Several of you have asked if I would share my Mother’s Day talk from last Sunday with you. I used the passage of scripture in Luke 8:43-48 on Gripping His Hem.
I shared this scripture with you a few weeks ago and how I was Gripping His Hem for physical healing over my cousin’s cancer. You can find it here.
On Mother’s Day I talked about 3 Things Every Mother Should Grip His Hem Over.
This is the outline of my talk and I’m sharing the video below.
1. Gripping His Hem and let go of our our past sins.
My guess is that some of you have past sins that the enemy is using to make you feel guilty and wants to remind you about them often.
But let me remind you, “You are not the choices you’ve made. You are not the child you once were. You are not your failed marriage.You are not the setbacks of yesterday. You are not the bad things that have happened to you. You are not the worst thing you have ever done.You are not your past.”
2. Gripping His Hem and let go of control.
Beth Moore wrote this mantra in her Children of the Day Bible study and I have it written in my Bible.
I am not in control.
I cannot control my people.
I cannot control our situation.
Even when I want what is best,
I cannot control the outcome.
I cannot make people behave.
I cannot make people believe.
cannot make people be strong.
Because I am not God.
God alone knows the end from the beginning.
God alone knows how this will turn out.
I hereby fire myself from God’s job
And I agree to see my fight for control as what it is:
A screaming testament to my distrust.
What is our control?? It’s saying to God you can’t control this. I don’t trust you.
Today maybe you need to let go of a situation that you are trying to control. God can be trusted!
3. Gripping His Hem for our children, grandchildren and future generations.
Lastly as Moms, we are going to grip his hem and pray! While we can’t control situations in our life, the one thing we can do is PRAY. As Moms and we need to be committed to praying for our children.
You need to know before you watch this video, that I’m from the south, and I have a strong southern accent. 🙂 One syllable words are always at least two syllables when I say them!
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Have a blessed Sunday!
I believe God allowed me to stumble across this post tonight & watch your testimony. The last few weeks I have been so overwhelmed with my feelings of failure at everything but especially feeling like I fail my child on a daily basis. The guilt, shame, and pain I feel from my past sins are all consuming. I have always been in church, but have lost my way and wandered away from God over the last year. I know (& desperately want) to renew my walk with Him, but those feelings over my past have kept me from it. Tonight though, after listening to your God directed words, I have hope to cling to. I have hope that I can be forgiven and loved if I just Grip His hem and pour my heart and soul out to Him. Words are not enough to thank you enough for sharing the video of your talk on your blog so that I could run across it, but thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Your testimony have given me renewed hope
*has given me renewed hope
Stacey I’m so glad! Have a blessed day
Cyndi
Cyndi- I found this post a few months after you posted it, but it is so timely for me. I relate all too well to the struggle to be in control. Thank you for blessing us with your testimony! I plan to make my own”Gripping His Hem” cloth to remind me to release control daily to God in prayer.
Thank you Mary!
Blessings,
Cyndi
Thank you for your VERY encouraging message! I am married to a man who was a pastor is now a chaplain and I was divorced and had kids. Thank you for sharing!!!
Thank you, Cyndi. You shared your story in a beautiful way. I struggled for over 30 years with condemnation (within myself) for “past sins”. This feeling was taught and fueled by my rural, Southern Baptist church, and it’s teachings. The church focused on sins, with little or no instruction on how to live…all what not to do and none of what we Christians should be doing. As an adult, I can acknowledge that my “sins” began with childhood sexual abuse and I am learning to deal with my past through that lens. I also enjoy a church that focuses on how to live and serve others. Thank you, again, for sharing. I loved hearing your voice.
Wow Cyndi! I am almost 30 have followed your blog for some time now and can’t even tell you how much your fashion posts have helped me create a wardrobe and feel confident in my own skin. I frequently buy items you have shown us because I love your style. But this makes me love your heart even more! This was so timely for me. My husband’s family despised me at first and for years they have thrown things in my face and “reminded” others and myself of who they apparently think I still am. It’s hard to let go of past sins when you are reminded of them so frequently. We’ve been married almost 9 years and have two girls and the enemy has definitely taken my joy at times. Currently we are still in a lot of friction with his family. This talk really hit home for me because of it. I love your idea of the piece of fabric and am making my own today! Thank you for sharing this!
Wow, Cyndi your message was awesome! Thank you so much for sharing with everyone where God has brought you from.
I am in my early twenties, but love to follow your fashion posts and read your beautiful words about God. Thank you for being such an inspiration!
Blessings to you!
After hearing your testimony, I love you even more!
He is our merciful, loving, healing Father. If we keep gripping, He keeps loving and healing!
I’m so amazed at the “legalization” that comes from those who claim to be Christians. Getting a divorce is not a sin!! And even if it were, is shunning and judging those who have divorced more acceptable than divorcing? What does the bible say about gossip?
I wonder if the people who spoke out against Wayne marrying Cyndi really felt as though they were more worthy than she? THEY are the ones who should have been standing in Cyndi’s shoes on that stage confessing their mistakes!
Wayne, your need to point out Cyidi’s being controlling made me raise an eyebrow. Perhaps I mistook the message, but it seemed that you also bought into Cyndi’s divorce as a terrible mark on her past. (Even though of course you agreed that she should be forgiven). :/
I was terribly confused by parts of that message.
Melanie, I will have to disagree. I do think anytime a covenant is broken, that is a sin. I’m not saying you can’t be forgiven. From the beginning God created man and woman to marry and it’s a serious covenant.
