A Fresh New Start
You will begin seeing changes about my life on Facebook, email, etc. I wanted to explain why. I have ended my marriage. It happened last August, when I discovered that my husband had a relationship outside of our 11 year marriage, and decided to move out. Over the past year we have seen counselors and tried to repair things, but decided it’s the healthiest for us and the kids to move on and begin our separate lives.
So, this Easter has meant much more for my little family than just a celebration of the end of winter. It’s actually the celebration of an end to a very dark period of our life, and embracing the promise of new life and new possibilities.
The main thing I want you to know….I am okay! In fact, I am stronger and better than ever. The kids are doing great. Although this may come as a surprise to you, I have been dealing with this for quite some time and have healed. Which is why I’m now talking about it and moving forward. I feel strong and confident in pursuing my new life on my own with the kids. I am fine financially and am getting plenty of support. I’m not going to make a ton of changes. We are living our normal lives.
You will probably begin to see changes on Facebook, my blog, email, on air, etc. I plan on writing more and starting to tell my story of how I have found meaning during this time of suffering and how God is now turning what was once a pile of ashes into a thing of beauty.
I have discovered that there is a whole new dimension of life that God created for me…that I haven’t imagined or tapped into yet. I have been settling for less of what God has intended for me. No more! I want to help others live the abundant life that God has planned for us.
Although parenting 3 young children on my own wasn’t exactly my plan, it’s actually not as hard as it sounds. To some it may seem like “no task for a mere mortal.” But, I’m not one of those “mere mortals.” I believe strongly in the risen power of Jesus Christ, and his ability to transform lives. I am a living example that it is real.
Let every man and woman count himself immortal. Let him catch the revelation of Jesus in his resurrection. Let him say not merely, “Christ is risen,” but “I shall rise.” – Phillips Brooks
So on this Easter, I am breaking the silence and the chains of shame and secrets that were binding me. I am saying it outloud…I am a Single Mom of 3…and I am rising!
Thanks for your love and support. I don’t want pity, I don’t need a ton of help or anything, just your friendship, prayers, acceptance, and positive encouragement!
Love,
Amanda, Emily, Andy, and Zoe
Dear Amanda,
You and your children are in my prayers.
I admire your bravery and confidence in God’s promises to be with you.
You may find comfort in the song, “When You Walk Through the Water,” by Christian artist Allison Durham. Here’s the link-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9penOHLXcGM
Stay strong in Jesus!
God bless you,
Alexis
Amanda, I have had a feeling deep in my heart that something was happening in your life to warrant a lot of prayer. I have been praying for you for many months now. You are a strong woman and I am looking forward to hearing great things in your life. Always remember GOD LISTENS!!!
We miss you so much here in Houston.
Amanda,
I love reading everything you write. You always inspire me. I live in the Houston area and I miss you so much. I loved listening to you on KSBJ.
I can relate to what your going thru. I’m a single mom, and while I was engaged to get married to my fiance I found out he had been unfaithful. It really helped me to remember that God never gives us more than we can bear.
I appreciate how open and honest you are. You have encouraged me more than you know. Thank you for sharing from your heart. I once heard someone say “when you share from the heart it goes to the heart.”
Sarah
Thank you so very much. Isn’t it amazing our capacity to get over heartache…when you know God? Just astounded at how much he has comforted me.
Hi, Amanda. We do not know one another, but somehow I came across your blog. I grew up in the Houston area and still live here to this day. I am praying for you and your precious 3 children. I love your honesty and I love your heart. May God continue to give you the peace and strength you need to get through every single day!
Ashley (The Woodlands, TX)
Thank you Ashley! it means so much to me that you are praying. Thanks for reading my blog! See you around Woodland’s Towne Center next time I’m visiting my mom there! xoxo
I will pray that God blesses you and yours.
Scott
Thank you so much. I am honored to have your prayers.
Oh Amanda….You and your lovely children are in my prayers. I admire your strength and honesty. You will be blessed….. I love your daily posts and seeing new pictures of you and your family. Through your experiences, you will be blessing others, encouraging women to be brave and strong—and know that God has you in the palm of His hand. <3
Thank you so very much Jackie. This means a lot.
Dear Amanda,
What an inspiring story! I appreciate your honesty and transparency even though this must have been very difficult to come to terms with, as well as go public. Just know that God has great things in store for you and your children. Bless you for all that you’ve been through and know that we will continue to lift you and your family up in prayer.
