Thrown Stones

"...It has been interesting to watch different people’s reactions when they find out I am divorced. During the six years following my divorce, it was difficult telling people that I am a single parent (divorced) when they first met me and asked about my “husband.” There was a little twinge deep inside of me that was afraid that they too would react negatively and pull away, even though they may not have intended to do that. There were even times during the first five years after my divorce that it felt like I was branded with a scarlet letter..."

            "...I am very grateful, however, that Jesus is full of love, mercy and compassion for the broken! Jesus would really stand out among the majority who have placed themselves in the role of judge, jury and executioner before even knowing what landed a divorced person in that situation. I am also very grateful for the many brothers and sisters in Christ who, like Christ, have chosen to stand out and reach out in love and mercy to those who are going through or have been through a divorce. Jesus said, “As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples (followers), IF you love one another.” John 13:34b-35 (NIV)

            I found great love and comfort in knowing that the Lord Jesus was right by my side the entire time…even throughout the sleepless nights, teary days, and hardest moments. He never let go of my hand, not even for a moment. The same is true for anybody who turns to Him, no matter the situation. He will be right there with you, whether you are alone after divorce, sitting alone in a jail cell, or have just lost someone dear to you..."

"...Allow Him to come in to your life and situation and comfort you through your darkest moments. I promise you, He will not let you down! He will also never make you feel like a second-class citizen because of your past mistakes or when you find yourself in a very difficult, lonely situation. He will not pull away from you when you need Him most or make you feel as if you are wearing a scarlet letter. There is hope, encouragement, and true love waiting just for you if you let Him in to help you and trust in Him to get you through. Isaiah 41:10 says, “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (NIV)..."

           "...Too many people turn to something else, anything else, but Him to help them cope during a hard situation. For some reason, many people find it easier to turn to alcohol, drugs, cigarettes, sex or any other number of things to help ease their pain. However, they do not realize that those things may help temporarily to numb the pain, but the pain will ALWAYS come back, guaranteed. The Lord, however, will always be your help and will never leave you feeling empty or hopeless, so that you have to turn to something else to “numb the pain away.” I can honestly say through my experience that He can permanently remove the pain if you let Him!"

 

Excerpts taken from Chapter 8, "Struck Down, But Not Destroyed"   
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