After a month of thinking and praying, and after the sweet support of my husband* and encouragement from close friends, I have decided to continue writing, with fresh material starting up again on Mondays and Thursdays beginning tomorrow.

I will not go into the details behind my break other than to say that my heart has always been and continues to be this: to keep helping as many hurting women as I possibly can because I remember the pain as clearly as if it were yesterday and I don’t want another woman to feel alone as she walks through her difficult marriage or as she walks through her divorce or as she walks through single parenting.

A few thoughts though before we jump back in that I feel are important for you, my sweet readers, to know.

When I write, I do my best to relate to as many of you as possible. That is why I write in generalities, and that is why I do not share specific details and names and locations and dates.  In fact, there are three measures I have put into place as safeguards when I write:

One, I sometimes change details. If I am retelling a story from my personal life, I will occasionally change something like the number of children of the person I’m referring to, or the gender, or when it happened, as long as the principle still applies. (By the way, I’m not the only writer who does this.)

Two, I write six to twelve weeks out. Meaning, I may say something in the blog like, “The other day, I…” when in reality, it was more than likely two or three months ago.  This is another protective layer from reality as well.

And thirdly, Richard reads each of my posts before they go live.  He doesn’t require it of me (he never would), but I’ve asked him to as a favor to me.  And when he gives constructive feedback, it’s good and I take it into consideration.

I’m so grateful to those of you who emailed me in the meantime letting me know you were praying for me. I needed it and it helped.  And I am looking forward to continuing doing what I feel God has called me to do: using my words to help hurting women by bringing them hope. Because our God is hope, and there is still much work to be done and darkness shed light upon.

*And in case you’re wondering, this is what my sweet husband specifically said to nudge me back:

My dearest Elisabeth, you are writing about past, present, and the direction of women’s futures. You minister to many women. Your stories have touched my heart and life. Some good, some bad. But it makes me look deeper at myself and actions. I still fall short everyday with you, our kids, my job, and our Lord. God has blessed you with a gift to write stories. Sharing your heart, mind, and soul. All I’m trying to say is don’t give up on this passion. I pray you keep writing, but I will support you and love you either way. Love, Buzz