Day 14 - Stop Allowing Others to Steal Your Peace

Letters to my teenage self 

A Devotional for Trauma Survivors 

Day 14 - Stop Allowing Others to Steal Your Peace

Dear teenage self, 

Stop allowing others to steal your peace. Your peace comes from the Lord. There will be so many distractions in this life - things that call your name and claim to be urgent or even emergent, but they need to be prioritized behind your peace and relationship with Jesus.

When first responders arrive on a call, they don't run into burning buildings or active shooter situations. They check their gear, check in with everyone on their team, ensure everyone knows the expectations, and then calmly walk into the situation and begin helping others. The reason for this is so that they maintain a calm, cool head in case the situation becomes more dangerous.

“Peace I leave with you. My peace I give to you. I do not give peace to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled or afraid."

+John 14:27 (NLV)

When you remain in the Word of God daily and remain in prayer, you are inviting the peace of God to envelop your entire being. You're setting yourself up for success so that when the time comes to address some of the pain rattling around in your broken heart, you can maintain a clear mind and access healing so much easier. You're not muddying the waters, so to speak. 

People will come to you with all kinds of nonsense in this life. Sometimes, they just want to help but don't know how. Sometimes, they want to hurt you, and their jabs are intentional. Focus on Jesus and don't even acknowledge them. Focus on the peace that comes from Jesus. 

Let's Pray

Heavenly Father, thank You for the peace that surpasses all understanding. Thank You for fighting my battles when I am weak. Fill me with the Holy Spirit and bless me with Your neverending presence. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen. 

Happy 18-year wedding anniversary today!

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.

 

 

 

Bonus Post - Happy 18 Year Wedding Anniversary!

3 years ago, we renewed our vows at 15 years in. Now, we're looking towards 20 years in just two more years! But we've known each other far longer than that!

We need matching T-shirts! "Anthony and Mandy, Rockin' it since 1996!"

Marriage is hard heart work. It never stops being important to choose your partner every day. You remain committed to the marriage even when you don't feel committed to each other (because falling out of love does happen). Divorce is for the weak and hard-hearted. We've been through hell and back, and we're still going strong. Absolutely NONE of that would be possible without God at the center of our marriage.

So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore, what God has joined together, let no one separate.”

+Matthew 19:6 (AMP)

We don't always do things well. The Lord knows we've had our share of disagreements and fights and even looked towards divorce a time or two. And we thank God that our Christian friends and family held us up in prayer and reminded us that divorce is not an option.

This is NOT a place to debate. This is a place to celebrate what the Lord has done. He has done so much in our lives since we goofy kids first met in Mr. Fulton's US History class in 1996 (and started dating in Spanish class in 1997).

It takes immense faith to step into a wedding dress and say "I will" when your heart has been shattered by everyone who was supposed to protect, guide, and love you. And it takes immense faith for a man to love a woman who has been so badly broken, trusting that her heart will heal to the point where she can embrace his love and return it.

I am both captivated and amazed by all the Lord has done in and through us. Here's to many more years of God's amazing miracles!

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.