Ps 34:17-18 The righteous cry out and the Lord hears them; He delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted, and saves those crushed in spirit.

WHAT AN AWESOME GOD WE SERVE! Since I retired from teaching four years ago, I have kept my foot in the door. Once a teacher, always a teacher; I keep involved, in the field of education, by consulting.

It was a glorious day! The principal and teachers were over the top with hugs, smiles, laughter, and much appreciation for me. If I heard it once, I heard it a zillion times that day: “Sue, we are so thrilled that you decided to work in our county next year. It wouldn’t be the same without you. You are so good to us!”

Walking the halls of the school, I acquiesced all of the smiles, waves, and hugs that I was getting from the students. My mind went back. I was 9 years old. Talk about broken? It was God’s direction that led me to become the woman that I am today.

My father had a severe mental illness. I lived in constant fear for my mother’s life, and the next explosion. I’m not going into dramatic details. Sometimes it’s just too hard to relive.

Wonder why I’m such a strong Old Biddy?

I almost died of a bleeding ulcer at 10 years old from fear and worry.

After my second son was born 40 years ago, I went into the dark hole of post partum depression at the age of 28. It took me awhile to realize that, ”Damn!” Genetically, the apple didn’t fall too far from the tree. My eldest sister also suffered from depression, at one point, years ago. I was buried in a dark tunnel with no way out.

I, more so than my sister, was taken apart by God, and recreated the way He intended me to be.

HOWEVER! There was a huge difference between father, and us two daughters. We were both educated, owned our medical issues, researched the proper medical venues, jumped deep into our relationship with Christ, and believed the following: I can do all things through Christ who gives me the strength.

I went back to school, got recertified K-8, earned my Masters Degree in Education, and

taught for 30 years. My sister (my hero and role model) became Dr. Gail Ph.D. Nursing Professor/Gerontologist at Wright State University.

WE WERE BOTH REBORN! Why? It was due to listening to the Holy Spirit and His guidance.

If Raymond’s two dysfunctional daughters can be raised up on eagle’s wings, anyone can. It’s all about MAKING GOOD CHOICES. Your choices will either make you, or break you.

HEAVENLY FATHER: I pray for those who were abused as children, or within a marriage. Give them the strength to be reborn. Guide them to make the positive choices that will rebuild their lives. Amen.