Introduction

You are listening to Abide in Jesus, the podcast for women who want to experience Christ’s healing touch in their lives. I’m your host author, Carolyn Rice, and in this episode, you’re going to be introduced to me, and to this podcast.

 I am a survivor of abuse. The effects of the abuse on me were anxiety, fear, so much fear that I was afraid to even come out of my house, to look anyone in the eye, to even have a conversation with someone.

 Nightmares plagued me, and I thought I’d always be broken, that the abuse I suffered would affect my life forever.

But then Jesus. He took me on a journey of healing; a journey of twists and turns, of falling down and getting back up again. which ultimately led to a place of healing.

 I want to share that same journey with you so that you can experience Christ’s healing touch in your life.

More About Me

 I have a degree in Biblical Studies and have served in ministry helping women overcome their past. I’m the author of four books, and I’m nearly finished with my fifth.

Some of my books are Lord heal My heart, Loved by the Father and God Sees Your Tears.

Each week, you will find encouragement for your own journey of healing with Christ and a prayer for your week.

So, if you are a Christian woman who wants to break free from a past of trauma or abuse, who wants to grow in your relationship with Christ and wants to learn how to trust the Lord when you haven’t been able to trust anyone, then this podcast is for you.

A Sample Devotion from Lord, Heal My Heart

I’d like to leave you with a sample devotion from my book, Lord, Heal My Heart, to give you an idea of what you will find on this podcast.

 This devotion is called, Take this broken life.

Would I always be broken?  Isolation wrapped itself around me, lies and deceit entangled themselves in my mind.

And the biggest lie of all hindered me from any friendship, making me feel alone in this world. The lie that if I let people see me really see me, they would reject me. So, I hid.

 The gifts and talents. God had placed in me lay buried in the darkness of my soul, unable to come out.

I hid my true self in the dark and would not let her come out.

The person people saw on the outside with someone with no emotion. I seldom spoke. And when I did, no one could hear what I said because my voice was so very quiet.  Underneath it all lay fear. Trauma and abuse had taught me well.  Don’t come out! You will get hurt!

Often, insecurities arise when people are faced with an awkward situation.

Sitting with me, a person who would not talk to them or barely even look them in the eye, became reason for some to think this was about them in some twisted way. People’s fears placed labels on me, and I found even more reason to hide.

 But there was one who saw me. I could not hide from Him. He saw into the darkest places of my soul and loved me anyway.

He did not reject me but brought me out of darkness and into His light.

 Instead of calling me ugly, hopeless, and of no account, He called me a beautiful, beloved and of great price in His kingdom.

He picked up each piece of my broken life and put me back together again.

There is someone you never have to hide from, someone who loves you very much and calls you into his light.

He is the healer of the broken.

He is the comforter of those who can only give Him their tears.

 He will not leave you here.

You are not alone.

 I have stood in the place you stand now. And I can tell you that our God is faithful.

 Let Him gently draw you out. He wants to take the broken pieces of your life and make them into something beautiful.

He’s calling, will you answer?  

You don’t have to hide anymore.

Prayer

And the prayer for this devotion is as follows.

Lord. I give you every broken piece of my life and every tear I’ve ever cried. I lift them up to you, Lord. They are Yours. Thank you that You are a God who gives beauty for ashes, and out of my brokenness, you will make something truly beautiful.

I choose to trust that you are good. I receive Your definition of me. Beautiful beloved, precious, and of great price in your kingdom. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Thank you for listening to Abide in Jesus. You can find show notes for this episode at Carolyn’s books.com.

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