Jesus said, “And I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for immorality, and marries another woman commits adultery,”
That verse is pretty clear about divorcing for any other reason other than immorality. I personally feel my sin was in marrying my first husband, it was not what God wanted for me.
Of course we can always agree to disagree.
Have a blessed day,
Cyndi
Your testimony have given me renewed hope
Loved it!! I have been following your blog for a while, and I am also a Pastor’s wife 🙂
Hearing you talking is just how I had imagined you : down to earth, sweet and very wise .
thank you so much for sharing
Just listened to this wonderful message! Thanks so much for sharing. Love your blog!
Your message and sharing it is a blessing and by doing this you gave others an understanding too. We all have baggage and yes, we fight ourselves worst of all. We all have sinned and knowing that these sins are forgiven is unbelievable to most of us. By being in Gods grace and having Jesus as our savior we can move on without carrying these burdens. What a wonderful thing that Jesus gave us as a gift. All of us have to understand this, and when the guilt comes in again and again I have learned and understood that our sins our forgiven no matter what we have done. It is freedom…we are blessed. Prayer is the answer to anything and we need to pray more for everything. God bless you and your family.
I had to stop listening to your message and come back to it today. My divorce was such a painful time that I still hurt when I think about it. I could feel your pain which in turn stirred up my own. Thank you for your message, I really needed to hear it. I am happily remarried now and have moved on with my life. But why do people feel the need to judge? They have no way of knowing what went on in a marriage to make it fail. My new husband and I were at his church when the priest felt the need to go over the rules for marriage. He told us that anyone divorced and remarried doesn’t have a “valid” marriage and is an adulterer. My heart was breaking as we sat there listening to how our marriage and love for each other meant nothing. We haven’t been back since and now only attend my church which is much more accepting and caring. How many people were chased away by a judging church? Thank you for reminding me to let go of past sins.
I love this! My husband was making breakfast when he heard your husband talking on the video. He said “wait, I want to hear this and he came and sat with me while tears spilled from my eyes as I heard you talk. I too am divorced. I have always stood by the verse “Be ye not unequally yoked”. If I Would have paid Attention to THAT verse … then I wouldn’t have gone thru what I did. I have asked Gods forgiveness for not listening to his word … working to understand what that REALLY means to be unequally yoked. And… since GOD forgives us .. WHO can judge our past? “Nobody”. Its gone.. White White White like sheets on a clothesline on a warm summers day … ! Those who judge need be “VERY AFRAID” (including myself) because God will judge us with the very yardstick that we use to judge others. I have to remind myself of that daily because I really don’t want to be judged with that long of a Stick…. or would that be a short stick … hmmm either way I don’t want to be harshly judged by God because I was that way while here on earth 🙂 Thanks so much for sharing!
Your Mother’s Day message was genuine, honest and came from your heart. I am so proud of you for sharing it. We all have things weighing on our hearts that we like to just keep between ourselves and God; but sharing those things, feelings and thoughts with others may prove to help them so much in their journey. Praise God that He lead you and Wayne together and that together you pray for your marriage. I went through a divorce with two beautiful young children as well, and it can be a very hard struggle. I prayed, without ceasing,asking God to help me. It is the hardest thing I’ve ever done. The greatest gift is that God is always for me! He always wants the best for me, but sometimes it’s hard to see when you’re in the midst of adversary.
Thank you, again, for sharing that part of your journey. I applaud you on your honesty and it’s such a blessing to be acquainted with you through your blog.
UGH!!!! I can’t get the sound the play on my desktop BUT last night I COULD get it on my phone but didn’t have time to watch so I saved it and today it is gone. I think vimeo must only allow you to watch for a certain period of time. Can your talk be emailed?
Thank you so much Cyndi for sharing and for all of your grace and inspiration every day! It saddens me to hear how you were judged, before getting to know you and your children, why divorce may have been best, and when divorce is so common even 25 years ago. You were a young woman of faith and that alone should have been enough to keep from judgement and let your relationship with your husband grow and take its path. Thank you for all you do, and praise God for all his blessings!
Cyndi,. Thank you for sharing. From reading the comments I think you have touched many lives by sharing your testimony. My favorite comment was from Molly who said, “This was a beautiful message. I have gotten away from church but this made me feel God’s presence and inspires me to return to worshipping with a faith community. Thanks Cyndi from the bottom of my heart.” I pray that Molly will find a wonderful Church who will love her and show her God’s love every time she opens the door to worship there.
Thank you dear sister for being obedient and making yourself vulnerable, for sharing a story that started in pain and has ended in blessings. I especially appreciated your encouragement to keep gripping His hem in praying for our kids. My son started a gradual walking away from his faith in junior high and 15 years later we’re still waiting on the Lord to soften his heart. You have encouraged me to never stop praying and believing. I needed your words. Thank you and love you.
I’ve just listened to your Mother’s Day message, and I was blessed by your honesty, your transparency, and your heartfelt words. I, too, was a divorced mom of two wonderful children. I, too, made poor choices as a young adult and have reaped consequences. BUT, my loving, forgiving Savior has restored and redeemed me! He has blessed me beyond my dreams with a godly husband and grown children who now serve God…He has blessed me so sweetly with four precious grandsons and a granddaughter to be born in October! His love is amazing and His faithfulness endures to all generations! I praise Him for you and your testimony of His redeeming grace! May He continue to bless you with His peace and presence as He clearly reveals His purpose and will. Jeremiah 29:11
Your blog has been and continues to be such a blessing in my life! Your message was just such a powerful reminder of how the enemy wants to drag us down and feel “less” but God created us for his glory and purpose. Thank you so much for sharing your message!!
