Once Upon A Time

 

Once upon a time I dreamed of a love that would last a lifetime and of children that would fill my home. I was so young and so naive. I was filled with the kind of hope that brokenness hadn't invaded yet. And I loved every part of the journey that was unfolding before me...once upon a time.

Once upon a time, my heart broke. I couldn't conceive a child with my husband and, year after year, hope turned to fear and I forgot what it felt like to not have doubts. I was on the cusp of something great and yet I had no idea...once upon a time.

Once upon a time my dream came to life. I felt my son move and grow inside me. I dreamed and loved with a man whose legacy breathed through me. A little redheaded boy who loved the sound of engines revving and midnight snacks....once upon a time.

Once upon a time half of my world died. A little boy, who never took a breath, somehow stole ours away. Deep grief was tattooed on our souls and the burden of suffering became our companion...once upon a time. 

Once upon a time I lived a life of healing. I grew and I changed around the story we chose to embrace of love, and of death, and of joy amidst it all. Years stretched out before us and we lived every moment of it. Never giving up hope, but suffering through it all...once upon a time.

Once upon a time the rest of my world died. And I saw that nightmares live and breath in the world still. I held my breath and willed the world to stop turning. And I forced myself to be brave when it didn't...once upon a time.

Once upon a time I chose to believe in the goodness of God. Even in grief, even in suffering, even in fear. I felt Him breathing life back into my broken soul and I waited on Him as He pieced my world back together...once upon a time.

Once upon a time a little girl came running into my life. And I caught her in my arms without bracing myself for anything. I saw the very goodness of the Lord in her eyes, under all the hurt and all the fear. She was holding her breath and I knew that I could breath for her until she felt safe enough to let it all out...once upon a time.

Once upon a time I found a love that lasted for his lifetime...and I was given a calling to find another love that would last for mine. And I cried and I hurt and I broke...over and over again. Because I never wanted to let someone in again, never knew I would need to...would want to. But God healed my heart and gave me the hope to seek another person who loves Him and hopes in Him and finds their identity in Him....once upon a time.

Once upon a time my story was spoken into existence by the God that sung the stars to life. There was such a time when grief and grace collided and He redeemed my life amidst every shard of brokenness. Because of that redemption there will always be a story worth telling. So I chose to share it with you...once upon a time.

You have a story worth telling...discover how to share it...choose who to tell it to....believe that every moment matters and that there are those who will see Christ in your story. Every pain and every joy has been used by our faithful Father to shape and create the person He's asked you to be. Perhaps you were created for such a time as this...once upon a time.