Hey ladies! I hope you're hanging in there with the work we're doing. Today marks the halfway point for TAKE6 kick off week. And the question for today is, can you "accept" the truth?

You know... Sometimes the truth is down right ugly; but it doesn't change the fact that it is indeed a fact. And although the truth doesn't always make what happened right, carrying around the weight of the matter can be too much for the heart to bear. I'm talking about hurtful things in the past as well as situations in the present with family, friends, workplace stuff, and of course, men.

I imagine that a broken heart probably has jagged edged cracks with words like disappointed, rejected, abused, cheated on, lied to etc., all floating around in it. However, many of us have learned to function quite well in that state -- it's called survival. Yet, no matter how you try to suppress hurt, until it is checked and put in the right perspective, it will control your life.

Acceptance… What a powerful word and a wonderful start to allow God to heal and mend your heart.

Here is what I suggest. Make a note of the things that have happened to you over the course of your life that you just can't seem to get over. Now, I'm not telling you to dig up the past (let sleeping dogs lie). Just list the issues. Then take them one-by-one and really "accept" that it happened. As unfair and hurtful as your issues may be, there is absolutely nothing in the world you can do to change them. And guess what? God never wastes a hurt! If you let Him, he will give you a new heart and make every single thing in your past work for your good. The very thing you may be struggling with, may be the very thing you can help someone else get through if you would only accept your life - all of it - and set your heart free.

Here are some things I struggled with until a few years ago:
- Left to be a single mom...twice
- Inappropriately touched as a child by a trusted adult
- I didn't believe my father liked or loved me as a child
- unfaithful spouse and also boyfriends before and after my marriage

Trust me when I say, I held on to this stuff for dear life (lol). There was even a time when I wanted everyone who ever hurt me to be hurt ten times over. And in some of these instances, I just wanted to know "why?" What did I do to deserve what I got. But you know what? Hearing the answer still wouldn't justify an adult with sexual intent towards a child, or a father neglecting his responsibility as a parent. So...I LET IT GO. I pray that you can do the same...for your own good.

In closing, I want to share a poem I think will really bless you. When I read it for the first time over 10 years ago, it taught me a lot about myself. If your heart will allow it, accept the words and the message.

                  AFTER A WHILE
"After a while, you learn the subtle difference
Between holding a hand and chaining a soul,
And you learn that love doesn't mean leaning
And company doesn't mean security.
And you begin to learn that kisses aren't contracts
And presents aren't promises.
And you begin to accept your defeats
With your head up and your eyes open
With the grace of a woman, not the grief of a child.
And you learn to build all your roads on today
Because tomorrow's ground is too uncertain for plans.
And futures have a way of falling down in mid-flight.
After a while, you learn
That even sunshine burns if you get too much.
So plant your own garden and decorate your own soul,
Instead of waiting for someone to bring you flowers.
And you learn that you really can endure...
That you really are strong,
And you really do have worth.
And you learn and learn...
With every goodbye you learn."
After a while...that is.
                        Author Unknown

Love you, ladies. Be encouraged! Tomorrow we'll flow into Forgiveness and bless those who hurt you.

Chat with you tomorrow... )
--Icen