Photo by Mimi Thian
When I first envisioned writing my blog and calling it Heart Talk, it was with the idea of connecting more personally with my readers. Since I frequently receive emails from those reading Broken Heart on Hold or Fighting for Your Marriage while Separated, I thought a blog would give readers an opportunity on a regular basis to respond to what I write and ask questions, tell their stories, or whatever they’d like to say. In addition, I hoped to create a community of my readers who could not only respond to me, but respond to one another as well.
Many times I get an email or comment from one person whose situation is similar to someone else who has also written me. I think, “It would be great if they could connect and support each other.” Community and support systems are very meaningful. We have seen that in our Marriage 911 classes. Many times someone comes to class feeling they are the only one going through something, only to discover others grappling with some of the same issues. Participating in one of our small groups often becomes one of the most meaningful aspects of the class for many of those who attend. I see the encouragement on their faces and hear their words of support in their sharing. It becomes a community of life giving hope.
Some of you don’t know anyone going through what you’re going through. You don’t have classes like Marriage 911 to attend. You feel alone and isolated. What I’d like to do with Heart Talk is to bring you in—to include you in a community of people who can share and support each other through the trials and struggles of life. Of course, because of my books on marriage, many times the struggles involve marriage. But sometimes, it might be a struggle with your faith or something else.
You know if you’re reading one of my books that they are intended to speak to your heart, to engage your thinking, and give you encouragement. That’s what I want to do with Heart Talk also. Heart Talk is intended to go beyond the books, to reach out to you and bring you into community. You don’t have to use your real name when making a comment. An alias is fine. Just make your comment at the bottom of this post.
So let’s begin sharing heart to heart. What would you like me to write about? Do you want to make a comment about one of my past posts? Or questions? I’d like to hear from you.
To encourage your comments this week, I’m going to offer one of my books in a drawing. Each person who comments will be entered into the drawing. If you are the winner, you can choose which of my books you want me to send you. Here are the choices:
Broken Heart on Hold, Surviving Separation, my first book, is written to be a friend to you as you journey through a crisis in your marriage. Wherever this journey is headed, you need strength to make wise decisions and take the next step on the path you are traveling. Broken Heart on Hold walks with you on the journey to help you become stronger emotionally and spiritually. Written in short one – two page segments like a devotional book, it’s a book many people read again and again.
Fighting for Your Marriage while Separated, A Practical Guide for the Brokenhearted, guides a person step-by-step through the complexities of a separation by sharing practical insights, biblical wisdom, true stories of reconciled marriages, and experiences from my own personal story of reconciliation after a three-year separation from my husband. The book shows how one spouse who wants to restore a broken marriage can find the hope and help he or she needs even if they’re fighting for their marriage alone.
The Bunny Side of Easter, my children’s Easter picture book, is an exciting adventure story about an ordinary rabbit whose heroism makes him the Easter bunny and the rabbit on the moon. Through bits of allegory, the book points children to the true meaning of Easter and the greatest hero of all. If you as a parent or grandparent feel a disconnect between the Easter bunny and the true meaning of Easter, this book provides a sweet answer for the children in your life.
If you’re the winner, you can choose any of these books, and I will send them to you in the mail.
So, what would you like to say this week? I’m looking forward to your comments below.
Heart Talk has been a life saver for me. I can’t even imagine how to put it all into words. After being separated and having so much bitterness between us, my husband and I are dating and my heart is singing. God has been so good to us. Heart Talk showed me so many sides to this that I never would have seen on my own.
Christine, it makes me so happy to hear this. First of all, I’m thrilled that you and your husband are dating after going through a separation. And secondly, I’m so very pleased that Heart Talk has helped you. I don’t often know if what I’m writing here is resonating with people or not so your words are very encouraging. I feel privileged to be a part of your reconciliation story. Please know that if you ever have questions about one of my posts or want to make a comment, I’ll try to respond. God bless you. I am praying that your marriage continues to heal.
Sad to say, MY separation “journey” led to divorce. I worked so hard for reconciliation but it was not to be. I still don’t understand, other than my ex was more interested in the younger, needy, widowed OW than he was in our marriage of 36+ years.
I’m so sorry your journey went in this direction. It’s so hard to understand the hardness of heart that steels itself to a spouse that has faithfully shown their love and stood beside them for so many years. When a third person is involved, the situation is always a lot harder. The straying spouse is caught in what can almost be considered an addiction. My heart breaks for you and others who have this result. But one thing I know, God is still with you on this journey.And in spite of the pain, he will bring beauty from ashes and work it all together for good in some mysterious way when you love God and are called according to His purposes. (Rom 8:28) Let God guide you into the next chapter of your life, knowing He really does love you and has a purpose for you. You just have to take the next step and the next and let Him lead one day at a time.
I am praying for you now that God will give you His peace and lift your heart into the sunshine of His love.
Linda
Thank you! I needed to hear that. I have two of your books, “Broken Heart on Hold” and “Fighting For Your Marriage While Separated”. Both books have been helpful, despite the turn my own marriage took; and I am so very grateful for the support and hope they gave, and continue to give.
Thank you! And God bless you! I hope the part about divorce in Fighting for Your Marriage while Separated is giving you some hope even though things didn’t turn out the way you’d have liked. Many blessings!
DRAWING RESULTS
Christine and Deborah:
Since only two of you made comments on my post this week, I’m going to call the drawing a tie. BOTH OF YOU ARE WINNERS! YAY!
Please let me know which of my three books, described above, you would like me to send to you. I will send you each an email so I can get your mailing address.
Congratulations!
Linda
Thank You!!! I would love to have another copy of “Fighting For Your Marriage While Separated”, even tho I already have one (I have high-lighted and made notes in the margins of many, many pages.) It will be my honor to present this to a friend who is going through a very difficult time.
XO
Deborah
Deborah, I’d be happy to send that to you and autograph it also if you’d like me to do that. I will email you privately to get your address, and if you’d like me to autograph it to your friend, let me know at that time.
Many blessings to you as God continues to guide you as you travel down this new road.
Linda