I loved my doll Tatters as a little girl. She had big eyes, a voice I could hear when I pulled a chord on her hip, and her open arms always made me feel special. I took her everywhere and made sure she was taken care of in every way, even if she wasn’t alive. She helped me believe one day it was possible for me to have children of my own to hug, kiss, and love.
My Dreams
In my teenage years, I believed it was possible to become a flight attendant and travel the world. As a young newly married wife, I dreamed it was possible to create a loving Christ-centered home and give my children all the love, security, and stability I didn’t have growing up.
The dreams we have throughout our lives are sparks of possibilities. What did you believe was possible for your future, as a child? What do you believe is possible now? Do your beliefs rely solely on your abilities and determination or are your dreams based on your relationship with Jesus?
What Happens When Dreams Don’t Turn Out The Way We Planned?
God created people with the ability to dream of possibilities for our futures. Some of my dreams have come true, and others remain hopes, or I’ve changed them. Even when you achieve a dream, it may not necessarily happen the way you wished it would. My dream to get married, have children, and live happily ever after was one such dream. Instead of finding myself in a loving marriage, it was abusive. However, my abusive marriage didn’t change the amazing blessing I received in the love of my children. In fact, it was my love for my children and God’s truth that sparked a new dream. To believe it was possible to find my healing path. A path where my husband would choose to find healing or I would break free from my abusive marriage and one day know true love.
In the middle of my dreams and hopes for a happy marriage, I tried everything I could to fix myself and to convince or force my abusive ex-husband to love us enough to change his ways. He refused, and the abuse continued to escalate. After he blew up and choked me into unconsciousness, I came to the end of myself and decided to surrender to God’s truth and seek His path. I studied His design for love and marriage, and I realized I’d made my family dream into a dangerous fantasy. It took me thirteen years to find my healing path and your healing journey will also take time.
You Alone Have the Power to Make and Change Your Dreams
No matter where you are at in your discovery of God’s pure and respectful design of love and marriage, growing your relationship with Jesus, or starting your healing journey, I’m here to let you know Jesus is with you. I know the difficulties you must face, and the choices you must make to start and complete your healing journey. I also know my life is proof that you can overcome the challenges in your life and ask Jesus for new dreams. He knows the desires of your heart, and he longs to walk beside you as you fulfill them and honor him.
You are strong and courageous, or you wouldn’t be reading this right now searching for answers and encouragement. You have persevered to do all you can to fix your relationship. Celebrate your willingness to seek God’s truth and find professional help to be healed and handle your abusive marriage safely. It’s time to welcome God’s help and to let your abusive partner or spouse make their own decision.
Keep Dreaming
Don’t let go of your dream to live safe, secure, and loved. God tells you, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 ESV Let Jesus help you step out in His strength and courage and begin your healing journey. I’m cheering you on, and I’ll be here for you!
To understand if you are being abused and the complexities of these manipulations, download my FREE Handout: Overcome Your Anxiety, Fear, and Powerlessness in Your Hurtful Relationship! Are You Being Abused? https://godstransforminggrace.com/
