Photographed at Botanic Gardens in Washington, DC Photo compliments of Sandra Copyright 2010 |
Greetings -
This is Part 4. If you haven't read Parts 1, 2, and 3 and are inclined to do so, please note that they were posted here on February 5th, 7th, and 8th.
Scriptures are from the King James Bible.
Last paragraph...from Part 3:
One evening Paul, Dee, and some others were out in front of their building, and I was sitting in the front of mine. Dee began to loudly share how she and Paul had visited his hometown in Connecticut. She went on to loudly share about the content of some photos that they had taken. She expressed something like, "This is me and Paul and his sister." On and on she loudly shared, purposely to hurt me.
That did it - it was on...!
PART 4 BEGINS:
The night before Dee's photo sharing, Paul had phoned me. After Dee's loud sharing on the front that day, the following evening, the Lord told me to sit on the front until Dee and Paul arrived home. I don't recall how long I sat out there but it was in excess of an hour. When they arrived, and got out of the vehicle, I verbally unloaded. I cannot remember verbatim what I uttered, but I clearly recollect that the first thing that I loudly said was, "Did he tell you that he called me last night?!" They were both stunned at my verbal boldness because up to then, in this drama, I had been largely silent on the public "front." That night, I "let it rip." I revealed to Dee what Paul had shared with me about her personal business, and that he had told me that she was insecure. I let her know also that Paul had phoned me to give me his new cell phone number. And for "good measure," in case she didn't believe me, I cited Paul's new phone number digit by digit. Paul denied that he had phoned me the night before - no matter - my mission was accomplished.
They went inside their building and I went inside mine. I didn't feel ANY conviction from our Lord that I had misspoke a single word.
One day Daryl shared with me that Dee and Paul had been going to church on some Sundays. That surprised me.
I had a friend (I'll call her Vicky) who was once our upstairs neighbor. She had an uncle (I'll call him Arthur) who lived a few buildings down from me. One weekend day, I went out for a day of recreation. I was gone for most of that day. Vicky phoned me and asked if I had heard about Dee and Paul. I replied no. She said that Arthur had told her about a loud argument outside between Dee and Paul. During that argument, Paul had called Dee a crack addict. What?! I thought, Dee is a crack addict?! I was stunned. Later, I received confirmation that it was true.
One day I was walking down the street on my block toward home. Dee was standing out front on the sidewalk talking to a man. As I approached to pass by them, Dee spoke "hello" to me. The Lord told me not to respond, and that I was not to speak to her until she was no longer with Paul. The Lord also reminded me of that day when I had come out to speak with her and how she had "blew me off." This morning, in process of writing this, our Lord gave me Ecclesiastes 3:7, 8, "...a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; a time of war, and a time of peace." Our Lord also gave me Mark 6:11, "And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear you, when ye depart thence, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them."
Another day, when I sat on the front, Dee drove up and stopped. She said to me that if I wanted to talk to her that I could phone her. She told me at about what time she would return from church. I didn't respond. Later, I phoned Paul and told him to inform Dee that I didn't have anything to talk to her about.
GOD had arranged a reversal. Dee now had a desire to engage me. Our Lord reminded me yesterday of this scripture from Hebrews 10:13, "From henceforth expecting till his enemies be made his footstool."
Following are revelations from Daryl which were later confirmed:
- Dee was once married for seventeen years to a pastor. I assumed from that information that Dee was a backslidden Christian.
- Dee was cheating on Paul. She was leaving Paul at home while she "tricked" (prostituted) uptown, with at least one man, to get money to feed her crack habit. Some nights she wouldn't return home.
- Paul went to Daryl because of the pain caused him by Dee. Daryl became comfort and help to Paul. He had warned Paul about Dee.
- Daryl had grown more discomfited about Dee. He shared with me that her "evil spirit" was "wearing" on him. He told Dee that she had to leave his unit.
Some days later Vicky phoned to tell me that her uncle, Arthur, saw Paul moving his belongings out of Dee's place. What?! He had decided to leave Dee. Later I found out that she "fought" to keep Paul there, to no avail.
Several times, Daryl told me that Paul came to visit Dee.
As I mentioned in Part 3 of this topic, Daryl knew Dee from another neighborhood. Our Lord used Daryl to share information with me about some of what was going on with Dee and Paul. Paul had elected to confide in Daryl. During that time, and after the drama ended, I never betrayed Daryl's confidence that he was informing to me about Paul. It was about a year later, AFTER Daryl was deceased, that I could be "released" from confidentiality to tell Paul what Daryl had confided in me. I fully believe that our Lord used Daryl, a backslidden Christian, who became a crack addict, to be an "informer" to benefit me, and of course, more importantly, GOD's purposes.
