A Way Out by digitalrn

A Way Out

I often find myself reflecting back in time, thinking aout the journey I've been on, I often recall the time, maybe 35 years ago when I felt trappd. I felt as though I was trapped in a hole, going nowhere, and I couldn't see a way out. The way out always seemed to be out of reach. It was an extremely difficult time in my life, immediately following a failed marriage. I had just begun preparing for the Pastorate when I learned that my Wife was having an affair. It was a devastating time for me. In a matter of a few seconds, my entire life was turned upside down. I not only felt as though I failed as a person, and a Husband, but I also felt as though I failed God. That event cast me into a state of anger, and I allowed my feelings and behaviors to drag me into a deep hole of despair. No matter how hard I tried, I could not get myself out of that dark hole. Life had become hopeless. I truly did not anticipate surviving that ordeal. Well, as you know, I did survive, and as bad as that experience was, God used that period of time to show me that He was able to take any situation and turn it into something good. I truly believe that God originally called me to serve Him, and that was my heart's desire. When that all failed, my entire world crumbled. God, in His wisdom and love, remained with me, and He brought me to the place where I was able to see a much bigger picture. I came to realize in my heart that there were so many other ways to serve Him. I had to find a way to reach up and open that door that would allow me to come back into the real world. I had to take the initiative. Once I was able to put all that anger and self destructive behavior aside, God began to open doors. As I continued to move forward I found Him to be my faithful guide. I say all this because I truly believe there are many people out there struggling to find a way out of their own despair, and I can say from my own personal experience, there is hope. No matter how hopeless a situation may appear to be, don't give up. There is a way out. It may be a long journey, but it will be a journey well worth the while. I am currently where I need to be, and I know I am serving Him. I am also grateful that some 31 years ago, I found a soulmate that I truly believe was chosen specifically for me.
So true, thank you for sharing your story. I'm glad you were able to find your way out
June 3rd, 2011  
Well written and so touching. What you have written is the truth. God is with us at all times good and bad. We need to learn and grow from all of our experiences. I can feel what you have gone through. I have had a dark past as well but am so happy to have a very deep relationship with Our Lord now. Blessings to you for sharing this story.
June 3rd, 2011  
A very powerful story, Rick. Thank you for sharing with us. Great job with the theme, title and description.
June 3rd, 2011  
Fantastic photo! Thank you for sharing your story, I, too, come from somewhere I did not think I would make it out of. I believe everything happens for a reason and He knows what that is.
June 3rd, 2011  
thanks for sharing the story Rick , the shot you picked was perfect.
June 3rd, 2011  
nice story. :)
June 3rd, 2011  
Thank you for sharing Rick, great photo to go with your words, very descriptive and intense both! :o)
June 3rd, 2011  
Powerful words, Rick. May your selfless sharing reach a soul in need tonight. God bless you.
June 3rd, 2011  
1st. The photo is haunting and memorizing. It's that door in the fog one reaches for in a dream and at the same time it's the door that hides horrors that you shout at leading heroine..Don't Open the Door!
2nd. Your testimony, naked truth bared to for all, sharing your pain yet at the same time sharing that there is ALWAYS hope and ALWAYS a way out..no matter how difficult or painful..we just have to chose it. I know you're helping others while helping yourself.
June 3rd, 2011  
Thanks, Rick, for sharing such a deep personal story. The door is so reflective of the situation you were experiencing. I'm so glad that you have allowed God to walk with you through all this and to help you see the bigger picture. God is good and will continue to provide for you in ways you never expect or dreamed would happen. God bless you. :D
June 3rd, 2011  
Very nice perspective and good choice for black and white
June 3rd, 2011  
Great angle on this! Wonderful to read your story too! Makes this photo that much more meaningful!
June 3rd, 2011  
Well written Rick. He provided - Amen.
A beautiful perspective and encouragement for those in despair.
June 3rd, 2011  
Wow. That was raw and inspiring. Thank you for sharing. :)
June 3rd, 2011  
Amen! The door you write about is THE door, and the door in your photo is a perfect (really perfect) image for your thoughts. The angle with the doorknob looking so high up is so symbolic. And the way you framed it is reminiscent of clouds...and heaven. Having a moment of gratitude that my life path crossed yours here at 365. This is a fav for me.
June 3rd, 2011  
Your photo is so well composed/edited....your story can serve to inspire those who still have challenges to face.
June 3rd, 2011  
I think that is a wonderful message and very inspiring. Your picture was taken at a great angle.
