There were years in my life when all hope felt lost ... when life was so overwhelming and my reality had become so distorted that I no longer knew who I was.
I was frozen and numb. Answering my phone or replying to a simple text often felt impossible. Trying to find the words to explain what I was experiencing was more than I could manage.
I lived in fear every day. There were nights when I prayed that, if I finally fell asleep, God would take me home to be with Him. I was exhausted by the fear, the pain, and the health issues I had developed during those years of abuse. I desperately wanted the suffering to end.
My Circle of Grace is made up of the people who loved and supported me through those darkest moments ... and who are still here for me today.
Some knew my TRUTH. Others knew only the pieces I was able to share. Each, in their own way, became someone I could call when I felt lost, overwhelmed, or unsure how I would make it through another day.
They checked on me when I went quiet ... when I wouldn’t answer my phone or return a text. They gave me space when I needed it while continuing to remind me that I was loved and that someone cared. Their compassion gave me room to share what I could ... through words, tears, or simply allowing them to be present in my silence.
They saw me at what I considered my worst ... in my most painful, exhausted, and vulnerable moments ... and still chose to be in my life. They still chose to love me.
This space honors those people and the love, support, and compassion they showed me ... and continue to show me. Their calls, messages, patience, and presence mattered more than I could express.
To my Circle of Grace ... thank you for loving me through the moments when I could not find hope or get out of bed. Thank you for respecting what I was able to share, giving me room to breathe, and continuing to reach for me with kindness.
You are woven into my TRUTH, my RESILIENCE, and my survival. Your love helped me survive. You were a light I could reach for through years of darkness ... and the GRACE you showed me is part of what I hope to offer others through Truth. Resilience. Grace.
“Thank you” feels far too small for the part you have played in my life ... but I am grateful for each of you, every single day. I love you.
