The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.? True enough. And so does the journey of a healing heart. By Your grace, Lord, I recently took a few steps in that direction with a new friend.
We were walking together, as we have on numerous occasions in the last six weeks. Talking about the weather… the beauty of our surroundings… our hobbies… our families… our thoughts… our feelings… our hopes… our concerns…
Slowly and subtly, going deeper and deeper. Until the time seemed right for… The Secret.
It came out of nowhere. Or was it everywhere? Because it was finally safe enough to crack the armor. Just a little… but enough for some Comfort to trickle in.
“Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4)
I understand so much more now, Lord. I can see past her hard exterior more easily. I can see the little girl who wanted — wants — so much to feel loved. The little girl who learned far too young that the best “defense” is a good offense.
It’s amazing what a crack in the armor can reveal.
She can’t let herself believe that forgiveness is possible. But she has reached what she calls Acceptance. I know from my own journey, Lord, that Acceptance is a major step on the Healing Road.
“You don’t have to a victim of what has happened to you in your life. Some things you can’t change, because they’re history. But you can think other things, feel other things, and do other things that are healthier for you and for the people around you.” (The Holy Spirit’s revelation to me in 1977 which, although I had no idea it came from God, kept me from choosing suicide).
Thank You, Lord!!! 🙂 🙂 🙂
Her Acceptance came with both words and a physical sensation. She was driving at the time, thinking about The Secret and its repercussions in her life. Suddenly, she felt the lifting of a great weight off her body… from her feet to her head And she heard four words that changed her whole outlook.
“It wasn’t your fault.”
She is well on her way… isn’t she, Lord? OK, so the journey of a thousand miles may begin with a single step. But the journey of her healing heart? I’d say she just took some giant leaps! If only… No, scratch that. WHEN (not IF) she turns more fully to You, Lord… How can she not find all she has been yearning for her whole life?
“He who did not spare His own Son, but gave Him up for us all — how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things?” (Romans 8:32)
Following Your footsteps,
Abba’s Girl