A Winter Morning...

January 17, 2015
Saturday

Dear Readers,

It's 8:45am and the sun is shining brightly through the french doors of the cottage. I am giggling because the windows are so dirty from the winter winds that the images outside are blurred. Guess what my next project will be today?

I just finished reading Genesis and Joseph has been laid to rest. There is a part of me that wants to go back and re-read his story. In fact, I think I will. Joseph's story is of a man who chose to forgive and bless his childhood tormentors seeing God's hand in the big picture.

"But Joseph told them, "Don't be afraid of me. Am I God to judge and punish you? As far as I am concerned, God turned into good what you meant for evil, for he brought me to this high position I have today so that I could save the lives of many people."
 ~Genesis 50:19-20

I was thinking of how many people I know who have allowed their circumstance to foster bitterness, blame, withdrawal, and anger. If anyone had reason to take revenge, certainly it was Joseph. He had the opportunity, so why didn't he? Because he was convinced that God's hand directed his life and brought good from evil that's why. Simple as that!

As a child, I suffered from neglect and emotional bruising. My innocence was taken from me and seeds were planted in the form of tapes that haunted me for most of my life. That being said, I managed to create a world of joy and a caring for my fellowman and animals. If I had not been a battered wife, I would not have helped establish the first women's shelter in Collin County and counseled other women. If I had not experienced being in an alcoholic family, I would not have discovered, worked, and taught the 12 Step Program. If I hadn't experienced such a wide variety of abuses and heartaches, I would not have sought out training to assist others in the Stephen's Ministry Program. My past molded me and God used my experiences for good.

I remember giving a talk to some battered women one cold winter night. I'd gone to the meeting right after work. One of the ladies stood up and shook her finger at me saying, "You stand there all dressed up in a suit, your nails done, looking so pretty. You can't understand me 'cause you've not walked in my shoes." I walked over to her, put my arms around her and quietly whispered, "Listen to my story... I am a survivor." Another talk I gave was to a men's group at a church in Frisco, TX  ... they asked a lot of questions and at the end of our session, they agreed to band together to be more aware.

"Bloom where you are planted" or as Miss Dottie would say, "Let your light shine no matter what, glorifying the one who sustains you wherever you are." God created me for a purpose and I needed to be born, live, and grow through many different experiences and in many different places. He made me strong, resilient, and (miraculously) unable to carry the burden of grudges. Many times I remember shaking my fist in the air (after an offense) saying, "You WILL NOT take my joy from me!" 

I am having a morning of prayer, cups of wonderful hot coffee, a soaking in the word, and an earful of uplifting music. I am missing my church family and look forward to tomorrow where I can not only be fed but also carry the torch of hope to others. As I close my eyes and continue typing, I can envision my own light and the light of other believers shining brightly in a dark world. Think about this today: would others want to light their lamps from your light? Or, would they see a bitter, miserable, person and run the other way? This I know ~ God has a plan for me and for you!

Miss Dottie

PS  "The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen." ~Elisabeth Kubler-Ross