Over time I have had the fortune of meeting women of all walks of life and have noticed a common thread among us.
Regardless of age, social status, education, or denominational preference, inevitably we have all found ourselves at some point having had “enough”.
- Enough of being consumed and controlled by destructive thoughts, emotions and habits.
- Enough of living as prisoners of our past hurts, sins, poor choices or wrong relationships.
- Enough of always struggling to feel enough – smart enough, spiritual enough, thin enough, pretty enough, talented enough or rich enough.
- Enough of the guilt that follows overeating, overindulging, or overspending.
- Enough of living in fear of being alone tolerating hurtful behavior instead.
2 Pet 2:19 says “a man is a slave to whatever has mastered him.”
Simply put, whatever controls us masters us – whether it is people, resentment, jealousy, anxiety, perfectionism, etc. – or be it love, kindness, compassion forgiveness, courage etc.
For many years I lived in slavery to a life of shame and bitterness.
In bondage to unresolved emotional issues, fears and an unhealthy need to be liked, I sabotaged every relationship, alienated friends, struggled with severe depression and lost myself and all hope along the way.
Seeking to fill the emptiness with material possessions or attempting to numb my pain with alcohol, I ran from God into a dark, hellish, prison cell of my own creation all while masking my pain with a fake smile and fake spirituality because although I had religion I had yet to experience an authentic relationship with the Lord.
But oh the goodness, grace and mercy of God!
Because of a mother and sister who refused to give up praying for this prodigal daughter and remained steadfast in their love, I found my way home.
In 2009 at 43 I reluctantly attended a Christian retreat with women who appeared spiritual, holy, perfect, and unflawed. I clearly believed I did not belong there.
Then, each woman stood and shared her story.
I listened to stories of abuse, addiction, betrayal, abandonment, loss and tragedy that displayed God’s grace and mercy.
From their mess came their message and once slaves to lives that controlled them now they lived in glorious freedom.
By acknowledging and surrendering to Christ they now enjoyed lasting freedom from the “enoughs” that had once robbed them of joy, destroyed their bodies, consumed their thoughts, controlled their happiness, negatively influenced their decisions and sabotaged their relationships leaving them wounded, lonely, angry and depressed.
No longer did they believe they were broken and abandoned.
In Christ they experienced the truth of John 8:36 – “whom the Son has set free is free indeed.”
And that day so did I.
I share my redemption story often because in order for you to understand my passion you must know my pain.
It is not to recall my shame but to testify to God’s unconditional grace.
Friend, if you have had enough and desire freedom found only in Christ, simply”
“Come to me all you who are weary and burdened and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your weary souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” Matt 11:28 – 30.
Sandra Hubbard
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