Before I continue, I pause here to place on written record that I am deeply grateful to Daryl not only because of his role as informer, but because he really cared for me, and I know that his heart felt for my pain in the triangular drama. Also, when Paul shared with Daryl about the "prophetic" letter that I had given Paul, Daryl had wisely advised Paul to heed the content of the letter. Daryl had also warned Paul about Dee. Paul chose to continue the doomed "affair." Thank GOD for his mercy and forgiveness - without it, none of us could overcome.
Daryl was a deep comfort during this entire episode. Yes, he was a backslidden Christian, but thanks be unto GOD, that HE had Daryl there for me. I truly felt Daryl's compassion and care.
One morning at work at about 7:30 a.m. (my shift had started at 7:00 a.m.), I felt very nauseous. My supervisor allowed me to leave. I got home and went to sleep. A few hours later, I woke and my nausea was gone. The Lord told me to go look out the front window. I did, and Dee was in the process of moving out! The Lord told me to go and sit out front until she had moved out completely, and drove off from the area. Daryl and his girlfriend joined me on my front. His girlfriend was somewhat hesitant and expressed her reluctance. She said something like she didn't want to start anything. I believe that she was somewhat intimidated by Dee. Daryl and I spoke up and stated boldly that we were staying right there. His girlfriend stayed, as well. Dee said nothing to us and we said nothing to her. We three sat there until she and her help had completely finished her move and drove off. I fully believe that our Lord allowed me to feel very nauseous at work that morning to be able to come home to watch Dee move.
One day, I believe it was about a couple of weeks later, our Lord told me to phone Dee to let her know that I had forgiven her and to ask for her forgiveness for anything that I may have done wrong relative to her. Her voice mail came on and the Lord let me know that I could leave the subject message on her voice mail. I left the message which I ended with a statement something like, "I wish you the best..." Later Paul told me that Dee had told him about my message. She told him something to the effect that she wasn't receptive - no matter - I did what our Lord told me to do relative to the forgiveness issue.
Eventually (months later), Paul completely left his relationship with Dee.
In total, the high drama "triangle" lasted about three months UNTIL the Lord did as He had expressed in the letter that I had given Paul - HE broke up Paul and Dee.
...thus ends the triangular saga of Dee, Paul and me.
Sometime in the future, I will share here more of our Lord's movements about Paul...
Photographed at Botanic Gardens in Washington, DC Photo compliments of Sandra Copyright 2010 |
Mark 11:26
But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.
2 Corinthians 1:3, 4, 7, 9
Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort;
Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.
And our hope of you is stedfast, knowing, that as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so shall ye be also of the consolation.
But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead:
Hebrews 12:11
Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.
Sandra
Written Wednesday February 9, 2011
Copyright 2011
UPDATE: Please read the excerpts below from Part 1 where I express hesitancy about baring so much in this four-part story. I am pleased to report that it was not a painful experience to re-visit, as I had anticipated. Praise our Lord that it was, with ease, that I wrote all four parts of this story from my life.
Excerpts from Part 1:
Our Lord knows that I was not eager to do this post. It will cause memories to surface. Some of this is truth that some may find challenging to take in. Our Father GOD told me to tell it because it is what it is. Further, He reminded me that the Holy Bible contains accounts that are challenging to take in, nonetheless, it is truth.
I'm not ashamed of any of what I share because I am fully persuaded that it is all covered by the blood of Christ.
Our Lord shared with me that someone is waiting to read this post - only GOD knows who and why. He also informed me that, though, I'm not eager to revisit some "places," healing will happen for me on a larger scale for my obedience to do this. BY FAITH, I BELIEVE GOD!
PART 4 - ...HE LEFT ME AND MOVED IN WITH THE WOMAN NEXT DOOR...
ReplyDeleteWhat a story. I would say "God bless you"....but, He already has.
ReplyDeleteGreat post!
Hi Clint -
ReplyDeleteThank you for visiting and commenting.
Yes, our Lord does bless...
I appreciate your compliment, Clint.
To GOD be the glory!
Blessings Sandra, What a beautiful close up of this bee and flower from the Botanical Gardens!
ReplyDeleteI am a day behind in your revealing of this sequel story but praise God, He is the God of completing that which He began... (so I did not read this one out of sequence, just quickly skimmed, sorry) but God is faithful. AMEN!
I think it's Muhammad Ali that made this quote famous that came to mind when I saw this photo previous to your story... "float like a butterfly, sting like a bee..." I'm sure he did not intend it for this but here is what I saw;
God transforming you to be the beautiful butterfly that He has helped you to become...
though you may have had to pass through episodes and experiences that "sting like a bee", you have overcome and God is faithful to His Word!
So continue giving God the glory and MOVE forward in His grace...His aMazing grace is sufficient! Your scriptures chosen show this!
We are redeemed and forgiven by Jesus Christ!
