REMEMBER THE BRIDGE

Every time I am tempted to fall to pieces, something inside me says "remember the bridge". Remember walking across the bridge. Remember your look of awe as you drove across it. Remember how miraculous it was to be there, at that moment, suspended over the water, looking across the land and seeing both sides of the river at the exact same time. Remember the bridge. 

It isn't a beautiful bridge. It's actually pretty old and in need of repairs. There's a lot of rust on the bridge. It isn't terribly long. There's nothing award-winning about this particular bridge, but it is ingrained in my mind as an altar - a place where I offered prayer to God. A lot of prayers, actually. 

Being able to see both sides of something simultaneously is pretty miraculous. Too often we become narrow-minded and only see our preferred way as the acceptable truth. Sometimes we have to "take the high road" or "find a new perspective" to find the answer to all of life's queries. And other times, we just have to remember the place where God did the most work in us. Hence my brain reminded me to "Remember the bridge". 

Myrtle Tree Bridge, Gold Beach, Oregon

God takes us places we never thought we could get to on our own. Sometimes, He prevents us from going to the very places we're convinced will bring us happiness. In those moments, we just have to trust Him. In due time, all will be revealed. It may not be in this lifetime, but it will all eventually make some sense. 

I've fought being in the cities and towns that God has brought me to over the years. Always, I think I'm supposed to be somewhere else, but it's when I stop and take a long look at the area around me, the conversations happening, the growth in the local churches, and the way my children are thriving, it all begins to make some sense. It does not mean I always grow to love or even like the city or town I'm living in, but I do learn to tolerate it and listen to God more so that I may obey Him. It's in obedience that we find growth and peace. 

I know we're not to focus our time on looking back, and I certainly do not encourage you to make a habit of it. There are times, though, that I think we should hold as treasured memories and recall them often as we move forward. Walking across this particular bridge, is for me, a treasured memory. It gives me strength to go forward when I feel I cannot. This bridge reminds me that for every ounce of heartache out there in the world is another pound of courage, of love, and of peace. I loved living in Gold Beach. It is the most beautiful town I've ever had the blessing of living in. I hope that someday, the Lord will allow me to return to live peacefully in the mountains there. 

Can you identify a physical location where God spoke to you when you were heartbroken, or at the end of your ropes? A place you went to specifically to talk to Him and hear His response? That's a place I want to you to remember when you're feeling like you've got nothing left. Remember the strength you gained from simply stopping and talking to God in that place. And then do it. Obey Him. Do all the hard things He's asking you to do. Remember the bridge. 

Stay tuned for another episode. I aim to crank out the blog posts three times a week on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. See you next time! And remember, if you or a loved one is in danger, get help immediately, and don't stop talking until someone acts on your words.

National Domestic Abuse Hotline: 800-799-7233 Hours: 24/7. Languages: English, Spanish, and 200+ through interpretation service. SMS: Text START to 88788

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In Christ alone our hope is found

Run, don't walk for help! You're worth it.