Exposing Spiritual Warfare

Posted on by beautybeyondbones

So, there’s really no cute way to curtsey my way into this topic today, so I’m just going to just start spewing my heart. Which, as I sit here is both terrifying and an adventure because I honestly have no idea where this post is going to end up. But between you and me, that’s typically how my best posts begin.

Lately, this past week, I feel as though I have been under attack.

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And yes, I am talking about spiritual warfare.

Now, let me pause, because whenever I bring up that term — or even worse: “Satan” — I instantly feel as though I’m just asking to be the subject of an SNL parody skit. Visions from Mean Girls come to mind, where Cady Heron is describing the homeschool kids:

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But I just feel like no one wants to talk about spiritual warfare for fear of being seen as one of those “crazy Christians” that’s all in a tizzy about a concept that society will have you believe doesn’t exist.

Well, friends, screw it, I’m going there. 

To be honest, ever since I hit 40,000 subscribers, I have felt spiritually attacked.

My mind has been hit with a thousand flaming arrows, trying to fill my head with lies and self doubt, and I’m going to be honest, they’ve been hard to resist.

Thoughts that my blog ministry is stupid, and that it doesn’t matter. Thoughts that berate me for being single and alone, without hope of ever finding a husband. Thoughts that cut at my social skills, looks, season in life – you name it. They’re coming in from all sides. Each one more damaging than the next.

And this is coming at a time when you’d think the exact opposite would be true. Things have been going great since 40K. I was interviewed on a podcast that I have dreamed about being on – and I can’t wait to share that with you in early 2019 when it comes out. My weekends have been filled to the absolute brim with social engagements with friends who truly care about me, and that I love. And heck, in last week’s post, I received a letter from a reader who told me that my book, Bloom, literally was a catalyst in her recovery from an eating disorder.

So why, the heck, am I listening to these lies that are filling my head that are straight from the pit of hell?

Why? Because I am human, living in a fallen world, and try as some people may to convince you otherwise, Satan is real.

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I don’t think that I am alone in my experience this past week. I think that all of us, at one time or another, have felt bogged down by self doubt or discouragement, or inadequacy, or loneliness. I think those are universal obstacles. I just think that most people are afraid to talk about it.

But I also think that those are the exact cracks in our foundation that the devil likes to worm into, in order to gain a foothold in our lives.

A surprising paradox in all of this, is that you’d think that when you’re “down and out,” you’d be the most vulnerable to spiritual attacks. But I think the opposite is true. I think that when we have a momentum going; when we’re on fire for the Lord and eagerly chasing after His plan for our lives, that is when Satan is going to do everything in his power to throw as many road blocks in your way as possible. That he’ll bring along seven friends to trip you up and shove you off course. I don’t think that is a coincidence.

Which is why we must heed the advice of Ephesians 6: 10-18…and put on the armor of God, most especially when we feel we don’t need to.

I was reading over that passage this afternoon, and I realized, for the first time, a very important thing.

Everything in that armor: — the belt of truth, breastplate of righteousness, feet in the gospel, shield of faith, helmet of salvation — those are all defensive articles. They are all passive, shields, used to defend oneself against an attack.

Except for one: The sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.

The sword of the Spirit.

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That is the only thing that was an offensive tool. An attack. A proactive tool.

And that’s when I realized: we do not have to do the fighting. The Spirit will do it for us. 

And what a freakin’ relief that was. I don’t have to rely on my own strength to resist the spiritual attacks from the evil one. The Spirit will do that for me. I just need to ask. I need to just take up that Sword, and the Spirit will fight for me.

Yes, I need to take all the defensive actions possible – with faith, with the gospel, with truth — but the fighting is left up to the Spirit.

That kind of puts it in a new perspective, doesn’t it?

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I know that I can’t just snap my fingers and *poof* magically be out of this cloud of darkness that has collected in my mind. But what I can do, is seek out the truth. Seek out Him. Seek out His presence. Which is exactly what I’m going to do. Right now. I’m going to crack open my Bible, and read His love letter to me: The Gospel.

