This is a continuation of a series every Friday where I will be highlighting the growth and healing of one of my readers, a new reader each week. These, my sweet ones, are their brave and vulnerable stories. Take heart…you are not alone. -Elisabeth
It’s hard to believe that it’s been a little over six years since I was on the verge of being homeless with my family, separating myself from my husband, leaving a second master’s degree program, losing just about everything, and taking my then two-year-old child back to Illinois for the second and final time. When I look back, I am amazed at everything the Lord has done.
God told me that, that “second time” of separation would be worse. I chose not to listen and remain stubborn in the fact that I wanted to “save my marriage.” I went back after that first separation/almost divorce. It was in my master’s program, that He used a class project to clue me into what was going on in my life. It suddenly clicked, the behaviors going on suddenly made sense, and when I asked for help, I was surrounded by individuals who helped me find a way back to Illinois. He used my parents in helping them to make a decision to buy a four-bedroom home allowing my child and I a place to live when we needed it the most. It was the most difficult time in my life and yet, the Lord was with me every step of the way.
When I came back to Illinois, He continually spoke into my life and brought the right people that I needed the most at just the right time. He brought a friend back into my life to walk with me through the worst of it, to speak truth into my life, and help me to know that I am loved.
For some reason at the time, I was convinced that pastors never divorced. What did He do? He introduced me to one who had been divorced and remarried. Before marriage, I loved God’s word and when I was married, I quickly became someone who was afraid of it, of individuals “who prophesied over others”, etc. God brought me to an individual who was a pastor, a child of divorce, and who helped me recognize the lies and destructive patterns that had taken hold in my life and to work through them. God would speak to me through my child. Telling me, don’t worry Caryn, don’t worry, I’ll help.
He brought me through a master’s program which allowed me to start my second career to be able to take care of my child and me. He has spoken into my life again and again, speaking promises into my life. Several months ago, with the New Year, I asked the Lord to bring something new into my life. I asked him to make this year different.
He brought me to a new gym, a trainer, a new church with the possibility of getting connected to others, a way to help me pay down debt, and the opportunity to volunteer helping others. I still believe that God isn’t done yet. I believe he will bring someone new into my life when the timing is right. Whether or not that happens soon or ten years from now, I know that He is with me, He walks with me, and He loves me. He isn’t done with me yet and the best is yet to come for my child and I.
-Caryn
If this sweet woman’s post resonated with your heart, please know that you are not alone. Here are a few resources for you:
If you would like to join one my private Facebook groups (difficult marriage, separated/divorced, single moms, remarried), please email me at elisabeth@elisabethklein.com.
If in a difficult marriage: Surviving in a Difficult Christian Marriage is available as a PDF/e-book: www.elisabethklein.com/books
If separated/divorced: Unraveling: Hanging onto Faith through the End of a Christian Marriage is available in paperback/e-book: http://tinyurl.com/phowp95
If a single mom: Moving on as a Christian Single Mom is available in paperback/e-book: www.elisabethklein.com/books
If you need a nudge in your healing, I would love to work with you! Join me for one of my mentoring courses.
If you’d like to receive my free resource “Is Your Healing Halted?”, sign up here.