Praise God! (thanks for your encouraging visits and words for me).
peace, love and JOY,
Peggy
Hi dear Sandra, Thank you for sharing this journey in your life. God never wastes anything but redeems it all. I had a very dark life before saving Grace. I have related to much of what you've shared. Blessings to you as you continue on in faith.
ReplyDeleteGreetings -
ReplyDeleteThank you for visiting and commenting.
@Peggy
Wow! My spirit bears witness to what you expressed about the bee. Praise our Lord for giving you that message. I sincerely appreciate it, Peggy.
Yes, truly, we are redeemed and forgiven by Jesus Christ! Praise His holy name.
@NanaNor
You are certainly welcome. How true you speak, "God never wastes anything..."
Blessings to you, as well and may our Lord bring much splendor into your life in abundance!
Note: I added a butterfly photo to this post as inspired by Peggy's comments here.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Peggy.
AND THANK YOU, LORD THAT YOU ARE OUR INSPIRATION!
Along with Peggy's comment - I would add this quote that I just read today - prior to reading your last two installments...
ReplyDelete"Liquefied and Disintegrated
During the transition in the cocoon, the caterpillar literally liquefies. I have heard that everything about its old nature dissolves and all that is left are its eyes. This liquefied form with eyes is truly at the mercy of God for it cannot stop or reverse the process and neither can it accelerate it. In the cocoon, the old disintegrates and the new takes form and shape. When the process is complete, it breaks out of the cocoon and emerges as a beautiful creature symbolizing freedom and new life."
~ Patricia King
the part that really struck me was the EYES...
"This liquefied form with eyes is truly at the mercy of God for it cannot stop or reverse the process and neither can it accelerate it."
YOU HAVE BEEN CALLED OUT OF THE DARKNESS INTO HIS GLORIOUS LIGHT! You will view LIFE from a totally different perspective - because of this experience. I call it the EYES of His REDEMPTIVE GRACE and MERCY. He has opened your spiritual EYES to see more and more of HIS LOVE...and less and less of you.
Praise God for His Glorious LIGHT in you.
hugs,
Patrina <")>><
Hi Patrina -
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for your rich message. I didn't know that about the caterpillar.
I so love what you expressed as given you by our Lord.
Your holy journey is indeed appreciated, Patrina.
Glory to our Lord, indeed!
Sandra
ReplyDeleteI didn't know that tid bit either - that's why it struck me as so specifically a 'God thing'. metamorphosis... the process of becoming MORE like God, as we were made ...from the beginning...in His image!
Your kind comments are graciously received....thank you for sharing you. We are all 'in process' ....for that appointed time when our true identity in Christ just simply takes off and SOARS!
As in His creation of the butterfly - He has given us not only an analogy of our life in Christ - but a visual of our purpose here on earth - to give the world HOPE.
We were not created to 'crawl' upon the earth chewing leaves all day - but to soar and spread God's message of GRACE and MERCY and SALVATION so that the whole world might be filled and overflowing with rich meadows of His magnificent BEAUTY. HOPE for the Flowers. It takes a lot of butterflies to fill the earth with such beauty.
Because of your witness thru this story - some dying flower is about to be revived and transformed - I join you in prayer for her/him(s). I BELIEVE!! in the transforming POWER of His Holy Spirit....even thru our prayers for someone - we may never meet - because His Divine power searches them out.
So, I need not tell you to bathe this story in prayer - but I want you to know that I join you in that prayer!
Blessings to you
Patrina <")>><
Patrina -
ReplyDeleteYour words strike me as stunning revelations from the place of GOD!
In particular, I am struck by this that you expressed, "...but to soar and spread God's message of GRACE and MERCY and SALVATION so that the whole world might be filled and overflowing with rich meadows of His magnificent BEAUTY. HOPE for the Flowers. It takes a lot of butterflies to fill the earth with such beauty.
"Because of your witness thru this story - some dying flower is about to be revived and transformed - I join you in prayer for her/him(s). I BELIEVE!! in the transforming POWER of His Holy Spirit....even thru our prayers for someone - we may never meet - because His Divine power searches them out."
Prayer:
Precious Lord, please go to the four corners of this Your earth to get your people. Bring them, precious Father, into Your divine completeness where there is abundant love, peace and joy. Make them free indeed through the cleansing blood of Your beloved SON, JESUS CHRIST.
Thank you, Lord, - Amen
yes yes AMEN!
ReplyDeleteDear Lord Jesus - giver of true LIFE - protect this story - this site and the spiritual EYES of Sandra, your obedient servant, as well as her presence on the web...from the one who seeks to devour.
As you have set us apart for your purpose - may your name be glorified through this sharing - through this one life ... who seeks to share her TRUE FREEDOM in YOU and YOU alone!
