Thursday, July 7, 2011

Thankful Thursday

Linking up with Dayle at Simple Pleasures

When there is no enemy within, the enemies outside cannot hurt you. African Proverb

How does someone say thank-you in ways that really expresses their deep gratitude? I've been given so much....sometimes I feel overwhelmed. I used to believe I had no right to exist.....no right to life.....I used to live in so much darkness... but now....I'm grateful for all that He's given me...

-my voice.....the ability to share those things I never told...things I carried in my heart, held inside and let their shame dictate my destiny. This week I spoke at TM. I'm still nervous...but I'm doing it and their support amazes me. After I spoke many said my speech was powerful and challenged me to speak at the national level.
-an appreciation for my body...for so long I fought against my body.... punishing it for being raped...but now I accept it as a gift....a means to move in the world....and which to experience all that life has to offer. 
-courage to share my story....telling the truth of what happened has shown me that it's giving courage to others to stand up and share their truth. 
-Peace.....I used to be restless...not now. He's given me a calmness so that I appreciate living....sleep, great food, amazing smells.....and sounds that fill my soul with songs.
-tears.....I never used to let myself cry. I thought it was a sign of weakness and I was afraid if I did cry I would fall apart. Now.....I see tears are a sign of healing.....something that takes the edge off.....and softens my heart
Gratitude.....How do I express to Him all that He has given me?

16 comments:

Finding Pam said...

I felt the same way about the right to exist. I find it hard to cry as well. I am encouraged by your life. God has found a great way to use you in your public speaking, a way to share your pain to others, and a way to see how far you have come. You are an inspiration to all that know you.

Thank you for sharing your past with us. Let God use you all up for the good of others.

Sandy said...

I am grateful, too. Thank you so much for always sharing from your heart!

Gayle said...

Love the picture of the flowers. Thankfulness is so powerful. Last week someone said to me that we can't let trauma define our life, it is part of our life, but not defined by it. I thought that was good.

Cindy said...

I am grateful too, I am a soppy girl, oh yeah can cry at a drop of a hat, if I am happy, sad, something touches my heart, well there I am, but I allow myself to just be. It must be how he wanted me to be. hugs to you, so glad you can tell your story, the impact you have made on myself and many others is Gods work through you.

Teri Lynn said...

You strengthen me in so many ways by your spirit and your honesty. I am thankful every day for you and for the new things God is revealing about me. He is slowly erasing the lies I have believed about myself for too many years.

Ginny Hartzler said...

I think the best way to express our gratitude to god is by obeying him, talking to him in prayer, and being faithful. He wants to hear from us often just like a parent wants to hear from their child.

Chatty Crone said...

I guess you just say thank you and then pay it forward like you are doing!

Your picture up there was the first one I ever used five years ago!

Ms.Daisy said...

Sarah,
This is so sincerely said how can we not respond to your words with gratitude. You make us see how we sometimes squander our opportunites to reach out. Please don't stop speaking and writing - it means so much.

~Jean

Dayle ~ A Collection of Days said...

It's so easy to dislike the things that are truly blessing in disguise. You've helped open our eyes.

Galen Pearl said...

Great quote at the start. You know, I woke up feeling so grateful today. It lasted all through the morning. I was grateful for everything. So delighted at all the blessings that shower down on me. And I was aware of being grateful. It was a morning to be grateful for!!!

Anonymous said...

I am grateful too. And His peace is transforming, isn't it??

Kim@stuffcould.... said...

You expressed gratitude very well!! I always want to express it also

Of One Heart said...

You've softened me, today. I've been treating myself not-so-well. I've been angry about all the things I've been waiting for all these years. Why would God not bless me earlier? Mom says, "He wants to reward your patience now." I am glad I am enveloped by friends and family who remind me to be grateful.

Of One Heart said...

p.s. I want to steal that picture off your page! It's beautiful. :)

Ever Green Tree said...

Beautiful thought. Thx for sharing. Expressing Gratitude is being at peace with oneself n everybody ard n sharing your appreciation.

Debby@Just Breathe said...

That is wonderful.