I posted this in my LDS Survivors FB Group and wanted to remember it.
Increasing Understanding:
The longer I'm single, the more I am coming to realize just how ok the "divorced" status truly is. For those who really try to stay the course and keep close to the Lord, being divorced can actually be a badge of honor. If you know you did all you could do and the decision was inevitable for whatever reason or forced on you, then you are blameless. There is no need to feel bad in church. We ought to hold our heads up and feel good about ourselves for having survived and suffered through such bitter struggles. We have come out the victors. There are marks on our souls that can be read by others who see our wisdom and experience. Our counsel will be sought, and when we speak, people will listen, because we have fought the battles and have the scars to prove it. Time is not what we think it is and all will be made up soon enough. I will say that I feel no stigma coming from that fact I'm divorced. Neither should any of us. We will use the experience of divorce and turn it into a gift to bless the lives of others. Upward and onward!
Additional comment by me:
Surviving a divorce and suffering righteously for the Lord's sake only reveals to us who we really are and we can feel safe and at peace that we please the Lord.
I came across this scripture tonight and it fits so well with what you posted, Brett. This phrase, "Beauty for ashes," has been whispered in my head for weeks.
"To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified.
"And they shall build the old wastes, they shall raise up the former desolations, and they shall repair the waste cities, the desolations of many generations...
"For your shame ye shall have double; and for confusion they shall rejoice in their portion: therefore in their land they shall possess the double: everlasting joy shall be unto them."
Isaiah 61:3
We are being given beauty for ashes (it takes a while for the transformation), we praise God as we are healed and the heaviness lifted, we become like a strong tree, glorifying God as one of his mightiest creations. We are building on marriages that were wasted. We are healing generations as we break unhealthy patterns that have haunted our families over and over again. Our shame isn't justified, so He will reward us doubly for enduring it. We will one day have everlasting joy.
Beautifully said and no doubt helpful to all.
ReplyDeleteGreat perspective! You will be able to help so many!
ReplyDeleteThese are great comments! Thanks for posting your thoughts. I especially like the Isaiah reference! I am going to have to mark that in my sticks for sure! Thanks!
ReplyDeleteThanks everyone!
DeleteOne of my favorite scriptures. Although we have opposite experiences, you a strong childhood, me not so much, you've had a divorce, I don't think I'll have that. The Lord is so gracious. Healing isn't a destination, it's a journey. And it sounds like you are firmly on your way to healing. May it be complete in His perfect timing.
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