Because the truth of the matter in all of this, is that Jesus has already won. He has overcome the world. And the evil one doesn’t even stand a chance against the King. And that, is a truth I can believe.

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446 thoughts on “Exposing Spiritual Warfare”

  5. I’ve been feeling super attacked lately & this post was confirmation to keep seeking God & letting the Spirit be my Sword. Praying for you & thank you for your transparency!

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  6. Yep, I was tracking you the whole time. Loved that meme btw/ of the homeschool boys 😉 nothing like a little sense of humor to keep things in perspective. Reminds me of message I heard years ago on Christian radio by Chuck Swindoll…he started teaching on spiritual warefare on the radio, and literally all sorts of weird stuff started happening in his personal life.. I really appreciate this message! take care. DM

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  8. Hey, thanks for sharing this post about spiritual warfare. I couldn’t agree with you more – Satan does attack when we are trying to do what the Lord wants us to do. It’s definitely not a coincidence. It’s a good reminder for all of us to keep putting on His armor.
    Your mention of your mind being hit with “a thousand flaming arrows” brought to mind a recent post I published called, “Is it Raining Arrows?” https://rootsministries.com/2018/10/25/is-it-raining-arrows/ Perhaps it will encourage you!
    God bless.

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    1. Thank you so much Jim, I appreciate your thoughts on this. You’re right – His armor! Looking forward to reading your post! Hugs and love xox

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  9. I fully support you! This spiritual warfare is very real. To be the target of these attacks is not rare and can actually be a confirmation that you’re on the right track. You cannot serve two opposing masters simultaneously. That means that to please one, you must offend the other. You’re offending the one you should be offending. It’s just that he’s not very nice about it!

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  10. Relatable. I also feel attacked by a spiritual warfare presently. This year has probably been the most challenging ever.. but still I Rise in having faith that God will always see me through. Great post 🤗❤️

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    1. Thank you so much Victoria. I’msorry this hits so close to home. Amen to that! will be keeping you in my prayers! Hugs and love xox

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  11. I love the “Hold Strong” image you created. We can get so caught up on “strongholds” that we forget to hold strong. This too is a powerful weapon in our fight of faith. So grateful that you are aware and alert, recognizing that we do have an enemy of our souls. But as you know, the good news is that we are fighting from a place of victory, for Jesus already won the battle at the cross! Onward Christian Soldier, with the cross of Jesus going on before!

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  12. You’re exactly right about Satan’s attacks not being coincidence. While I don’t think he knows the future, I think he can tell when God is preparing us for something wonderful, and he tries to get us to give up before we reach that corner, to keep us from receiving what God has for us. I think waiting is the hardest thing in the world to do. But the time will get here. God is truly worth waiting on. I think I heard that on a morning podcast last week. 😉 Well said! And yes, stay in His word! Have a wonderful weekend!

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    1. Thank you Kenneth. I think you’re right – no coincidence at all. Thank you for the encouragement. Hugs and love xox

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    1. Thank you so much John , I appreciate the encouragement. You’re right about that – He’s always got our backs! Hugs and love xox

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  14. You hit a double home run with this post and the video this morning. Spiritual warfare is real. God is using you in such amazing ways, so I’m not surprised that you are under attack. The power of God in you and through you is a threat to the devil. If it were not, the enemy would leave you alone. Keep exposing the enemy! Remember, Jesus already defeated him. He is trying to wreak havoc, but he is not the all-powerful one. First Peter 5:8 says that the enemy has to RUN to and fro to seek whom he may devour. The book of Revelation tells the end of the story, and the devil will be bound forever. Stay strong, my friend! God is for you and with you!

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    1. oh gosh, thank you so much Matthew, I’m so glad it hit home with you. and wow – what kind words. I am truly so touched. Amen – Jesus already defeated him! That is something to really celebrate!! Hugs and love xox

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  15. Yes, if God has a will, do does His enemy. I’ve always asked myself, “What is Satan’s will for my life?”. Peering through that camera angle, the darts aflame are well defined. Hugs and God’s grip, Alan

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  16. Relax girl. Welcome the fight, iron sharpens iron. Without constant adversity one becomes weak and complacent.

