Day 9 - Today Is A Good Day

Letters to my teenage self 

A Devotional for Trauma Survivors 

Day 9 - Today Is A Good Day

Dear teenage self, 

Today is a good day. Nothing monumental is happening, but I am alive, healthy, and happy with my family. I went to the grocery store this morning, bought feed for our farm animals, and even got a hot coffee for my husband, Anthony. I have a huge pile of laundry to fold soon, and I'm looking forward to watching a silly movie while I fold the laundry.

There were years of my life where I lived in fear, and it was hard to leave the house to go to the grocery store. I was always afraid of awkward conversations, what people would think of the way I was dressed, and if I would remember everything I was supposed to buy - even with a list in hand! Fear ruled my life in so many silly ways. In fact, it ruled my life so much that I was too scared to even pick up a Bible. I was afraid the Lord was angry with me for all of my fear and anxiety, so I just avoided Him. I missed out on a lot of precious time with Him.

I sought the Lord, and he answered me;

he delivered me from all my fears.

Those who look to him are radiant;

their faces are never covered with shame.

+Psalm 34:4-5 (NIV) 

When I finally learned to seek Him in the midst of whatever was going on, my life began to change for the better. My fears disappeared and I started to live more boldly. The past is behind me. The future is in front of me. I'm making new, healthier choices every day. Some days I still make mistakes, but I learn from them now instead of beating myself up repeatedly. I wish I had learned to do this years earlier, but now that I know how good it feels to focus on Jesus and the goodness of living with the Holy Spirit, I want to focus on that and keep moving forward. 

Let's Pray

Lord Jesus, You are so good. You and the Father in Heaven are always looking out for me, always placing blessings before me. Even in the mundane moments of life, I am surrounded by Your goodness and Your love. I am so thankful for all of the things I am able to do that I too often take for granted. I am so grateful that You listen to me and that I am never too much for You. I can trust You with all of my emotions, big and small. I can give my fears to You and live in boldness, Truth, and love.  I love You, Lord. Amen. 

What it looks like when I'm working on a blog post😊 

Stay tuned for another episode. 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

National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673 Hours: Available 24 hours. https://www.rainn.org/

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Hours: Available 24 hours. Languages: English, Spanish. https://988lifeline.org/

In Christ alone our hope is found

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

 

 

 

Day 8 - Satan Is A Liar

Letters to my teenage self 

A Devotional for Trauma Survivors 

Day 8 - Satan Is A Liar

Dear teenage self, 

Satan is a liar. He's out to get you because you're important to God. You're having nightmares, following dreams, listening to the wind, and looking at horoscopes for meaning, but you'll never find it there. Stop looking to astrology for all of the answers to your big questions. Start looking to Jesus.

Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. +

1 Peter 5:8 (ESV) 

Whenever you're near a breakthrough, Satan attacks you harder. Focus your mind on Jesus during those moments and devour the Word of God as if your heart and mind are starving. Whenever you start to doubt the path that you're on, look to Jesus and see where He is already at work. That's where you want to be. 

Let's Pray

I come to You in Jesus' Holy name, Lord God in Heaven. I ask for Your guidance and comfort when I feel lost and anxious. I'm so sorry for looking elsewhere for answers. I was wrong. You are the One who holds my past, present, and future in Your competent hands. I don't need to know everything right now. I simply need to trust You. You are my King. You are on the throne. Thank You for giving me more faith to trust in You. Amen. 

I just want to keep reminding you - I made it to NYC! I lived boldly. I stepped out in fear. I pushed past all of my limits and kept going. Every time I thought I could not, I prayed for strength and I DID! 

Stay tuned for another episode. 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

National Sexual Assault Hotline: 1-800-656-4673 Hours: Available 24 hours. https://www.rainn.org/

988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Hours: Available 24 hours. Languages: English, Spanish. https://988lifeline.org/

In Christ alone our hope is found

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