Posted on by darleneishealedtospeak

"Let The Past Die"

 
Isaiah 43:18 – Remember not the former things, nor consider the things of old. Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?
 

“Let the Past Die” is a line spoken by one of the characters in the most recent movie Star Wars: The Last Jedi. It is my husbands’ FAVORITE line in the entire movie and it has much relevance and truth.

The bible tells us not to dwell on the past. Dwelling on past mistakes, failures or relationships will hinder us from moving forward and pressing towards what God truly has for us. Therefore, we must let go with the assurance that the Lord has something better.

About 17 years ago, I recall trying to hold onto a relationship that was completely wrong (hindsight is always 20/20). The main reason I wanted to hold on was because he was the father of my first-born child and quite honestly, I did not want to be alone and pregnant. I also did not want the stigma associated with being a single mother; so at the time it was easier to hold onto something that I knew was not real rather than face my reality.
After a couple years, the relationship ended; however, I still did not get the hint. Although we were no longer together, I held on anyway. In my mind, things would work out no matter how many people he dated and regardless of what his mother and others told me.
Two years later, when I finally had enough, I decided to let go. Unfortunately, I did not leave unscathed. It took many years to heal from the issues I endured in the relationship and it was my fault. Much later, I wondered what baggage I would have avoided if I had left sooner. During my time of singleness, I learned how to enjoy it. I learned how to walk with God, raise my son on my own and be happy. When I felt condemned because of my mistakes, I learned to forgive myself and decided I would not dwell on the past. This is exactly what God wants us to do. Repent and keep it moving.
Five years later, as I was living my life and minding God’s business, He sent my husband.  
It is interesting how tightly we hold on to the things God wants us to let go. With our finite minds, we believe we know what is best and we sometimes believe we cannot live without the thing the Lord wants to take from us.
How many of us have held on to something and not let go? We know it is not working, but because of fear, embarrassment or familiarity, we hold on anyway.  Perhaps it is not a relationship but a dead end job or a friendship. Is it time to let go? I guarantee you based on God’s word that he is about to bless you, but only if you release the past to Him and let it go!
Love you all
Darlene
#healedtospeak
Posted on by darleneishealedtospeak

God, I Did It Right This Time…

            Psalm 34:18 – The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.

 

After being married for almost a year, I became pregnant with my first child. I was elated and a little scared at the same time because it had been ten years since that last time I was pregnant; but I was ready.

I thought to myself, this time I do not have to hide my belly; this time I can tell people; this time I am married and I have a man who truly loves me and is just as excited as I am about bringing a new life into the world. This time I am happy.

Then on Friday, November 23, 2007, it all changed. I went to work feeling good, but as the day progressed, I began to feel worse. I experienced cramping and later spotting. After I got home, I told my husband what I was experiencing and we reluctantly went to the emergency room.
We went to the hospital that evening and spoke with a cold and unsympathetic doctor who told us we were experiencing a miscarriage. I could not believe it and neither did my husband. Earlier that day, I had a feeling that it was happening but did not want to believe it so I prayed against it. Unfortunately, the miscarriage was becoming my truth.
How did things change so suddenly? This morning, I was happy with anticipation and by evening I had a feeling of grief so deep I could not share it enough to articulate. As the weekend slowly wore on, my heartbreak increased. Then, finally, it was over. I visited the doctor on Monday morning and there was no more baby. My brokenness was unbearable.
Then I thought, “God, I did it right this time.” I got married first and then had my baby. “Why is this happening?” “Did God love me?” If so, “Why did he allow this?” “Was I being punished for the things I did in my past?” “Is this punishment for having my first child out of wedlock?” “God Why?”
So…what do you do when you “do it right” and it still does not work out? You stand, trust and believe God’s plan for your life. Seems easy, but it is not especially when you are in the midst of your pain.  There are so many scriptures I could give, that give credence to this, but the one that comes to mind is one of my favorites which is Jeremiah 29:11, “for I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
A year later, I became pregnant again and we had our first son and two years after that, God gave me another baby that was part of His plan, but certainly not part of ours…lol…Praise God.

God gave me double for my pain and beauty for my ashes.  

The pain of losing a child never goes away, but I have peace knowing that I will see her at the appointed time. The bottom line is God is always in control even when things are out of control. He has a perfect plan that will always benefit us. However, it does not mean we will not experience pain to get to joy. But we still must trust the plan.

Love you all,

Darlene
#healedtospeak

 

 

 

 

Posted on by darleneishealedtospeak

Persevere and Trust the Father

Hello Everyone!

I hope you are well. Today I want to share a little of my experience during the snowstorm here in Georgia.

The pictures I’ve shared represent how fast things can change. On December 13 around 3 pm, I posted a picture of my beautiful driveway covered in snow. A couple hours later everything changed… SEE ALL THE PICS BELOW.

The experience was quite harrowing and I will not bore you with the details, but I want to let you know that through every experience good or bad, the Lord is with you! May you be blessed and encouraged by the video!

Love you all,
Darlene
#healedtospeak


 



 

Posted on by darleneishealedtospeak

Forgive or Not To Forgive…Choose

Matthew 6:14-15 “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you; but if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins” (NIV).

In this week’s video, I discuss why we must forgive and the consequences of unforgiveness. When we do not forgive, we risk bitterness of soul, sickness and disease, and God not extending his forgiveness towards us. No matter the offense, forgiveness must be apart of our daily walk as it is not just for the person, but for us too.

Definition of Forgiveness – The intentional and voluntary process by which a victim undergoes a change in feelings and attitude regarding an offense, let’s go of negative emotions such as vengefulness, with an increased ability to wish the offender well.” – Wikipedia

Love you all,

Darlene
#healedtospeak