Oh my word Cyndi!!!….You brave soul…..your willingness to share your story, painful as it was, has helped me to see that I too hang on to my past sins and let the adversary make me feel like I am not worthy. Thank you again for your faithfulness….you made my day!!
I really enjoyed seeing both you and your husband speak. Thank you for sharing these personal experiences from your life. Also, now it feels like we’ve finally met in person! 🙂
Cyndi,
What a blessing you are to share this with us! Thank you. I found your message heartfelt and instructional and uplifting. What a joy we can go to our God with any and all requests and to know that He loves us so dearly.
After following you online for over a year now, it’s great to see and hear you speaking! Your accent is adorable. I’m sure you’d think I have a Midwestern accent coming from Wisconsin!
Continued blessings to you, your family, and your and Wayne’s ministry.
I finally was able to sit down after a busy weekend to listen to your talk in a quiet house! It made me cry. So beautiful and inspiring. Thank you for sharing your story.
Beautiful words and beautiful sharing. Thank you, Cyndi! Two things … your encouragement around praying for our children really hit me. I realized I’m not putting my prayers and desires for my 2 amazing kids before God. We don’t have grandchildren yet but will be praying. Secondly, I’m curious about your trip to Cuba, assuming it’s a mission trip. Would love to know more. My husband and I have been to Haiti 3 times, going for our 4th time in Oct. God moves powerfully thru our teams and thru our relationship as husband and wife. God’s peace to you, sweet lady! Your blog means even more to me now! 🙂
Hey Heidi, Yes our Cuba trip is a mission trip. Wayne and I are going with a group from our church in July. We are excited!
I have a lot of friends who have gone to Haiti on mission trips.
Blessings,
Cyndi
Dear Cyndi – I enjoyed listening to your talk ! Thanks for posting it but please remember, Divorce is not a sin! Sometimes it needs to happen for both people to be happy. You do so much good with your life, don’t beat yourself up. None of us are perfect, we just need to keep trying to be more like HIM! You are a beautiful inspirational woman and a beloved child of God 😉 Have a great week, Carlin G
Just listened to your talk and was moved to tears by it. The Lord led me to you right after my mom passed (1 year after yours) via Traci’s blog. You both were such a blessing to me as I grieved because my mother was such a sweet beloved southern lady and my best friend on earth. You are a hygienist as am I and you both love fashion and decorating, my two passions and have such an incredible way of sharing your faith in such a genuine way. You are a kindred spirit for sure! I want you to know how much it meant to me for you and Wayne to be so open about your struggles. Our oldest son is going to college this fall and hearing your encouragement about pouring out to God when we can’t pour into our children anymore is exactly what I needed to hear today!! I’m going to cut a piece of fabric from my moms sewing things and use it as a reminder see to grip His hem daily for my kids!! Bless you Cyndi!!
Cyndi, I can’t tell you the degree of “perfect timing” this message was for me to see. The Lord has been working very diligently these past two weeks to teach me how to let go of my control as the battle is not mine to fight. I have been through many lessons in a matter of weeks on this. You are even more beautiful in person, seeing you live with your personality. I see your heart for the Lord and I see the same struggle I went through with divorce, 2 kids from my previous marriage and moving on. I could go on and on how I can relate to you…. but I will cut it short! Giving my kids to the Lord, gripping HIS hem!! Thank you for your precious message and I too, will be placing a piece of fabric in my bible. You have blessed me so very much today.
Wow Cyndi!!!!! What a powerful testimony!! Thank you for sharing it I think it speaks to everyone!! I can attest to it because I’m a firstborn controller myself 😏I love your accent I think I commented one time about it when you did an essential oils talk.you are a great public speaker! I just wanted you to know that I think You are truly a beautiful person inside and out and a blessing to so many!❤️💕
This is powerful stuff. I too am divorced and people seem to want to remind me daily. (like I could forget) You are very brave to put yourself out there. I love putting a voice with the beautiful face I see daily. As a northerner I had no trouble understanding your accent and find it charming. Thanks for the message
You are precious Cyndi! Thank you for sharing all God has brought you through. You blessed me with your testimony. I love you and your blog and now that I know you have a southern accent like me I love you more! Lol. Thank you for living for Him and sharing your heart each day!
Becky
Frisco,Tx
Thank you so much for sharing your heart! The enemy is great at reminding us of all the negative things in our lives BUT God is so much greater in reminding us we belong to Him and He no longer a see that part of us. Jesus’ blood completely covers that!! I didn’t get to church yesterday because I had to work so this was perfect for me to watch. I’m so glad you posted it on your blog. Praying for our children and grandchildren, no matter their age is the greatest thing we can do for them besides sharing Jesus with them.
Oh my goodness how your message hit home for me today. I had a long conversation/crying with my sister last night about her upcoming daughters wedding and how she can’t ” Control” the decisions made in that area nor can she make everything ” right’ in another daughters life dealing with a divorce with 2 small children. All we can do is turn it over to God just as you said in your message. Thank you for being so honest and vulnerable in sharing this because that is exactly what I needed to hear today and share with my sister. I can’t wait to get the book you recommended ” Draw the Circle” and plan on sharing the verse ” Gripping his Hem” with my Women meeting at church on Saturday.
