“My parents, siblings, and close friends knew nothing about the hell I’d been through for the past year and months”
We spent a splendid honeymoon in Costa Rica, and fell in love with the country with its cool climate, breathtaking landscape, and peaceful serenity.
Here we were back on Curaçao, adjusting to the rhythm of the day and scheduled working hours. Our publishing business was growing exponentially. As a matter of fact we were doing so well, we no longer worked from our one-bedroom apartment.
Mr. and Mrs. Pierre were moving up by leaps and bounds! But our good life was about to take a turn for the worse.
Here I was lying first-class, all by myself, flat on my back, in my air-conditioned hospital room, with a phone at my disposal. Every move I made was painful. I couldn’t even sit up and hold my Bible to read. The first days I cried, slept, and prayed quietly. I was mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually broken and exhausted. Now I had all the time in the world to contemplate and meditate.
Emotionally and spiritually I was so tangled up, I needed to detach from this heavy burden I was carrying. Only one thing was left to say: “Oh God, I need Your help.”
“I cried out to God from my soul and washed my face with my tears.”
All the hymns we sang in morning worship came to the surface. “What can wash away my sins, nothing but the blood of Jesus,” and “Pass me not oh gentle Savior, hear my humble cry.”
My daily readings were Psalms 51 and 139, besides other scriptures.
One morning Pastor Vincent came to visit me again. With a big smile on his face, he told me I was looking good, and asked, “How is my lovely daughter doing today?” Finally, I could reciprocate his kindness. “I’m fine thank you, feeling better than ever” was my response. I told him I was glad he had come by and told him I wanted to have a word with him. I asked him to shut the door because what I had to say was private and confidential. I spilled my guts to Pastor Vincent and asked for his forgiveness. He felt sad, having been so close and yet so far.
He thanked me and prayed that God would honor my confession by restoring my marriage and heal Nelson from his drug addiction. A heavy burden was lifted from my shoulders. I made peace with my pastor, friend, and neighbor.
“Confess your sins one to another that you may be healed.” James 5:16.
My parents, siblings, and close friends knew nothing about the hell I’d been through for the past year and months, so I still had many laps to go. I decided to swallow my pride and let it all out. No more covering up! Sooner or later they would find out anyway, so they might as well hear the news right from the horse’s mouth.
From “Go Ahead, You’re Home” – The Caribbean Dream with Grit & Guts
A true and poignant story of forgiveness, hope and love. Mountain-moving faith with a burning desire determined to succeed.
