Remember the story of Odysseus from your Greek mythology class? At one point on his journey home after fighting in the Trojan War, Odysseus had to maneuver his ship between a narrow passage. On one side was a monster, Charybdis, who created a whirlpool three times a day that would suck a ship under and destroy it. On the other side was another monster, Scylla, who posed an equal threat to any ship that dared to attempt passage. If the ship avoided Charybdis, it would surely run into Scylla. Either way, it probably wouldn’t have a positive outcome.
That’s where I’m at right now, and I need to concentrate while navigating this passage. I’m throwing out all extra baggage so my ship is light, quick, and focused. Light, meaning simple. Quick, meaning efficient. And focused, meaning centered.
Light
There are a million things I could do. A million things I want to do. But now is not the time to do them. If I get to the other side in one piece, I will do them. Not now. This blog is one of those things.
Quick
Dragging my feet, hesitating, procrastinating, or stopping to smell the roses? Not a good idea right now. I need to move through this next phase with purpose. Confidence. Knowing this is the direction God is taking me, and I will follow Him even though it scares the hell out of me.
Focused
I have allowed myself to be struck sideways by the voices of the sirens all around, above, and below me. I’ve let them confuse me. I can’t do that anymore. My sole focus needs to be on One thing only. Jesus. Jesus. Jesus. Only Him. He is safe. He is Truth. He is mine, and I am His. That’s my focus. No looking to the right, the left, or to the back. It’s straight ahead now. He’s not going to tell someone else what I should do. He’s going to tell me. He has told me. I just need to do it.
If I were to guess how long this break will be, I’d say 4-6 months. I will still be interacting on my Facebook page HERE. I like to link to good articles there, and I may do a Facebook Live video now and then. I will miss you here, so I hope you’ll stay connected with me over there.
I leave you, for now, with Jackie Evancho’s version of Nella Fantasia. It is my hope for all of us on the other side of this dark night. English lyrics below the video:
God bless you, Sweetheart. May He give you an abundance of strength and peace, despite the storm. See you safe and whole on the other side.
Yes! That is my hope. Thank you!
I underatand. I will miss you here, as I’ve missed your input in other places. You are being prayed for.
Thank you, Tracy.
Thank you for this post, and for the many before them. Pastor’s wife here, multiple children, heading into divorce and seeking the same silence and peace that you are. Outside voices, while well-meaning, are exhausting to interact with. My spouse’s issues are so covert, and he is so well-liked, and I have been so brilliant at managing everything, that even talking about it and trying to establish another reality feels impossible. Godspeed as you glide through silently, keep your hands open for the tree branches to grab.
I get it. I do. And I wish you the same on your own journey through. It’s going to be okay. Ultimately, we will be okay. Blessings to you, my sister.
Praying for you Natalie, and wishing you all the best.
I appreciate your prayers so much!
I understand navigating a ship through tight/dangerous spaces!!!! I am giving myself light duty emotionally as well right now. Just left my husband a week ago after 11 years of abuse. The children and I are in recovery mode–which is heaps better than survival mode!!!!
Blessings to you as you go through this phase!! I will continue to follow you on Facebook as your posts are a great source of encouragement and strength for me!!
God be with you, Survivor. May His face shine on your and your children.
Prayers for you and your children, Natalie.
Thank you, Sarah!
May Christ go before you, sister. Praying for you and your family.
Thank you, Brandi!
Much love and prayers to you and your family as you do what you need to do.
Thank you, Jennifer!
Bless you, sweet sister! May Jesus be your focal point as you navigate these treacherous waters and He will see you thru to the other side, safe and sound. Prayers for you and your precious family.
Yes. Amen. Thank you, Freedom Girl!
Natalie, Thank you for your transparency. This is true fellowship ‘in Christ’ when we can expose our hearts to those whom we trust.
Praying for you and others who can totally relate to your ‘navigating’… I’m there, too and am very overwhelmed and exhausted.
May we all glean from the exhortation of ‘taking stock of what really matters’ — our relationship with our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.
((hugs)) <3
I feel for your exhaustion. You just want so badly for the crazy stuff to be over. And there are so many levels of pressure both internally and externally. It’s overwhelming, yes. I’m praying for you right now. Praying for answers and hope. Praying for morning to come. ((hugs))
I pray for you NOW. May God bring you to my mind when He wants me to pray for you.