There is not much I can add to the other wonderful comments because I agree with them all. I just want to say thank you for being bold and having the courage to share these hard things. We all have them and I think we tend to feel like we have to cover them up and be good “church people” but this is such a lie from the enemy because it hinders others from being set free when we know others share in our struggles.
May God continue to Bless you and your ministry! Love you sweet sister!
Oh, I wanted to ask you to share the books on prayer you were speaking of.
I’m wondering the same thing. Please share which books on prayer that you are reading Cindi
Thank you Kim! The books I’m reading are The art of listening prayer http://amzn.to/1TlaNQK and The Circle maker http://amzn.to/1V7ewDR and Draw the Circle http://amzn.to/200RPAu
Hope that helps!
Cyndi
Cyndi -You have a beautiful accent and a beautiful story that you shared! You and Wayne are truly blessed to have found each other. It is quite unbelievable to me any time I hear a story of how judging others can be. Wayne is right to counsel you to let go of “your past”. I’m sorry you have to continue to be reminded of it in negative light when in all actuality it could be looked upon positively – it has helped build and shape the beautiful person you are and brought you two beautiful children who have provided you and Wayne much joy. Thank you for the courage to share your story both at church and with the public here on your blog.
Wow! I just listened to your message this morning, and I have to say you are one of the most courageous and grace filled women I have met, and I can see Romans 8:28 woven through your entire life story as you shared it! As many others have commented, the concept of any condemnation for you because of a second marriage seems so out of place in this day and age. But therein is one more evidence of how God is using you to be a beacon of light, hope, grace and beauty – You are a warrior for the Kingdom!
What a powerful message and a message of reassurance I needed to hear. Thank you so much for sharing your ministry with us.
Thank you, Cyndi. I am trying to reconnect to my faith. That was wonderful, moving and extremely helpful! And, I love your accent. I am originally from Alabama, you have a beautiful southern accent.
Finally got a chance to read this post and watch the video. Thank you so much for sharing. I can relate to so many things but my heart needed to hear about the prayers in Rev 5:8. I’m praying for my son. I love the song by Lauren Daigle called Come Alive for encouragement. I love the prophecy in Ezekiel 37 that goes with that song.
Blessings!
Your words shared will help many for days to come. Thank you for being willing to add the video to your blog and open up your life stories for others to learn from. It is through sharing that we help each other.There is always so much more depth to all of us than is seen from the surface…and it is accepting that in each other that makes our lives special.
Cyndi – thank you for sharing your heart and being so transparent. Your message gives hope and reminds us all how words can be so hurtful, and hold us captive. Our Lord’s grace covers you. I love this definition of grace: that which causes joy, pleasure, gratification, favor, acceptance, for a kindness granted or desired a benefit, thanks, gratitude. A favor done without expectation of return, the absolutely free expression of the loving kindness of God to men finding its only motive in the bounty and benevolence of the Giver; unearned and unmerited favor–God’s grace affects men’s sinfulness and not only FORGIVES the repentant sinner, but brings joy and thankfulness to him. It changes the individual to a new creature without destroying his individuality. God is glorified through your message. Blessings to you and your family!
Cyndi,
You blessed me so much today with your beautiful message. Praising God for the wonderful Boaz in your life!
God works in mysterious ways! You message was both perfectly timed and so very helpful in my life. Please know that God is using your life story to encourage and inspire so many other women.
I am sacrificing being mentally present today (it is already 1am) because I had to finish listening to your message. This came at a perfect time for me as a mother of 3 young children who has felt less than adequate lately. I am so glad you didn’t let past haters bully you into staying quiet with your powerful testimony. You are a huge blessing and inspiration. I will be gripping HIS hem.
Thank you so much for sharing your Mother’s Day talk. I really needed the reminder to let go of the past, let go of control, and grip His hem! Love your heart for sharing your struggles.
Sweet Cyndi, oh my goodness, your husband & your ministry is powerful to say the least. Your testimony, hard as it was for you to share was unbelievably hard to understand. Not your divorce, but the reaction & judgement you received from so many people about your divorce & your young new relationship with Wayne.. In this day & age, even 25 years ago, divorce was common even then, at least in my life. ( I am 54, married when I was 35, with a 6 year old little boy…who I had out of wedlock…& who is now 25…& now am divorced & have been on my own 5 years) I am so grateful for Wayne’s love for you & your courage. I’m so happy Wayne’s family got to know you & now love you!! How could they not?! Thank you for sharing such a personal story, I hope you consider sharing more of this with more women who need to hear & see God’s faithfulness, love & Grace.
P.S. If I lived way over there, I would go to your church 🙂
Yoli in AZ
Well done, Cyndi!! Your testimony brought tears to my eyes! God is using you in so many ways. Love your life verse! My boys are 23, 21 & 18 – it’s so true what Wayne said about talking more to God about our kids bc we have talked to our kids about God all these years. Really enjoyed the service & I just love your accent💗
What a wonderful message for Mothers Day, Cyndi. it was awesome to watch you and listen to your testimony ~ you really hit it out of the park ~ thank you!
That was beautiful Cyndi. You are a wonderful speaker, and your message was heart felt, powerful, and profound. Thank you for sharing this. It helped me to re-focus my anxiety and worry about my young adult children, into the positive force of praying for them and trusting that the Lord will do what I cannot.
Thank you for your powerful message. I really needed to hear it. It touched me in such a meaningful way. I pray for my children everyday and I know he hears me. As I have said before, you are an inspiration!
