My Journey

As I write this, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the women in my life who have guided me to and through the restoration that Christ has brought. My heart is very tender and full. 

My journey of healing and restoration from the trauma and abuse of my marriage did not come easy. It did, however, help me to realize how much I was blocking and shrinking in my life. My testimony, while there, was not as strong as it is now. 

On my journey, I’ve had many women who have been instrumental in my healing and the growth of my testimony in Jesus Christ. My mom, my daughters, women in the scriptures, and my tribe of friends. 

My Mother

My mom is amazing. She has always been there for me, even when she disagreed with my choices. When I faced the need to leave my marriage, she and my dad welcomed my daughters and me into their home and gave us a safe space to heal, recover, and rebuild. They continue to do so, even though we no longer live with them. They both are kind, loving, and generous. The example of selfless service I aspire to. 

My mom has also walked the healing journey with me. Together, we have released and broken through the trauma and generational issues. We have been given access to spiritual gifts, opportunities to develop those gifts, and to help others. We have come to know Christ on a deeper level through the use of these gifts, through prayer, and through asking for the help of angels and our family on the other side of the veil. 

My mom has shown me that through serving our family, she is building the Kingdom. We don’t need to be extravagant or overreaching. We can focus on our own homes first. Mom is an excellent example of how women can utilize the priesthood in our homes. Utilizing her gifts and partnering with my dad for priesthood blessings, she has increased my testimony of prayer and Christ’s power to heal and bless us physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

My Daughters

My daughters have also helped me deepen my testimony in Christ, even beyond the testimony-building that naturally occurs as a mother. There was a time when they were a lot younger, I was in a very dark place. I had a choice to make. Knowing that they needed me pulled me out of that dark place and drew me closer to Christ. I knew I needed to lean heavily on Him to get me through that time. 

When I was finally able to escape that situation, my daughters were, and still are, examples of sacrifice and endurance in circumstances beyond their choosing or control. They are patient and endure the disparity between the two households, gaining strength through this trial. They have also been patient with me as I’ve healed and have shown grace when I fall short or revert to old survival habits. They’ve supported my spiritual growth and development, and are truly a testament to the fact that God is with us.

Women in the Scriptures

While women play a background role in the scriptures, there are several who stand out as examples. They have given me strength to press forward in my own healing and restoration and strengthened my testimony of Christ’s power. 

The first example is the woman with an issue of blood who had suffered with the affliction for over a decade and had been excluded from society. She had exhausted all efforts and resources for a cure. She knew a miracle-Christ-was her only hope. The woman had to push through the crowd to get to Him. Approaching Christ had been an act of bravery and immense faith. She had the faith to be healed simply by touching Christ’s garment. Despite the urgency to get to Jairus’ house, Christ stopped and acknowledged the woman and he said to her, “Daughter, thy faith hath made thee whole; go in peace, and be whole of thy plague.” Christ is aware of each of us; we are not a burden to Him.

The second example is the group of women who were part of His ministry. They understood what His disciples did not. As the woman anointed Christ’s head with oil, some of the disciples questioned her choice, declaring it a waste of resources. Christ rebuked them, explaining that “she hath done what she could: she is come aforehand to anoint my body to the burying.” His care and love for her show that He recognizes our efforts today.

While not scripture,  I love to watch The Chosen. I find that I can relate to Mary Magdalene and her plight in season 1. Just like the woman with the issue of blood, she’d tried everything to heal her affliction to no avail. She later relayed that there are things that only Christ can heal, and He did that for her. And I testify that that is true. 

Despite all the therapy and work I did, it still wasn’t enough to fully heal the pain and trauma. I needed Him. I have an unshakable testimony and understanding of the Atonement. Jesus is the Christ. I have felt His presence and His love in a way that I hadn’t before because I’ve experienced healing that only He could give.

My Tribe of Friends

Now in my 40s, I’ve finally formed a true tribe of friends. They welcomed my daughters and me long before we moved into their congregation, “sharing custody” with the other congregation for many months. I thank my friends for their encouragement and prayers, which helped me find a home to buy where I needed to. God performed a miracle in the process—I found one and closed within a month. With some help, my dad and I flipped it, and we moved in about a month later. 

Your kindness, love, and support are a testament to your Christlike attributes. You broke down the rest of the abusive programming. You all helped me to trust that I wasn’t a burden, that I was loved, and that I belonged. 

The Story of My Life

While I’ve joked that I want a Hallmark life, I have learned that it is better to have God as the author of my life. He wrote women in my life to guide me on the path He forged for me. We all have women in our lives who encourage us to draw closer to the Savior. May we take a moment to thank and honor those women today. 

I am deeply grateful for the women in my life. I thank God for them every day. I know that He placed them in my path for a reason. He has done the same for you. I testify that these women were integral to my restoration. Christ handled the rest. I know He lives. He loves you.