Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Write an INSPIRATIONAL article (11/27/14)
-
TITLE: Joy out of Tears | Previous Challenge Entry
By alan kane
12/04/14 -
LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE
SEND A PRIVATE COMMENT
ADD TO MY FAVORITES
However, I sit totally alone, seeing only my tear-stained reflection, harbouring thoughts of my own demise. This is the fourth day since my family was encouraged to move out. It all happened so fast. I misread a very difficult situation and permitted fear to rear its evil head and take control.
This was the last stage in a series of turbulent family relationships and as the adult, it was my responsibility to have ensured the situations hadn’t deteriorated so far, but I failed. I lost my family's respect and stretched their love to near breaking point.
Losing my family was a major wake up call. Thankfully, one week later they came home, just in time to complete the Christmas decorating. One year later the atmosphere in our home is greatly improved, a lot of it down to my willingness to change
You may ask how this is inspirational. Writing this is the final stage in a very long healing process. Even though some readers may be thinking “Why is he washing his laundry in such a public way?” I pray that by doing so these words might assist another in their healing.
For many years I permitted fear to have a crippling, destructive hold over my life. I had unhealthy coping instincts that weren’t a structured mechanism, but habits. Over the last year I have learnt how to prioritise, give productively of myself and how to manage my anger and fear. Although I still slip, I endeavour to sustain the ground I have gained.
Yesterday I celebrated my sixth wedding anniversary with my long suffering family. I include my two adopted children in this, for when I married their mother we became a family. Then in June 2011, God blessed us with a baby son/brother.
This year I obtained great encouragement from some Christians in our extended network and heartfelt thanks goes out to them. Their practical support enabled us to shore up our crumbling foundations.
To a certain non-church organisation, your ongoing advice and guidance has really empowered my family. Your patience in family mediation has aided us in dealing with old baggage that had hindered us from moving forward. It’s amazing how situations, even ones buried deeply in our subconscious, can pollute our happiness. I struggled with loneliness and although married, I did not always let my wife and family in. Instead I would hide from problems behind computer games and unhealthy pursuits.
I may be a man of God, but I am mindful of my shortcomings. Although I might not have wanted to acknowledge them, the positives of having a major shock to the system are learning what is important. I discovered that my family is crucial for my happiness, but I need to also be content in myself or I will never be truly content with others.
It’s impossible to guarantee future problems will never occur, but building a personal relationship with God has helped me to develop successful coping mechanisms. By wearing the armour of God [Ephesians 6:10-18(NIV)]. I reduce my exposure to spiritual fiery darts and minimise their impact.
Even FaithWriters has had an unexpected place in my healing by focussing my rebellious mind on positives and funnelling my imagination to more wholesome pursuits.
This year I learnt some very important lessons:
Do not let fear take over your life. It destroys peace and devours tranquillity.
Talk openly and honestly, as communication stops festering sores forming
Do activities together like movie nights and playing in the park.
Spend quality time with my wife such as a dinner, not forgetting to cuddle up sometimes on the couch.
How I want to inspire is with this: no matter how dark the outlook is, there is always a way through. Just be prepared to work for it. When you feel overwhelmed, take some time out for yourself.
When you stumble, get up, brush yourself down, sincerely apologise and move forward.
The opinions expressed by authors may not necessarily reflect the opinion of FaithWriters.com.
Accept Jesus as Your Lord and Savior Right Now - CLICK HERE
JOIN US at FaithWriters for Free. Grow as a Writer and Spread the Gospel.
Again, it is refreshing to view marriage problems from the husband's side. God bless and thank you.
Personally, I prefer the writer not to address the reader like in the line you may be wondering... There are a couple of reasons that I am not a fan of this. While, many think it is like a personal chat with the reader, I disagree. I wasn't wondering, and by asking that line, I almost felt excluded like you were talking with me at first, but then switched to someone else. The other reason is people who may read it and not understand this is a challenge piece where you need to write on topic. Because the ECs go into an anthology that the public reads, anything that talks about topic or FW will be lost on the general public. Lastly, it makes me wonder if you're questioning it yourself. Have faith in the strength of your words. God gave them to you for a specific reason, and I believe you did just what God needed you to do.
I do think this was an inspirational piece. It reminded me that things can't happen on my timetable because God's is so much better. I also related to how changes can feel little, almost insignificant, yet after a year or so, those little changes turn into one big change. That really encouraged me where I am today. Sometimes, I've discovered that I need to write the challenge piece for others, but many times, like the one I wrote this week, God needed me to write for me. Honestly, there is a moment of disappointment and even berating myself if it didn't do well, but I need to remember that God had a reason for inspiring me into writing it. Your piece reminded me of that too. Thank you.