Sunday, March 01, 2009

Detours


Sometimes life takes you on a detour.


Some days I wonder why I wrote the words “Inspirational Writer” at the top of my blog, especially when I don’t feel very inspiring to anyone—let alone myself or family.


August 23, 2007 marks for us the worst day in our thirty-year marriage. My husband called me from his job here in Florida to where I was visiting our new grandson in Seattle and said he lost his job as the Director of Construction—one of the first casualties of what we soon learned what would become the recession.


In the past eighteen months, we’ve had to leave our home for six weeks for a job in another state, stop eating out and socializing with friends, reduce our spending to the bare essentials, get haircuts only when necessary, pay COBRA fees for insurance, skip dental appointments, buy only generic and cash in the meager amount of money we’ve saved for years for our retirement—all to pay our bills. We’ve applied for hundreds upon hundreds of jobs, started a new business, reactivated licenses, and read job boards like the daily mail. We’ve cried, yelled, threatened to run away, but most of all--prayed.


But that is only the back story.


What does it mean to be an inspirational writer? Does it mean inspiring others to look for the blues sky even when a tornado is surrounding your house?


Now here's the real story.


I’m not sure why every material thing I’ve ever counted on is slowing slipping through my fingers. But I think maybe it’s so I learn to lean on something greater. And trust me, I’ve run to the arms of God every day. He’s allowed me to see blessings where I might only see despair. He’s allowed me to see possibilities where I might see only dead ends. He’s allowed me to learn to live with much less and value much more.


Have you chosen to be an inspirational writer? If you have, embrace the detours in your life. Write about them and search for that blue sky—it’s usually hidden beneath that cloud.


I’m crossing a new bridge this month. Hard times make for hard decisions. But as I cross this desert—I can already see higher ground before me.

18 comments:

Pat's Place said...

You will be in my prayers.

Jinksy said...

Inspiration can come from any direction- that's the beauty of it.

Great Grandma Lin said...

good for you...it's amazing doors that open out of unexpected detours.

Barb Davis said...

I certainly know what you mean. Sometimes I wonder about my choice for the title, The Serenity Gate. I'm not always serene and at the time have little to say on the subject.

I also know adversity and how it can try our faith and patience. But, in hindsight, I can see that it made me stronger and taught lessons that I very much needed to learn. Whatever happens, God is right there beside us.

Isn't it wonderful to know that at the very end, when we stand before Him, we will see all the winding paths of life and understand His wisdom?

I am, who I am today, not because of the good times, but because of the challenges.

Blessings and a big hug, Barbara

Jenni James said...

There's something I've learned through all of my trials.. and that is that the Lord will bless you the most after he's humbled you... I'm thinking you're due to get some amazing blessings really soon! Hang in there, they're just around the corner.

Linda Hoye said...

Praying for you, Terri.

Yolanda said...

I can already see higher ground before me...Sister, I have tears falling because this speaks to me!

And the cloud, with the SON-shine....speaks as well. Take a glimpse, and you'll grasp that God is talking to you and to me through your words.

Beautiful words....Lovingly, Yolanda

Pat Guy said...

Crossing a new bridge ... sounds exciting and scary ... as this 'hard decision.' I remember when 'home' became 'home' once again after the vagabond life. I wonder what God has in store for y'all's 'home job' after this 'vagabond job existence?' And I think a lesson for us all is to live with financial adjustments before we have to. We sure do waste a lot of money needlessly, don't we? Guilty as charged! ; )

Susan J. Reinhardt said...

I'm there myself, Terri. The one thing that has come as a result of the last five years - an absolute knowledge that God is faithful.

Blessings,
Susan :)

Renee Collins said...

wow, this recession seems to have hit everyone. Some harder than others.

My heart goes out to you, Terri. I truly believe that you will be blessed for your faith in hard times.

Angie Ledbetter said...

I think your testamony is a great one...to the fact that faith/belief can help you overcome anything, and that through all your desert journeys, you've still managed to inspire others. Fitting title for you AND your blog. Hugs & prayers!

Janna Leadbetter said...

Such an important message you've shared here, Terri, and that's why you deserve the inspirational writer title.

Prayers for you!

Jessica Nelson said...

I think you're very inspirational. The verse, Store up goods in heaven, not on earth, was running through my mind this morning. I was thinking about our savings and how if the banks collapse, they'll be gone. And then I realized, who am I trusting in anyways? Money? Which comes and goes like the weather?
I'm glad you guys could find places to cut corners and thrive. This is a hard time for many and I hope you guys become stronger and better because of it.

Kasie West said...

I often find in my own life that the trials are the times when I grow closest to God. Sometimes I wish that I would turn to him more in my happy times so that I wouldn't need the trials that he blesses me with. And you are an inspiration to me so keep writing.

Ginger said...

Hi,
Thank you so much for stopping by my blog. You are very much an inpsirational writer....what a story and a testimony! Thank you for sharing from your heart. God will bless you for your faithfulness and perseverance. Keep the faith. I would love to follow your blog. Your words gave me great encouragement.

elaine @ peace for the journey said...

Yes, you are an inspirational writer! You've inspired me with this post, reminding me to keep to the path, even when I cannot see the next step in front of me. I'm also reminded to be very thankful for the provision I know in my life. So many, like yourself, are suffering in ways I've yet to taste. Saying a special prayer for you this night.

peace~elaine

KelliGirl said...

Terri,
You are inspiring! Just sharing your experiences, being faithful, honest and transparent helps all of us persevere in our own stuff. I know you've helped me. Knowing we're not alone makes the bad times more bearable. And knowing we can lend a hand to others is a great blessing to share, too.

I congratulate and thank you for staying with your blog and your writing during this tough season. God doesn't waste a hurt. I know He is stocking your writing pantry full!

I'm praying for you, my friend.

Carol said...

In Job, Satan said anyone will trust God when God protects them and blesses them, but that people will curse God when life gets tough. God allowed Satan to test Job, not because of anything Job had done, but to prove that Satan was wrong.

I think many who try to live according to God's will are tested for similar reasons, and remaining faithful despite the trials we go through glorifies God. I hope your trials end soon, and that God will shower you with blessings greater than ever.