Patti Burris

I am reminded in this holiday season of those who may be hurting. Christmas is a time that seems to bring our pain to the surface and there are those who don’t know how to deal with that pain, other than to hurt themselves. Broken hearts can feel like they will literally break in two. I know. I have been there. I know what pain feels like. You feel like you just can’t go on. The only way you feel you can cope is to hide in the bottom of a bottle of alcohol or stay lit up on drugs. Maybe, you feel like no one will ever accept you, so you hang out with people who lead you down the wrong road. Whether your pain is from childhood abuse or adult trauma, I get it. My heart has been ripped in two on more than one occasion and I have felt like going to sleep and never waking up.

I want you to know that God gives us the gift of grace. Grace is the freely given, unmerited favor and love of God. God loves you, regardless of past mistakes or things that happened to you that were out of your control. If you have been abused, let it go. You were a victim and you have lived imprisoned in the shame for far to long. God loves you beyond what any words can express and He can heal your broken heart. Allow Him to start chipping away at that wall that you have built up around your heart and accept God’s gift of grace. God gives it freely, but you must accept it. It is your choice to accept God’s love and let that love wash over you and heal you. Accept the freedom from your past that only God can offer. LET GOD SET YOU FREE!

Don’t let the anger, bitterness, and shame keep you from living a life you were designed to live. You are one of a kind and you hold a very special place in God’s heart. Put down the bottle. Put down the drugs. Get away from those who are out to hurt you and surrender your pain to the one who truly loves you, God. Open up your heart and let go of the pain you have carried for so long. He is waiting. I know that God loves me and I am so glad that I let Him wash away the pain in my heart. I am loved. I am accepted. Not by the fleeting acceptance of people, but by God, who will never leave me nor forsake me (Deuteronomy 31:6). YOU are loved. YOU are accepted. Not by the fleeting acceptance of people, but by God, who will never leave you nor forsake you.

If you are feeling alone or simply need someone to pray with you, please contact me via my contact page. I would love to hear from you. I would love to pray with you. You are NOT alone, my friend. YOU ARE NOT ALONE!