Great piece, Wendy. Here's a "next step" to consider - Ask your Pastor and others in your church you trust to help you organize what you have written into a series of topics for a ministry of speaking conferences or classes specifically to the multitude of neglected, hurting, emotionally (and physically) abused women out there who would greatly benefit from the wisdom you have acquired over a life-time of enduring and persevering. Women who, like yourself, desperately want to change or find victory. They just need someone to champion them.
Maybe your are that person.
I know you consider yourself an introvert and/or lack the "credentials to be an influence on anyone, but you have "street cred" and that's needed much more than all the paper in the world. Just something to think about. You cannot stay in that cubbyhole forever. The cocoon must be broken open in order to fly.
Cork, I humbly appreciate your words of wisdom. To some degree, I actually have left my “cocoon” because I do pour out my heart every single week here on Substack and Notes, with my weekly longer piece and my shorter writings on Ko-fi, related to garments and realm of beauty. It is not remotely easy to share my darkness and failures with strangers on the Internet. I rely 100% on Holy Spirit to help me write. He gives me a title and theme each week and then nudges me around the edges as I craft the piece through the week. I will take your suggestion seriously and pray over it and talk to my Pastors It is as Papa God told me a few weeks ago, “I use the brokenhearted and discouraged to encourage the brokenhearted and discouraged.” That’s God! Wendy
I've never "bounced" over obstacles either, Wendy. Sometimes, I've only had to face them and then I realize they're not so big (or scary) after all. But sometimes, I have to contend (sigh). There's no way over or around. The only way is "through." And that's when I grow (although I resist! Ha!). Keep growing! Great piece!
Bless you, Jan, I so appreciate your words of wisdom! Despite my argumentative past and combative mode at times, "contending" is still a new thing for me, especially as befits my own sometimes fragile emotional life. I appreciate your time-tested words of wisdom! Wendy
I feel your pain 😭 I guess it's all a test of faith. Isn't there a Bible verse that says about paying God tithe and He will give us so many blessings there won't be room to receive them all!? How about the Ask and it shall be given you!? God does work in mysterious ways 🤔🐬🌻🌞
Joanna, humble thanks for your kind comment! I am a serious person by core temperament and I do cling in desperation to God and His Son. I write the bluntness because I have seen how God takes each of us as we are and if we allow Him, He will slowly but surely cleanse and heal us of our sorrow and our pain. It does not happen immediately, it is a process and a relationship, not “religion”. I am grateful to simply have come back Home to God, after my Prodigal years. Live and learn, that is me. God bless and keep you, Wendy
Wendy, I'm with Cork. My offer remains for you to write topic essays on the IM Christian Writer's Forum. Your wisdom in Christ needs to jump to the next level, and I am here to help do just that. I think you might be stuck in the "one-liners club." You have been given a gift to write! Through your weaknesses, He is strong. Let's do this!
Great piece, Wendy. Here's a "next step" to consider - Ask your Pastor and others in your church you trust to help you organize what you have written into a series of topics for a ministry of speaking conferences or classes specifically to the multitude of neglected, hurting, emotionally (and physically) abused women out there who would greatly benefit from the wisdom you have acquired over a life-time of enduring and persevering. Women who, like yourself, desperately want to change or find victory. They just need someone to champion them.
Maybe your are that person.
I know you consider yourself an introvert and/or lack the "credentials to be an influence on anyone, but you have "street cred" and that's needed much more than all the paper in the world. Just something to think about. You cannot stay in that cubbyhole forever. The cocoon must be broken open in order to fly.
You go, girl.
Cork, I humbly appreciate your words of wisdom. To some degree, I actually have left my “cocoon” because I do pour out my heart every single week here on Substack and Notes, with my weekly longer piece and my shorter writings on Ko-fi, related to garments and realm of beauty. It is not remotely easy to share my darkness and failures with strangers on the Internet. I rely 100% on Holy Spirit to help me write. He gives me a title and theme each week and then nudges me around the edges as I craft the piece through the week. I will take your suggestion seriously and pray over it and talk to my Pastors It is as Papa God told me a few weeks ago, “I use the brokenhearted and discouraged to encourage the brokenhearted and discouraged.” That’s God! Wendy
I've never "bounced" over obstacles either, Wendy. Sometimes, I've only had to face them and then I realize they're not so big (or scary) after all. But sometimes, I have to contend (sigh). There's no way over or around. The only way is "through." And that's when I grow (although I resist! Ha!). Keep growing! Great piece!
Bless you, Jan, I so appreciate your words of wisdom! Despite my argumentative past and combative mode at times, "contending" is still a new thing for me, especially as befits my own sometimes fragile emotional life. I appreciate your time-tested words of wisdom! Wendy
Listens patiently and then says,” This is what we’re going to do.” Isn’t that the truth?!??
That is exactly the truth, Stephanie!!
I feel your pain 😭 I guess it's all a test of faith. Isn't there a Bible verse that says about paying God tithe and He will give us so many blessings there won't be room to receive them all!? How about the Ask and it shall be given you!? God does work in mysterious ways 🤔🐬🌻🌞
Joanna, humble thanks for your kind comment! I am a serious person by core temperament and I do cling in desperation to God and His Son. I write the bluntness because I have seen how God takes each of us as we are and if we allow Him, He will slowly but surely cleanse and heal us of our sorrow and our pain. It does not happen immediately, it is a process and a relationship, not “religion”. I am grateful to simply have come back Home to God, after my Prodigal years. Live and learn, that is me. God bless and keep you, Wendy
Hi Wendy, thank you for your lovely real reply 🙏🌞🐬🌻
Bless you, Joanna, you have a good heart! Wendy
Wendy, I'm with Cork. My offer remains for you to write topic essays on the IM Christian Writer's Forum. Your wisdom in Christ needs to jump to the next level, and I am here to help do just that. I think you might be stuck in the "one-liners club." You have been given a gift to write! Through your weaknesses, He is strong. Let's do this!
Thank you, Dr. Phinney. I will contact you soon. Wendy
Great imagery! Love it!
Thank you, Jules Powell, I appreciate all comments on my writing! Bless you, Wendy