First, I want to wish all a very Merry Christmas. This past week has been exhausting, to say the least. I'm not referring to last minute shopping, which was the distraction I needed at the time. In taking a stand for my faith and love of our Lord on a delicate issue within my family, an avalanche of wounding words and attacks on my Christianity materialized. My heart was wounded. In a way it had never been before. After apologizing for causing waves via email, the attacks continued, one hurtful email after another. My daughters were amazing and supportive, outraged at the slurs thrown at their mother. As I carefully constructed an email defending myself and my faith, I felt the Lord prompt me to walk away from the computer before I hit the send button. I found myself walking into the garage and pondering what the defensive email could evoke in those attacking. After a few minutes, I went back and deleted the email. In my second attempt at responding, the Lord placed graces in my heart to show His love and compassion.
I have to give credit where credit is due. The Volumes, Climbing the Mountain, Mist of Mercy and Serving in Clarity have changed my heart. For those who know me, my family is my lifeline. I would never have imagined such a huge rift would occur when taking a stand for decency. But, the evil one knows where your vulnerabilities are, and will pounce when he sees the opportunity. All I can say is, if this is all he has, bring it on! The love and support of my daughters, husband, younger sister and fellow lay apostles through this difficult time has shown me what is most important in life. The road of a Christian is a bumpy one. And those that truly love you with the same goal of climbing the mountain to our beautiful Jesus' arms make the bumpy road a little less jolting.
Thank you Lord, for allowing others to refuel me with Your Love when I am down and in need of encouragement.
Blessings,
Bonnie S.
