To tell the truth is one thing, to live it is another reality. I lived most of my life entangled in a façade. Lived knowing the façade existed but fought against truth, trying to meet the expectations of social standards and others expectations. Life gave me three children, one who passed away from a life threatening illness. It was then the façade began to disintegrate. I sought truth and found it in God. Truth is forever evolving, carving out who I am. Life is about finding solace, comfort, and peace with who you are and breaking down all boundaries, layers and facades. Truth is finding happiness in the quietness of your soul. Breaking through layers of materialism and finding your inner self staring back, daring you to question truth. To seek God and find truth in His word. Torn apart are the definitions that once perpetuated my mind of what was a fulfilled life. Left now is an ever ripening wisdom that living life is not to be defined by others expectations, earthly desires or boundaries. A fulfilled life is not measured by accomplishments, wealth, or the amount of time we spend on earth. Life is about the journey and each long stretch of highway in solitude, each unpredictable hairpin curve is part of our growth – it is not the ending but the journey itself which teaches us truth, and sculpts that internal play dough which lies in each of us. Truth has led me to find peace in pain, the Lord in struggles. After my daughter passed away I never thought I could thank God for pain. But God has revealed many things to me and I have learned to praise God in the midst of pain and in happiness. As my faith has grown I see the depth of my character found in the lines across my forehead, and deep truth shadowed in my eyes. While peering at my aging countenance I am aware how pain can live, breathe, and over time transform itself into strength. That strength has become the foundation for the rest of my life. My life is full of happiness, found in the soulful faces of my children as they seek my approval, the giggles of their laughter as we envelop ourselves in make-believe play, in the joy I see on my husband’s face when he walks in the door and our children hurl themselves onto him for hugs and look at him with adoration. Happiness is found without material belongings, it is the feeling of being complete with absolutely nothing but the love from your family and closest friends, and a relationship with God. It is the feeling of having the spirit of the Lord living inside you and filling you with peace. It exists without a heartbeat but beats stronger than any life force here on earth. Truth is found in the quiet stillness of awareness that God is with us always. His love is awe inspiring and we must praise his blessings – good and bad. Bless him not only when people are watching but in those alone times when no one but Him can hear our voice. His grace pours down and He is worthy of our praise, and the Heavens sing when we let the facades fall and simply exalt His name and live in awe of His truth.

Copyright Kim Houser

Kim Houser is an avid supporter of hospice care, advocate for families of children with life threatening illness, and passionate about sharing how God’s word helped her family find peace in pain. Co-Founder of Circle of Hope, a non-profit organization which supports children and families faced with the serious or life threatening illness of a child. www.circleofhopehuntsville.com