Hello everyone!
At some point in life, we've all been burned by someone else or even our own bad decisions. Whether is was by a friend, a family member, an acquaintance, or a spouse. we've all experienced hurt and disappointment at the hands of another person or ourselves. Yet it is what we do with that hurt that matters.
I am reading a new book called Beyond Boundaries by Dr. John Townsend and Dr. Henry Cloud. I bought this book awhile back but simply wasn't ready to read it. I just started the book but I can already see myself in it. I see myself having to learn to trust again and having to learn to navigate certain aspsects of relationships with healthy boundaries intact this time around. I have decided it matters what I do with what I have learned and how I move forward. The past hurt and disappointment will not be my focus.
I can learn to trust again and I will learn to trust again. I will take it slow. Trusting too quickly can get one into all kinds of trouble. I am interested to see how this book will address trust as I move further into it, for trust has many sides.
I also know God will continue to heal me and show me things. His Word will teach me and I will grow in trust over this next year. I am thankful I have not withdrawn from friendships and from my family. I am thankful I have not withdrawn from life - for that is never the answer to hurt. It only helps for a little while and then you are simply alone with your hurt.
I want to encourage you, no matter who or what hurt you, to not withdraw from life. There are people who love you and they do want to help you if you will let them. There is also a God who loves you and wants to heal you and make you whole once again. Will you let Him? I promise you He is a good God and He sees all things. He sees you and loves you more than you know. Draw near to Him and He will draw near to you (James 4:8, paraphrased ).
Learning to trust again,
Elizabeth