Marriage after terror

Marriage...

I have been married twice. In my first marraige, I experienced sheer terror, violence, infidelity, and awful abuse. It shattered me to the core. 

Several years later, I married Kevin.  I finally saw what God's design for marriage is. I've discovered what it is to be secure, knowing I am fully loved. I've learned to trust, discovering the beauty and safety of a faithful husband. I've learned what it is to be able to share the deepest parts of my heart and know that even my most vulnerable thoughts would be received with tenderness and respect. 

I'm still healing from the trauma of my first marriage but as the horrific memories surface I can know that I am now safe, fully loved, and secure. I am thankful that God's design for marriage is beautiful. I am thankful that he rescued me from the nightmare that was once my life. 

In another two weeks, we will be celebrating our thirteenth wedding anniversary. I couldn't be more enraptured by the love of my husband.  

I feel like I have lived through hell and now am seeing a glimpse of heaven. When I think of my husband's love for me I realize it is just a taste of the incredible love God has for me. As his bride, I am secure and lavished in his love. In that place of security is where he heals our hearts and transforms us into something beautiful.