Now let’s get some things straight before we jump into this topic. Girl you are a blessing, a miracle, a masterpiece, a force to be reckoned with. God loves you and He cares for you. He sees what you have been through and He knows who you are. I know some days pain, confusion, doubt, fear, insecurities and sadness cloud your vision, but you are going places.

Now allow me to tell you again that you are a blessing – not a curse. It is a common quote that “hurt people hurt people,” so we tell ourselves that it’s who we are and that it’s the way things have to be. Of course we’re not good friends – we’re hurt people. Of course we’re not good family members – we’re hurt people. Of course we’re not good leaders, ministers, wives, mothers, children of God, students, professionals – because we are hurt people. Broken branches of an almond tree.

Might I ask, has anyone ever told you that hurt people can also heal people? That instead of seeing yourself as a problem, you can start to see yourself as a solution. Do you wonder why your mind is so negative ? It’s because this planet is nothing but negativity and sometimes it’s hard to see past your own eyelashes. Don’t believe the lies, there is a silver lining in your troubles. Something good can come out of that bad habit or missed opportunity. God can use that past hurt and those family struggles because you’re not the only person going though it. There’s someone out there who can use your experience and encouragement.

Have you ever stopped to think that perhaps God could use that broken branch to start a fire and feed a town? I bet you didn’t because you’ve been conditioned to see the worst in you and to think you’re damaged goods. Pssh, girl that’s a lie from the enemy. Instead of hurting people, you can help them heal because you’ve been there. You know what pain feels like. You’ve worked hard and struggled for what you have. You’ve been tested and passed. Someone out there can use that hope. You can be practical and honest as you share your experiences and wisdom – the Gospel is waiting to be preached through your testimony. Is it painful? Yes, but let’s be real, how can you spell out T-E-S-T-I-M-O-N-Y without first spelling out the word test?

Well, you know what to do Gem girl. You didn’t go through all of this just to stay hurt. You certainly didn’t experience this just to be a curse and to bring misery to someone else. Go live out the blessing that God created you to be. And when people ask why you care so much, why you love so hard, and how you stand so tall – even though you’re hurt – tell them it’s because your God was hurt first and even then, He healed you.