Embrace the Light

Then Jesus told them, “You are going to have the light just a little while longer. Walk while you have the light, before darkness overtakes you. Whoever walks in the dark does not know where they are going. - John 12:35 

This passage brings great comfort during the current season of a succession of losses. Though my mood has become despondent, my faith in God has not wavered. I know He loves me, I know He is with me, and I know He is holding me. Throughout the years, He has proven to be faithful, loving, and never leaving me. I know my Jesus, and nothing can separate Him from me.

That doesn't mean I never get depressed, anxious and scared. What I thought was my perfect future has been taken from me. I literally feel I am lost in a dark pit, with no direction or purpose other than to glorify God.

Because I daily meditate on the Bible and spend most of my waking hours feeling His constant presence, I am not afraid of the darkness because I know He is with me. I may not know what is immediately in front of me, or what is creeping up behind me, but I know my Jesus is besides me.

Get to know Him while He can be found. He is there, waiting, Don't wait until you're in the darkness... whether it be mentally, spiritually, or physically. Take advantage of the light before it's too late... and then go share that Light with others... Be the light of the world.

Abandoned Faith Book Review

Recently, I reviewed the book "Abandoned Faith" written by Alex McFarland and Jason Jimenez from Tyndale Publishers. I was sent a complimentary copy to review the book, and here is my critique:

"Abandoned Faith" is a timely book about why Millenials are walking away from the church and how we can bring them back. The authors discuss how children who were raised in the church no longer attend once they go off to college. Parents are distraught, wondering what they did wrong. In many cases, families become estranged over the new generation of adults breaking family traditions.

The authors describe how churches are trying to be more accommodating to this new generation by playing loud music and tailoring the sermons to avoid offending congregants. Basically, churches have become more worldly, and less Godly for the sake of filling pews. Issues that are clearly defined as sin in the Bible are now becoming openly discussed and welcomed. When churches preach condemnation on such lifestyles, young adults walk away. In fact, the author's research found Millenials have increasing animosity toward churches where they are ostracized. 

This book is a much needed reminder we need to keep God in God's house instead of comforming to the changes of this world. Parents are given encouragement not to beat themselves up over their wayward children, and most importantly, trust God to intervene with broken relationships. The world will continue to change, but God's Word never changes.

*I was given a complimentary copy of "Abandoned Faith" by Tyndale Publishers to review this book.

Favorite Picture of Jireh

One of my all time favorites.

Poem - Letting Go

2 Years Ago https://secure.shoeboxapp.com/photo/02514eadbf633a26e412ccb48be233d7f92debd2c0fe5d36c89513a4dcc36b3802

Awful Week

What an awful week. Now it's Mother's Day weekend. I sent my mom a bracelet... won't hear from her, though. Who is the idiot, here? I can't be a Medicare Provider because after my Scavenger hunt, they told me I have to get CPR certified. I can't even blow out a candle! And as Jen said, I would crush the person's rib cage. Why couldn't they tell me this at the beginning? So it's back to writing for money. Finally, I have been so consumed about a close friend attempting suicide, I totally missed another friend's heartbreak! I proved to be the "too busy" person I accuse most other people of being! There's no excuse. I should have known. I should have been there. I am so proud of myself when I take a shower, I highlight it in my planner. Depression hurts. Getting out of bed hurts. Water hurts. Thinking hurts. And unless others have been there, they cannot understand.

Snapchat

Add me on Snapchat! Username: shellyedsfsu https://www.snapchat.com/add/shellyedsfsu

Being There...Silently

Someone I deeply care about told me the detailed suicide plan they once had. My reaction surprised me. I didn't want to say how selfish it was, what about the pets, how it would devastate me, fill in typical responses. I definitely didn't consider walking away because it was too heavy for me, or say I would pray... No. None of that crossed my mind. I had to roll in a ball as I weeped harder than ever imagined. I couldn't catch my breath. "Shelly, did I trigger you?...I'm here... I didn't do it... Shelly? I'm sorry..."
They were sorry they told me.
I was HONORED they told me.
I knew I couldn't fix it, or respond in any way besides being there.
My sobbing was knowing what feelings accompanied the plan:
Indescribable pain, loneliness, confusion, worthlessness, hopelessness...

It was sobering being on the other side... I'm thankful I have been suicidal. Because I understand. And that means I realize the gift of being there...silently.