I was at a women's retreat a few weeks ago. During one of our reflection times, after I had shared about my story, and my jewelry business, I asked myself:
WHY IS THIS SO IMPORTANT TO ME?
WHAT IS UNDERNEATH MY INCESSANT NEED TO SHARE?
Clearly, God has changed my life. I have witnessed Jesus fighting for me, and I've experienced miraculous healing. He's helped me to survive the unsurvivable, and now lets me enjoy the deepest love, and has improved the quality of every part of my life. Mentally, emotionally, physically, spiritually- I love how I am constantly feeling renewed.
And while all these things are reason enough- I couldn't help but feel that there was something deeper still. Then it hit me.
I share my testimony, because I want my children to know that their mother never gave up.
Because my mother did.
She gave up, and we lost her.
I watched her spiral downward from "the world's best mom" into an abusive, and mentally ill alcoholic. Somehow, I was able to withstand her abuse toward me - but watching helplessly as she beat my little sister wounded me in ways that words will never be able to express.
If my mother had known the love and power of God - maybe she wouldn't have felt, and inflicted so much pain? Maybe she wouldn't have given up on us, left us, and gone on to live as an estranged and angry recluse? I don't know...
What I do know is that God saved me. He saved my life, He saved my marriage, and He keeps on saving and helping my children. As I pour myself into His word, and apply His wisdom to my life, He keeps saving me- covering me, adding to me, and making things greater and greater...like a pearl.
DELIGHT YOURSELF IN THE LORD AND
HE WILL GIVE YOU THE DESIRES OF YOUR HEART.
Psalm 37:4
I am so fortunate that Jesus' love was shared with me; and that I get to do what I do. I love to make modern, meaningful pearl jewelry as a symbol of faith. Through my work with Milk Velvet Pearls, I have had the honor to meet hundreds of women of faith, many of whom have shared their God stories with me. Their faithful testimonies have strengthened and encouraged me and for them I am so grateful.
And so, with Mother's Day on the horizon - I want to lift high all the mothers and daughters that aren't giving up. I want to celebrate the resilience, redemption and the beauty that only faith can reveal.
For the next 4 weeks, I am inviting you to share your story for a chance to be featured on MILK VELVET PEARLS' "Wall of Grace", and to receive MVP's most loved Dainty Coin Pearl Necklace as a gift (in your choice of sterling silver or gold filled).
Each Sunday, from Palm Sunday through to Mother's Day- I will choose one story to feature.
You may email your story to me at Sarah@milkvelvetpearls.com
OR post it on social media using the hashtag
#wrappedingrace and tag me @mvpearlgirl
In Grace & Resilience
(and beauty born from struggle)
-Sarah
