When I started writing my eleventh book, When a Woman Overcomes Life’s Hurts, I figured I’d overcome most of the baggage from my past. I was healed and whole and it was time to help others get that way.
But funny how old wounds creep up on you when you least expect them.
It took interviewing 50 women and hearing the worst of the worst stories for me to come to two conclusions:
- Although my hurts in life pale in comparison to what’s out there, they have affected me, nonetheless.
- It’s a daily surrender – not a one-time thing – to focus on the Healer, rather than my hurts, and to stay in a place of healing and wholeness.
So, just when I figured I was doing pretty well, emotionally and spiritually, God showed me how very much I still need Him.
God showed me that apart from Him, I can do nothing. He showed me that without Him, I am nothing. He showed me that if I’m not living His life, I am not living at all. On the flip side, He showed me that in Him, I have everything. He showed me that with His help, I can accomplish anything. And He showed me, once again, that with Him living through me, I can indeed be healed and whole.
These are truths I can easily forget. They are truths that can fall by the wayside as I get busy or as I fail to spend the time with Him that my heart and soul longs for. So, in an attempt to remind myself – and you, too, if you’re up for it – I have started a weekly blog. I am writing it to keep myself accountable to you and to myself and to God; and to keep myself in God’s Word where I can constantly be reminded of His truths so I don’t get sucked into the dark abyss of how this world-without-God thinks.
I’ll start with what’s freshest in my mind…truths I have learned while writing my most recent book. I’ll start with the “Ten Steps to Healing and Wholeness,” giving you one step a week and, with your input, we’ll have a great dialogue.
Please let me know the issues that are heavy on your heart as well as topics you’d love to read about so I can stay relevant in your life and so, most importantly, He remains relevant in your life.
Talk to you soon…
I found your site and blog through crosswalk. I lost my 22 year old son just over a week ago. I am not only struggling with my pain but trying to help my mother and my son’s friends cope.
Katherine: I am so sorry for your loss. Please contact me at cindi@strengthforthesoul.com with your mailing address so I can send you a copy of my newest book. It is one small way I can be there for you during this extremely difficult time.
Katherine, my son lost his best friend (21 years old) almost a year ago. Matt’s sweet mama has been a source of strength and encouragement to many young adult boys through her daily Facebook posting. Matt was a precious young man who touched many in his life. She just reminded people daily of his ability to make people smile and feel cared for. I guess I say this to encourage you to remember your son in the way that feeds you. It will be healing for others as well. I am so sorry for your incredible loss. Praying for you in Georgia. Many blessings to you.
Hi Cindi, first time ever reading your blog, never the less i am also stugging with loss and yesterday hurt my marriage after 18 years ended in divorce although i am the one file i still stuggle with the loss, being alone and not able to trust another man with my heart. Help me Lord i cry out!
Jackie, Scripture says “The Lord is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18). Keep crying out to Him, my friend.
Thank-you for reaching out with your newest book, now only do I think I need to read it, I need to stop being led to have a poor pity party ecspecially when I am reaching out and people are not there for me, I need to cry out to God and I have been, but not as much as I think I have been or should. I have been at a loss without really realizing it, I got laid off of work after 27 yrs. this February and I feel I’m still stuck. Thank-you Cindi for your authentic way and thank-you for your blog.
Thank you, Tina.
This is just what I need. My father passed away in April and he was my mother’s primary health care provider and helper. Mom has dementia (although mild) and some serious health issues. My sister and I had to be named her guardian. It is not an easy job and mom is not happy with us. Walking through difficult adult relationships is not easy as it is….it’s even harder in the midst of hurt. I can only domit with Jesus. Looking forward to your posts.
Thank you for your comment, Jenny. Wow…I know you are going through a difficult time. But I’m encouraged to read that you are keeping your focus on the One who has it all under control. My book, Women on the Edge actually includes a story about taking care of a Mom with Alzheimers and how God was able to work for His glory through that situation. You will be in my prayers.
Yay!!! You started your blog, Cindi! I love it. Thanks for your inspiring post and great reminder that we need to stay connected to God every day in order to “do” life. I personally struggle with letting go of bitterness and resentment. The Lord is calling me to move forward and leave this past baggage behind, so I am looking forward to reading about your 10 healing steps in the next few weeks.
Thanks, Nicole, for all the encouragement to start blogging. I’m encouraged that you’ll be reading.
Im glad to come across your website and it is very encouraging to read your stories. I’m currently separated with my husband for about 3yrs and we have two beautiful boys in age 11 & 8. They are living with me and my husband is living with another woman. I am heal by our Lord Jesus but there are times that the feeling of abandant/rejected has re-surface and I just cried out to Him and feel peace and calm again. I always look forward to read your devotional and more to learn from you.
God bless.
Jessie
I’m sorry for what you’re dealing with right now, Jessie. I’m glad you’ll be around to hear some encouraging words in the next several weeks. Keep your focus on the One who loves you more than any other.
Cindi,
I met you maybe 7 years ago when you spoke at our church’s Ladies Luncheon (Renaissance Church, then in Corona). Your message made such an impact on me…you were so real and sincere…I just loved your heartfelt honesty in delivering what God had for us that day! Since then, “When Women Walk Alone” has been an extremely helpful and important book for me…it has helped clarify so much in my walk with the Lord, and has carried me through my own personal relationship struggles with great hope in who He is in this way. Thank you for sharing your heart with so many women…you are an amazing woman and I admire you for heeding God’s calling on your life!!
Dana, thank you SO much for your kind, encouraging words. Glad you found my blog and are keeping in touch. I remember Renaissance Church. Blessings to you, friend.
Great post! Thx.