It’s in the early morning hours that I find myself most open to what God places on my heart. This morning, I felt a strong urge to start my day today writing. I sat down and journaled a very specific message. But, that wasn’t enough. It was supposed to be a message shared, not just a message for me. If I’m being honest, it’s a battle I continue to fight.
As I write blogs and books, and as I speak for events or groups, there is a side of me that doesn’t want to revisit past memories and pain. I don’t want to write “A Survivor’s Prayer” because I don’t want to be a “survivor” and carry the stigma I feel like comes with it. I don’t want to admit there were, and still are, feelings of guilt, shame and hurt.
It was supposed to be a message shared, not just a message for me. Being “a survivor” means victory over the past and with true victory comes the strength to be vulnerable. Two hours later, I’m about to hit publish because “I can do all things in Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13)
A Survivor’s Prayer…..
Thank you Lord for the gift of another day…
Help guide me to use it wisely, this I pray.
Thank you Lord for a loving husband in my life…
Help guide me to be a better wife.
Thank you Lord for the gift of health…
Help me remember the meaning of true wealth.
Thank you Lord for family and friends…
Help me be an example for good, instead of an example for the fiend.
Thank you Lord for a chance to touch another’s heart…
Help me remember that Your creation is a work of art.
Thank you Lord for the gift of free will…
Help me remember to use it for good, not ill.
Thank you Lord for forgiveness of my sin…
Help me remember it’s an eternal battle we are fighting to win.
Thank you Lord for the responsibility of representing You…
Help me as I strive, when tested, to remain true.
Thank you Lord for strength in trials and tribulations…
Help me remember You temper me with those situations.
Thank you Lord for helping me extend forgiveness to the one who broke trust…
Help me let go of the pain of those memories of rape, abuse, and lust.
Thank you Lord for the stronger woman that was built…
Help me find freedom from a false sense of guilt.
Thank you Lord for helping me heal from corruption and abomination…
Help me remember it’s a journey, not a destination.
Thank you Lord for bringing me to a safe place…
Help me let go of the shame and claim grace.
Thank you Lord for the gift of Your Son…
Help me remember the battles that through Him, I have won.