Scripture Focus:
“Evan though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and staff, they comfort me.” —Psalm 23:4
How can someone possibly understand what you’re going through if they’ve never experienced it themselves?
I’ve been through a lot since childhood. My parents were deaf, and I was what they call a “parentified child.” With sign language being my first language, I spent my early school years in speech therapy. By the third grade, I was the voice for our family—translating, interpreting, and even disciplining my siblings through my parents’ words. I carried adult responsibilities far too early.
It’s no wonder I left home at 14 and found myself in a toxic relationship with a man four years older. I became pregnant at 15. Then, while pregnant again at 16, I lost my brother in a car accident—the father of my children being the driver.
Religious pressure forced me into marriage with that same man. After the accident, he became violent and turned to drugs. My life spiraled. I remember crying out to God, “Why? Why me? Why do You hate me so much?”
For many years, I was broken inside. That pain poisoned my relationships, my view of myself, and my faith. I became someone I didn’t recognize—someone hurting others because I was so deeply hurt.
Then, everything changed when my mother passed. I was 32. Her death cracked something wide open in me. For the first time, I stopped asking, “Why?” and began asking, “What?—What are You trying to show me, God?”
I was empty. Done. Worn out from pain. And that’s when I felt it—a tap on my shoulder. A quiet invitation to fast. And in that sacred act of surrender… He was there.
Not angry. Not distant. But present.
God didn’t hate me—He had been grieving with me. Waiting for me. Pursuing me through every loss, every wrong turn, every silent night of tears. And when I finally turned back, He met me with mercy.
Psalm 23 became my anchor:
“The Lord is my shepherd;
I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
He restores my soul.
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death,
I will fear no evil,
for You are with me;
Your rod and staff,
they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
my cup overflows.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
all of the days of my life,
and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord
forever.”
He was with me. He is with me. And friend, He is with you too.
Lord, thank You for being with me in the valleys. For never leaving me, even when I doubted You. Thank You for restoring my soul and leading me beside still waters. I pray for anyone reading this who feels forgotten or unloved—wrap them in Your presence today. Remind them they are not alone. In Jesus’ name, Amen
Reflection Questions:
- 1. What valley are you walking through right now?
- 2. Can you shift your question from “Why?” to “What are You showing me, Lord?”
- 3. How might God be meeting you right in the middle of your mess?
Lovingly & Faithfully,
Sally
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