Mark and I started out as “friends” on Facebook. He made a post that I was impressed with his courage and vulnerability while relating so well to what he said. Here it is:

“#givethanks

I am grateful for the Hard.

2020 has been hard on most of us. I firmly believe none of us pass through this life without experiencing something that will ultimately be soul crushingly hard. We all get a turn, a thing, a trial, something that is REALLY hard. I know I’m not unique or special and that what is hard for me should never be compared to another’s.

Over the past few years I went through a heartbreaking and painful Divorce. As it became final, I was broken and rocked to my core. With that Divorce I lost so many dreams, hopes, parts of my identity, and more than words can express. It was certainly “my” hard.

In the Depths of the pain, heartache and sadness it seemed hopeless. I worked, prayed, talked, shared, counseled and fought hard to find a better place for me and my children. Through that process I came to the realization and appreciation that I had seen hard before. I had been prepared, built even. My hard from the past became a reservoir of strength, helping me to realize there is light and hope ahead. In addition, I was lifted, strengthened, supported and shown love by some many people in so many ways. I was surrounded.

I heard this week in the words of another, “Through all the Chaos, through the hard, the pain, the sadness and the heartbreak, God created a Warrior”

Throughout this hard, I have been changed, molded, adjusted and refined. I am improved in so many ways. I feel deeper, have WAY more compassion, I appreciate my children, my family and my people so much more. I am more willing to help, to listen and to extend my arms for a hug. I am softer, I cry more and feel closer to God in so many ways.

I continue to be a work in progress. I have much to improve and I am determined to let God prevail in my life.

I know there is more hard ahead. Robert Frost said, “Sometimes the only way out, is through.” I hope to continue to walk through the hard to become all that I am destined to be.”

Now because of our hard, I get this Mark and we get to be together. #sothankful