Day 23: When All Hell Breaks Loose
This largely unedited free-write is linking up with the Write 31 Days Challenge. // indicates the start and stop of five minutes. The prompt word for today is BLOWOUT. Go!
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// Blowout… not a word I use every day. In fact, the only times I’ve ever heard the word in real life is in the hair salon, and in the malls after Christmas for their end-of-the-season blowout sales. So, usually, the word produces warm, fuzzy feelings in me. Looking pretty, finding good deals.
But the reality is that “blowout” is usually a word that implies chaos or disaster. Like a blowout tire (been there) or a blowout temper tantrum (also been there). Or how about a blowout financial crisis? (Flip! I’ve been there even recently.)
The truth is, sometimes, life as a mom gets extremely stressful and chaotic. Those moments when your best-laid plans just dissolve into tears, illness, frustration, or empty bank accounts. It’s not fun, but it happens.
I remember such a season after my second child was born. Everything was going wrong: everyone was sick, the bank account was empty, the car was breaking down, friends were too busy, kids were crying and needy, cupboards were empty, and I was too tired to care. It was only a few months later that I realized that I had also been suffering from a moderate case of post-partum depression, but because I was alone most of the time (and wearing a mask the rest of the time), it was never diagnosed until it was almost over.
I remember getting a visit from our pastor’s wife one day. She had been noticing my absence, and recognizing that glazed look in my eyes whenever she saw me. // We had a heartfelt discussion, and I poured my heart out to her about EVERYTHING that was going wrong. It was so good to finally let it out and allow someone to see past the mask I had been so bravely trying to wear.
Then she said something that I’ve quoted to myself sooo many times over the years. She said,
“Shauna, when life gets this hard, the only Scripture that makes sense is, ‘AND IT CAME TO PASS…’”
I was confused. That’s usually the preface for something profound which is about to follow. I was waiting for the punchline. Silence. “What?”
She smiled and answered,
“And it came to pass… Wouldn’t you hate it if it came to stay?”
Ahhhhhhh, I got it. Fresh perspective.
- She was reminding me that this moment, too, shall pass. Our challenges were never meant to stay forever. One day, they’ll be over, and there will be another challenge to take its place.
- She was reminding me that life is never static. It changes. It ebbs and flows and morphs into different seasons and chapters.
- She was reminding me that I would outlive this moment.
Even this morning, I’ve had to coach myself with this incredible truth. “SHAUNA, IT CAME TO PASS.” The things that weigh heavy on my mind and heart today will be a distant reality tomorrow.
When life gets this hard, the only Scripture that makes sense is, 'And it came to pass...' Click To TweetSo, my friend, regardless of what blowout you are struggling with today―financial, emotional, mental, physical, parenting, marriage, friendship, or job―REST ASSURED that your Father knows and has promised to ‘NEVER LEAVE YOU NOR FORSAKE YOU.”
He is your healer. He is your provider. He is your deliverer. He is your comforter.
This too will end.
It came to pass… it never came to stay.
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To read more of 31 Days of Mom Awesomeness, click here.
For more information on the Write 31 Days challenge, check out Christina Hubbard’s site!
Definitely a great reminder of the seasons in our lives! This too shall pass… x
Oh my friend, especially for you. Little babies only stay little for a while. Before you know it, they’ll be bigger and life will get easier again. Hang in there!
Love you so much!
Thank you, thank you, thank you! “It came to pass, it never came to stay”… With that line so many situations and scriptures came flooding into my mind Remembering, He didn’t bring us this far to take us back again… And He has never let us down… Not once xx
So true! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve said these things to myself over the years. So much hope when we remember that God has a perfect plan for us (even when we can’t see it).
Love you, my friend! Have a lovely day!
Genius Shauna, love it! You wear morning inspiration like a custom-made pair of gloves 🙂
Haha! Thanks, Christy! What a week it’s been.
Thanks so much for visiting today. Lekker dag!