One year ago today, I was on a plane to Portland with Joe to get dreadlocks. Something I'd wanted for a long time, a surprise trip planned by him. Today things are very different. Even during that trip, things were not quite right, but I didn't realize at the time how dreadfully different our lives would be today. I say dreadfully because it is truly a tragedy when a marriage ends (and partly because I'm a big dork and love puns). But God has stepped in, in such an amazing way, and I can say with all honesty and gratitude that He has given me amazing peace and joy in the last year. Our divorce was final on March 30. Just a few days later Joe remarried. It's been a whirlwind of a year, that's for sure.. but I have a lot to be thankful for.
Here are a few pictures of my dreads when I had them. I loved them, and it would have been nice if they lasted... but I'm content with my unruly mane.
Wow. While these photos were uploading, two songs played from my ipod. The first resonated with my spirit. I keep praying to be completely humble and for God's will to be done.
Shoot. I just checked youtube and couldn't find a video for the first song. (It's an oldie.) Here are the lyrics:
Humble Me by Cheri Keaggy
Humble me
Help me be
In a right place with You
Where I look in Your face
And I'm touched by Your grace
And I see You for who You are
Humble me
Help me be
In a right place with You
Where my heart can rejoice
At the sound of Your voice
And I know You for who You are
A holy God, full of glory
Full of love for me
A loving God, full of mercy
In Your will is where I want to be
As the song played, I listened and my heart sang along in full agreement. Part of my morning prayer time includes the end of Psalm 139: Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. (Psalm 139:23-24, NIV)
The next song that came on seemed like a response from God's heart to mine:
God is so good! The perfect Lover of my soul. I think I'll bask in that love all day!
Jenny,
ReplyDeleteYou are an amazing, beautiful, courageous, and intelligent woman who, to quote another verse of Psalm 139, is "... fearfully and wonderfully made."
You are loved desperately, cared for deeply, and thoroughly delighted in!
This is the truth!
You're such a strong woman and I think you are so amazing! Plus beautiful and completely wonderful :) Love the dreads photos too.
ReplyDeletehugs hugs hugs,
LA
Thank you for being so beautifully transparent. You're in our thoughts and prayers often! Keep resting in the knowledge that God sees the big picture and will bring beauty from ashes. Love, Cindy
ReplyDelete