Where is the Hope?

Last week I learned that a friend of mine has left her husband and 8 month old to be with a woman. I find that this is more common than most people realize. Who is to say exactly why this happens? Many people would like to jump to conclusions and point fingers and judge when this kind of situation arises. That's all too common as well. We should detest the lies that Satan has bombarded their mind with and love them with all we have.

My heart genuinely hurts for this family. As in...broken. I'm completely broken for them. There has to be some bitterness and resentment coming from an extended period of unforgiveness and hurt. The truth is, I don't know the reasons this particular couple is facing this. More truth is that they don't have to face it alone. And they don't have to harbor the bitterness.

I understand this all too well. I understand the sin. I empathize with the shame and regret. I'm so sick of shying behind what people may think about my past when there are other people out there hurting, making obvious cries for help, and feeling unable to share hope with them. This has been heavy on my heart for a long time but even more so since I've learned about my friend. What do I say? What do I do?

The answer...

I remind her of the common hope we share. The hope that Christ forgives and set free. That he restores and renews. That new life comes to those who want it.

I want her to hear this and receive it. You can never be certain that someone will do either of those things but it's worth every ounce of energy that is put into it.

There have been plenty of rumors that have gone around about me and I know from the conversations I have had over the past week that a majority of them are true. People know my past, they know details I hoped they wouldn't. Nothing can change that. My family knows things that they refuse to approach me about but most of what they know is true. It is what it is. I relate to this friend because I have been there and I cannot change that but I will use my poor decisions to help give someone else hope. There is no reason for me to shy away from anything now. Love remains.