Sunday, December 18, 2011

I think this is good-bye

I think this blog may be coming to a close...  In just a couple of weeks, it will have been three years of writing here about my story and my recovery journey.  Surprisingly - while I don't think the wounds ever mend completely - I am finding myself in a place where I just don't have much to process through aloud anymore.

It seems that the last piece of my recovery puzzle is falling into place...

As I grow in grace and mercy, my intolerance [anger] for my family's shortcomings are becoming grey areas ... instead of the harsh black and white it's always been.  As I've become willing to really listen to their stories - to sort through and understand the brokenness that has plagued them and [unintentionally] wounded me greatly - I've begun to understand that long before they were ever "screwed up" individuals making bad choices that hurt children, they were heart-broken and wounded children themselves.

So often, abused children develop unhealthy coping skills and skewed visions of the world around them.  And so often they [unwittingly] abuse and neglect their children.  Let's not allow ourselves to fall into that category ... or stay there, if that's where we're at.  Keep reaching for recovery.  Keep seeking the Lord's hand and heart.  He loves you so much.  Wholeness and healing await.  It is a long, scary, painful journey at times ... but it has changed my life.

And allowed me to close this chapter of my recovery story.  For now, anyway.

Thanks to all of you who have read along, commented, emailed, encouraged and prayed for me, and joined me in prayer and ministry for survivors around the world.  This blog is ending [I think], but I will continue to spend my life in ministry with hurting children and adults.  Well, as long as God will let me.  ;0)

Even as I type this second third-to-last sentence, I can hardly believe that God has moved me to this place of utter peace and contentment.  He is a miracle worker.  Praying that He does the same for you.

With much love, gratitude and prayers,
Tonya

For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.  Jeremiah 29:11

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.  John 10:10 

The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.  Psalm 34:18