My parents live in Alaska and one summer, while visiting them, we decided to go fishing for trout out on the Kenai River with some of our children. For reasons that escape me now, we chose to take the four youngest, ages 2, 4, 6, and 8. It turned out to be one of our more adventurous fishing trips.
We have two choices in this life. We are either victimized or victorious. Which do you want to be?
Last month, I launched my new book UNDEFEATED: From Trial to Triumph. The following excerpt is a small taste of the encouraging and empowering truths you will find throughout UNDEFEATED.
Unless you deliberately embrace your true identity and own your self-worth by receiving God’s unwavering love, you will be vulnerable to believe the lie that you don’t deserve victory. You must know that God intends you to be victorious, or you’ll continue to feel like a defeated victim.
When my son died, my world shattered. For years, I tried in vain to get back to “normal”. I wanted so desperately to be the woman I used to be before tragedy tore me apart.
But it turns out, that woman died the same day her son did. She no longer exists. God, who alone has the power to resurrect, raised up a new woman from the ashes of that death. I am so grateful that God did not leave me as I was when I was broken.
He healed me.
It has taken me a long time, but I can finally say with honesty that I am also grateful He did not leave me as I was before my brokenness.
He made me stronger.
Ten years ago today I held my son’s lifeless body in the palm of my hand sobbing with the raw intensity of fresh grief. He had been born into the arms of Jesus bypassing my own arms altogether. My emptiness and sorrow resulting from that loss plunged me into a dark abyss of despair and fear cloaked by a busy life and a practiced smile.
I know the Easter story. I’ve heard the sermons. I’ve watched The Passion. I’ve seen the plays. I thought I “got it”. But God totally rocked my resurrection world and busted up my Easter complacency today. Can I tell you how?
