Our thanks to Lydia Haley for sharing with us today! Outstanding message for us all! It PREACHES!
Pictured is Lydia and Tracy
Some might think I say too much or don’t know how to keep things in my life private. They may even accuse me of being an over sharer. Trust me, there are intimate things in my life & marriage that I keep private, as it should be. I don’t share EVERYTHING (you can thank me later!!) However, I’ve always been outgoing, friendly & vocal, just like my dad sharing who I am & what I’ve experienced is just a part of who God made me to be. I honestly don’t know how to be any other way. Over the last 9 years, Tracy & I have had to work hard on finding a balance that we’re both comfortable with. At times, it can be a struggle. I make friends at the grocery store & I’ve never met a stranger. He is a very private person & can count his true friends on one hand. I respect & cherish that about him & he’s grown to respect how I am too. They do say opposites attract; I guess it’s true! I’m thankful for him & I’m proud of the team we are together. As I’ve grown & have been through numerous trials in life, I feel even more led to share my life; my heart; my struggles with others, in hopes of helping even just one. What can I say…I’m an open book. I’ve found that isolation doesn’t bring healing; at least for me. We each have a story to tell. I’ve experienced loss, depression, survived suicide, drug overdose, abuse, high risk pregnancy, serious illness, termination from a job, addiction, divorce, blending families, debt etc. I know we all struggle; it’s part of the human condition. Why not share & pray God uses my trials to strengthen & encourage others…? That’s how I look at it! I also love sharing about my beautiful family & wonderful friends so much!! I just can’t help it! They’re amazing! As hard as life can be at times, I believe we are wise to learn to live in the moment & always remember, none of us are promised tomorrow. The beautiful people I’m surrounded with & get to share life with, won’t always be there. Life changes, kids grow up & move away; our loved ones pass away. We’re all in this thing called life together. Let’s lift each other up & encourage one another & share our struggles, the good times, grieve with one another, celebrate the victories & special moments. We need to accept ourselves & others how God made us all to be. I don’t expect you to be just like me & you shouldn’t expect me to be just like you. Thank you, Lord for another day of life. I pray my journey can help others to cope with the struggles they may encounter God has given me the strength I need to overcome & press on. May you be blessed today!
Matthew 6:33-34
Set your hearts on his kingdom first, and on God’s saving justice, and all these other things will be given you as well. So do not worry about tomorrow: tomorrow will take care of itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
