Remembrances and Revelations

Happy Memorial Day. This is a day that has come to mean many things in our culture. Like most holidays, it has become so distorted from its original intent; society wants to make it about another big sale at the mall, opening day of summer, party time! And that is all exciting and good, but let us never forget....... Originally begun by freed slaves after the Civil War to thank the fallen soldiers who had secured their freedom, the holiday became an official way to remember ALL fallen soldiers, regardless of the war in which they had fought. So, on this day, I remember with great honor all of those brave troops who have paid for our freedom with the greatest sacrifice of all. And, to those who returned from battle, and have since joined the ranks of the fallen, we also pay tribute. The best soldier I ever was blessed to know was my Daddy, Robert L. (Bob) Westbrook. He served as a very young man in WWII, in the 3rd Army, 3463rd MM Ordnance, in the European theater. On Memorial Day, 2012, just a few weeks shy of turning 90, Daddy got his final promotion. Oh, how I miss him! The youngest of four siblings, and the only female, I was a bona fide "Daddy's girl". He taught me so much, and he was an amazing example of how a man should treat a woman. Thank you, Daddy, for all of the sacrifices you made so that we could live a better life. During this week, I've had a revelation about another type of freedom, too. For years, I have had a very difficult person in my life. I allowed myself to give in to the oppression of lies that this person continually throws my way. Even though my head knew that they were lies, my heart would shrink with each barb that was hurled. During yet another difficult exchange, I began praying for strength (I'm ashamed to say I got caught up in the moment before I stopped to pray.....), knowing that the truth was right before me. In that moment, I had an epiphany. Actually, I know that God sent the Holy Spirit to whisper in my ear: "You shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free." (John 8:32) I stopped right there, and felt such a peace wash over me. I thought, "Lord, is it really that simple?" And I felt God's smile as He patted me on the back and said, "Yes, child, it really is." You see, I John 5:6-12 tells us that God's truth is more powerful than any "truth" (or lie) spoken by man. And when you or I have the reassurance in our spirits that we are abiding by the truth that God has spoken to us, there is freedom. Freedom from the torment of listening to lies and wondering how to refute them. Freedom from the anxiety that comes from anticipating attacks. Freedom from the bondage of being held captive by words that are spoken in hatred and bitterness. For the first time in years, I feel truly free from the hold of those lies. And while a soldier on the battlefield didn't die for my right to that freedom, JESUS did die for just that reason, and for all of the other worldly lies that Satan tries to tell us to keep us from God's eternal love. Don't buy into it! Don't waste precious years with turmoil in your heart. Allow God's peace to wash over you and set you free from anything spoken against you that isn't from the One Who loves you with a passion that you can't even fathom! HE is the TRUTH, the WAY, and the reason we can all rest in freedom, IN HIS GRIP!! Debbie

Comments

[Bev Stellmacher]

Thank you Debbie for the wonderful post. I am glad that you are able to talk about that difficult time in your life. Once a person is able to talk of these things then the healing begins. I was sexually abused by my fatherv as a young child and finally remembered when I was 40 after things triggered in my life. It took time for me to be healed and once I forgave him and I was able to talk about it then I started healing. He never admitted that it happened. I had to let him go and not see him. By telling my story I have been able to help others. God bless you Debbie. You will find that you will be strengthened. I will also say that I couldn't have done it without God's help. I didn't do it on my own.

[Mary Jane Price]

Thank you for those words of wisdom, Debbie. There are so many times in my life that I just have to stop and be still and listen to the Holy Spirit speak to me. His peace is always there if we would just claim it. God bless.

[Wilda Gibson]

Deb, it's so good to see one of your articles here. I know you have come a long way in the last few months in your healing of ole memories. I can't wait to see you in Sept. at NQC; maybe, we can chat a minute or two. Take care. Love and Blessings!

[Evelyn Donahoe]

It was good to see you post on Roger's page again I still check it every day as I did when Roger was still with us. We still watch videos and dvd's ao Roger will always be with us!

[Wanda Moran]

So glad to see your post and am so sorry that you have gone through such a difficult time but once again God has seen you through this time in your life. Sure wish I could attend the NQC in Sept and meet you, although I feel like I know you through your posts. The NQC is on my "bucket list" and hopefully one day that item can be marked off.. :-) Take good care of yourself. Love from a sister in Christ, Wanda

[Robbie Nelson]

Praising the Lord with you, Debbie, for this very special victory. How good God is!

[JUDY HICKS]

Dear Debbie,
Once again am glad to hear from you. Your post is always uplifting. I am glad that your "rough patch" is behind you physically and emotionally and that God has brought you through yet another valley with victory. Yes, God is good! I am always amazed how He is interested in all things that touch us regardless of the size of the problem. I like to envision myself curl up under His wing and know that all is well.
Take care Sweet Lady. You are a very special person and it does my heart good to know you are whole once again.
Love and prayers,
Judy Hicks

[Bernace]

Debbie, so good to see you back on Midnight Meditations. Sometimes God calls us apart to rest awhile; during that period we come to realize how precious we are to Jesus; He teaches us to forgive and forget, as He does, and then press toward the prize of the high calling of God and rejoice in His unfailing love. Many of us have had or will have a time of searching, healing and renewal by the Spirit of God.

You are such an inspiration to others; you truly have a wonderful ministry to many as God ministers to you. God bless you daily.