    If you have faith in God, that’s all you need. I have plenty of friends that don’t believe, but I still speak my mind amongst them and with them.

    Do what you gotta do. Just remember, the more you fight, the smarter and stronger you become.

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  17. Love is the natural condition of our being, revealed when all else is relinquished, when one has already moved into transpersonal levels of identification and awareness. Love is simply an open state with no boundaries and, as such, is a most inclusive level of consciousness. Love is a quality of the Ground of Being itself. In this regard and at this juncture in the dying process, love can be seen as the final element of life-in-form and the gateway to the formless. Singh, The Grace in Dying, 239[ God is LOVE! Love is stronger than Death.

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    1. You’re so right about that – love is stronger than death! Thank you for this beautiful and insightful reflection! Big big hugs to you friend xox

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  19. I love how your honesty always shines through in your posts. Honesty is a key, I have come to believe, when dealing with spiritual warfare. Believers like you and I are prone to attack when things are going well. We have to have strength to admit when we aren’t emotionally and spiritually sharp, lay ourselves open before God, and beg for help. And I have found through personal experience that His help comes at unexpected moments through unexpected channels. Believers have to keep plugging along until that burst happens. And I know you will. Hugs and love from Kentucky– Mike

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    1. Thank you so much Mike 🙂 glide so right about that – we can beg for His help and He will give it!! Hugs and love xox

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  20. Fight like you already won! I love it because HE HAS already won! 😉
    Praying for you, Caralyn! Depression and doubt can be mighty foes, but you’re counting on the right hero! 😉
    The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?
    the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
    When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh,
    they stumbled and fell.
    Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear:
    though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident.
    – Psalm 27:1-3

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    1. Yes Gail! He already won!! Thank you so much for your prayers , it truly means so so much. Love those verses. Thank you friend xox

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  22. Spiritual Warfare is very real and the enemy (Satan) likes to speak many lies to our minds. Many may be hiding that fact right now that Satan is roaring in their ears, but if you are not under the banner of God and His Holy Spirit, Satan will take control. Even as Christians we still have to hang tightly on to God to keep the enemy (Satan) far away. I really do think that Jesus is soon to return to this world, so Satan is trying to do a number on as many people as he possibly can. Don’t ever be ashamed to speak of Spiritual Warfare, that’s exactly what the enemy wants, and many fall for it and suffer in silence. Then Satan knows he has the upper hand. I could go and on, as some of my earlier blogs has been on this very issue.

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    1. Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and your encouragement. You’re right – the devils greatest victory was getting people to believe he doesn’t exist. Thankfully God is greater!! Hugs and love xox

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  27. You are right on in regard to spiritual warfare! I’m rejoicing that you recognize the attacks of the enemy Satan and you know what you are supposed to do with the defensive and most important weapon the Word of God and standing firm as the Holy Spirit does the work on your behalf to bring the Father glory! I join in prayer with you.

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  28. That’s when you know great things are coming and you’re doing great when people start attacking you from all sides!! Haters and Satan don’t like to see you doing wonderful and big things! That is when you know its time to pray even harder and let God take over! This was great to read! I love your honesty. Many blessings and prayers your way! 🤗🤗🤗 thank you

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    1. Hi Lane! Thank you so much for your encouragement and prayers. You’re right – I’ve got to let Him take over!! Hugs and love xox

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    1. Thank you so much Jessy, I really appreciate your prayers. Yes! It’s our daily outfit!! And amen! God is greater! Hugs and love xox

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  30. Great post. My back injury is what God has used over a decade to write my books. One title in particular, Shut that negative noise and find your joy speaks much on God, Jesus and being a prayer warrior. My story is long but with every hardship God has used it for His Glory. In my recent title, F*ck the pain and make today your bitch really speaks on God’s anger towards negativity (Satan ) but without using those terms.

    God has given me so much range to express Him and Jesus. In fact, I lost track of the amount of tongues He gifted to me after 12 I stopped counting.

