to participate in a panel discussion for a women's gathering at my church. The topic is "Not On Bread Alone---Strength for Every Season of Life". I feel humbled and honored to be invited to tell some of my story of how I have found strength from God and His Word during the season of life I am in.

But what season is that exactly? I am the mother of a teen-ager, so I've got some experience with parenting. I am in my forties, so I have some life-experience to offer there. I am single-again, five years post-divorce, after a pretty lengthy marriage (14 years). I have a multi-generational family that shares life together (though not under the same roof).

I know that all of these experiences in my life have brought me to a greater understanding of my need for Christ and have given me a desire to read and digest scripture to help me navigate life. I know very clearly that I have not gotten through these past few years, especially since my divorce, without clinging to God's promises to never leave me or forsake me (Deut. 31: 6) and to hold me with His righteous right hand (Isa. 41:10).

I don't mind telling my story to others, because God has done great things for me. He has mercifully shown me areas of sin in my life and has taught me more about His grace and His deep love for me. I want others who are going through similar circumstances to know that they can call out to God and He will listen and help them. My prayer and what I ask for you to pray for me this week, is that God would give me the words to say and that He would use me to bless and encourage someone else at the women's gathering. If God can bring beauty out of the ashes of my life, and He has, I only want to give Him the glory and tell what He has done.