Thank you for being vulnerable before us Cyndi. What a beautiful and timely word. I really appreciated what Wayne had to share as well (that when our children are older, we can’t talk to them about God as much anymore, but we must talk to God about our children and grandchildren more). Blessinngs to you both.
Thank you for sharing your powerful and touching testimony. I am saddened that you felt shamed in being divorced. Shame is a powerful weapon. You are such a lovely woman. Although I personally do not know you nor have met you, I feel like I know you somewhat through your blog. Your daily emails are a highlight to my day. You have a sweet warmth about you. Please carry on with your ministry and your blog. It is a delight to so many of us, all over the world. Your southern accent is lovely by the way!
Letting go and let God is a great reminder to us all! Thank you for sharing your history. God is using you for His greater good!
If you ever come to Calgary, Canada, look us up! Hugs and kisses!
Cyndi- You are so precious to open your heart and share as you did. Thanks for sharing with us, your blogging friends! After following your blog for a few years I feel you are a friend and I know your family:) I really appreciate your openness and the message you shared. I will join you in gripping His hem! Thank you! and God Bless you!
Wow. You spoke to me through God so powerful. There is a issue going on right now with my granddaughters. And this message really was powerful to me and showed me to get on my knees and pray stronger for these precious girls and their dad and mom and me as their grandmother Thank you for being brave and sharing this with us all
Thanks for sharing from your heart Cyndi! I know how difficult that was for you but look at all the comments from others and how you’ve touched them. God uses our difficult times to minister to others. Amen!! Watching our daughter go through a divorce was heartbreaking to my husband and I. We wondered what the future would hold for her and our two young grandsons but GOD IS FAITHFUL!! She’s now married to a wonderful man whom we love!! I too will be gripping his hem!!
I just finished watching the video and you did a fabulous job. Thank you for sharing. On my way to church this morning, I saw a quote on a church sign that said, “Your past does not determine your potential”. It made me think of you and this topic. We have no idea what God can do for us and through us. I appreciate all you do, especially sharing your faith with so many . God Bless you!
Cyndi- Thank you for sharing your wonderful story and for your courage! I see a woman of honor and truth and a woman who lives in freedom. Your words are a balm to so many women who live in shame or fear – and the Lord is using you to speak truth!
Thank you so very much for sharing your story. I stumbled on your post a year ago as I was googling “how to wear”. I haven’t missed a post yet. I’m divorced as well and have struggled with the alot of the same feelings. Thank you for your inspiration I have gotten so much more out of your blog than just how to wear my scarf.
Thank you for being vulnerable and sharing your story and faith. I can relate on all 3 points (divorced, first born control freak and have young adult children that need prayer). I like a quote from Father Richard Rohr “The opposite of faith is not doubt; the opposite of faith is control.” Thank you for sharing and for your daily blog.
What a powerful message. I was encouraged by your sharing–I need to grip his hem for my children; thank you for sharing your personal story–it ministered to me and I pray that God gives you strength and wisdom each day. God bless you.
Cyndi,
Thank you for sharing your story. That took a lot of courage to speak about those who were cutting you down for being divorced. I can only imagine how it must have hurt to hear the negative comments and the gossip, but think of how many women you have inspired and encouraged by sharing your testimony, including me! It reminded me of Genesis 50:20: As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good… Thank you for sharing not only your wonderful fashion, but also your faith. You are truly an inspiration.
Cyndi,
Thank you so much for sharing this message. I think it will help more people than you will ever know. The hurt on your face when you told your story broke my heart and made me want to give you a hug. It was a very brave and selfless thing to share your experiences and I respect you so much for doing it. You are such a blessing to all of us. Thank you.
“This is what the past is for. Every experience God gives us, every person He puts in our lives is the perfect preparation for the future that only He can see.” Corrie ten Boom, “The Hiding Place”
Beautiful testimony. I just finished Draw the Circle, A powerful prayer book, Thank you so much.
Oyo
You are a precious, godly woman with a BEAUTIFUL testimony and accent! I really love your spirit and am so blessed to “know” you through your blog!
Such a wonderful message! I’m from south Louisiana and your accent sounds normal to me! Thank you for sharing.
Beautifully said!
Cyndi,
I can’t imagine how much courage it took to share some of your deepest wounds publicly. Thank you for letting Christ be glorified in your situation and for answering His call to share your testimony. I got emotional along with you, and I imagine that there’s not a woman alive who fails to relate to at least one of your sermon points. I loved hearing about Wayne’s support of you in the midst of opposition. I’m glad God gave both of you to each other. I love reading your blog and I hope you’ll continue for many years in your unique ministry to women.
This was a beautiful message. I have gotten away from church but this made me feel God’s presence and inspires me to return to worshipping with a faith community. Thanks Cyndi from the bottom of my heart.
Thank you Cyndi
I can so relate to all three instances. What a wonderful sermon and something I definitely needed to hear. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Truth is my sweet mama thought divorce was horrible and she really never talked badly of anyone, but wanted everyone to be a Christian. Little did she know that both her daughter’s would end up divorced-both in the case of adultery. My husband now-of almost 18 years-was 23 and I was a 30-year old divorcee with a 2 yo son and a weird ex-husband. No wonder my mil was concerned. It took a while to win them over, but we live a beautiful life now! But having a 21 yo son now-I can only imagine what my in-laws were thinking before they got to know me…I’m scared that sometimes the Lord makes us deal with things we feel are most evil. Right now I pray for my 3 sons-21, 16, 11. You are correct it is so much easier to parent (and control) when they are young! I pray for wisdom & discernment to help my sons no matter their trials and tribulations…I’m going to love them through it. Thank you-your message was great and you are a great speaker! 🙂
Thank you for sharing your testimony. I hope one day I can meet you in person and let you know how God used you to speak to me . God bless you and your family….
