Throughout Thanksgiving weekend, so many thoughts went through my head, and I started typing this blog as they came to me. Therefore, it may seem a little sporadic in its own way, but it is a mini version of the conversations between me and God over the last few days. I pray that you will enjoy your read and receive a blessing as well.
How grateful I am for the many blessings God has given us. We ARE alive and, throughout the devastation and losses, have had a chance to realize just how valuable each day is and to live it to its fullest.
It’s amazing how losing everything you own can create a sense of peace.
It wasn’t until I was left with just the shirt on my back that this realization came to be. So many times in life we hold onto things that unknowingly weigh us down. Since the fire, our clothes now consist of donations and a few store-bought items. I now have just enough makeup for the day. Granted, I need a couple of pairs of earrings, necklaces, and a watch to complete a dress outfit ~ but at this point, I have what I need ~ and to think that it is still more than others out in this world.
By midlife, our home and life are cluttered with our past. Now, it’s always wonderful to have family heirlooms and pictures that remind us of memories forgotten; yet I am finding what a great opportunity my husband and I have right now. Everything from before we met had to somehow create a oneness, which is hard to do when you both bring in so much baggage ~ physically and emotionally. At this point in our lives, after seven years of marriage, we finally have the gift of being able to create “us” and come together, creating that oneness we have both longed for.
For the last month, my prayer to God was for strength to endure and peace that passeth all understanding. I mourned over the loss of the Chihuahuas, but I didn’t ask why; I just held onto the fact that His plan is perfect, despite how we feel. Some days, when I didn’t feel I had a prayer, I held onto my faith for survival. Day by day, things got a little easier.
We are finally out of the hotel and into a rental house. I truly believe with every fiber of my being we were blessed with such a nice place and furniture due to our steadfastness in our faith. In James 1:2–4, we are told to praise God through our trials, and we did. The house? It’s a beautiful older, two-story home with a Victorian style. The insurance company rents the furniture and uses specific vendors. We were told it was like hotel furniture. So, at this point, we were clueless about how everything was going to look, whether it was comfortable, etc. As the movers pulled furniture out piece by piece, we once again saw God’s hand at work. The housewares girls came in and made the beds, set up the kitchen and bathrooms, and made sure there was a decorative item and a photo in each room. They were so thorough in anticipating things we might need that they even brought a plunger and a measuring cup. God tells us not to worry about our daily needs; He will provide. It was overwhelming to see how He does provide when we hold onto our faith in Him throughout our storms.
I started writing this Thanksgiving Eve and am now finishing the day after Thanksgiving. I must say it was one of the best Thanksgivings I have ever had. It wasn’t about the meal, for we ate sandwiches while working some around the house. Our Thanksgiving was truly a day that we spent in awe of God’s greatness and being thankful for every small thing.
As Christians, we are always to give thanks to the Lord. This year made me think of how many times I may have said the words, but this time ~ I was truly meaning every one of them. I sat in silence by myself a lot, feeling the peace I had prayed for; I looked around at how God provided for us ~ we truly had a day of Thanksgiving.
My friends, no matter your storm, hold onto your faith and leave everything in God’s hands and watch what He will do. Not only does He live up to His promises, but you can be an inspiration for those around who are watching you go through your storm.
This is DeVaughn ~ bringing it home.
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