Have you ever heard or experienced anything that changed your life forever?
I’d like to share examples of Fall, Winter and Spring moments of ‘change’ that I’ve experienced in my life. As I reflect on those seasons, I now see the purpose for those changes and the growth that emerged as I transitioned from one season to another.
My Fall season: 2004. My doctor shared the latest results of the test all women love to hate. ‘Not good’ she said. Three procedures, twosurgeries, doctor’s visits every few months, and the prognosis that I could not have any more children. My leaves were completely gone from my tree and my world had no color. But I was alive. Those strong roots grounded in the Almighty sustained me. I was stronger than I realized. I had my husband and two beautiful kids. I’d be ok.
My Winter season: 2006. When I got married in 1995, I did so with the intent of having and holding, through sickness and health, for richer or poorer, for better or worse, til death did we part. We were childhood sweethearts and best friends for 10 years before we got married. We supported each other through a lot. He was my best friend. That’s why in our 9th year of marriage, I thought I could handle it when he became physically, emotionally and verbally abusive. I thought I could love him through that season in his life when he felt insecure. When our kids witnessed a bad episode, I told him things had to change. They did. He walked away from the marriage leaving me and the children. I didn’t see it coming since we’d shared so much. It was a cold, lonely feeling. However, it was also a period of hibernation and reliance on the sowing I’d done in previous seasons to carry me through.
My Spring season: 2007. I heard three words that changed my life: “Congratulations! You’re pregnant!” These words are usually welcome. But I was almost 40, going through a divorce! I had a 10 and 12 year old – suffice to say I thought I was DONE. I was told I couldn’t have children! I asked God if He had the wrong address or at least the craziest timing or sense of humor. But this beautiful little parting gift from my divorce would make me a mom again and that was a miracle in itself. The growth that occurred (physically, as well as emotionally and mentally) was cleansing, It was healing, It was as if God was taking me back to what I was created for, to bring forth life after I was told life wasn’t possible. That miracle baby was born on the birthdays of all birthdays…Christmas Day. What a gift he was to me. He was a testament that life indeed would continue.
I went through profound changes and challenges during my seasons. It rewrote the story of my life, but this was no surprise to God. He’d chosen me because He knew I had what it took to endure it all, and what I didn’t have, He gave me as needed for each season! These weren’t chapters in the story of my life that I would’ve written myself by no means, but it was there for a purpose. Purpose is a powerful thing. It’s what we were created for, designed for, predestined for. Purpose shapes us into our true nature. If we see every situation in our lives as part of our purpose, it redefines how we see ourselves and those situations.
Just as the windmill shows its greatest strength amidst the wind, we show our greatest strength during these seasons.
Embrace your seasons, find the purpose in them and accept the change and growth that emerges.
You are an amazing person with the strength of an ox and the faith to push forward. You are phenomenal and highly favored. Your love for life is contagious and I am so blessed to be able to call you a friend and a sister connected by our Heavenly Father. Thank you for sharing a part of your experience, but can’t wait to see how you will continuously succeed in all that is to come. Love ya Yolanda and thank you for standing in to support me and so many others.
Yolanda is a truly unique, one of a kind, amazing woman!
I remember the first time I met Yolanda, she was teaching a ‘Gender Differences’ session, and I was almost immediately drawn to her strength and passion. From that day forward I knew I had found a special friend. She embodies inspiration, strength and passion in a way that is rare to find.
Reading this blog I am once again reminded of why I look up to this woman and am proud to call her mentor and friend.
Outstanding writing…thank you for sharing your incredibly meaningful story and message. You are a true role model!
Truly remarkable Yolanda. I’m so glad we’ve stayed connected over these years and that we met at Shell. You are amazing. Keep going and come back and share your stories anytime.
My seasons made me want to give up. You gave me some thing to fight for. This should be a book.
A friend asked me to read this. Now I see why. I am going through so much pain. I didn’t think there could be any good, but now I realize there may be purpose.
Jessica. I’m praying for you. We all go through it. Just keep your faith, smile and surround yourself with people who can help you through it. You can AND will do this! Merry Christmas and may 2014 be your year.
This is a short, yet deep article. I have printed it out and need to reflect on it because I think there is a message here for me. But want to say thank you for writing this.