Testimony Tuesday - Women's Retreat part 2

For the next several weeks I'll be sharing testimonies from women who attended our women's retreat.  It's so good to see all that God did while ladies were away with Him for the weekend.  Let's celebrate His goodness!
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Bridge - 
Hey Bridge! Hi bridge! My friend.  I say here last year, so much pain, wanting to belong, to fit in.  I say on you, bridge, and watched the water rush away from me, hoping my pain would be carried away by the waters.  Hello bridge. I am back.  And you know what God is saying to me now? 
"STRENGTH! Do you feel it? Strength! No, your life is not perfect but your love, your security, in ME is so much stronger than it was last year." 
What do we work on this time God? 
"Let my love define you." 
Bye bridge - see you next year.  God willing.
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I am unique...I am not anyone else...I don't have to be anyone else...because He loves me.
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I have always had a problem with my body image.  The world looks at women's bodies like they need to be tiny.  I realized this weekend that this body has been a vessel for three beautiful children and that is the reason why my body is not perfect.  I, of course, knew that but I guess have never thought that was a good enough reason to not have a better looking body.  Now I feel this body is what has allowed three children to have life and THAT is a beautiful thing.  My body is NOT perfect and that's ok.
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God got rid of a root of bitterness I had against Him because I felt like I wasn't created to be enough - not influential enough, not beautiful enough, not talented enough.  Such lies!  No more bitterness and now I'm free to live in the truth of who He has made me! Yay Jesus!
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Do not cover our shame and sin up - go "naked" before the Lord.  We must also be understanding and pray and forgive those that also cover up their sin and shame with lies, anger, control, etc.  And pray; pray hard - believing that God can and will break through all the learned family bondage.  Give grace, love and a quiet spirit so that God can move in them.  Do not give up on them or yourself.
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This weekend has spoken to me in regards to being a woman in so many ways and has caused me to see myself and my struggles differently. One way specifically is coming before my Savior naked in my hurts and actions and emotions.  Trusting that He truly is ok with me and His love is great than all that yuck.  My plan now is to continue to put this "nakedness" before Him into action.
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Thank you for taking me "back to the beginning"  I praise Jesus for giving my heart a home, for giving me value and self worth and comfort.