Sometimes, when we see a person on stage we ASSUME that they must’ve lived a charmed life. They were probably born with a “silver spoon” in their mouth. WRONG!!!
In my case, my dad GAVE ME UP when I was two years old. When he divorced my mom, he actually claimed that he had NO children, even though I was toddling around on the floor. (OUCH! That hurts!)
How Could This Happen To Me?
When I was in grade school I was molested. I didn’t know what to do, so I just kept it inside for a WHOLE year.
Finally, when I did tell my best friend…she told EVERYONE else and I was ostracized. No birthday parties. No friends at lunch.
This must be all MY fault! At just eleven years-old, I felt like my life was OVER!!!
Then At Thirteen, I Was Raped
My parents didn’t know. I was CERTAINLY NOT going to tell them, because I know what happens when you tell.
Thankfully, we moved. This time, I decided I was going to do everything RIGHT, join all the school activities and be NICE to everyone, no matter what!
Even the boys started noticing me and I enjoyed all the attention. FINALLY…somebody liked me!!!
So At Seventeen, I Was An Unwed Mother
Did you know that high schools frown on having PREGNANT cheerleaders?
I was ALONE again.
Then, I met a guy who paid very close attention to me. I thought he really LOVED me. But turns out, he was a drug addict and he just became more ABUSIVE.
A herniated C7 and a broken rib later…I realized I’d really FIXED MYSELF up!
Well, The Damage Is Done!
Great job Nicole…you’ve damaged YOURSELF! I can’t believe I did that!! How STUPID can I be?
Remember, whatever the enemy tells you is absolutely NOT TRUE!
In fact, God says:
“Instead of your shame you will receive a double portion, and instead of disgrace you will rejoice in your inheritance. And so you will inherit a double portion in your land, and everlasting joy will be yours.” Isaiah 61:7 (NIV)
Only Human!
God sees WHO He called us to be, even when we can’t see it. God knows we’re not perfect..we’re just HUMAN.
That’s why, BEFORE we were ever born He sent Jesus to die on the cross for sins we hadn’t yet committed.
I never thought, in a million years, God could use someone like ME.
Thankfully, we are not DEFINED by our past…we are PREPARED by it.
God didn’t make no JUNK! That’s bad English, but GREAT theology!!!
Prayer For Today
“Father God, thank you, that before You created the universe You knew ME and all the trials that would help prepare me for my God assignment to serve You. In Jesus’ name.”
7 comments
When I heard your damaged goods sermon a few weeks ago Pastor Nicole it brought me to tears. When I first started going to faith church I only knew half of your story. When I look at you I don’t see that damage I see a wonderful Pastor who is doing amazing wonderful things. God had a bigger plan for your life Pastor Nicole. After reading your blog I’m not going to become damaged. God’s plan is to big for my life
Cheryl, you are too sweet! Thank you so much! You’re right. God has a HUGE plan for your life . 🙂
I am perfect in God’s eyes as he created me. I am working on seeing myself through his eyes! : )
When Pastor Nicole talks on her life it is so hard to see a woman that is so outstanding had lived a life as she stated, yet I know that God does have wonderful people ungo unhappy situations. I thank God for what she experence because it helps me to know I am not along in some of the situations I have gone though, it is like now I know God has me in his arms, yet I feel so along I am trying soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo hard to be strong and make it though this battle, yet I do not understand why I do not have my car back. It is so funny I know that God has a reason for everything, yet it hurts sooooooooooooooooooooooooooo bad, I am a companion and my client is blind so I transport her, well without a car I have not work she shared with my how sorry she feels that she has to let me go due to I am not able to fore-fill my duties ans her campanion, It is understandable, but WHY!!!!!!???? Now I will not have a job, pay my bills, buy food yet I am smiling so Please do not feel sorry for me Pray for me for I know all is well. I have had the oppertunity to clean my credit of $5,666.00 that I did not do, yet I also learned I have lived a safe life and now I have a good credit score, but I have nothing, WOW at 53years old soon to be a college grad with a Masters in Organizational Management/ Organizational Leadership satan is trying to tell me what are you going to do now? who wants an old lady like you working for them?
Well thank God for the things Pastor Nicole has overcame because I know I will have all thing though my Father and that all this will pass, for I will always know that Jesus die for me that I may live and that I am not going though this for me, but for someone who is not able to handle the pressure and I can share like Pastor Nicole my story to help keep them strong.
Thank you for your words and for what our Father tells you to do for it helps other like myself to hang in there for all is Well!!
Just wanted to share Please pray for me For I am Praying for you!!!
Ms. Tina
Praying for you Ms. Tina, & I am beyond Proud! 🙂 God is going to bring you through this.
I feel sad, I am praying for healing.
Kina, no matter what you are going through, God is going to help you. 🙂 Don’t let the enemy steal your joy. Remember..”The Joy of the Lord is your strength!” (Nehemiah 8:10)