Do you know Cherie at “Heart and Soul Reflections”? I’ve known her for a few months now and had the privilege of recently meeting her “live and in-person” at the Hearts at Home Conference two weeks ago. She is absolutely beautiful – and her outside is lovely, too.
She is doing a series on “Inspiring Women” and asked to feature me for today. I am truly honored that she feels my story could be used to glorify God to her readers.
Thank you so much, Cherie, for having me at your place today! Here’s a little teaser – the link is at the bottom so you can go over and visit Cherie’s beautiful blog…
You had a rough start in life with an alcoholic father. How did you cope with such an unstable life?
Honestly, I didn’t realize it was unstable in the midst of my trauma because I was a child and there was much I didn’t understand. I was definitely more anxious than most children my age and I remember feeling a longing to see my father almost always (my parents divorced when I was six years old due to his alcoholism and various behaviors that partner with this horrible disease) but I have to credit my mother in working hard to create the healthiest and safest environment as possible given the somewhat torrential circumstances that surrounded us.
In addition, I had very stable and loving grandparents who lived less than five minutes from us and I was fortunate enough to spend a decent amount of time with them. My grandparents continue to be a very influential part of my life – my sweet Grandjack passed away four years ago and until his death, we had a very close relationship. My Meemo is still living (she just turned 85!) and we remain close as well. I’m so thankful my children can know her and they adore her as well – it’s a blessing to see history repeat itself.
You’ve shared on your blog that you had an abortion in college. How have you been able to heal from this experience?
It was GREAT to get to know you more, Natalie!
I love how God is using you. I, too, was a child of an alcoholic (& manic depressive) father. It blesses my heart SO much to know that God can take the ugly, sinful, worldly things and STILL receive glory for Himself!! I love Him for that! And the fact that He uses our circumstances, our choices, our inabilites to still make His name known? Wow. He amazes me. Thank you for being a willing vessel to allow His light to shine. You’ve blessed me! :)