By Nancy Virden (c)2025

Gratitude may seem elusive when nothing is going right. In our frustration or pain, we may question, “Why me?”

Nonetheless, there is always something for which to be grateful. This poem is an admittance of what I would have done in a relationship if I had known how it would end, and how I found gratitude afterward.

Had I Known

Had I known…

I would have run

kept quiet

hid

secrets would still be secret

bravery, silenced

Had I known…

my spirit would still be caged.

What are few to thousands more who…

reject

fear

avoid

lie

dismiss?

Had I known…

I would have embraced misery

and escaped “freedom’s” disappointments

Yes, I would not have cared to fight

and not won.

It is good God holds a mysterious future!

Because I did not know, I…

took a risk 

believed you

gave it my best.

Now I know…

taking a chance was worth it

because life grew from intolerable

to hopeful

to promising

to fulfilling

I would not have tried – had I known

So glad I did not know…

that you would break and run

and leave in silence.

-COMMENTS WELCOME

Today’s Helpful Word

2 Corinthians 5:17

 This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!

If you are feeling suicidal, or concerned about someone who is, in the U.S. call 988, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. 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. This website is not intended to substitute for professional mental or behavioral health care.

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