​When I started this blog 3 years ago, I wasn’t sure if anyone would read my words….but I wrote anyways. The more that I wrote, the more people shared their own personal stories with me.
Surprisingly, the hardest blogs to write have also been the blogs that people have related to the most.
 
We often convince ourselves that no one will else will understand what we’re going through, so we struggle in silence. Blogging has helped me realize how much we crave honest connection. Let someone know if you relate to their story. Hope is ignited when we realize we’re not alone.
 
Or, if you’re feeling really brave, give someone the gift of going second. Share your story first. It will usually give someone else the courage to share too. 

You were there
at the beginning
from my very first breath
when my eyes opened to see
the loving family you gave me.
 
You were there
in the room
when my innocence was lost
your heart broke at the sight
you comforted me through the dark nights.
 
You were there
at the parties
when we celebrated life
joy and laughter filled the air
surrounded by people who care.

​Over the past 2 years, blogging has become a part of my life. As a blogger, you put your words out there, not knowing who will read them. This part is a little scary. And most of the time, you have no idea how your words impact someone, but you continue to write. You trust that the words you have been given are meant to be shared with others for a reason. This is the life of a blogger.
 
Once in awhile, someone might share with you how your words have helped or encouraged them. These moments are gifts….little reminders that your words are making a difference. It’s because of these moments that I continue to write. 

Faded and hidden
My eyes still see
These scars upon my body
How can you still love me?

​Beauty for ashes
Yet I still see
These scars upon my body
Am I still your masterpiece?

Evidence of pain
Overwhelmed with shame
Felt like I was the one to blame
Then I called upon your name

You took my shame
Said I wasn’t to blame
That you still love me the same
And that’s when hope came

​These scars now remind me
That I have survived
Healing is possible
You have a purpose for my life

These scars now remind me
Of what you carried me through
Your love lit the way through the darkness
My scars point me back to you ​

There once was a girl 
Without a care in the world 
Then one day 
Everything changed 
 
As she walked by 
I saw the hurt in her eyes 
That I’ve seen before 
So I asked to talk some more 
 
When this world turns its back on you 
You can turn to me 
When this world tells you lies 
May the truth set you free 
 
When this world brings you down 
Lift your eyes up above 
When this world betrays you 
Don’t give up on love 
 
For so long 
She’s held on 
And kept a burden inside 
She’s tried to run from life 
 
She found out 
You can only run for so long 
She fell on her knees 
And opened up to me 
 
When this world turns its back on you 
You can turn to me 
When this world tells you lies 
May the truth set you free 
 
When this world brings you down 
Lift your eyes up above 
When this world betrays you 
Don’t give up on love 

I never gave up on you

I'll never give up on you. 

If you've ever experienced betrayal, you know how much it hurts. In the midst of our heartache, God is there. He promises never to leave us or forsake us (Deut. 31:8). He desires for us to come to Him and honestly share how we're feeling.

When I talked to God about a betrayal I had experienced, He reminded me that since He still loves me, I still have love to give to others. I don't have to give up on love because He will never give up loving me.