Thank you so much, Ann!
God speed! Looking forward to hearing how God proves Himself to be stronger than the monsters on every side.
Yeah. Me too. If you don’t hear from me again, it means I got eaten. See you on the other side.
Psalm 91:4 He shall cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you shall take refuge
Be strong,be strong, be strengthened!
I will remember you in my prayers Natalie.
Thank you, Georgia!
Blessings and Godspeed Natalie! I will pray for you as you go through this next stage of your life. May God guide your every step and give you the wisdom and comfort that you need. While I am not a frequent commentor, you have been an amazing blessing to me. There are definitely some similarities in our paths. I will look forward to continuing to see your posts on Facebook and to your eventual return to this blog. Until then, be blessed dear sister!
Thank you!
Natalie,
I’ve wanted to write you often in recent months, but my life is in that narrow isle also. When we were young and on a quest for the perfect life, it appeared that we could reach it. But God has other plans for His own. He wants us to never reach perfect until we are in heaven. Until then, the waters are treacherous and the sirens scream at us to stop…or start…or turn. Yet, like you, I am seeking to hear only One voice, that of my Master. Blessings my friend! See you on the other side!
Thank you, Terry!
Dear Natalie,
You touched a part of me that knows exactly the direction in which you are being drawn. I have struggled and still struggle with what to do, where to go, and when, procrastinating decisions that scare and confuse me. The enemy is so active right now!
The ANSWER IS Jesus, Jesus, Jesus…the Way, Truth and the Life! When I stay focused on Him and His Word, worshiping and praying…it is there that I find rest and peace. . . and answers! Thank you for reminding me of this Natalie!
I will continue to pray for you and for His direction for you and your lovely children. I will miss this blog, you have been an encouragement to me and given me much food for thought! Thank you Natalie . . . I hope to see you back blogging again some day and will continue to follow you on Facebook.
Love and Prayers, Sherry
Thank you, Sherry. Lord Jesus, give Sherry wisdom and direction for her future. Bless her spirit with Your peace and love. Make Yourself very real and close to her now. Amen.
Merci Beaucoup Natalie! <3
Je t’en prie! (I had to look that one up. Can we do Spanish next time?)
Natalie, I’ll be praying for you and your family as you move forward. Thank you for sharing your journey, and I, too, look forward to the day you are on the other side and able to return to writing. You’re a blessing to many and I hope to follow along on facebook. You’ll be missed! 🙂
Thank you, Sue!
I will still be praying for you!
Stay Strong.
Thank you, Jeri!
Praying for you, Natalie. May sweet, deep peace in Jesus be yours as you journey.
Thank you!
God bless you during this time and give you very clear guidance and peace to go with it. I will miss what you are sharing here and hope you will be able to return soon. I will definitely check in regularly on the Facebook page though I won’t be commenting.
Well, now that will be my Facebook challenge this summer. What can I say that will make it difficult for Leila to resist a comment? (Just kidding. No comments necessary.) Thank you for the encouragement, Leila! 🙂
Oh, I would very much comment if I didn’t have to do so under my own name.
Of course! I’m not thinking! You’re very sweet.
Thank you for all of your wonderful and insightful writings Natalie! I’ve been a reader for a few months and also follow on facebook. Reading certain posts has been tantamount to my journey of recovery and healing from an abusive marriage. So many thank yous! Lord bless and keep you!
I’m so glad to know that! Bless you, too!
Jesus goes before you. You will survive! I’m praying for you. <3
Thank you, Tereza!
Dear Natalie
I admire your courage and your posts have always encourage me in many ways. I understand the struggles you are going through. I have finally decided last week that it is more painful to hold on to my 18 years of marriage when my husband is not making any effort to save it in the first place. Lots of heartache and tears. My children do not know their parents are divorcing… It is never easy to let go but I will learn to let go because I want to set myself free. With God’s grace, I know we can. Let’s not just survive but THRIVE. Stay strong Natalie!
Your post really spoke confirmation of what the Lord has been saying about my own personal trial. We live in a world with a lot of information out there. It is often very helpful, but there is also a time to stop listening to all the voices out there and listen to the Lord! Today I am doing just that… and waiting on His healing.
Love you, Natalie… God bless you on your journey… and I hope you continue your business with Apple Valley!