There are times when grace violently overwhelms me like waves crashing on the seashore. The tears begin to fall, the ugly cry ensues, and the chest heaving hits like a tsunami. It happens in the most random places.

 

Once in a church sanctuary of over 200 ladies. I was sitting on the front row listening to a story of how a mother was reunited with her children and husband that she almost lost due to drug addiction. I identified with her fear of loss and her joy of restoration.

 

Just this weekend it happened while me and my husband were listening to a worship song while making dinner. I started sobbing as I cleaned the dishes. So did he. We embraced each other and cried together out of gratitude for everything the Lord has done for us.

 

It just happens sometimes.

I can’t stop it, and I don’t want to.

 

It is a beautiful reminder of the grace and mercy God has had on my life and marriage. 

I’m probably what you’d call a church girl. I was practically raised in the pew.  So how on earth did I fall for Satan’s disastrous tactics that nearly wrecked my life and marriage? 

 

Before I go further, know this: Sin twists you and turns you into something that you are not. Sin is a thief and a liar.

 

After over 33 years of being a “church girl” and over 15 years of marriage I opened the door of my heart to a man who was not my husband. It almost caused me to lose everything that I have ever loved and valued. My sweet babies. My adoring husband, John.

 

When John found out, I knew he would kick me out and it would be the end of everything I ever held dear.

 

Oh, friends. I was wrong. I was so very wrong…

 

Even though he was angry and broken-hearted, he didn’t kick me out. Instead, he welcomed me back home.

 

We sought counseling and we depended on God and the support of family and friends. 

There were many layers of deceit and it took several years of hard, grueling work. And although choosing to stay together was wise, it was hardest decision we’ve ever made because restoration after infidelity is extremely painful.

 

Stripped bare, we both had to face the pain and truth of what I had done, while simultaneously accepting responsibility for the massive tear in our marriage. Vulnerability and long suffering was key.

 

Sometimes, a heart has to break completely in two before it can become whole again. And now, almost 12 years later, we are a fully restored miracle. We are whole. Because of  Christs’ love, our love is rich and deep. We hold tight to each other,  love big and live as if we do not have tomorrow…because we almost lost it.

 

God restores, He heals, and He never runs out of grace! 

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If you haven't checked out Shannon's full story, you can find it here.