About Susan
My name is Susan, and I’m a writer. I’m also a photographer, an artist, and oh yeah… there’s my favorite thing: I’m a mom of a dozen children (yep, all mine).
Just like you perhaps, my story is messy.
I have found that God is with me in the midst of my mess.
He lovingly meets me in my weakness and surprises me with joy.
I write here to share hope with you.
I am now writing on Substack! You can find me here.
Susan’s Story
In the fall of 2012, I was forced to flee (with my children) my 27 year long abusive marriage that was about to kill me.
If you are interested, you can read Part One of my story here, and Part Two here.
In How Writing Saved My Life, I explain how I used journaling to make sense of the abuse my children and I endured for so long and help cut through the confusion that is so much a part of being in an abusive relationship.
In “A Letter to Myself, just before escaping my abusive marriage.” I wrote to my former self as I reflected on the past 5 1/2 years, but I also wrote it for other brave souls who are contemplating escaping an abusive marriage, and for the brave ones who are willing to inconvenience themselves and come alongside us. You all are my heroes.
I began blogging way back in 2008 at joyfulmomofmany and moved to my new blogging home here in 2015. When I first began blogging I was a homeschooling mom. We lived on a farm where I raised dairy goats, chicken and rabbits. I made soap, sold eggs and organic milk, gardened and ground wheat to make all of our bread. We all delighted in hanging out in my ginormous kitchen.
Now
Now? I live in a safe quiet neighborhood. My only livestock is my labradoodle, Winston. I no longer homeschool my children. They attend public school and I certainly don’t cook and bake as much as I used to.
But you know what? It’s okay. We are peaceful and happy here. Over and over my children have each thanked me for the sacrifices that I have made in leaving and beginning a new life for us.
I’m much less idealistic and more “real” now (remember the Velveteen Rabbit?). I’m learning that the best time to experience God’s faithfulness is in the “hard” of life.
What about you? Have you also found yourself treading a path that you never anticipated or signed up for? Are you broken, weary and ready to quit?
Thankfully, our brokenness doesn’t negate God’s goodness. I am learning that His strength truly is perfected in my weakness as He meets me right where I am over and over again.
Daily I choose to get up and keep putting one foot in front of the other, and the Lord faithfully shows up and makes up for my inadequacies, meeting me at every turn.
While my past explains some of my current struggles, I don’t believe that it defines my future. God is so good to redeem brokenness.
What You Will Find Here
You will find authentic, honest and hope-filled stories, all written with a deep desire to be an encouragement to you, wherever you are in your journey.
Sometimes I write about tough topics like abuse, PTSD and depression.
Whatever the topic, I write with a desire to come alongside those who are struggling and offer hope.
I’m so glad you are here!
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