"Becoming with Pat Smith, NFL Wife, Second Chances and More: Part 2"

Dealing with pain is not something that we should be ashamed of. Deep down, we know everyone is struggling, yet no one wants to talk about their struggle. When your pain goes silent, it only begins to fester and take root even deeper into your heart. Your pain needs the freedom to come out and express itself in a healthy way. Last week you heard Pat and I be vulnerable about our own journeys, but the pain is not the only part of the story. It’s really only a piece. The story of how we found healing is what truly makes a difference with others. The way Pat was powerfully drawn to the altar after her first divorce. The way I was called out by God through a pastor in the middle of a church service, where I would never be the same again. Healing began when God met us right where we were. Healing continued when we stopped running from our pain and instead began to confront it. If what you are dealing with makes you feel alone, I want you to know something. People can connect with you when you take your mask off, more than they ever could with it on. You do not have to do this journey alone. I want to encourage you to open up about your pain without fear. I know how scary and uncomfortable this can be. I also know how freeing and powerful it can be too. This is where second chances are born. Your pain is an opportunity to start fresh. Even if it may take some time or a couple of tries, second chances are where God can transform the direction of your life. Even if you think it is unrecoverable, unredeemable or impossible the second time around. God always has a future in mind for you, regardless of what you may have done. Regardless of what has been done to you. It’s time to get out of your grief and start walking in purpose! If you need support in this area, tune in until the end to receive a powerful prayer from Pat just for you! How to Deal with Pain Continued: [5:18] Know that your pain is a gateway to draw closer to Christ. Your pain, when surrendered to the feet of Christ, can transform from just a story of pain to a story of glorious victory. [5:55] You are given second chances, repeatedly. God is a God of second chances. There is more for you than where you may be right now. [8:27] Pay attention to where your thoughts are coming from. Recognize when a thought is not yours. This will indicate where your pain is actually coming from. [11:53] It’s okay to not be okay. Your healing journey may have layers and take more time to fully mend, and that is okay. [17:35] Let your pain fall apart so you can begin to rebuild. Let it all come out because the longer your pain goes without having a space of expression, the deeper your pain takes root in your heart. [23:50] If your pain is coming from your family or marriage, look at the relationship of your grandparents, then your parents’ marriage. History will tell you where the issues are coming from. [31:41] Consider sharing your pain with others. You don’t have to start with a social media post to all your followers. It can be as simple as being real with one person you are close to first. The people closest to you will be forever impacted by this, and you can begin a new culture of transparency. Subscribe & Review in iTunes Have you subscribed to The Amanda Ferguson podcast? If you have not, I would encourage you to do that today. I would not like for you to miss any of the episodes coming up this season. I will be adding bonus episodes and if you are not subscribed there might be a possibility that you’ll miss out on them. Click here to subscribe in iTunes to have the podcast downloaded to your device every week. I would love to stay connected with you! If my podcast is blessing your life, I would appreciate if you left me a review over on iTunes. Select the Ratings & Reviews and write a review. I will be reading your reviews and do not forget to comment on what was your favorite part of the podcast. For more of The Amanda Ferguson Show, you can also follow me on Instagram and Facebook @mrsamandaferguson. Thank you so much! Also, to be the first to receive email alerts, subscribe to amandasclub.com. Thank you so much! References: Pat Smith's book "Second Chances: Finding Healing for Your Pain, Regaining Your Strength, Celebrating Your New Life”.