choose life

There’s More To Your Story

by Trish Cordell

He wanted to die. For whatever reason, life on this side of Heaven is not what he wanted. Maybe it was too big a disappointment. Maybe it was too hard. Maybe it was too painful or maybe, just maybe, it was the separation of his earthly vessel from His Heavenly Creator that caused a cavernous emptiness so encompassing that he felt only death could fix it.

So he set a course of action in play, one he was sure would take him out of this world, out of his pain, out of his misery, out of his suffering, BUT…God.

“You can make many plans, but the LORD’S purpose will prevail.” – Proverbs 19:21 (NLT)

This day was not like any other day. His body screamed “enough” and told him in more ways than one that he couldn’t keep going at the rate he was going. Many pieces and parts of his inner frame started to shut down from the years of abuse. He was on a mission, but so was God.

He would find himself in the ICU, hooked up to numerous medications. Each day during his stay I watched his body fight back from the brink of death. I witnessed glimpses of hope. I saw his body get the rest it so desperately needed to repair the damage from the choices he made.

I was very much aware of God’s mercies being new every morning and each second as recovery took over destruction. I watched the hands and feet of Jesus at work in those who claimed not to believe in Him. And I marveled as I watched God wooing those who are wandering. How could I not be amazed at His beautiful and amazing grace?

I was reminded of this verse: “Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; For You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” – Psalm 23:4 (NKJV)

I don’t know the reason he set out on his own path away from God. But his plans did not prevail, and he’s still here. Whatever caused that broken relationship with himself, the one that told him, his life was not worth living, is as personal as the love Jesus has for him. And just as I saw miracles happen over the course of that hospital stay, I know God won’t stop reaching, fighting for His son, His child, His beautiful creation.

I know, because I also found myself wanting to quit this world when it got too hard and the pain seemed unbearable many years ago. It was in this place of desolation and the belief that no one cared that I thrashed about like a fish out of water screaming: “God, where are you?” And He whispered, “I’m right here, where are you?”

Indeed, where was I? Sin had pulled me far from God, but not so far that His love couldn’t save me. So, if you feel the lack of God’s mighty presence, I wonder, where are you? Because God, He’s right here. I know, because His promise in Deuteronomy 31:6 says: “I will never leave you or forsake you.” Never…that’s a long time.

Sweet friend, if you’re still here, please don’t give up, there’s more to your story than just this moment. Whatever piece of this journey you’re on, it’s nothing that will last forever…it’s just a season. Please remember, you’re life is precious and you have a purpose and there is no one exactly like you that can do all you were created to do.

Your story’s not over, it’s just beginning.

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by Trish Cordell

Every time I hear someone say…”I just don’t understand how someone could commit suicide,” I admit, I cringe just a little. I guess for those who say that, they’ve never felt the desolation, the isolation, the…just make it stop, so it doesn’t hurt anymore pain.

Did I ever think for a second that I would find myself in such a place of darkness? No. Did I say the same things about people who commit suicide? Things like “it’s the ultimate selfish act,” or “there’s just too many places to seek and get help for anyone to get to that point,” or “somebody should have been paying closer attention…” yep, I sure did. So color me surprised when I was inches away from committing that “ultimate selfish act.”

What happened? How did I get to a place where I thought death would be better than living? Years…it took years. Too many years trapped in my own head with the same “voices” repeating my failures over and over. Those thoughts squashed any successes I should’ve held closer and celebrated.

My actions caused me great pain, which led to great shame, which led to, in my head, believing I had only one way out. No one knew. I hid it well. I for sure, didn’t go around talking about it. I didn’t take any steps to prepare for it, didn’t prepare a will or write a note, it all just came to a head and I just wanted the pain gone. I didn’t stop to consider anything else. Nothing and no one else mattered. The pain was just too overwhelming and I was tired of putting on the “I’m fine” façade.

At the time I was still in the military. I attended all kinds of training about “how to” help someone or “how to” spot the signs of someone “in trouble.” Maybe it was in that training I learned what not to show others. I knew who I could go to, and I knew if I did what it could cost my career if I admitted such a thing. I wasn’t going to be “that” person everyone whispered about when it came to my mental health. How sad that I cared more about those things than I did in taking care of me.

Thankfully, my plans didn’t prevail. God stepped in and showed me a better way. God helped me see the person He sees and He’s showing me the person He created me to be. This too has taken years, but I was a hot mess and there’s lots to reverse. However long it takes, I’m in it all the way to see what He’s planned for me. “For I know the plans I have for you, “declares the LORD,” plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

I know whose waiting for me at the finish line….and until He calls me home I will continue to push forward where I’m planted, while He cheers me on. So while I’m living for today, I want to live for my life eternal. I’m not perfect, and I’ll make mistakes, but ya know what? God already knew that and He gives me grace and loves me anyways!! How awesome and amazing is that?!

Whatever you’re facing, whatever trial seems too much for you, is not too hard when you grasp onto the hands of Jesus. Claim Him as your Savior and watch what He will do. You won’t want to miss one second of what He has for you. This life needs you and believe it or not, someone needs the gifts you have to offer. Choose life my friends. Choose Christ!!

Father God I just pray that for anyone reading this, they realize they are not a mistake, that you made them for a purpose and no matter what they have done, You are there with forgiving arms. Nothing is wasted Lord and nothing is too hard for You. You are the master and creator of ALL things, including your precious children and this precious child…(insert your name here). I lift…(insert your name here) up to you Lord and claim Your love, comfort and peace wash over and in them, right now as they seek you. You love us so much Lord, You gave Your one and only Son to die for us, to remove our sins, and I pray this precious child understands You love them beyond anything they could ever imagine. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

Rascal Flatts – Why

Choose Life–Big Tent Revival

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