tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2443269509543825661.post2433320928824490279..comments2023-12-29T16:13:47.863-08:00Comments on Walking Well With God: Dare To Go DeepBev Rihtarchik - Walking Well With Godhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18225613427007199391noreply@blogger.comBlogger8125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2443269509543825661.post-24350482675621808712014-05-11T15:58:12.837-07:002014-05-11T15:58:12.837-07:00Hi Ceil,
Yes, you definitely need to put the (in)c...Hi Ceil,<br />Yes, you definitely need to put the (in)courage meet-up on your calendar for next year. It was scary at first, but turned out to be a wonderful afternoon. We all need affirmation :). For the longest time fear kept me from sharing my story, but enough nudges from God and I finally gave in. I do find that if I ask first - ask others about their story - then share mine when the timing seems right. Just know that your story is important and worthy of being shared!<br />Blessings,<br />BevBev Rihtarchik - Walking Well With Godhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18225613427007199391noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2443269509543825661.post-53774945359367441902014-05-11T13:22:41.604-07:002014-05-11T13:22:41.604-07:00Hi Bev! I am so glad that you could go to an (in)c...Hi Bev! I am so glad that you could go to an (in)courage meet-up. I just heard about it and so I guess I'll be waiting until next year. I'm sure it gave you so much encouragement to tell your story. I think it's true that we all have so much to say. But will we? Maybe sometimes I think it won't help, or people won't care. It's fear I guess. <br />Thank you for challenging me to keep trying!<br />CeilCeilhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06293917798735764739noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2443269509543825661.post-3104188634219471442014-05-10T05:00:29.872-07:002014-05-10T05:00:29.872-07:00Joanne,
It breaks my heart that you were crucified...Joanne,<br />It breaks my heart that you were crucified by others who not only heard, but witnessed your story. Why is our society so quick to judge - to see the speck in their brother's eye, but not the plank in their own? Your adopting is a wonderful response to God's calling in your life. People are so unaware of the very real complications that come along with that high calling. If only they could walk a mile in your shoes. I'm sorry, too, that is has made you so hesitant to share your story as I believe you have a real testimony to share. <br /><br />I am encouraged, however, that at least one time when you were given a voice you were affirmed for the brave woman that you are. Personally, I don't know if I would have the strength and patience to do what you do and therefore am the last to judge. I think you have a God-honoring ministry in your family life and in your ministry to others outside your family. Even in the trials you worship God wholeheartedly. I continue to pray for you and I admire you tremendously!! I will continue to pray for healing and understanding and for a platform for where your voice and message (story) can be heard and accepted. Thank you for sharing...<br />Love and ((hugs)),<br />BevBev Rihtarchik - Walking Well With Godhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18225613427007199391noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2443269509543825661.post-2134391602470063622014-05-10T04:51:35.531-07:002014-05-10T04:51:35.531-07:00Hi Beth,
Thanks for your affirmation on my "s...Hi Beth,<br />Thanks for your affirmation on my "soap box" ramblings. I was so blessed by the (in)RL meet-up!! If you ever get a chance to go you should. I so wish we were closer in geographical proximity as I would love to share our stories over a cup of coffee! I, too, think of you often and keep you in my prayers.<br />Love and ((hugs)),<br />BevBev Rihtarchik - Walking Well With Godhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18225613427007199391noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2443269509543825661.post-27512840143459531032014-05-09T13:53:20.614-07:002014-05-09T13:53:20.614-07:00Hi Bev,
I wholeheartedly agree that each of our s...Hi Bev,<br /><br />I wholeheartedly agree that each of our stories are important. God uses EVERYTHING, EVERYTHING, from our lives if we will let him, even the rejection from being real, and vulnerable, and honest, and overwhelmed. It is some better now, but often the mom's who have families with adoptions, and lack of attachment are crucified. They quit talking out of safety, because often even our husbands and families don't see the behavior, and fear, bewilderment, lack of validation, driving our behavior. If they are misunderstood, un-listened to, invalidated, over and over enough times, they quit talking. The rejection is not worth it.<br /><br />I was considered the crazy person and incompetent as a mother. I know that because I was told that. flat out. People outside of the family don't see the crazy behavior of the hurting child, they often look charming, if they don't have the scary acting out. This is all too common. <br /><br />I do tell my story verbally in the context of helping another person know they are not alone, and I do hear and understand the hard places. Even if I have not personally experienced it, the other person still deserves the dignity and respect to be heard, and validated. <br /><br />I have experienced many things that I don't talk about unless I feel the nudge to say something. I share a lot in the ministry I am involved in, parts of my story, as I feel would be beneficial to the topic, and the students in each particular class. If I can be real, and be vulnerable and be adamant the class is to be a safe place, I then often I watch the students begin to trust, let other people love them and heal. They are not alone. From the class' acceptance of them as a person, and their suffering, they begin to see themselves in a different light, as Jesus does. The class knows I also have done things I am not proud of from my own hurts, rejection, and desperation.<br /><br />I know my story is important. I am beginning to think I need to share my story outside the places I have shared, so people can understand more of my story and what may drive someone else. I now am not afraid of rejection of me from my story from me telling my story, when I didn't want to. <br /><br />The Lord told me I had to tell my adoption story with my daughter, and I said "Lord, I don't see how...there isn't enough time" I was obedient, and trusted the facilitator, and she let me speak. (I was taking the same class I now teach.) I spoke, and wept for an hour and a half. I don't remember much but remember my facilitator said to just let me talk because I reliving it. Instead of rejection as what I had been accustomed to, one woman very quietly said "You are a strong very brave woman because you did what it took to try and help your daughter" I wept again. This was so foreign to me. I<br /><br /> think also, this would be a mouthpiece for those who have no permission to speak, no voice. I was commanded , directed and had permission to speak and had a voice and healing and understanding took place for me as a person. <br /><br />Thank you for listening.<br /><br />((Hugs))<br /><br />Joanne<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2443269509543825661.post-49105661026131378162014-05-09T13:33:33.872-07:002014-05-09T13:33:33.872-07:00This is super good, Bev. Beautifully written and s...This is super good, Bev. Beautifully written and such a wonderful message. I'm so glad you went to an (in)RL meet-up and that you were blessed by that time together. That made me smile big. I think of you often, friend. I hope we can catch up one day soon. Love you and (((hugs))).Simply Bethhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08583157577579026991noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2443269509543825661.post-58950174084639973412014-05-09T06:48:02.164-07:002014-05-09T06:48:02.164-07:00Bekah,
Can't thank you enough for hosting our ...Bekah,<br />Can't thank you enough for hosting our (in)RL meetup! You made us feel so welcome and comfortable. I, too, was blessed with you sharing your story. Please know that you are not alone! You have a very tender and caring heart and it comes through in all you do. Thank you for your encouragement to be "real" and let God use me as His vessel through which He can work. You are doing the same! So glad God caused our paths to cross...<br />Hugs and blessings to you,<br />BevBev Rihtarchik - Walking Well With Godhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18225613427007199391noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2443269509543825661.post-84744303382564725202014-05-08T18:53:35.460-07:002014-05-08T18:53:35.460-07:00I am so blessed that you shared your story so brav...I am so blessed that you shared your story so bravely (and continue to do so here). Thank you for not being just "fine," but for being real and beautiful and allowing God to reach through you and your story to touch other lives. You build community each time you allow yourself to be scared and vulnerable. Thank you! Bekahhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15328385852111090148noreply@blogger.com