Cyndi, what a beautiful testament. . I too am divorced after 25 years of marriage and feel the same shame you did. My prayer is for peace in my decision to leave an abusive marriage and the journey of starting over. My prayer is for a healthy new marriage, when I find the right person. I am still single. Thank you so much for sharing. Hugs and much love to you.
It makes me so sad that divorce has that bad of a stigma attached to it, that your in-laws thought you would be a mistake to marry. I can sense how deeply it hurt you and scarred you. Here you are such a sweet person but you were being judged. That makes me realize even more that you never know what anyone has gone through! I got pregnant before I was married and was looked down upon and even labeled a slut. Truth is, I have only been with one man- and we have been happily married for 33 years. People were ready to tell us we would never last and that I wasn’t a good person. The thing is- I knew and my husband knew that we would make it. We were only 19 and I’m sure the odds would be against us, but it all happened for a reason. Our daughter turned out to be the most amazing, positive, loving person on the planet and she has 4 wonderful children. So I never thought she was a mistake because I knew if God gave her to us it was for a reason. Long story(sorry) but I still can feel a little bit of the hurt that I went through all those years ago, but I also feel God’s love for me. How could I not?
This spoke to me just when I needed it. Thank you so much. I’m new to your blog and I just love how it makes my heart happy!
What a beautiful testament, Cyndi! I love your southern accent!
Blessings
Thank you. You deserve a blessed life and a 2nd chance at happiness.
I too am divorced from a Ministers son. Neither one of us remarried after 16 yrs.
Cyndi,
What a wonderful message. I am a controller too. I do have to step back and let God have it. Sometime being God’s best little helper isn’t as good as it sounds. Thanks for sharing this with us. It was nice to see you on tape. Your pictures are great but seeing you on tape live bought all your cuteness out. May God continue to bless you and your Husband’s ministry. Thankful that God bought you in to my life.
Terry
Cyndi, you have no idea how much I needed to hear this today at this moment. I have adult children and I have fretted over things I cannot control. I really appreciate the idea that we need to talk to God more about them then talk to them more about God. He is in control. I can trust him. I needed this reminder and need it daily and every moment. Thanks for your testimony. What a blessing this has been to me today!!!
Hi Cyndi,
Thank you for sharing such a powerful message. As a believer, I struggle with all three points you have made. I am the mother of three young adults and I believe in bold prayers, especially after our church read the Circle Maker. I appreciate your honesty and humility and you will never know how many lives you have touched and blessed with this message.
Blessings,
Petra
Cyndi, you are certainly being used of God in a mighty way with your life as a pastor’s wife and fashion blogger! You have encouraged me today as I’m determined to pray more for my 2 adult children and 3 grands and my husband. May God continue to bless you and Wayne as you move into your new home, and continue your ministry together at your church and with your family. I look forward to reading your blog every day! Thank your for sharing your heart.
Thank you for sharing your powerful testimony and faith story. It was so encouraging and all words of wisdom. I enjoyed the “Gripping His Hem” message as well.
I was totally blessed by your message. I have two teenagers (one who just got her licence), and I so needed to hear the truth you shared about gripping His hem. Thank you for letting His beauty shine through you!
God must have pointed me to this message today. I was in tears as I listened to you talk. I have a hard time forgiving myself of sin even though I know God has forgiven me. I am going to make my own cloth as a reminder to grip His hem. Thank you for sharing your story. You are an amazing woman and have a beautiful heart.
You are so brave Cyndi! Thank you for sharing this.
Thank you for that word.We as Mothers try so hard to do the right things for our children. As you pointed out the best thing is to pray and trust God. I am learning in my walk that I need to just lead by example and always remember that God is in control,and im going to hold on to his hem.
Cyndi ~ you are such an inspiration. Thank you for sharing.
Hello Cyndi, I can’t tell you how MUCH your message spoke to me and was just what I needed to hear today! Thank you for sharing openly from your heart and life. Your reminder to “grip His hem” is very meaningful and beautiful. I am hoping to make myself a piece of fabric with the words on it like you did for the ladies in your church. I appreciate you very much! I have been reading your blog for several years and God speaks to me so often through your gracious words. God bless you and THANK YOU again!!
Thank you for sharing this. Your honesty is so inspiring. None of us is sinless. I especially appreciate your point on letting go of control. I’m also a first born and that is certainly a trait we share! As much as we love our adult children( and grands!), we cannot control their spiritual lives. I’m making a commitment to worry less and pray for them more . I love your blog! Blessings to you!
Thank you so much for your authenticity! That is what people are searching for. Our past mistakes are not any more than those pillars of the scriptures — Paul, David, Abraham…many others. Overcoming our past mistakes through Christ is an incredible testimony. Thank you for all you do to point others towards Jesus. Don’t let the enemy make you feel bad if someone comes to you because you’ve been divorced. See it as an opportunity to show the love and mercy of Jesus. God causes all things, all things, to work out for our good, if we place them in his hands.
