Hey guys,
Last week we were honored to be able to spend some good time with a girl named Janette. She flew out for a bit of a vacation/life retreat at my husband David and my house. Like so many of you, we have been able to form a relationship with her during one of the most trying times of her life. Through our time together Janette has gone from some extremely dark places to choosing to take steps towards healing one day at a time. This is a long process and there is so much to be learned along the way, but just like so many that have gone before her and so many that will come after her she is choosing to walk the road to healing.
I don’t say any of this to brag on one person, even though I am so proud of the choices Janette has been making. Rather I say all these things not for Janette but for those reading this who are right now in similar dark places. I say all this in hopes that those reading this will see Janette and realize they are not alone in their struggle. That if there is hope for her than there is hope for them.
Today is Jeanette’s birthday (wish her a happy one by commenting below). I thought today of all days would be a wonderful time to share about her experience in Florida. This is a new year for Janette, a year filled with hope for greater things, better days. I hope nothing less than these same things for everyone reading this. Below is a blog Janette wrote about her time in Florida and gave us permission to post.
You are loved,
~Lauren
“Florida; and the strength I forgot I had
I miss it already
I was okay with coming home…but now I just want to go back
its so beautiful there
so peaceful
but part of that is the people
I was surrounded by so many genuine people
I was surrounded by love
Lauren & David opened their home to me and did a lot more than just that
they made me feel like a star…so bright, shiny, and brilliant…something beautiful, something to be admired
I have never felt like this before
not only did they make me feel that way, they opened my eyes to the realization that we are all stars
and its hard to know & feel when life has beaten you down through the years.
Lauren & David did simple things for me this week…
Food. Snacks. Movies. Hugs. Freaks and Geeks. Nail polish sessions. A pond with fish and turtles and bread. A golf cart ride to a “Disney house.” Beach walking. Seashells. Silly running birds. Smiles. Endless driving and searching. Shopping. Books. Roller coasters. Late nights. Long conversations. New perspectives. Honesty. Sour punch. Capri suns. frozen Capri suns. Popcorn. Laughter. Excitement. Music show. Fashion show. “Off-roading.” Hand holding. Second piercings. Hair cutting.
The list could go on…but the important thing is that they gave me love. They showed me love. helped renew my hope. Guided me a few steps closer to the direction I want to go. Allowed me to have all my favorite things with no obligations. Whose the last person you gave so freely too? It doesnt have to be a huge thing…just something simple.
This wall around my heart has not shattered…but the last six days have put a fault line in the foundation. The wall is shifting and shaking. Piece by piece it will continue to crumble in the days and weeks to come. This is something I believe whole heartedly therefore I know it will happen. I believe. I have faith. And that is what matters most. God has great plans for me, just like he does for everyone. we all forget how beautiful the world is, thank God for the friends I have because they are my consistent reminder but thank God for this last week because now I have faith, a pure faith.
In six days I heard many truths, and was shown how to hear truth among lies. I learned about Gods love, how to accept it and return it. I began to forgive others as well as myself. I was given much freedom, and began to set myself free in many ways. I believe I was made to dance in white dresses as is every girl in this universe.
*note; this will become an excerpt from a bigger story that is being written so if some of this doesnt make sense read this story and be patient for the beginning of this one”