Today our series on perseverance continues with Holly Barrett’s story of recovery. Each week for eight weeks, my friends Holly Barrett, Debbie Kitterman, Patricia Krank and I are exploring our stories and challenges as we pursue our faith. We share how we persevere in and through the struggles life brings our way. Our stories share a common theme-God is our center and hope. To catch up on last week’s post, click here.
Holly begins her testimony with convicting words. In fact, when I began to read her words I felt my heart shifting. Even though her story is different than mine, her words hit home. I began to shake my head in agreement while whispering “me too”. Grab a chair, your favorite coffee or tea and let Holly’s story soak in.
I saw a meme online the other day that basically said a beautiful smile hides an injured soul so that no one can really tell how broken you are. I’m not sure if that’s a sadder commentary on our need to hide…or on others’ need not to know. Either way it reminded me of some days within my own recovery journey – days that were long and hard and often felt like they would swallow me whole. So I put on a smile so that no one would ever know.
One of the first things people notice about me is my smile. I love sharing it when saying “hi” or to let you know everything is great. But is it??? I also hide behind a smile and an “I am fine” response. It’s my nature, but we all have stories that go deeper than the first smile you see when you greet us.
[Tweet “Come join @HollySBarrett and find out how God can rewrite the text of our lives, if we let Him. “]
When you see my smile now, hopefully you see authenticity and a life revealed in how I live it. Follow the link here to finish reading how Holly discovered three things to rely on to persevere to recovery. Her testimony spurs us all on to persevere in recovery in our own lives.
Blessings,
You may find me hanging out at these lovely places today.
I think it’s common for people to fake it til they make it. Or for most believers, faith it til you make it. I see nothing wrong with smiling even with a broken heart. Not everyone is brave enough to manage it.
What a beautiful, inspiring sharing as always from Holly. 🙂
Thanks for sharing it here too, Mary.
That is the truth, Lux! Fake it till you make it! I find it actually takes more energy to do that then to just be myself. Blessed you stopped by!
I must admit I’m definitely one of those to hide behind a smile too, Mary. I remember a time when I was very young (MANY years ago) and someone said to me, “You are always smiling. I wish I was that happy.” That was actually during one of the worst periods of my life. I remember thinking how crazy it was that someone would see me that way. His words have always stayed with me for some reason.
This looks like a great series from 4 wonderful women :). So good to “see” you today, my friend.
I am getting better at not hiding behind my smile but that takes a willingness to take a risk with people. I can’t say I am always that vulnerable. I am blessed that Debbie, Patti and Holly are part of this series. God is leading each of us to share our hearts and so far it all seems to fit together well. Thanks for being here. I have missed you!
Our smiles, our fake happy, our ‘just fine,’ all hide piles of pain, sadness, and woundedness. You’re so right, Mary … even though our stories might vary in details, the core of who we are is the same.
A fascinating series, friend … He desires to heal us all in every way that needs His touch.
I hope you will join us for the rest of there series. I have missed seeing you here regularly. I always love your insight.
I so easily hide behind a smile and an “I’m fine,” too, Mary. Yes, we all have stories that go deeper. Thank you for connecting us with Holly’s story. Love and hugs!
I love that we all have a beautiful story to tell. We should be proud to share with all because we are redeemed and restored. Love having you here sweet friend!
Thanks for linking us to Holly’s story, Mary – such a great series y’all are sharing!
Thank you for joining us by reading the series. Holly had some great advice for all of us to persevere to recovery. Blessings friend!
I really enjoyed Holly’s post- this is a great series! And I have definitely spent way too much time hiding behind a smile and “I’m fine.” I still have that tendency at times but I’m learning that it’s better to let others in.
I imagine there are many of us that know what it is like to hide behind a smile. I am glad you are learning how to be vulnerable. God loves who we are and so do others. Thank you for joining us in the series.
As I read Holly’s words today over at her place, I felt my soul say, “Yes.”
It’s so scary to let others into our weaknesses and broken places, but this is the path toward healing and wholeness.
Thanks for collaborating on this series!
It is scary to let people in but there is such freedom when you are able to let go. There is such strength in perseverance but it is only because of God.
I tried to comment on your interview about your garden today at Sarah’s but was not able to. Keep writing! I love how I see you popping up all over.
Yes, to letting God be our center and our hope! And yes to hopping on over to Holly’s to read her story of Perseverance. 🙂
BTW, I read your beautiful words yesterday friend, but for some strange reason couldn’t leave a comment on my phone. Keep on writing, Mary! You are making a difference.
Thank you for your encouragement. I have trouble leaving comments on blogs sometimes when I’m using my phone too.
May we know God is our center and persevere ever closer to Him. Blessings!