Thank you so much for sharing. I live in MS so yeah for southern accent. I have been divorced myself, taught in a Christian school and know what difficulties and humiliations go along with divorce especially being over 20 years ago. God has brought me so far since then and to a wonderful Godly man now just as he did you. God knew the important ministry you and Wayne would be in and the many kinds of situations you could minister to and bring people to Him because of it. Thank you for not letting go of His will for you even when it was really hard.
I just watched your Mother’s Day talk and wanted to say thank you for being so honest and so encouraging. We all need to Grip His Hem!
No one is perfect except God and we have all sinned – but thank God that He died so we could be forgiven and live a redeemed life! But sometimes even the smallest things in our past can haunt us and we need to learn to let go of it all!
And about control … ahem … I am SO guilty of that. I guess I’m kind of OCD. And it has become so frustrating now that my children are grown. I’m trying to learn that I need to turn it over to God. I could certainly use all the extra prayers to help me with that. My children – especially my oldest which could result in jail time – are struggling with decisions they’ve made. I so wish I could step in and take their place or just “FIX” things. I struggle with the worry and stress of it every day. I am believing right now in Jesus name that I’m turning it all over to Him.
Thank you so much for your willingness to open up and share your personal life. I believe God will use it to bless and help many!
Bless you!
Hi Cyndi,
I’m blown away after watching this video. So many pearls of wisdom, but God really wanted me to pay attention and listen to the part of letting go of control. Perfect timing, as we’re having a gathering of friends at my Mom’s home tonight to celebrate the life of her good friend who died recently.
I’m running around telling everyone what to do and worrying about so many little things, and I now realize I need to let God take over. I don’t want to make my Mom stressed out and ruin this day for her. I just fired myself!!!
Thank you, thank you, for this message and the rest of your beautiful testimony. I’ll pray for you to “Let go and Let God”, and I hope you’ll do the same for me.
Cyndi in Oregon
Cyndi. Thank you for your testimony of once proving that God is a God of second chances when we accept Him as Savior and Lord. I have read your blog for sometime now, but did not realize until today that my Pastor at our Baptist church has the same last name as you. Does have have family in Virginia?
Wow! What a blessing. Thank you for sharing this. Your honesty and encouragement is a testimony for our LORD.
Press on!
Thank you for sharing your story Cyndi. When I heard you talk about being forgiven and you struggle to accept it, I just kept thinking, wow, YOU are so forgiving, to all those who judged you! God Bless you Cyndi. I think your “control” comes from love, you want the best for everyone.
Oh Cyndi… Your story is so inspiring for so many. Thank you for being so real. I’m sure it wasn’t easy for you to share, but with Gods grace, you let Him use you. What an awesome privilege and platform He has given you to share your testimony and faith in Jesus Christ through your blog. You and Wayne make a great team! Praying for continued blessings for you and your family. ((Big Hug)) xoxo
Your message blessed me and I thank you for being so tender and honest. Christ already paid the penalty for our sins, we just need to grab up His forgiveness and move forward into the freedom He has designed for us! God has made a beautiful thing through your past and in your marriage and only God can do that! You and Wayne both are producing fruit for eternity, keep pressing on for Him! To God be the glory! Thank you for your story and words of wisdom! Hugs!!
PS: Would love the name of the book on prayer you’re reading.
PS: Cyndi, I just re-listened to your talk and was blessed again! I love the verse, Isaiah 1:18, that you and Wayne spoke of about forgiveness where the LORD says,” Come now, Let’s settle this..”. Also that our prayers never die, Revelation 5:8. I’m keeping both of these promises close to my heart! Have a blessed week ahead!
Cyndi, your words of wisdom have blessed my soul! Thank you! I just now read and listened to your message. I have forwarded your notes to several people and they have all been touched by what you share. Thank you for speaking words of healing to a world that is searching for answers! Keep them coming!
Lifting up prayers of blessing for you and your family. 🙂
I have been following your blog and enjoyed your message. I too have lost my mum so it was heartfelt when you spoke of your’s even though they have left this world we carry them in our hearts forever. Thank you for sharing your heart and the message of control, this is a lesson that I am being taught and felt once again God nudging me. We need to lay it down and let God take over. Blessing to you!
Forgiving myself has been one of the hardest things ever. I too am divorced and I have dealt with the guilt of that for many years. Even though I didn’t want the divorce, and was crushed by it, I still felt guilty. It has taken years and much prayer to forgive myself, and there are days when the reminder hits me in the head and I can easily feel defeated – but I realize this is satan playing with my mind – the “mind monsters” as my pastor calls them.
Thank you Cyndi for your honest, bold, and inspiring message. You are forgiven – we are all forgiven if we only ask to be.
Hugs from Knoxville!
Thank you for sharing this video message, I needed it. And I love your accent. We lived in Southern Illinois until recently, it’s good to hear that accent again. Blessings! Monica
Dear sister in Christ….. I wept as I listened to your message. The similarities of our past, are unbelievable: raised in a Christian home, married for four years, two children, divorced, people not wanting me to marry my current husband(of nearly 38 years now!) past sins haunting me,losing my mother to breast cancer in 2000. I will be making several Gripping His hem for reminders by my sewing machine, Bible, computer, and purse. You have no idea what your message has meant…. knowing I am not alone in my struggle and walk with the Lord. Thank you so much,Cyndi! Blessings to you!
God bless you Julie 🙂
Thank you for sharing this Cyndi! I love how you and Wayne shared the message together, a beautiful picture of your relationship. The Revelation passage is one of my favorites. May God bless you and your family 🙏
Thank you so much for sharing this Cyndi! You will never know how much I needed that today.
