By Nancy Virden (c)2023 The Miracle Series
My mom was a part-time college student for the first ten years of my life. She set an example of ‘it’s never too late’ by learning to drive and graduating with a bachelor’s degree in her forties. After my dad left she learned a new career. She retired and started yet another new job at 65 while continuing her 50 years as a volunteer teacher in her church.
Today I am following in her footsteps as another example of ‘it is never too late’. I too graduated college in my forties. After my husband left, I returned to school for several certificates. At 61, my plan to begin a new career is in full motion while continuing my 46 years as a volunteer teacher in my church.
A diagnosis of breast cancer did not stop mom from looking forward. As she was wheeled into surgery, I asked how she was feeling. “I wish I didn’t have to go through it,” she said. “But this too will pass.” And she would know.
That statement and attitude have inspired me through my own cancer experience, chronic anemia, and many occasions in which I was afraid. Mom knew that tough circumstances always pass; you see, my dad practiced what is known as Parental Alienation.
From Psychology Today:
At its most basic level, parental alienation refers to the process by which a child unjustifiably aligns himself/herself with one parent, and expresses hatred or rejection of the other… This is typically driven by behaviors exhibited by the aligned-to-parent that are designed to manipulate the child’s beliefs and perceptions about the alienated parent, and the distortion or erasure of any positive memories that they might have about them.
Article
As an abuser, he tried to destroy our mother by driving a wedge between her and her children. He undermined her authority, said she did not deserve our respect, and threatened that she would leave us soon. He blamed her for everything. I still have trouble recalling early positive experiences with her.
All those years, unaware of the brainwashing we were receiving from dad, Mom struggled to develop loving relationships with us children and was met with resistance. We ended up missing out on a typical mother-daughter relationship for thirty years. Finally, over a decade removed from negative daily input, my blinders lifted. I apologized for my attitude, and she rejoiced.
Mom and I had eleven years together before she died for which I am very grateful. We shared faith in God and his Son Jesus Christ, too. I credit our perfect Heavenly Father and Savior for the healing that needed to take place in my heart. It was no tiny miracle.
In his love, beyond every abuse and broken heart are new hope, new light, and another chance for restoration.
-COMMENTS WELCOME
Today’s Helpful Word
Ezekiel 36:26
I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.
2 Corinthians 13:11
Finally, brothers and sisters, rejoice! Strive for full restoration, encourage one another, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace will be with you.
If you are feeling suicidal, or concerned about someone who is, in the U.S. call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988, or for a list of international suicide hotlines, go here.
If you are suicidal with a plan, immediately call 911 in the U.S. or go to your nearest emergency room. In the EU call 112. (For other international emergency numbers, go here ). Hope and help are yours!
Always the Fight Ministries (ATFM) has been displaying compassion for those fighting mental illness, addiction, or abuse since 2012. Nancy is the founder and voice of ATFM and openly shares her emotional resurrection from despair. NOTE: Nancy is not a doctor or a mental health professional, and speaks only from personal experience and observations. In no way is this website intended to substitute for professional mental or behavioral health care.
HOLY BIBLE, NEW LIVING TRANSLATION, COPYRIGHT © 1996, 2004, 2015 BY TYNDALE HOUSE FOUNDATION. USED BY PERMISSION OF TYNDALE HOUSE PUBLISHERS, INC., CAROL STREAM, ILLINOIS 60188, PER BIBLE GATEWAY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. RETRIEVED FROM HTTPS://WWW.BIBLEGATEWAY.COM/
-COMMENTS WELCOME
Today’s Helpful Word
2 Samuel 22:31
God’s way is perfect. All the LORD’s promises prove true. He is a shield for all who look to him for protection.
If you are feeling suicidal, or concerned about someone who is, in the U.S. call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988, or for a list of international suicide hotlines, go here.
If you are suicidal with a plan, immediately call 911 in the U.S. or go to your nearest emergency room. In the EU call 112. (For other international emergency numbers, go here ). Hope and help are yours!
Always the Fight Ministries (ATFM) has been displaying compassion for those fighting mental illness, addiction, or abuse since 2012. Nancy is the founder and voice of ATFM and openly shares her emotional resurrection from despair. NOTE: Nancy is not a doctor or a mental health professional, and speaks only from personal experience and observations. In no way is this website intended to substitute for professional mental or behavioral health care.
HOLY BIBLE, NEW LIVING TRANSLATION, COPYRIGHT © 1996, 2004, 2015 BY TYNDALE HOUSE FOUNDATION. USED BY PERMISSION OF TYNDALE HOUSE PUBLISHERS, INC., CAROL STREAM, ILLINOIS 60188, PER BIBLE GATEWAY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. RETRIEVED FROM HTTPS://WWW.BIBLEGATEWAY.COM/
Always the Fight 