    The Spiritual realm is real, I got to see God’s beauty in Heaven and the power of casting demons and healing in tongues.

    Stay blessed, we are all in different stages of our Spiritual journey.

    xoxo, Emma

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    1. Thank you Emma for sharing your story. Gosh I am so sorry you went through that. So glad you got to see His beauty through it all! Hugs and love xox

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  31. Thank you for your post. It was an interesting read. I certainly agree that the Sword of the Spirit is the best gear we can use when fighting. I’m even happier you recognise it. So many times we read the Bible and miss something important, but in an unsuspecting way manage to grasp hold of it. Glad you did. Congratulations upon reaching your 40K. Well done.

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  32. I just wrote a blog on this as well! It is when we are growing stronger in our faith that he chooses to attack because we are threat to his plan to keep the world in darkness! He is real and can easily snake his way into our thoughts. I’ll be praying for you girl! Keep on keeping on with our Lord and savior! 🙌🏼

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  33. We humans — sad, fragile, helpless creatures we are — can’t possibly hope to mount any offensive. Which is why it’s not required we do so. Think about the Armour of God: Paul writes “above all, taking the shield of faith” Shields are for defense. Paul writes to the Corinthians ( I Chor 15) ” But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.” He states God gives the victory and our part is to maintain a defensive position.

    The attacks intensify when we’re riding high, I think. You must be reaching people with your ministry, and probably in ways the 40K doesn’t indicate. Don’t let it get you down. Remember the apostles in Acts (5) having been beaten left the council “rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.” It’s not always easy…

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    1. Hey Matt, thanks so much for sharing your thoughts on this. You’re right – a defensive position and let God be God! Hugs and love xox

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  34. A little bit of God’s love 🙂 I especially love verse 5.

    Psalm 139 The Passion Translation (TPT)
    1 Lord, you know everything there is to know about me.
    2 You perceive every movement of my heart and soul,
    and you understand my every thought before it even enters my mind.
    3–4 You are so intimately aware of me, Lord.
    You read my heart like an open book
    and you know all the words I’m about to speak
    before I even start a sentence!
    You know every step I will take before my journey even begins.
    5 You’ve gone into my future to prepare the way,
    and in kindness you follow behind me
    to spare me from the harm of my past.
    With your hand of love upon my life,
    you impart a blessing to me.

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  36. Hey! I’m so glad you noticed the Sword of the Spirit – God’s Holy Word. Yes, He fights for us. And we have to know His Word in order to be able to use it. I’m still here, reading, but not enough time for writing. God’s got you!

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    1. Thank you Tonya, that’s kind of you to say. Gosh, you’ve brought a big smile to my face. Big hugs to you dear friend. Hugs and love xox

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  42. All I can say is, Amen!! Praying for you. We all love you so much, Caralyn, and want what is absolutely best for you. God wants it even more. 🙂 Hugs!

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  43. “Thoughts that my blog ministry is stupid, and that it doesn’t matter. Thoughts that berate me for being single and alone, without hope of ever finding a husband. Thoughts that cut at my social skills, looks, season in life – you name it.”

    You are a light in the darkness. The spiritual attack that you are experiencing is proof that Satan does not like what you are doing. A sure sign that what you are doing is good.

    Single?! You are a bride of Christ. So you are never alone. Still, I find it amazing that you have not found “Mr. Right” yet. You are physically and spiritually beautiful; and, you can cook!

    Armed with Sword of the Spirit, you fight the good fight. We are here only a short time and we must do what good we can. We must shine the light of Jesus into the darkness so that others may see.

    His light shines through you.

    Keep shining!!!!!

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    1. Oh my gosh, friend I am so touched by your generous words. Thank you. Amen to that – we must shine the light of Jesus!! Big hugs to you xox

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  44. Isn’t it great that we don’t have to worry about the outcome?!? The battle is already won, maybe not in our current moment (that’s why we always need to be vigilant and on guard against the devil and his forces) but in the terms of eternity Christ won at the cross. I’m sorry you’ve been under attack spiritually, but as someone who has personal experience with spiritual warfare I can appreciate your mindset and that you acknowledge exactly what’s been happening. Too many people don’t want to address the possibility because it isn’t always an easy subject to talk about. Needless to say, if you ever need additional prayer or someone to talk to, just let a brother know! Praying.

