The Power of Two: Living Matthew 18:20 (Part One)
I realized my life, my family, and my relationship were kind of like maneuvering an Etch A Sketch. Words displayed are easier said than done. If I, if we could navigate the way to connect all the lines to create the words, the vision, it would be beautiful. It would actually be mind-blowing.
Living
My life was perfect. I had two loving parents who dedicated love, time and attention to me for the betterment of my being. I had examples of what men and women of God were supposed to look like. I had a family history of education, hard work and success. I knew how important it was to have a relationship with God and how special family life was. My Mother was a strong, loving, hardworking woman and my Daddy was a strong, loving, hardworking man. I was raised to trust God; be strong and independent. I was taught to be self-sufficient. I was built to strive for perfection. I succeeded in everything I attempted. I excelled…and my life was “perfect.”
In all these lessons, I learned that perceived success is almost always tied to each of the following traits: trust God, be strong, independent, and self-sufficient. I worked hard to achieve independence, self-sufficiency, perfection, the appearance of strength…and I succeeded. Through all my years in school, college, career, marriage and family, I was a BOSS at externally making my life look flawless.
On the outside, I was always at the top of my game. My home was beautiful. My family looked amazing at all times - my career was booming; until it wasn’t. My relationship with my husband suffered. I was constantly unhappy (at home), I felt like my children never behaved the way I wanted them to and our home was in turmoil behind closed doors. My career was “glamorous” and I knew everyone that needed to be known. My connections were great, and I was amazing at what I did, but I was stressed to the hilt. As soon as we stepped out of our doors, my family knew how to turn on the magic of the “Power Family”, but there were many days that once we were in the confines of our home, we didn’t speak. When we did, it wasn’t pleasant and we were miserable. Through all of this, I would pray and ask God to help my family, to no avail, or so it seemed, but I kept pressing through with a smile that could fool the world. I never once wanted to breathe to anyone the struggle I was going through or the disappointing life I was living. It was too personal and I dare not share. Especially when everyone thought we were the “perfect family.” I realized my life, my family, and my relationship were kind of like maneuvering an Etch A Sketch. Words displayed are easier said than done. If I, if we could just navigate the way to connect all the lines to create the words, the vision, it would be beautiful. It would actually be mind-blowing.
Learning
It seemed that nothing was changing, until one day, an incident changed all of our lives forever. My family was torn apart. We went through a season of absolute devastation. The “secret” was out - we weren’t the “perfect family” - we didn’t have it all together. I was embarrassed, ashamed, saddened, hurt and every other adjective imaginable. Then there was the reaction of the community who loved me, loved us… It was a mixed collection of shock, “I knew it was too good to be true”, and sadness.
I learned quickly what the word friend truly meant at that point in my life. I learned, in my time of isolation, that God was honestly always there when others turned their backs. I also learned that there were women in my life who loved me, cared about me and my family in the good times and the bad times. I, in my devastated state, found strength from these ladies who were there for me in the midst of one of the most difficult struggles of my life. They prayed for me. They listened and they understood the struggle. I wasn’t alone at all. They gave me strength.
Come back to visit for the rest of the story. Living Matthew 18:20 (Pt. 2) will be here next week!
Do you struggle to keep the "perfect family?"
Where do you go when your cover is blown?
The Power of Two
"For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them." Matthew 18:20 (NIV)
You know there is a saying...two is always better than one? As a matter of fact, it is true and Biblical! First, let me say thank you for opening your heart to take time to stop by and visit my blog. My prayer is that you are able to see that you are not alone in your journey called life. There are women and men all over the world who are just like you in every way. We are powerful, dynamic, beautiful sons and daughters of the King and just as Matthew 18:20 says, where there are two or three of us in agreement, there He will be also. This is just another part of the Two Series created to build you up in all seasons....
Regardless of the daily struggles that you may go through, there are ALL the amazing triumphs that you have made every second you are breathing. The fact that you are able to manage all of the moving pieces of your life, your family, your homes, jobs...is an absolute testimony of the faithfulness of God. Your mere existence in the midst of it all gives God glory.
My goal is to encourage and uplift, and support you in any way that I can. I would love to have you join me on Facebook Live chats, Bible studies, gatherings, discussions....all the things we need for ourselves. One thing I have learned is that we as women take so many roles on for everyone around us at times....everyone except ourselves. So, I hope that you enjoy this journey as we learn about the love Christ has for us and the wonderful connections we can make with each other! There are so many fun and exciting things that I have learned over the last year about God and His unconditional love that He has for us. Once you unlock what He has for you, there is nothing that you can't do.
My prayer for this series and those of you who want to join, is that we are real with ourselves and that we are real with each other, because in the end we are really living the same lives, just different states, cities, homes, and names. We genuinely have more things in common than we know. We just don't realize how similar we are because we fail to see the similarities. I want to grow a community of women who celebrate good times, bad times, highs and lows...because the Bible tells me I can do ALL things through Christ. Not just good things, but ALL things. Let 's stand together in our calling and join in with one another to give God glory. There is strength in numbers. You don't always have to be number one when you can have your TWO! If you are interested in learning more about this community, getting one of the "2" necklaces for you or someone else, or if you would like to be a part of this movement, please shoot me a message. I would love to talk more!
I Love you all!!!
What issue can I agree with you on in prayer?
Who is your "Two"?
How has your life changed through prayer and agreement?