In Honor of National Youth Homelessness and Runaway Awareness Month...
Before you run away, let me tell you what it's really like out there on your own.
You think, like I did, it's going to be so cool, I can finally do what I want and make my own decisions. Oh yeah, like deciding what park bench you're going to sleep on, or where you can warm your frozen toes, or what garbage bin you're going to eat out of.
I lived out on the road for 2 years, homeless, hitchhiking around the USA. I was beaten, robbed (of the little bit of money & clothes I had), frozen, starving, kidnapped, raped many times, forced into dancing & prostitution, and nearly killed. Yet I had a safe, warm home to go to. Not where I felt important or loved, but still I had a place to go.
Many teens may not have a safe warm place at home. Some will end up prostitutes within the first 24 hours after they leave home. Some will end up raped, kidnapped, or even worse--killed. You think it won't be you or your child, but think again--I thought the same thing.
Luckily I prayed every time when in a dangerous or life threatening situation and God came through and set me free.
Maybe you're not a teen but know someone who is. Maybe you're not a runaway, but you know someone who is or is about to...
Won't you help me by raising awareness to keep teens off the street. Stand Up For Kids is one of the few organizations that help kids stay safe when they're homeless. Won't you support their cause and see what you can do to help your local chapter? http://www.standupforkids.org/
Another way you can help is by purchasing my book "Run For Your Life" which is my life story of all my encounters running away After teens read this, they'll be running in a whole new direction--not to all the things I did, but to life in Christ! Books are available on my website http://www.atime2heal.org/.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
How To Forgive When We Can't Forget
Is that even possible? To forgive someone when you can't forget the horrible thing they did. Yes, actually it is.
My first hubby was physically abusive (hit, kicked, pulled my hair, threw me down stairs, raped me, trapped me in rooms, kidnapped me, burnt me with lit cigarettes, and he had numerous affairs and left me for my older married sister who was separated from her husband). Yes, it hurt! BAD! I thought worse than any pain I could ever feel. He was my first love. The only one I completely trusted. Only to be hurt and rejected like all the others.
My second hubby seemed to be the perfect gentlemen while we were dating. He opened doors for me, brought me flowers, and told me I was the most beautiful woman in the world. However, when he proposed to me, I felt this strong urge (I now Know as the Holy Spirit) telling me not to marry him. I married him, knowing God could and would forgive me and he did. But the pain I endured the next 7 years was a hundred times worse than the beatings I withstood in my first marriage. Not only was my husband addicted to pornography and had an affair, but he also molested our 3 children.
After that marriage I was totally devastated and didn't feel as though I could trust anyone, let alone forgive all the men that had hurt me since I was a little girl. Yet, because I held onto all that pain and bitterness and wouldn't let go, they weren't the ones hurting; I was.
When God tells us to forgive or we will not be forgiven, it's for our own good. With bitterness, anger, and unforgiveness in our heart, we will not have peace or joy. The joy of the Lord is our strength and peace brings health to our mind.
God totally wants us to be healthy. He understands we have feelings. But we also have a choice. We don't have to "feel" in our hearts like forgiving someone, we just have to make the choice to do it. Forgiveness isn't a feeling, it's an action. We simply say, "I forgive you. I may not like what you did to me or my children, and I'm not going to continue to let you hurt or abuse us. But I forgive you."
Just saying those three simple words "I Forgive You" releases us from a bitter spirit and allows us to be filled with the Holy Spirit. It worked for me and I know it will work for you.
God's ways are so simple. It's us who always tries to complicate everything. He knows we may never forget what happened to us, yet he also knows that with His Holy Spirit's power we can forgive and be free! Take Joseph in Genesis 36:25-37:14 for example. Even though his brothers tried to kill him and sold him into slavery, he forgave them, even before they asked him too!
So why not say: I forgive you to everyone who has hurt you and be set free today. It only takes a second. And you'll have a lifetime of joy and peace!
My first hubby was physically abusive (hit, kicked, pulled my hair, threw me down stairs, raped me, trapped me in rooms, kidnapped me, burnt me with lit cigarettes, and he had numerous affairs and left me for my older married sister who was separated from her husband). Yes, it hurt! BAD! I thought worse than any pain I could ever feel. He was my first love. The only one I completely trusted. Only to be hurt and rejected like all the others.
My second hubby seemed to be the perfect gentlemen while we were dating. He opened doors for me, brought me flowers, and told me I was the most beautiful woman in the world. However, when he proposed to me, I felt this strong urge (I now Know as the Holy Spirit) telling me not to marry him. I married him, knowing God could and would forgive me and he did. But the pain I endured the next 7 years was a hundred times worse than the beatings I withstood in my first marriage. Not only was my husband addicted to pornography and had an affair, but he also molested our 3 children.
After that marriage I was totally devastated and didn't feel as though I could trust anyone, let alone forgive all the men that had hurt me since I was a little girl. Yet, because I held onto all that pain and bitterness and wouldn't let go, they weren't the ones hurting; I was.
When God tells us to forgive or we will not be forgiven, it's for our own good. With bitterness, anger, and unforgiveness in our heart, we will not have peace or joy. The joy of the Lord is our strength and peace brings health to our mind.
God totally wants us to be healthy. He understands we have feelings. But we also have a choice. We don't have to "feel" in our hearts like forgiving someone, we just have to make the choice to do it. Forgiveness isn't a feeling, it's an action. We simply say, "I forgive you. I may not like what you did to me or my children, and I'm not going to continue to let you hurt or abuse us. But I forgive you."
Just saying those three simple words "I Forgive You" releases us from a bitter spirit and allows us to be filled with the Holy Spirit. It worked for me and I know it will work for you.
God's ways are so simple. It's us who always tries to complicate everything. He knows we may never forget what happened to us, yet he also knows that with His Holy Spirit's power we can forgive and be free! Take Joseph in Genesis 36:25-37:14 for example. Even though his brothers tried to kill him and sold him into slavery, he forgave them, even before they asked him too!
So why not say: I forgive you to everyone who has hurt you and be set free today. It only takes a second. And you'll have a lifetime of joy and peace!
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