God is so good and so kind. As I focus on rebuilding my life, I cannot help thinking of the goodness of the Lord.
Have you ever just stood amazed at how patient and loving He is? I do often lately…more than I usually do.
Allow me to be a little dramatic but also transparent.
To survive each moment these days, I must be very aware of His presence, unlike when life is “peachy cream,” easy and going well.
See, in my current state, I am operating in a complete deficit.
I feel like a shadow of who I once was in many ways. My life is unrecognizable, and what was once commonplace and familiar is gone.
So, my existence remains something that needs to be rebuilt, redeveloped, and rezoned, like an old, raggedy neighborhood with empty streets, hollowed-out buildings, and hopeless residents.
I’m rebuilding my life.
There have been lots of changes around here, Girl.
Let me share what’s going on.
I am no longer a part of a two-prong mother and daughter dynamic duo because my mom went to be with Jesus.
I am no longer a busy professional running to and fro, planning meetings, and balancing the rat race; my job was phased out a few months ago – not long after I lost Mom.
Nor am I any longer part of a wild sibling pair with my crazy brother because he left me without warning about four months ago to be with my mom.
While I’m still a mother myself, I am one with two young adults. They need me, but not in the same way they did in the past.
Yes, Christian Sister, my life is disjointed and in need of redesign.
Have you ever had to rebuild your life?
Is rebuilding my life making sense?
Can you relate to what I’m talking about here?
Was there a time in your life when you were at a crossroads, needing to rebuild your life after significant events disrupted your routines, relationships, or sense of self?
It’s brutal, and you almost feel guilty for feeling sad for so long.
I know I’m not the only one who’s been here. Or am I?
Nah, you can’t convince me I am.
To prove it, I’ve brainstormed some reasons people may feel the way I feel.
I’m going to share them with you – no judgment, please.
Hey, if you can relate to any of them, please let me know in the comments.
- Loss of a Loved One
The death of a spouse, family member, or close friend can leave a void that affects every aspect of your life.
Adjusting to life without that person – or, in my case, people – requires redefining roles, finding new sources of support, and rediscovering purpose.
Rebuilding my life includes finding new people to fellowship with and share my life with.
It is also a good idea to start new traditions and habits. I’m working on that now.
2. Divorce or Breakup
The end of a relationship can disrupt a person’s emotional, financial, and social stability.
Rebuilding after a breakup may involve creating a new living situation, rediscovering personal interests, and re-establishing a sense of independence. All of this isn’t easy.
You may also need to find new friends (in addition to your old friends), as the old ones may avoid the challenge of moving past the breakup.
3. Job Loss or Career Change
Losing a job or making a significant career shift can financially and emotionally destabilize you.
Ask me how I know…because I’m DOING IT! Part of rebuilding my life is figuring out my next steps professionally.
Rebuilding often involves reevaluating skills, pursuing new opportunities, and sometimes learning how to live with less.
4. Health Challenges
I’ve heard that a serious illness, disability, or injury can dramatically alter a person’s lifestyle to the point they have to learn how to live their lives in different ways.
This might involve adjusting daily routines, seeking new ways to maintain a sense of normalcy, or redefining goals to align with new physical or mental limits.
5. Natural Disasters or Relocation
This has not happened to me, but I’m sure events like hurricanes, fires, or forced relocation can lead to the loss of home, community, or possessions.
Rebuilding in these cases may require finding new housing, rebuilding connections, and processing the trauma of displacement. My heart goes out to people who have experienced this.
6. Addiction Recovery
Several family members had additions, but I’ve only seen one overcome it successfully. That was my Aunt Ducky (that was her nickname).
She was brave and tenacious. Even as a child, I was impressed with her efforts to stay sober.
Plus, she also had a strong support system in our family – my mom and cousin were part of that support.
It helped that she surrendered her life to Jesus. Without a doubt, overcoming addiction involves not only physical recovery but also rebuilding trust, relationships, and self-esteem. Rebuilding my life will be largely linked to leaning on my support system as well as trusting in Jesus…one day at a time.
It often requires creating new habits. I see a trend here with being adaptable, don’t you?
You will have to find healthier coping mechanisms and build a supportive environment.
7. End of a Major Chapter
This one is a kicker.
The baby that was part of so many of my GodsyGirl stories is now a young man drifting away from me – little by little.
I feel so sad that he is growing up. At age 18, he will undoubtedly leave the nest soon to embark on his next life phase. While I am proud, it makes me cry.
Other life changes can occur as well.
For instance, life transitions such as retiring, children leaving home, or completing a major goal (like graduating or finishing military service) can leave individuals questioning their identity or purpose, prompting a need to reimagine their future.
8. Financial Crisis
Bankruptcy, debt, or other financial difficulties can force people to reevaluate their priorities, rebuild their credit, and create a more sustainable lifestyle. This is certainly a situation in which you will need to rebuild. But you can do it!
9. Trauma or Abuse
Experiencing trauma or escaping an abusive situation often requires not only physical relocation but also emotional healing and the rebuilding of self-worth and confidence. Remember, God is a Restorer and a Healer. Take the steps to get yourself safe, and watch Him direct your path!
10. Changes in Beliefs or Values
Sometimes, personal growth or a value shift leads people to question their lifestyle, career, or relationships. If you are a new Christian, you know exactly what I’m talking about. Rebuilding here involves aligning life with newfound priorities or purpose.
I found an article called “Restore My Soul: Pursuit of Personal Revival” by Article by Scott Hubbard, the managing editor of the site Desiring God.com.
He redirected me back to an all-familiar Psalm that fits so well in this conversation of rebuilding my life.
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
He makes me lie down in green pastures.
He leads me beside still waters.
He restores my soul. (Psalm 23:1–3)
God will restore my soul. He will restore yours as well. We simply have to turn to Him.
Make no mistake…I’m talking to you as well as myself!
Each of these situations I’ve listed above can feel nothing short of overwhelming.
On the promising side of the spectrum, they also give us an opportunity to grow, be resilient, and reinvent ourselves.
That’s sort of cool, right?
What the Lord told me in the depths of my grief
Not long ago, I tearfully whispered to the Lord, I feel you’ve torn my life apart. I felt a kind but direct response from Him, which sounded like this: “I’m not tearing you apart; I’m re-building you.”
That’s good, right?
Whatever you are going through, remember that it is somehow for your good and will strengthen your faith and your being.
Think of it! You will have testimonies to encourage others and spiritual muscles to help you with whatever life throws your way in the future.
That’s exciting!!!
My favorite part is all this pain will strengthen my spiritual resolve.
It will give me the Godly confidence to one day say, “If God bought me through THAT, He will bring me through this.”
I need to continue going through it until this current anguish is a faded, distant memory and a solid, past-tense testimony.
Aaaa…rebuilding my life. It’s going to be a doozy, but I will trust God.
You do the same.
Hang in there, Christian Sister.
Remember, God is so good and so kind. He loves you so much!
Stay strong in Him. <3
