Oh, it was so, so hard.
I just knew that a season had ended. I’m not sure I did it in the right way, or if there was an easy way to do it.
I wish it had been something like exercise. That would be easy to give up. Right? It didn’t make sense, because I thought it was something I needed to fight for, to hang on tightly.
And it was a heart thing. Tied to a heart friend.
Have you ever been there?
I know some of you have, for just this past week one of you told me how you opened your heart to a dream, one you felt God spoke into your heart, and how the doors closed before you were ready.
Others of you have shared losses. Or hard places.
This morning a friend sent me a link to the song above by Julie Meyer. My friend said:
Suzie, I listened to this song yesterday and fell in love with it. I love the “Write Your name, Write Your name….Sign Your name, Sign Your name” part the best. It’s just so beautiful, and I think of you.
The recent events in your life totally show that for God to paint His picture in your life is your longing. You had to give something up, which was painful, but you did it. And I’m certain that’s not even the hardest thing you’ve ever done. You know the joy and the pain that sometimes comes with following God.
First, can we just say that having a godly, awesome friend is a gift?
I’m so grateful she took time pray and to share this beautiful song. I sat on my couch and closed my eyes and soaked in this truth.
But then, because it’s just the way I am, I wanted to know more.
You see, I know that God writes our names on the palms of His hands. (Isaiah 49:16). . . but what does it mean to let Him write His name on our lives? Even in the harder choices and places of our faith, or in those places we are unsure.
Perhaps, Paul shared it best.
Watch what God does, and then you do it, like children who learn proper behavior from their parents. Mostly what God does is love you. Keep company with him and learn a life of love. Observe how Christ loved us. His love was not cautious but extravagant. He didn’t love in order to get something from us but to give everything of himself to us. Love like that. Ephesians 5:1-2 (The Message)
He writes His name on my life as I trust Him.
As I turn to Him for guidance.
As I truly listen.
As I soak in His presence, even when my feelings and situation desire to lead me to a very different place.
We keep company with Him.
Isn’t that a cool way of looking at it? And the more we are with Him, the more that we learn to live like Him. The more we start to pick up His mannerisms. His name becomes evident over our lives.
So, friends, that’s my prayer today. Is it yours?
Write your name. Write your name. Sign your name. Sign your name.
On me.
Suzie
Dear Suzie,
I’ve written several times the past few months. Today is a big day and I’m asking for prayers. In August I decided to leave my abusive husband. Today we are meeting with lawyers and they are going to tell him to give me money so that I can find a place to live. He is not going to like doing this. I’m more than a little nervous.
Your post today is exactly what I needed to hear. In this meeting today, I need to stay focused on God. I need to allow love to flow for my husband, he is struggling with these changes. In this meeting today, I need to be a picture of God’s love. Not loving to get something, loving so that I can feel God’s love in my own life.
Please pray for me. Thank you so much Suzie.
I will be praying you today for healing.
Thank you Kendria.
Just read your prayer request and lifted up your needs to God who knows and has promised to be with you through it all. I applaud you for making this decision to be safe. I pray your decision will help your husband get the help he needs to change and to know God loves Him also. I understand how difficult this is and I encourage you to stay strong and to move forward, for God has a plan and a purpose for you. In His love.
Thank you Mary.
Lord, you never asked that we remain in abuse. But you did promise guidance and wisdom. Lord, today I not only lift up this very hard day and all involved to you, but I specifically ask that this husband find you. That he run straight into the consequences of hurting another, not for punishment’s sake, but to find mercy and help and restoration. Only you know the brokenness or sin that leads to hurting another. Only you know the untouched, sealed over areas that need your healing touch. Lord, peel away every layer and begin your work. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Thank you Suzie. The meeting went well. No resolution yet, we go back in 2 weeks. I was so afraid to go yesterday. During the meeting I prayed several times. I believe all the prayers helped. Thank you to everyone who prayed with me.
It is sad to watch my husband suffer. I know that he is on God’s path for him. I know that I am being led away for some reason I do not need to understand yet.
This is a difficult time for our family. I pray my children and I will make it through and find peace and safety. I trust God, and I thank Godly friends who care.
This is awesome! Thanks Suzie. You are such a blessing in my life. I love her Music-Very worshipful. Makes me want to shout at the office. Praying that people see Jesus through me in my daily life. He sacrificed so much for us.
Suzie, Thank you for this post. I pray you will have peace as you transition through this change. You are a blessing to all of us out here. Thank you for sharing honestly about your struggles so we may lift you up in our prayers as well. I have been taking time to read and pray and in the quiet find God’s plan for me. It is hard to accept that I am not “doing”, but am called to just “be” right now. To be a wife, an encourager, a friend, and just maybe to write. Please pray I will be able to accept life as it is and not as I would have it, let go of control, and trust God for the journey. Thanks.
Thanks, Mary. It’s been a very long time since I’ve struggled with a decision. This one was hard. Thanks for such an encouraging comment. <3
I love “Write your name, sign your name,” too. Listening to this song brought peace to my soul today.
God’s presence transforms us Transforms me. As I pray,He’s been giving me new names. I’ve had a tough time forgiving myself and others much of my life – I was abused as a kid. When I prayed recently, I felt God gave me a new name: Forgiver. I’m excited in this season, because when God calls you by a name,I believe that’s what He expects will come out of you next. He calls you what He thinks you’re brilliant at. He expects a Forgiver to be brilliant at forgiving herself and others.
Suzie, has God ever given you a nickname? If so, what was it?