It's not the load that breaks you down, it's the way you carry it. -Lena Horne
As I reflect over the challenges that I have encountered in my adult life I realize that perspective goes a long way. The above quote says so much in such a short sentence.
You see I am a Domestic Abuse SURVIVOR. During the time that I stayed with my abuser I gathered a lot of baggage and responsibilities that I should not have taken on. I felt weak and helpless most of my days. Not realizing that God was my strength and if I asked He would carry my burdens. I felt so alone many times even when in the company of others. My self-esteem was nil, but I wore a mask that said that I was full of confidence and happiness. ALL LIES.
What I have come to realize is that on this side of the abuse; the side where I can be free to express myself, be free to live, be free to be happy, free to love and be loved CORRECTLY in return, I see that the burdens I carried before it made me a stronger woman even when I felt that I was one of the weakest.
The ‘loads’ of self-doubt, self-hatred, self-sabotage, fear, ugliness, grief and pity that I carried molded me into the woman I am today. The ‘loads’ I thought would break or even kill me, I shifted and God turned them around and uses them for His glory.
I know can tell the next abused woman or man that there is life after abuse. That they can hold their head up high and know that they are fearfully and wonderfully made in the image of Daddy God.
I took all those ‘loads’ and re-positioned them so that they would no longer be a burden but tools to use to educate, empower and enlighten anyone who will listen to my story of survival, rebuilding, learning to love myself so I can love others and receive the love God intended for me to receive.
You too can take the ‘loads’ that are trying to weigh you down or even kill you and re-position them so that they seem lighter and easier to carry. As you read this small inspirational piece realize that God has purpose for us all. You story may not be one of abuse, but whatever ‘load’ you carry trust me if God allowed it to happen and you’re in the midst of it, He has given you enough on the inside for you to come through it… whatever your ‘it’ may be.
I saw an interesting short video of encouragement and it said that when the storm comes an eagle will fly to a high spot and wait for the wind to arrive. The eagle will wait for the storm to hit and move its wings, so that the wind will pick it up and lift it ABOVE the storm. While the storm rages below the eagle is soaring above. The storm is still going on, so the eagle didn’t run from the storm… it simply used the storm to lift it higher.
Use your ‘loads’ to press your way through whatever challenges life throws your way. Shift the load so that it’s positioned just right for you to continue your journey and God gets the glory from it. So your load won’t break you, but gives you just enough lessons to build you.
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