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  45. I’m right there with you.

    Saturday night, it took me a while to fall asleep. After about half an hour of tossing and turning, I suddenly woke up with a start, and had two thoughts running through my mind: I am cursed, and I am going to die a sad, tragic death relatively young.

    Now, on the surface, there are good reasons for all of this to happen. I took a long time to fall asleep because I spent the evening playing Dungeons & Dragons and eating too much sugar and caffeine. The concept of cursed specifically came up in our game that night. And as for dying young earlier that day I had seen Bohemian Rhapsody, and it was sinking in just how sad that movie really was (not surprisingly so, of course, since it’s based on a true story that I was mostly familiar with).

    But even so, there still may be an aspect of spiritual attack. All of this is just the usual voices in my head being amplified. And, yes, the Word of God is the way I’m going to have to fight this.

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    1. Oh no! Oh gosh that sounds terrifying. I’m so sorry you went through that. Yeah, it’s incredible how the things we see throughout the day can influence our dreams. Amen – Word of God all the way. Praying for you friend! Thanks for sharing that. Hugs and love xox

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  46. So glad you shared this. I have been going through these thoughts and a lot of spirt attacks, random anger or bouts of feeling really emotional with no true cause as to why. I’ve noticed the more I’ve given things up to Him, the more I’ve worked on Him and giving Him glory, these things happen. God continue to lift you up, girl!

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    1. Thank you so much TR, gosh I’m sorry you can relate on such a personal level. I will definitely be keep you in my prayers. Amen – giving Him the glory! Thank you for the prayers and encouragement! Grateful for you! Hugs and love xox

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      1. That post you liked today, the one I wrote about conviction. I was having such a hard time writing it because it wanted to freeze and slow down everything. It made me realize too how much God must have wanted the post to be written and published. So I kept going and He allowed everything to save. But I feel like something did not want it posted. And I felt like the mind games and emotions have been strong today. I couldn’t help but see a connection.

        But our God is stronger ❤

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      2. That’s so true! Sometimes the things that are the hardest to do, or that have the most road blocks are the MOST important!! Amen He is stronger! Xox

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  47. I can’t tell you how many times I have thought like that. I believe that the devil is real; he tempts and puts doubts in our minds and tries to turns us against God. I also feel he is at work when your life is going great and all of a sudden; its obstacle after obstacle; constant roadblocks and that nagging voice that says God can’t help you or doesn’t love you. I am not as far along in my faith as you probably are but I think God a lot and how to resist those lies that the Devil says to us. I love how you mention that our defense of the devil is God and his word; armor. I like how you put that. I really enjoy your posts about God and I hope you continue to make more posts like this because it helps me grow in my faith. Thank you

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    1. Thanks for sharing your heart on this. You’re so right – it’s the armor! He is our first line of defense and first mode of attach for sure! Thanks for the encouraging words. Big hugs to you xox

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      1. Thank you. I just wanted to add: 40k followers?? That is freakin incredible; that is a feat. I wish I could reach that many people. It must be difficult to keep up with so many comments/messages etc. Great job!

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  49. Fabulous post, Caralyn! I go through periods like that, I think many people do but we don’t talk about it. The devil will use any technique he can to try to sway us from the truth.
    Your insight about the Spirit fighting for you is absolutely right. And comforting.
    I was single for almost 40 years! I had come to peace with accepting that God may not have marriage in mind for me. He knows best. Turned out He was getting me ready to meet a man who goes way beyond my dreams. Hang in there! ❤

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    1. Thank you so much Grace. I really appreciate you sharing your story! That gives me such great hope. I’m so glad He brought such a great man into your life. Hugs and love xox

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  50. Love what you shared about the sword of the spirit. That was a different way to look at it…the spirit will fight for you if you would just pick up the sword…Thank you. I really needed this post today 🙂

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