When I found out about the lies and deceit from the man I was going to marry, the life I thought I'd known completely shattered. In the light of the shocking truth, everything changed.
After a long time of waiting and hopeful expectation, my dreams that had finally felt so close were suddenly and harshly ripped away from me. I didn't know how God could allow such destruction, and yet I also deeply felt that it was only God Who could make something beautiful from the darkness I had just experienced.
In the pain, confusion, hopelessness, and heartache all I could say was, "God, save me!" Just like today's Responsorial Psalm.
In fact, my experience was truly an act of God saving me. On many levels He saved me from what could have been so much worse, but He also began a transformation in me of far greater freedom and joy than I could imagine.
"And the ransomed of the LORD shall return, and enter Zion singing, crowned with everlasting joy; They meet with joy and gladness, sorrow and mourning flee away" (Isaiah 35:10).
I do not know the parts of your life that feel broken and shattered. But I do know that in patience and surrender, God can use those broken pieces to shape your life into a glorious mosaic of radiant beauty and fruitfulness. As the Second Reading reminds us, "You too must be patient. Make your hearts firm, because the coming of the Lord is at hand" (James 5:7:8).
As we prepare and await Christ's coming this Christmas, let us make a brave surrender to God and His saving power, He Who brings radiant light out of the most severe darkness.
This surrender novena is powerful. Let's pray it together.
Mary Catherine Craige enjoys spending her time swing dancing, playing the Irish harp and surfing the ocean waves of northeast Florida. As a transformational life coach, she supports courageous women to create beauty out of challenging circumstances and to live a life of abundance, freedom and joy as the person God has created them to be. She is a contributing author to our children's devotional prayer book, Rise Up. You can find out more about her here.
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