Friday, February 12, 2010

My Thin Places

I enjoyed a charmed childhood. Nothing in the way I was raised prepared me for the crushing heartache I experienced a dozen years ago when I was cruelly betrayed and rejected by people I’d loved all of my life. That ordeal thrust me into a very dark place.


As horrific as rejection is, it was a wonderful experience with God. He became more real and present than any time before or since. As I faced each day weighted with grief, I met God in the thinnest of places, and He portioned out grace. Not in bucketfuls, but grain-by-grain as that’s all my wounded heart could digest.


I healed.


In the past year I’ve felt a nudge to open myself and reveal my story, giving hope to those suffering betrayal and rejection. Because speaking of my pain made me puddle into tears, I entered counseling to overcome my emotions.


Driving home after one particularly moving session, I saw something soaring in the distant sky. A magnificent hawk beat the air, flying directly toward me. My heart stirred as he drew nearer and hovered momentarily over my car offering me a clear view of the writhing snake suspended from his powerful talons.


Thus, I encountered another thin place with my God. Illustrated by that majestic bird, He showed me my pain wasn’t meaningless, and I would overcome. The snakes and snares of my past were powerless to affect my future. My heart rejoiced.


“In my anguish I cried to the LORD, and he answered by setting me free.” Psalm 118: 5

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This post was written in response to a challenge by Mary DeMuth. Mary's new memoir, Thin Places, has just released.

Here's my review. In this spiritual memoir, Mary reflects on the "thin places" of her life; places where she was acutely aware of God's presence.


This challenge I participated in is also a contest to win a Kindle. You’ve got until midnight tonight to submit your entry.

10 comments:

smithsk said...

It is no coincidence that the hawk is the natural enemy of the snake.

The hawk is a marvellous picture of God and the snake, the devil.

Thanks for sharing, Megan.

Susan

Denise Miller Holmes said...

I agree with Susan. God gave you a tremendous gift when He showed you the hawk and snake. He was telling you He had it under control, nothing Satan could do to you would win. He eats snakes for breakfast! Glad you can talk about this now, Megan.

Jessica Kirkland said...

Enjoyed your story.

Megan DiMaria said...

Thank you for you kind words.

Blessings to you.

Kay Day said...

Denise and Susan's comments made me smile. Some of us recognize God outside the box!

Jaime Wright said...

I love how God speaks to us through His creation!!

Danica Favorite said...

Megan, I love the story of the hawk and the snake. God is amazing in what He shows us.

Robbie Iobst said...

Megan, what a lovely,lovely entry, I am honored to bear witness to a tiny portion of your healing and it has inspired me to be a forgiver. Thank you friend! And your entry inspired me to write one. Thank you!

Jan Parrish said...

What a beautiful break through in more ways than one. I'm so glad I'm not judging this contest. Great job!

Mary DeMuth said...

God is so good to give you that picture. Thanks for sharing your heart and your struggle.