You are not alone.

I have been hearing God whisper to me lately that we need to be reminded that we are not alone.  If you're my friend on FB you have probably seen a handful of posts about this topic. It's really been on my heart quite a lot and the more I speak about it, the more my friends confirm that we all really do need these reminders.  Life gives us struggles.  Struggles make us stronger.  Or they make us bitter. Struggles make us more honest.  Or they make us angry.  Struggles make us more humble. Or they make us retreat.  Struggles make us feel all alone in this world, though we might be surrounded by dozens or even hundreds.  I have overcome some struggles and adversity in my life.  Some of it was waiting for me around a corner others knew I would come to one day, but I was too naïve to see it myself, while some of it was completely unexpected.  It happens this way, doesn't it?  Sometimes we have consequences about the choices we make that result in struggles. That doesn't make the struggle any less real or any less hurtful, does it?  And sometimes we are victims of terrible circumstance or situation that catapults us into a struggle, which might make us beg God and ask "why me? what did I do to deserve this?"  I cannot deny I have asked God, yelled at God, cried at God, shook my fist at God, but, ultimately, relied on God to help get me through whatever the struggle was at the time.  We all deal with struggle in our own ways, but we all do deal with struggle at some point or another.  I am specifically drawn, at this moment, to the women in my life and sharing their stories of struggle.  I believe we try REALLY hard to put up a front of how strong we are, not because we are showing off, rather because we feel shame or embarrassment by whatever storm we might be fighting- not once taking into thought that someone very close to us might have already waged the same battle or be going through it right now... same as us!  I have been led to put a collection of stories together in the hopes that sharing them might bring someone else comfort or peace or lead them to healing...  I would love to hear your story if you're willing to share!  We can set up a time for a meeting if you are local or by phone if you are not... Or if you want to write it out (3rd person, anonymous, whatever is comfortable) then I will add to the collection. I'm really unsure how this will play out, but I know there's a need to let our sisters know we aren't alone in struggles. No shame! Situations like divorce, depression, mental illness, infidelity, addiction, addiction of loved ones, mental, physical, sexual abuse, infertility, blended family issues, broken parent/child relationships - just some topics that come to mind that I KNOW I can't be the only one dealing with or know friends who are dealing with them... just trying to find a safe place to share stories that will illuminate love, hope & strength.  I have been so inspired in recent months with some amazing women I have had the privilege of meeting and getting to know, along with many years of friendship with terrific women who I know have overcome so much.  If you are inclined to share with me so we can share with others, please let me know and I will work hard to fulfill what I believe is God's work through this project.  I have no timeline, nothing set in stone, but I know there is lots of pain and if we can help bring comfort to one hurting heart then that is enough for me!  Here's to all you overcomers out there and thanks for taking the time to read my rambling tonight!