Today in (Personal) history

Most years, April 23 has been a typical day on the calendar: special in its own way, but nothing noteworthy. Yet, more than any other date, today is the anniversary of painful events in my life.

Twenty-three years ago today would have been my wedding day had I not realized two month before that if I married this guy, I would end up either dead, in a hospital, or in a battered women’s shelter. That is not what I looked forward to in a marriage. I broke off the wedding and four years later, married someone else.

Last year, on this date, I found evidence of my husband’s affair. After a week of research, prayer, and the advice of wise friends, I confronted him and learned he had known her for two years.

I find it appropriate that this anniversary falls on the Saturday of Holy Week, the time between celebrating the Death of Christ on Good Friday, and His Resurrection on Easter Sunday. That is exactly what this day means in my life.

Although I broke off the relationship two months before the wedding, April 23 is a day that reminds me of the chapter in my life in which my Good Friday was followed by the Easter of freedom, recovery and growth. Likewise, the pain of learning of my husband’s betrayal has been the Good Friday of another chapter in my life in which God has used evil circumstances to draw me closer to Him. With each of these events, God has given me a new start, a New Life, and a better understanding of who He wants me to become.

The Pain I'm Feeling

Welcome to Monday Manna. On the First and Fourth Monday’s of each month, we focus on one Bible verse that Joanne posts on the previous Thursday. Our contributions can be just a few thoughts, a picture you feel helps express it, a poem, a short story, a devotional. After reading mine, go on over to Joanne’s blog, An Open Book, read hers and then click the links at the bottom to the other participants.

This week’s verse is Psalm 72:18:
Blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel, who only does wondrous things! (NKJ)

I often have the radio on at my desk or while driving without really listening to it. But there are times when God just draws my attention to a certain phrase during a teaching or a certain song every time that song plays. Lately, that has been happening with a song by Josh Wilson. God is constantly reminding me that “life is not a snapshot” and He will use this time of pain to bring greater joy in the end.