We join hearts with you, O Lord, in praying for the one(s) that you had in mind when you told Sandra to share. Woo them by your Holy Spirit, as only you can do - call them out of the darkness and into your glorious LIGHT. Heal their wounds and set them free of their captivity, in JESUS name!
Bless Sandra, Lord - protect her from evil and enlarge her territory - for you, O Lord - KING of all kings - lover of our souls.
Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. We give YOU the GLORY and praise your mighty name, for who you are and what you've done in and through our lives. AMEN
Let the REDEEMED of the LORD say so!!
Patrina <")>><
Thank you for writing out your story. It is an amazing testimony. You may have experienced a lot of pain in those years but the anointing on your life is strong. Praise the Lord for the wonderful work of salvation He does in each of us! Big hugs to you, my sister!
ReplyDeleteIronically our Pastor preached on freedom last Sunday, I too believe that good will come out of your story and I surmise that Paul became a Pastor? Please continue--- God does things for a reason and I can see his hand in this story.
ReplyDeleteSandra, I am going to enjoy your blogs very much.We do indeed have much in common. I love how God brings us to where we need to be and what we need to hear at just the appointed time. I believe he crossed our blog paths for a reason. I am greatly strengthened and encouraged to continue to share my truth and my path to salvation through Christ.Being a new blogger, I have been questioning my willingness to go deep, but I know God is leading me for a purpose and I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me. Thank you ! ~hugs~
ReplyDeleteGreetings -
ReplyDeleteI am so grateful for the comments posted here. They have indeed encouraged and taught me. Thank you all!
@Patrina
I love your heart connection to the Father of the heavenlies.
This struck me strong that you expressed, "...may your name be glorified through this sharing...
"Woo them by your Holy Spirit, as only you can do - call them out of the darkness and into your glorious LIGHT. Heal their wounds and set them free of their captivity, in JESUS name!
"Let the REDEEMED of the LORD say so!!"
Praise the Lord, Patrina.
I, with the other REDEEMED - say so. Bless His glorious name!
@SalesLady371
You are certainly welcome. Yes, we serve an amazing GOD! Praise Him, indeed, for as you said, "...the wonderful work of salvation He does in each of us!"
@PMQ
Yes, Lord, there is no freedom like the freedom in GOD! I believe, PMQ, as you do that our Lord does things for a reason. How true that His hand is in it...
How interesting that you mentioned Paul as "Pastor." I will share more, in the future, about the Lord and Paul.
@Cyndi
Thank you for visiting and commenting.
Welcome, Cyndi, to LIONS SHARE MAJESTY.
Yes, as you expressed, "...GOD brings us to where we need to be and what we need to hear at just he appointed time."
Our Lord has paths to cross as the Divine MASTER PLANNER that HE is - bless HIS holy name! It is my pleasure, Cyndi, that our Lord "met" us.
It is great that you are strengthened and encouraged. May our Father abundantly enrich you as you journey for the advancement of the kingdom of GOD!
You are certainly welcome, Cyndi.
Wow! This is some serious drama, like of biblical proportions!!! Seriously, it reminds me of so many of the complex, messy relationships in the Bible. But God has been there in the midst, turning messes into messages! Some of the most complicated drama involved people God used the most! Look at King David! Look at Joseph and even Jesus. God had to get in the middle of a lot of junk, but in the end He delivered them and glorified His name. I'm sure God will use your story because you have offered it to Him. In the process He redeems and heals our hearts.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, I love butterflies. I have a sketch somewhere that someone drew of a violin with a butterfly coming out of it. When I play, my prayer is that people would be transformed. In fact, I had called that violin "Vanessa" which happens to mean butterfly! :)
Blessings to you!!!!!
Hi Mining for Diamonds -
ReplyDeleteYes, serious drama it was.
One of my mottos is" WHATEVER IT IS - IT IS NOT BIGGER THAN GOD!"
Interesting that you love butterflies. Praise our Lord...
Sandra - Isn't it amazing the "tangled web" we get ourselves involved in sometimes? And yet, it's even more amazing how God continues to be with us, and to guide us, and to hold on to us - even in the midst of chaos.
ReplyDeleteI suppose our enemy will always find a way to bring some "Dee's" into our lives - to distract us from the ONLY love that should demand our attention - our love of the Lord. Your forgiveness in this matter was such a testimony. I also posted today about forgiveness...
I completely agree that God will USE this story to reach someone who needs to hear it. After all, as I've said before, it's "MY STORY, HIS GLORY." God does not waste anything - including our "ugly."
Love to you and GOD BLESS!
Hi Sharon -
ReplyDeleteYes, our enemy continues to aim to oppose GOD'S missions. But we know how the story ends - righteous FOREVER WINS!
You are right, Sharon, "God will USE this story to reach..." Already He has provided evidence of that. Praise His holy name!
Amen - Sharon - that our Lord does not waste anything.
Love to you, as well, precious lady of GOD.