I often prompt others to journal; or as I sometimes call it, word vomit all over the page. Over the years, I have had seasons where I am really good at writing down my thoughts semi-regularly; and then there’s seasons where I don’t write anything down and regret not taking the time to let go of my thoughts onto the page. I have found writing my thoughts out to be quite releasing. The same thing happens for me when I write down all of my ‘to do’ list items on a page; I can release them and move on instead of these tasks weighing down my mind. I find writing my thoughts down can sometimes help me to process whatever it is that is rolling around in my mind. This journaling came to mind as I grabbed a book that belonged to my mom and began to reread her notes in the margins. My mom passed away; in her warn out earthly vessel, nearly 18 years ago from breast cancer. Thankfully, I know that I will see her again because she made known to me that she has a relationship with our Jesus.

The book is titled “God Can Heal Your Heart” by Marie Shropshire. This book is full of poetry that speaks of many characteristics of God. Mom’s notes spill over of the hurt and pain that build up in her heart over the years of her life. Without these notes, I wouldn’t know as much about the weight of the pain that her heart was carrying and the longings of her heart. Over the years, it has been a comfort and an ache for my heart to be able to read and know more of the heart of my mom. For so many years of my life, my mom was a mystery to me because the mental illness that she struggled with for the majority of her life kept her closed off and isolated from the world around her. I am thankful that she is free from the pain and brokenness of this world and is celebrating; for eternity, with the Savior!

In the past few years, I have been learning much about the Freedom that Christ died on the Cross for His children to experience with Him. The enemy of our souls would like God’s children to be in bondage to the things of this world; cut off from the Freedom of Christ and the peace that comes from Him, and isolated from the love of God and others. Reading my mom’s words in the margins of this book leaves me longing that she would have known God’s Freedom here on earth; but thankful that she can know it now in Heaven. Christ came to set the captives free; it is my prayer for more and more people to be free from the bondage of Satan and the traps of this world. I pray that more and more of us would chose the Freedom and Peace of Jesus Christ over the bondage of this world. The bondage keeps us in pain and isolation; the very things that we are trying so desperately to get away from. May we choose the Freedom of Christ every day!

Excerpt from “God Can Heal Your Heart” by Marie Shropshire

“I Am Your Strength”

Dear broken child, I am aware of the weariness you feel. Your despair has weakened you. Your body is absorbing the overload of your mind, reminding you that you are spirit, soul, and body. (Mom’s note: When reading this I could feel your presents and your empathy and compassion. But I can’t seem to take comfort or to rest in this knowledge. I don’t know why.)

Your brokenness calls you tp greater integration of spirit, soul, and body. I will strengthen you in every area of your being.

My grace provides you with eternal encouragement and hope and vitality. I am faithful to provide you with strength, with protection. The trial will not be too much for you. I never put more on my children than they can bear. (Mom underlined) (Mom’s notes: People who I trusted and cared for so much and perfect strangers who I blindly placed my trust and faith into, that have said awful things about me and have belittled and taken away my very existence as a valued human being, of substance and worth that has flooded my soul. I have always believed in you God, and I see the beauty of you all around me; and I am humble with that beauty; and also “Thank you” for it. But, I am human and I need human needs. Such as hugs, friends, human love. Praises from humans when warranted. And kind words without having to beg for them. But GOD! You are not the being that is giving me such trials. It’s people and myself.)

As you rejoice in me, in spite of circumstances, your strength will return. Praise me, knowing that I am working out all things for your good. In quiet confidence you will find strength.

I will give you a new song. You shall sing for joy and be energized as you become more aware of my presence, of my love.

Strength and joy are born of a calm assurance of my promises. So praise me, delight in me.

Face your future with me. Feel my nearness. Cultivate a sense of my joyful presence, and draw from my strength. “The joy of the Lord is your strength (Nehemiah 8:10). Declare with David, “For You are the God of my strength” (Psalm 43:2 NKJV).

I pray that you will put your thoughts on paper so that some day someone who loves you much will have your words to read and be able to know you a little more. And also, let’s take time now, today to be with our families. Let’s not fall into the isolation and bondage trap. Let’s love on our families and friends, with our words and actions. May you be Blessed with much love and peace, today and always.