A while back, I was talking with my baby sister about
I thought she didn’t understand. I’m in the process of writing a Memoir, and recalling memories of abuse is essential.
It’s an emotional outpouring and a slow process that takes time. And remembering painful memories of abuse will make you a bit down at times.
During our conversation, she said,
Linda, write down five things you were grateful for during your abusive marriage.
I was like, say what, grateful for?
Are you crazy?
How can you be grateful for anything suffering hardship in an abusive relationship?
Then, I thought about what she said. And found five things to be grateful for during those times of hardship.
Being Grateful in Times of Hardship
It can be challenging to find things to be grateful for during hardship. A downtrodden state of mind and oppressed spirit can be tremendously weighed down. Reflecting afterward helps to discover the blessings.
In times of hardship, I’m grateful for:
- My Daughter
- My Son
- Learning how to be street smart.
- The Police Officer who pressed charges for me.
- God’s Protection
Even though we were estranged, and making amends is difficult, I’m grateful for my children. They are a blessing. I’m thankful God has kept them close to himself (in Church) for years. I may have failed to parent them, but God never abandoned them.
I am grateful my husband taught me how to be street-smart. All those long walks from Lake Luzerne to Corinth were lessons in Living Street-smart. They came in handy when I moved to Oakland, California, years later, and they helped keep me safe.
Protection in Times of Hardship
During times of calamity, God has provided His protection time and again. He placed people in my path to assist me in seeking refuge from abuse.
The Police officer who stepped in and pressed domestic abuse charges for me paved the way for an order of protection and escape. The kind minister who drove me to Social Services while running away in fear.
I’m most grateful for God’s constant presence: His grace, guidance, provisions, correction, and unconditional love. I would not be the person I am today without Him.
Focusing on negative things is easy when the negatives far outweigh the positive ones. I’m thankful for the gentle reminder to be grateful during hardship.
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