June 3rd, 2011  
Great shot. I looked back and I especially like your May 30th flower photo. You are really getting creative, I love it.
June 3rd, 2011  
Great shot, especially for the theme! Always great when you share your stories too!
June 3rd, 2011  
You're a good man, Rick!
June 3rd, 2011  
A powerful story & great testament to you as a person Rick , you were able & ready to receive that help you needed at that dreadful time ! This theme must be especially evocative for you ! A great photo to illustrate your feelings too, thank you for your story !
June 3rd, 2011  
Wow, love the story and the shot...
June 3rd, 2011  
Wonderful pic! Nice perspective and composition! Thanks for sharing about your journey!
June 3rd, 2011  
brilliant shot
June 3rd, 2011  
Very cool perspective!
June 3rd, 2011  
God is good! thank you for sharing and reminding me that we are never alone.
June 3rd, 2011  
This is a great image to represent your thoughts. Your image actually repsents where I am today. I appeciate your perspective...thank you.
June 3rd, 2011  
You will probably never know the hearts you have touched today with your inspiring story. What courage you show in revealing your most intimate secrets and fears. I think you are serving God in a very special way.
June 3rd, 2011  
Very powerful and meaningful shot.
June 3rd, 2011  
So many of us have walked through a similar story Rick- feeling hopeless, the world crashing around us, dreams and desires out of reach. Such a lovely photo to express all those feelings and still it captures the sadness of those situations too. Thank you for your testimony. You are so right- there are many ways to serve Him and as I am in the middle of a search to find out where that will be next, these words helped to affirm that this season is "ok", even as unsettled as it may feel. Like you, I am grateful to have a Guide who walks alongside me. Keep on serving Rick- I can see God is using you in so many ways!
June 3rd, 2011  
thanks for sharing a piece of you life. great going. =)
June 3rd, 2011  
Thanks for sharing your story, Rick. Love the perspective of your photo. :)
June 3rd, 2011  
wonderful picture -- and it tells your story well! Thanks for sharing your difficult time and journey.........and your deep faith! That is a gift! And YOU are a gift to all the lives you touch!
June 3rd, 2011  
Great story, and great shot for the theme
June 3rd, 2011  
nice photo...very mysterious
June 3rd, 2011  
:) I love reading your captions and stories... thank you for sharing such a personal moment with all of us. Great theme shot, by the way.
June 3rd, 2011  
I Guess each and every person all over the world have some falls and immensely hard times. Hopefully each will learn and succeeded to survive and see all the hardships as challenges, as you did.
June 3rd, 2011  
Nice
June 3rd, 2011  
Its good to know things have worked out well for you in the end Rick. One door closes another, one has opened for you
June 3rd, 2011  
very dramatic Rick!!
June 4th, 2011  
Oh, Rick. Done that, been there. First marriage failed for the same reason (husband and a friend of mine) I was crushed and thought I would never get through it. But you do because you have to. The photo is very ominous and definitely fits your post. Glad things worked out for the best in the end.
June 4th, 2011  
What a touching testimenial, Rick. You're such an assured writer and I'm always drawn to read everything you post. I hope your words touch hearts that need to hear what you have to say. We never really know who's listening, do we?
June 5th, 2011  
Well, Rick, your words touched me deeply. I can relate to your narrative as being in that dim place you once found yourself to be in. I think most of us have experienced something that has set us back, and at the time not dealt with it, but felt that terrible feeling of crumbling. We all have to climb out of these holes at some point, I know I have had to in the past. I thank you for sharing your transition back into the light.
June 5th, 2011  
Dear Rick, I knew you were a man of God, not of the cloth but in the way you write, care, share and I Praise God for leading me to be able to share in your life. I know God has already blessed you, your marriage your family and your work, but I add my Prayer that God with continue to Bless you abundantly. I loved this photo and the story that you shared and it is so true you just do not knoe how many lives you touch with each written Testimony of God's faithfulness, and His Love, and you brought a tear to my eyes when I read this one today.
I do not know how the people without belief or Faith cope with the problems, stress and anxieties of the world today. I am so proud to be counted as a Believer in God.
June 6th, 2011  
Deb
First off...great perspective of this door. I love this shot. Secondly...I appreciate your honest and feel that many can relate to your words. Words written from the heart are my favorite !
June 6th, 2011  
Just realised I forgot to hit fav.
June 6th, 2011  
Rick a beautiful testimony. This picture is beautiful but even more amazing with your words. It's a fav!
June 7th, 2011  
wow! just catching up ... your story is an awesome testament to His faithfulness. thank you!
June 9th, 2011  
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