Power to the People

This past weekend brought about the word empowerment in my life.  It was a busy weekend, filled with lots of joys, lots of excitement, lots of activities, and lots of people.  Empowerment by definition means: 

em·pow·er

verb (used with object)

1.  to give power or authority to; authorize, especially by legal or official means: I empowered my agent to make the deal for me. The local ordinance empowers the board of health to close unsanitary restaurants.

2.  to enable or permit: Wealth empowered him to live a comfortable life.

 

It has been more than extremely difficult to feel empowered by any stretch within this process because by the very nature of my ex's illness, he strips all power away.  It is how he thrives and he will stop at nothing to make sure it happens.  The level of manipulation and control that transpires in dealing with someone that has his illness sucks the very life out of anyone.  And, trying to avoid it is next to impossible when you "must" be a part of their world.  From a professional stand-point, you are told to avoid them at all costs.  In my case, it's simply not possible.

 

But, this past weekend was different.  For an entire weekend, everything that is all consuming in regards to this most bizarre case was put on the back-burner while life existed.  I was able to experience one of the many joys of motherhood in watching my daughter celebrate life.  I was able to see her joy as she created memories that will last.  I was able to visit with other adults as well and just be.....without the heavy weight, the fears, and the burdens of what exists.  What a treasure....the kind of treasure that holds value!

 

Empowerment of any capacity when one is in the midst of despair is amazing.  And, experiencing it when involved with someone like my ex is nothing short of a miracle.  I'll take it whenever I can get it!  And, maybe I'm even creating it at this point as I have taken some steps to get outside of my comfort zone.  The weekend prior to this one was also spent surrounded by friends which was good.  It gives me that opportunity to simply live and that can not be controlled by another person.

 

There has been a pro-active shift in one area of my life as some of the pieces are starting to fall into place.  More details on this to come in the near future but that in itself is another positive.

 

Please continue to pray for the most important factor:  my children and their safety.  But, I would also ask for your prayers that I continue to be open to His guidance on this area of my life and He knows the specifics.

 

Proverbs 1:5
let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance—