There’s a great song by Matthew West called All the Broken Pieces. The entire song is amazing but I really love this part-
“‘Cause I can take even your greatest mistake
Every scar, every tear, every break
And I can turn it into something
More beautiful than you have ever seen”
Five years ago I made several mistakes that led to an unplanned pregnancy. And to make matters worse, the baby’s father abandoned me because of it. Not many people know this about me, but I personally wrestled with the idea of having an abortion. I just couldn’t foresee how any of this would possibly turn out for good. Since either choice would be life changing, I decided to put myself in counseling…immediately.
Because I didn’t hide my circumstances and because of my amazing family and supportive friends, I was able (and accountable) to make the decision with confidence to trust God. And I’m so thankful I had the encouragement to see the journey through.
When I tell you God is good, it comes from a place of wholehearted sincerity and experience. I was so broken, so scared, and so completely shattered. Even though I had a support system, the man I loved wasn’t by my side; so I still felt all alone. But what I learned at that time in my life has stuck with me to this very day- When we get to a place where God is all we have, it’s then we finally realize, that He is all we will ever truly need.
Today Kevin (that man who abandoned me) and I celebrate 3 years of marriage. (Happy Anniversary babe!!) Our story is not the norm, but it is one of redemption. In fact, God is the only reason Our Story turned out the way it did.
Some of you reading right now may have recently been broken. Or perhaps you have old scars you’ve been hiding. Maybe your circumstances are such that the tears won’t stop and the wounds won’t heal. What is it in your life that you think God could not possibly reconcile? Can I make you a promise? There is nothing…and I mean nothing, that God cannot rebuild, redeem, or restore… But we have to trust Him to do so…And then we actually have to let Him work. (Romans 8:28)
When we hand over the reigns, the most amazing thing happens. He takes those broken pieces and puts them back together into something more beautiful than we’ve ever seen.
Our worst mistakes can turn out to be our biggest blessings.
I want to encourage you to make the choice to trust God with your broken pieces. It’s hard to let go and let God take over. But I promise you’ll be glad you did..
We sure are.
Praise God! Your story gives hope to many, including myself, who need to be encouraged to trust God with the “broken pieces”. Grateful to see what He has redeemed and restored in your precious family!!! God is for us and we can truly LIVE in the finished work of the cross
Thanks Kim! And Amen to that last sentence!! So true. 🙂
I’ve never been much of a religious person. Even through the time I’ve been subscribed to your blog to keep up on updates on your family, I’ve skimmed through your religious writings. Over the last week I’ve been volunteering through a christen organization and am slowly finding my relationship with god. Your words couldn’t have hit home anymore than they just did with this post. I want to than you for being such a strong, inspirational woman. I look up to you and hope to have the faith you do. I know that is what gets you through your challenges. I’ve been told a quote from the men and women I volunteer with that gets me through my hard times. “I can’t. He can. So, let him.” I will continue to pray for your family.
Taylor,
My heart is overwhelmed with gratitude for what you just wrote. With tears in my eyes I want you to know that it’s messages like these that reaffirms that God is using Gideon’s life (no matter how long) in mighty ways. Early on when we got Gideon’s diagnosis, my husband said to me, “If Gideon’s life brings one person to Christ, saves one marriage, or gives one person a renewed hope…then this is all worth it.” (http://lifewithahappyheart.com/long-day) We believe that now more than ever.
I wish I knew your whole life story… Where you’ve come from and what you’ve been through. I’m not sure what trials you’ve faced in your past, but I do know that Jesus guaranteed, “…In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) The faith I have today is a result of laying all my burdens down at the foot of the cross. I know how the story ends, so everything from now until then, I have a peace about it all. You can have that too. Anyone can. Salvation is a free, undeserved gift that we could never earn. (Ephesians 2:8-9) No matter how good we try to be, we will always fall short. (Romans 3:23) That’s why we need Jesus.
I will be praying for you Taylor. That you will have the kind of relationship with God that you seek.
“But if from there you seek the Lord your God, you will find him if you seek him with all your heart and with all your soul.” Deuteronomy 4:29
He’s right there with you.
He always has been.
He always will be.
Thank you for blessing me in such big way.
-Sam
PS: I want to suggest subscribing to Christine Caine’s devotionals. Her back story in AAAAmazing. If not at least read these two. 🙂 Blessings!
http://links.biblegateway.mkt4731.com/servlet/MailView?ms=NDYzNjE5MzAS1&r=NzI1NzIyODM4MjkS1&j=NDgwMjI1ODk4S0&mt=1&rt=0
http://www.equipandempower.org/neutrino/ems02/email.php?email=96d5a4a801c811e497ff&template=0f8dfa76c99311e39830
You are helping so many by sharing your story. I’m an old Christian (in more ways than one!) and even I am totally amazed by your life story. Keep sharing and thank you!
Thank Lynn! That means so much!! 🙂 Love you and your family!!