January 30, 2012

Praying to God for Strength…

I’ve been working on the lists of those that have been murdered due to Domestic Violence…  This is sometimes very hard to do, to see all the names of those that didn’t make it out, especially when it’s a list of a Mother with children…

I’m working on 1997 list atm, and just came across Turan  Avanesian and her 6 children, ages ranging from 4-17, all gone, none of them made it through….  It hurts, it makes me angry, it makes me cry, it makes me disgusted that this still happens!  How anyone can say that Domestic Violence doesn’t affect children???  All of us that have been through it or are going through it and have children know that it does!  But these, these paid the ultimate price….

I pray that God gives me the strength to go through these lists…  It hurts, it is disturbing, but I do feel that it is needed, and feel in my heart that I’m doing the right thing by putting them up and connecting them to those that have pages up and information about their loved ones that they want to share.  I pray for those that have lost their loved ones due to Domestic Violence, I pray for their healing, and that they know God is still there, as hard as that can sometimes be to see.  I also pray while going through these lists that those that are in Domestic Violence situations right now stay safe, and get out alive!  I don’t want to see these names on the lists, I don’t want to see families wiped out by an abuser!  Such a senseless act…. 

Under His Wings

From YouVersion Reading Plan: Lifetime Daily Devotions

The salvation of the righteous is from the Lord; He is their strength in time of trouble. And the Lord helps them, and delivers them; He delivers them from the wicked, and saves them, Because they take refuge in Him.
Psalm 37:39,40

If I want...

His salvationHis strength in time of troubleHis helpHis deliverance,
...then I must take refuge in Him. These things are found nowhere else but "under His wings"--in His presence.

Lord, I've never been surrounded by soft wings; I really don't know how that would feel. Maybe like your daddy's lap, or snuggling under the covers when it's awfully cold in the bedroom, or like a feather bed, or sitting in a dark car looking out at a rainstorm that has stopped the traffic.

I can imagine it, though . . . the warmth, the softness, the feeling of safety and security. Why, oh why, do I rush around outside in the angry elements, afraid and struggling, depending on my strength and my wisdom to protect me and mine? I remember You cried one time because people refused to come nestle, to let You take care of them.

Lord, lift Your wings . . .

I'm crawling under.

This is such an important verse that I also found it in my other reading I started today as well!

From YouVersion Reading Plan: Abuse

Abuse can happen in many forms. Physical, emotional and sexual are common expressions of abuse and many people just don't know how to handle it. If you are an abuser, stop it. If you are the victim of abuse, let the words of the Bible guide you as you decide how to handle the relationship with the abuser. If you're in danger, you need to get away immediately. If your abuse is not life threatening or is something in your past that you still struggle with, take some time to meditate on God's Word on this subject.

When we are going through hard times, when we’re going through the abuse, so often we feel totally alone….that’s something I felt while going through the abuse and what I hear from so many Survivors…..I thought I was alone!!!!

The truth is, we’re never fully alone!  We don’t have to go through the pain, the suffering, the anguish all by ourselves, God is there with us through it all.  Turn towards Him for comfort, for your strength, for your shelter from the storms, He is there for you!