Blessings to you!!!
Hi Amanda,
I listen to you every mornong on WGTS here in VA and I heard your story this morning. It’s funny how God put people in your lives!! I was feeling like I was alone as a Single parent and I hear your story. You really spoke to my heart. (I am crying right now, while writing this). I keep asking God to help me as I raise my 2 children. It has been a very rough road, but God keeps showing me that I can do this. I feel his encouragement in the people he places in my life.
Amanda, thank you for sharing your story. I pray that God iwlll continue to bless and protect you and your beautiful family.
God Bless!
Desiree
Thank you Desiree….
Let’s walk this out together. Love you!
Hi Amanda,
I am truly shocked to hear your news. It just goes to show you that you can’t judge a book by it’s cover. I thought you had the perfect life from listening to you and reading about you. I actually felt a little jealous of you, and I am sorry. I know what you are going through. I have been married for almost 12 years. My husband has cheated on me and he has addiction problems. I have stayed in the marriage and I have 3 kids. I didn’t think I could support myself although my husband hasn’t contributed financially in almost 2 years. Just this past Mother’s Day I decided to make a change. I am staying with someone right now and hope to be in my own apartment with my 3 kids by June 1. I’m not sure where the money is going to come from, but I pray it will work out. I spoke with you recently on the radio when Brendon was talking about ordering grilled cheese at McD. I use to do that all the time for my daughter. Good Luck Amanda!
Sincerely,
Amy
Amy, You are a hero to your kids and to me. Good for you. Oh Lord, show her how you are our provider…in Jesus Name, Amen. Love you!
Amanda,
I admire your strength and will be praying for you and your girls. I am currently going through what you describe, my husband has had an emotional affair. I am still trying to make it work but not much is changing. I’m trying to lean on the Lord but feel like I’m falling apart everyday. Any advice?
Hi Erika,
I’m so sorry that you are going through this. I can only tell you what I did. On the advice of my therapist I did the “total 180″. When the marriage covenant was broken and all trust was gone, I was still willing to work on it and try to save our marriage. Se said, the only way to do it was to completely cut off all communication unless it had to do with the kids. There was no emotional calls, no emails, no dinners together… strictly business about the kids or paying bills. Even though he left, I had to “walk away” from all communication.
Here’s how it works: Eventually, the cheating spouse you do the “total 180″ to…tries to come back and ask for forgiveness…than you walk through that with counseling, and a list of items they have to do to build back the trust. For example, you get passwords to email, phone numbers are deleted, they have to tell you where they are anytime, etc. A way for them to be accountable so you can trust them again. By staying and allowing the behavior to hurt you, it will only continue. The total 180 stops it….and allows space and an opportunity for remorse to develop. If they come back you can try to reconcile and repair things in a healthy way.
In my situation….He did come back after the 180, we were in counseling, but unfortunately he strayed again and I had to realize that I was better off on my own, than being hurt and allowing someone to treat me that way.
Oh Lord, please give Erika the courage to try the 180, comfort her, fill the emotional void with your love, In Jesus Name, Amen…
“I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.” – spoken by Jesus in John 14:18
What a promise from our Savior. We can always take comfort in Him.
Yes, I’m so thankful for how God has held me during this.
I’m sure you touched more listeners than you will ever know by sharing this story. Thank you.
hi amanda, we don’t know each other but i listen to you every morning on my way to work. i have not been listening for a while now because i just had a baby, but was very shocked when i had the news this morning. i was married for 2yrs, my husband accused me falsely of having an affair with his friend, did everything 2 convince him but every effort failed, not knowing it was an excuse for him to leave the marriage. last october, he left me with a 19month old toddler, was 2 months pregnant, and no job. i was unhappy during the entire duration of the marriage, but due to family values i lacked the courage to leave. at first i was scared, confused, not knowing what to do with the little girl, the child growing in me, and what to do for money. but with the help of the same family he accused me of cheating with, a wonderful friend, my mom and the grace of God we have been able to make it this far. i keep asking God to help me raise the girls right, it not been easy but his grace would be sufficient for us.
Amanda, thanks sharing your challenges, God would see you through, he would hold you up when you are weak, he would guide and bless your children.
Remain blessed,
Stella.
Thank you Stella. I’m so sorry that you had to go through this. You are incredibly inspiring. It sounds like you are already doing a great job raising your girls. What a blessing to have them in your life. We will rise!