Psalm 31:7 I will be glad and rejoice in your love, for you saw my affliction and knew the anguish of my soul. As I was sitting down today to write my kid’s letters I was thinking about how many times I have tried to convince my kids to learn from my mistakes (just like all of us parents do). In hopes that they will grow up and make new ones of their own and not repeat mine. I hope that they will see what I have learned the hard way and that it will keep them from the same pitfalls. But what I truly pray they see is where I have taken my heart when it is Broken!! As much as I love them I know I can’t stop the pain and disappointment from touching their lives. I pray that by watching me that they know where to take their brokenness that seems to have no answer. Some of the women here feel like they have no part of raising their children, in many ways that is true we have tied our own hands in many ways. But, I feel we can still play a huge role in our children’s lives-We can raise them from our knees!!–and we can be the example of choices, discipline, and forgiveness for them. God’s words of mercy in Romans 8 greatly are explained in a book I read a few months ago. “And I am convinced nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow-not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” The book adds a few things and so will I: Neither Divorce, betrayal, moments of doubt, stupid choices, despair, or depression–even prison can keep us from His reach!!!! Yeah God!!!
Since being here I have had to deal with physical and emotional weariness and loneliness–new broken places in my soul.
The book I was reading talks about broken bones do something. They keep you from going anywhere too fast. You are forced to lie down and be still and listen to God. Here I have no choice.
And I have found there is no better place to be broken than before the Lord!! Being broken is my chance to be Healed. Here I am being forced to stay and allow God to heal my broken bones and heart!! I’m leaning on the Everlasting Arms!!!
XOXOXO
Shan
shannon i love you give yourself time the healing will come love forever and a day mom just a heartbeat away lol
Shannon I love you and I love reading about everything that is going on with you. You are an inspiration and an amazing role model even from prison. Even when people get to get out and experience the “real” life again, we need a little reminder of where we came from and what we learn in a place like prison. All my love to you and everyone there going through the same thing!!
bella cullen