In January 2010, I joined the United States Army. At the time, I was married to my first husband. Hannah and Rj were only 3 and 1 at the time. It was such a hard decision for me, but because of the Army’s benefits, I felt as though it was the best decision for my family. So, I signed up to fight for my country.
During MOS (military occupational specialty) training, while on an FTX (field training exercise), I fractured both sides of my hips and basically wore down the cartilageĀ in my knees. So because I had served less than a year, the US Amry said, “thanks for your service, but you’re no longer needed” and sent my butt home. I was Rick James, for real.
My pride and self-worth were hurt because I felt like the biggest failure. On top of the fact that I can longer justify why I left my kids.
When I returned home and healed a bit, I had to meet with my commanding officers to discuss the honorable discharge that I had received. That is when my sergeant had notified me that as soon as I would have graduated from MOS training, my unit was being deployed to Afghanistan for 12 months.
Talk about relief! My self-pityĀ immediately turned into gratitude. Although I wasn’t able to be a US Army soldier like I originally planned, I wasn’t about to be deployed neither. I later found out that a few of my battle buddies didn’t return home. Y’all, that could have been me!
What’s my point, you ask? Ok, let me get to it before this turns into a novel.
Sometimes in life, we put ourselves down when we are unable to accomplish the goals that we set for ourselves. We become discouraged and even feel worthless. But unbeknownst to us, God is really saving us from disaster. Whether it’s a relationship, marriage, friendship, job opportunity, etc. You never know that the Lord is doing behind the scenes in our lives. This is why we have to trust Him and know that His plan for us is more extravagantĀ than any plan we can possibly have for ourselves.
The Good Book says,
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.” -Proverbs 3:5-6
This verse has been my anchor, especially during this season of my life. I do not understand why things are happening the way that they are happening, but I trust the Lord with all of my heart to not only get me through this season but allow me to becomeĀ healed.
Things may not make sense to you right now, but trust that God will not only pull you through, but you will come out of the other end stronger. I am living proof!
Stay blessed friends!
For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” -Jeremiah 29:11Ā
Wow! What a testimony! Praise God for looking out for you! And your family that could have lost you! I pray you are doing better. Keeping you in prayer! God loves you!
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Thank you so much. The Lord is my shepard, so I am doing just fine. Thank you for your prayers, fellow warrior! *hugs*
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Praise God, Sister! ā¤
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We never know what lies in the wake of even the most seemingly devastating setback. You are spot-on with this testimony! Your children are also no doubt glad of the turn of events also.
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Absolutely. Funn y thing is when I returned, my Rj was so mad at me, he wouldn’t allow me to even touch him for a week. I think that’s what broke my heart the most. But its all good now š Thanks for reading, I truly appreciate your continued support.
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Ashley, thank you for your service. You made it farther than I did and you completed your mission in your heart. That counts in my book. ā¤
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Thank you so much Lloyd! I truly appreciate that. Thank you as well. It was in your heart to do so. They say only 2% of the US population will try to become a service member. So thank you for being apart of that 2%
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Praise the Lord for His working in your life! Thank you for sharing this amazing testimony! ā¤
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Yes, Praise the Lord! Thank you for reading my story. God bless you, dear š
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And you too! š
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This. Is. Beautiful.
Do relevant to my present season in life. Thank you for sharing your heart and testimony. Be blessed.
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Im so glad my story was able to help you during this season in your life. Thats whats its all about right? Sharing exepriences to let others know that we are not alone during this battle. THANK YOU for stopping by and reading my story. God bless you! š
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And God bless you!
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Thank you āŗļø
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