Wednesday, July 19, 2006

Closure

Two Thursday’s ago I received a letter in the mail from Cheryl. It basically ended all hopes of any future relationship. I went to Texas Monday night to get some closure on my end due to a few open questions. While I wasn’t able to talk with her, I did find the closure I was seeking.

As raw and painful as this is and will be for some time, I have no doubt that God has used and will continue to use this for His glory. Thanks so much to everyone who has been such great encouragement for me over these last 6 months.

The biggest lesson since the engagement being called off and now this is that actions have consequences and you reap what you sow. Actions that I did in secret have caused lots of public pain. No matter how you try to avoid it, you will reap what you sow, more than you sow and others will be affected as well.

I’m definitely reaping the results of the bad seeds planted in my past. However, that isn’t the end of the story. God is so faithful. The good seeds that I’m planting now have already started to take root and the harvest will be 100-fold!!! What has been taken will not only be returned, but it will be doubled…Job 42:10.


If you leave any comments, please refrain from any comments negative towards Cheryl or her dad or I will have to delete them. Thanks in advance for honoring that request.

15 comments:

Carole Turner said...

I'm very sorry you are hurting. I will pray for your heart to heal quickly.

danohlerking said...

dude, i can hear the hurt, but at the same time i can also hear a mind that is settled and clear about something that has been unclear. that's gotta be a seed of peace in your heart. i'll be praying it grows strong and quickly.

and, i won't point my finger at you like carole did in her picture. i'll just sit here with my adidas hat on smiling. :-)

Anonymous said...

Bro,
First off, WELCOME HOME!

Secondly, I'm glad God allowed you to find the answers and closure you were seeking. My heart is heavy for you as you face the challenge of letting go and letting God. Psalm 121:1-2 came to mind as I read your blog. I hope you find comfort in it. God will honor how you have handled this situation and I respect you for it. I love you and enjoy your time at home.

Anonymous said...

You are a sweet man with a beautiful heart...we face alot of challenges in life and the only thing we can do is face them head on and become stronger because of them...and you are definitely doing that! I look forward to our talks when you get back!
Your Iraq Friend

stoneonagrave said...

The message in the sermon Sunday at my church Kenner was "Every saint had a past; every sinner has a future." I found/find comfort in that, and I hope you do too. Remember, we all stumble, but as long as we keep getting up, then we will be ok.

Anonymous said...

you are leading a life that I admire, the true test of a man is how he handles the hard times. Keep strong and grow stronger.

Ron said...

Ditto's!!!

I'm sorry for your pain but also excited about your future!!!

Keep Press'n On my Cajun friend.

Dionne said...

Ditto Ron's comments and even though this is painful now you have an exciting future ahead of you and I know God has someone special for you.

Anonymous said...

Glad to see that your are doin well and being safe in Iraq. Sorry to hear about you and Cheryl, but where God closes doors He opens windows...for both of you. Im living proff of that. There is better in store for you I know it :) Take care and will be praying for your safety :)

Anonymous said...

and rumor has it I can't spell...:P

Meme said...

Well,Shane, maybe we ought to thank Cheryl and her dad for coming into your life when they did. Its a shame it had to end the way it did. Cheryls' love and your love for her, gave you the strength to overcome the demons inside you. Everyone faces demons in their life and some people aren't strong enough to overcome them. Also some people aren't mature or strong enough to work on a relationship. Cheryl wasn't really ready for a commitment like she thought, when she excepted your ring,because she still needs to grow and experience life a little longer so maybe next time she won't make the same mistake and let someone go that would give her the happiness and commitment needed to make a relationship work.

My heart hurts for you. I wish I could make it better, like when you were a child and came to me with a scraped knee, but I can't this time.Its not that easy when you experience that kind of hurt. I kept praying that things would work out for you and after you told me she wrote that letter, it really broke my heart and for awhile doubted my faith. Your strength and Psalm 23 helped me be strong again.

Like you said everything you do in life has consequences but if you learn from them you become a better and stronger person because of it. I am very proud of you and know one day someone will come into your life and love you in spite of your past. Too many couples now a days end their relationships because they don't have the strenghth,or strong enough love or just don't want to deal with turmoil in a relationship. You are going to have many ups and downs but by having faith in God's plan you can still make your relationship work out and not take the easy way out. I will always love you unconditionlly. Please continue to grow in faith and whatever obstacles come your way trust that He
will guide you in the right direction!!! Also, always remember you have lots of friends and family that are there for you.

GOD BLESS AND TAKE CARE
MOM

ellesugirl said...

We have talked about this for hours. You have showed your strength in spite of what has happened, a true sign of your character. Keep your chin up and know that God's path may not always lead where we think!

Sometimes the ending can be a surprise for us, but the journey is worth it! It will only make you stronger. Everything happens for a reason and god is putting you back on the path he intended ; )

I am always hear for a shoulder to lean on or an ear to listen. You are a great person, do not lose sight of that ever.

=) eileen

6:33 PM

Gered Lambert said...

Thanks for sharing this part of your life. I'm sure you have helped someone else in a similar situation. Your honesty and humility is straight up encouragement and someone will benefit from your wisdom! I'm sure you heard Dino's message this weekend, you are today's Barnabas. Keep walking the walk!

Be Blessed

Anonymous said...

She was to quiet for our family anyway. :P HAHA

Leave it to your "lil brother" to be comical.

You know God will keep you in His arms, and lead you onto bigger and better things.

Love ya bro!!!

Anonymous said...

Hi,

Your mom's message truly moved me. Her words really touched me. What a blessing to have a mom that's so encouraging and reminding you to focus on the Lord in time like this. I am thankful for your Mom. You know, I know that God feels your burning deep inside of you, and you can feel His spirit is moving around you too. God lets you hear His voice when you truly call on Him, for that He is drawing you closer. He loves you with all of his heart, trusting the Lord and know our Father only save the very BEST for His children. He hears your prayers. He's with you when you are all alone. When you close your eyes, He's calling you close. And when you pull away, He's pulling you closer.

If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer. God knows your needs and He is a great provider. He would not give you what He doensn't think it will benefit you. Always give thanks to God the Father for everything in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.