Not Easier, But stronger!

As I looked through the available images for today's blog, I stopped when I saw this one. It wasn't the message I planned to post today BUT these eight words say a lot. "It never gets easier, you just get stronger." This is such a true statement.

In life, we face so many difficult scenarios. Each bring their own pains, angers, and frustrations. While some are easier to move on from, others stay with you each day of your life. So many try to forget or pretend these events didn't happen. I'll admit there are choices and events in my life I'm not proud of, yet these are the very moments that help to shape me into the adult and person I am today. From every mistake I've made, a valuable lesson was learned. For goodness sake, our childhoods are full of trial and error when you think about it, each correction and redirect was life not getting easier, but us getting stronger, and wiser.

Of course, there are more serious things in life than the everyday trials of growing up. For instance, the kidnapping and presumed death of my sister won't get easier to accept BUT I'm a stronger person today than I was on April 3, 1994. This isn't a road or journey I would have chosen but it's the one placed before me so I have a choice. Every day I choose to live and attempt to be the best person I can. I live each day in hopes of having no regrets. I don't always succeed yet my heart and thought process is always there. 

​A year ago, my mom's diagnosis of Stage 4 Metastasized cancer shocked us and life was even harder. The short month between her diagnosis and her passing were difficult yet precious memories I hold. I'm stronger because of the quiet moments spent with my Mom. I'm stronger because once again I was shown how short our life and time on earth is.

It hasn't been an easy year and there are days when the word "strong" or "strength" resemble the way I feel. Instead I feel broken and confused, lost in the midst of loss, BUT thankfully I also have a wonderful friends, family, and most importantly, an amazing God that remind me of the inner strength I sometimes can't see myself. This strength doesn't come from within but instead, from above.

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​God gives me the strength to go through the valley of "not easy". He is there and ready to do the same for you, do you know that?
​
​"Even though I walk
    through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil,
    for you are with me;
your rod and your staff,
    they comfort me."
Psalm 23:4 NIV

He is with us as we walk through the valley and if we accept His help, He offers the tools and support needed to stronger than we were before the hurt, pain, loss, or situation occurred.

​Can you think of a time when you thought the pain would never go away?
If so, this is okay, some losses and situations affected us so deeply,
we are forever changed BUT when we have our eyes focused upward,
​God gives us the strength we need to move forward. 

Will you share an instance of finding strength in the midst of a difficult loss or situation? Your words could encourage another reader.