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Divorced but not Broken: Easter Hope is not Exclusive

Kris WolfeClarksville, TN – It wasn’t that long ago that I was a divorcee. It was not an easy time in my life by any stretch of even the most twisted imagination. But one thing is for sure; hope was the O2 of every breath I took.

I am remarried now. And I certainly feel blessed, but I have several friends who are “single moms” and they are some of the most beautifully humble, loving and godly people I know. There isn’t a public figure, famous writer, or inspirational speaker that adds more value and light to my life than these women do.

The Old Cross

And yesterday, as I was meditating on Easter, these women in my life kept occupying my mind: the sacrifices they make, the love that they give and the selflessness they offer all day, every day.

I contacted a few of them, and asked them their thoughts on Easter. It was last minute, so I didn’t expect their world to stop for my last minute inspiration.

In fact, two of them weren’t able to speak with me. One was cleaning houses on a Saturday and another was at soccer with her kids all day. The other two came by to see me (or rather to see my puppies if I am being honest). Here is what they said about Easter:

“My life is not some fairytale nor will it ever be. I am a divorced single mother of two and in the world’s eyes, “washed up”, “used”, or just plainly with too much baggage. But I am a daughter of the most High King. I am a mother who is blessed to have two amazing people to carry on a legacy. I learn perseverance, I learn patience and most importantly I learn love.

I believe in a man, born of a virgin mother, illegitimate child in our Earthly eyes, who loved me and my children (and even you) enough to swallow our sin! I believe that He walks with, speaks with me and leads in me.” –Casey O’Connor

My dear friend Lisa Clark Hunter took some time to be alone yesterday, and found herself resting under a cross and writing for the first time in a very long time. Here are her words:

There it is, that place

The place called the Cross

Where we lay it all down

Our fears, doubts, addictions

Our pain, sorrow and loss

Our heartache and helplessness

Our burden

Our brokenness

Our sins

That place where the Lamb of God gave His life

That place where He gave us hope

Where the ultimate sacrifice was given

The bloodshed that freed us all

And in return for this sacrifice

We pick it right back up

Where He paid the greatest price

Are we saying He’s not good enough?

All He wants

All He “needs”

Is our trust, our faith

That our God will set us free

Free from the fears, doubts, and addictions

Free from our pain, sorrow, and loss

Free from the heartache and helplessness

Free from our burdens and brokenness

Free from our sins

Free to live. Free to love. Free to worship.

Lisa and Casey shared a little of their lives with us, the brokenness, the loss, and the fear of giving it all to God. But they also share with us the wholeness they experience through Christ, the completeness that can only be found in communion with Him.

It’s easy to pretend that we have it all together, but these ladies, without pretense show us that Christ is their strength and their hope.

Easter, even more so than the New Year, is a time for new beginnings. We often crave a fresh start, but what we are really craving is freedom: freedom to be who God designed us to be, freedom to enjoy the minutes and moments of our lives, and freedom to love without fear and be loved without striving.

I have many godly women in my life, and these women are giants in my eyes. They have received Christ’s love and even though they say that their lives are not perfect, they are constantly chasing God and resting in His glory. Easter is all about accepting that gift. Are you ready?

 

[Photo and poem courtesy of Lisa Clark Hunter]

Kris Wolfe
Kris Wolfehttp://www.morningglorydevo.com/
Kris Wolfe is a Christian, wife and mother. Kris is a freelance writer who focuses on spiritual and practical encouragement. Kris also writes lessons for small group purposes for churches and is a small group coach.  Kris has a master’s degree in Biblical Counseling from Luther Rice University and Seminary and is a listed TN Supreme Court Rule 31 Mediator. Kris covers topics such as dating, marriage, parenting, divorce, post-divorce recovery, and the blended family. Read more from Kris Wolfe at MorningGloryDevo.com or follow on Twitter @MrsKrisWolfe
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