Leaving this Valley

Wow! I cannot believe I haven't posted anything here since the end of April - but then again, YES!, I can most certainly believe it. It's been a long and winding road, but God has seen me through once again as only He can. There have been plenty of journal entries, conversations and prayers to God though. I'm not telling you anything today that you probably don't already know. Sometimes we just need someone to remind us however; I thank God for those voices in my life and hope to be one to someone else through this post. We each go through seasons and different miles where the journey feel like the "worst ever". If it were all easy, we wouldn't need God, would we? He’s good, faithful, compassionate and I’m so grateful!

If you would've asked me a few weeks ago how 2026 was going for me, I would have confidently told you that it was the second worst season of my life. The first, up until this point being the loss of our son in 2017. I'd also tell you that I'd labeled it "The Year from Hell." Uh, yeah. That's where I was in every way. Not very "Christian like", huh? No mask, no filters. That was me. No, I’m not proud of it. I only share the truth so I can bring God the best praise possible. He is forgiving, full of grace and mercy and a God of second - and hundredth chances. He’s so patient, like when we attempt to “fix” things ourselves which only He is able to take care of. I'm so thankful He's invested in us for better or worse. It happened quietly and with no fanfare - just one day at a time as life happened and I responded - I didn't always make the wisest choices. Spoiler alert: I'm human and prone to err! Which is why I also need a Savior - because I can be full of "self" some days and need to allow God to align me with Him once again.

The thing about growing and learning along one's walk with the Lord is, it doesn't always look the most graceful and exciting. The valley where we learn the best lessons, can often be disfiguring and downright ugly. We come out of the fight walking with a limp and wiping away the dirt and sweat from our brow much like Jacob did after his night of fighting with the angel. That, my friend, was the condition I found myself in. I was humbled. The Lord took this season to do a major restoration and alignment within my heart. He exposed some things, rearranged some things, healed hidden things, and changed my perspective on other things...then told my heart to beat again. Praise the Lord! He’s perfect in ALL His ways!

I was taken to the book of Ruth, and reminded of the precious soul named Naomi. Remember her? The dear lady who obediently followed her husband into the land of Moab during a time of famine? The one who had "left full" and returned empty and pretty hopeless with the exception of having Ruth by her side? She told everyone to call her "Mara", meaning bitter. (Ruth 1:20) Remember her? That is who I realized I resembled quite a lot upon having my perspective challenged by my Savior. I didn't say it out loud, but I'm sure my demeanor throughout this year might have screamed it at times. I didn't quit praying, fasting, reading my Bible, going to church, etc. - I just became discouraged.

The details aren't important; but when the Lord dropped "leaving the land of Moab" into my spirit during devotion time this last week, I was totally okay with that. Sometimes, in the valley, the Potter has to strip us down to nothing and begin a new work in our lives. Once again, I found myself humbled and so grateful that God doesn't throw the clay away! I was tired of the struggle within: fear, pride, anger, disappointment and even some bitterness tripped me up this year. The enemy always floods in when we're at our weakest - he always takes advantage of us and seeks to steal, kill and destroy (Jn10:10). I had lost my hope and faith much like Naomi - I had lost my song. I might not have asked you not to call me by my name, but in my heart that's what I believed. No, I'm not proud of it, but I've determined to testify of God's love, grace and mercy which I've been so very blessed to receive.

When NOTHING else could help, His love lifted me!

If I had the opportunity, if I was standing in a room full of women doing life in every stage, I'd love to open my mouth and tell them: you can walk out of any valley you find yourself in. You're NOT alone. Life doesn't have to feel this way always. This part of your journey CAN be beautiful no matter how ugly it may seem and how hopeless you may feel in this moment. What you may be telling yourself and what you might be hearing doesn't have to be the final word. This valley DOES have a pathway through it, there's help, and this is definitely NOT the expected end God has for you. Reach out and God will help you. Ask me how I know!

Because I have a God!

He gives strength to the weak (Is. 40:29), He restores tired souls (Is 40:31), His grace is sufficient and His power is made perfect in weakness (2 Cor. 12:9-11), His mercy is new every morning (Lam. 3:22-23) and His love is everlasting (Jer. 31:3), He can lift you up (Ps 40:2, and can put a new song in your heart (Ps 40:3) and He will lead you through the valley (Ps 23), keep and Redeem you all the way through. (Titus 2:14)

His promises are never ending! Dig deeper into His Word, open your heart and any wounds to Him, tell Him your disappointments and ask Him to show you what you've buried deep within that needs to be dealt with. He is faithful and "unfolds" it layer by layer according to what we can handle with His help and in His time. He is our Redeemer, Savior, Comforter, Friend and a good Father. This doesn't have to be an ugly ending, but a beginning and beautiful pathway right out of the valley. And lastly, this valley isn't for naught! When God brings you through and doesn't choose to deliver you from, there will be beautiful growth and a redemptive testimony at the end. He doesn't waste any opportunity to prove who He is and what He can do. Prepare to be amazed!

Since, I don't have an actual room of ladies to stand before and share, I am writing this as a testimony today - and maybe you can help pass the word along.

God is so faithful and I give Him all the praise as I stand on this mountain top, refreshed, and renewed. I thank Him for giving me yet another victory which only came through Him - even when I was undeserving and a complete mess He was there. Just yesterday, I realized I have my song back after many years of being silent. Yesterday, I lay on a raft in my pool...nobody but me and Jesus...and I sang worship and praise to Him, from a quieted heart, for quite a span of time. I'm sure the birds and squirrels were waiting for me to quiet down; but I'd rather believe they were rejoicing with me in the moment. I have so many things in my heart to share, but that's all for now. If you, or someone you know, are in a valley experience, don't give up. If you've responded to life differently than you would've liked, just see His help and forgiveness. The deepest roots are grown here if we will humbly open ourselves up and allow God to do what He sees fit. Be encouraged today!

Share this with a friend. Let's schedule a "going away" party - we can walk out of any valley together; stronger, more mature in our spiritual life, giving praise to the Lord, and testifying of His faithfulness. This isn't the end...God wants to do a new thing for you too!

Be blessed!