Have a wonderful day!
You are an inspiration to many, including me! A beautiful person inside and out. Love your honesty and your love of the Lord! I think your accent is charming!
You are so beautiful and a wonderful public speaker!
(I do cringe at churches who have moms stand on Mother’s Day. 🙁 how painful it must be for the women, both young and elderly, who are barren or currently struggling with infertility to feel “less” than women to whom the Lord has given children. All women need to grip Him, and need reminders and encouragement to do so. I know one elderly woman who desperately wanted children, but was never able to have them, who would stay home from church each Mother’s Day. I just hate that anyone should go through an experience that is so painful during a church service.)
Amy,
To be honest, I must disagree. I knew several women who have lived a child free live, who feel a real loss at this situation. But as a mother of four, I don’t think of Mothers Day as being about myself, it is about my mother. I believe most people, male and female, are focused on the woman who raised them. So when the church asks mothers to stand, it is not about acknowledging some achieved status, but instead acknowledging the role these women hold in someone’s life.
I completely recognize that at any holiday, unfortunately there are hurt feelings, regrets,or disappointments that arise. But on a whole, the positive experience is with the majority. Motherhood, and experiencing the love of a mother is a blessing from the Lord.
Cyndi, your honesty allows others to be honest. You did a wonderful job of expressing the true struggles of motherhood, and how to trust the Lord with the family he created. I truly feel blessed to have found your blog.
Thank you.
What an honest and open sermon! I really feel your emotion and realize that people who judge others so harshly, can actually leave a large imprint on the person that’s being judged. No one is perfect in this world and we all need to step back and keep that in mind. Thank you for sharing this video. Its so nice to see that you’ve had a happy ending to such a difficult beginning!
What a beautiful message you shared. I am going to share this post with a couple friends who will also appreciate it. I am encouraged and hopeful because of your message. Please share more of your teachings. Please repeat the books that have been helpful to you. May the Lord continue to bless your ministry. Love your accent too!
Thank you for sharing this beautiful message, Cyndi. You and Wayne are a great team! Your words were so honest and open. I am working on giving up control; it is a tough one but I know in my heart I am truly not in control. I’m firing myself, too!
Your are inspiration and just what I needed to hear. I recently got a divorce after 30 years. I’ve re-dedicated my like to Christ and pray for healing and peace. I also pray to find my “Wayne.” God bless you and your family🙏🏼
Thank you so much for the honest and open sharing of your life. I so appreciate someone who is willing to be vulnerable. One of my children walked away from the Lord for over 20 years. I realized, as you shared, that I could not change their choice but I could pray. I knew they would come back some day but didn’t know if I would live to see it happen. God in His goodness allowed me to see that day!! Moms, never give up praying for your children! I am so blessed to have my children and grandchildren following Jesus. It is the greatest longing of my heart that the generations after me will continue to love and follow the Lord.
What an excellent sermon! You really touched my heart. Thank you for sharing and for your words of wisdom, Cyndi.
Blessings to both you and your wonderful husband Wayne!
First and foremost, DO NOT APPOLOGIZE for your Southern accent. I’m from Canada, and I think it is so charming how you Americans take pride in all of your various regional accents! It’s positively infectious in the nicest possible way…..y’all!!
Thank you for sharing your story! I can’t believe people would choose to judge you so harshly and with such hate because you were divorced. Your husband is truly a man of God in that he realized you were a wonderful person and chose to stay on the path of God’s love as opposed to stray from God’s teaching and join everybody else with their mean spirited judgements. Nice to see a Pastor who “walks the walk”!! Excuse me, in that I am not a religious person so I may make some mistakes with regards to the great Lord’s teachings but when you were so harshly judged for your past tragedies. I was reminded of the 10th commandment and the verse from Romans 13:8:10……
Thou shalt love thy neighbour( that’s not a typo; that is the Canadian spelling) ….10….. Love worketh no ill to his neighbour from; therefore love is fulfilling the law.
Your husband’s steadfast determination to live by that law got him a wonderful wife and children and showed others, by example, their thinking was wrong! See how much joy can come when you open your heart; see how much evil and torment can vanish when you choose to banish that line of thinking.
Thanks so much for posting; heart warming story with a very happy ending!
Amen
You did GREAT! Thank you for a wonderful message. BTW, I love your accent!
Thank you for sharing, you did a great job! I really needed to hear this also, I am gripping His hem! I’m crying as I type this because I am just so confused about so many things in my life right now, please pray for God’s guidance.
Praying for you! 🙂
My goodness, is OUR GOD GOOD! Thank you Cyndi for being so very real…..you are able to hold your head up because your eyes are focused on Him.
Thank you Jesus for your amazing love, You have shown time and again You, will use all things for your glory.
Your California friend loves you girl.
Thank you so much for sharing your story! It was very encouraging! I would love to know that name of the books on prayer that you are reading. Were there two books? Thanks!
Hi Susan,
I believe on of the books is by Mark Batterson..The Circle Maker. ??
Thank you Cyndi! God bless! Right after my divorce the pastor of our Baptist church came to my parents home to talk with me. I was truly blessed because he told me that God had already forgiven me, all of us make mistakes, and I needed to forgive myself. That church welcomed me with open arms, which helped me draw closer to God.
You are very well spoken. I think we are always our own worst critics. I teach at a university and often record lectures to post to online courses. I also hate how my Southern accent sounds and never think I do a good job, but my students seem to appreciate the results. I thought your voice sounded fine and you presented a strong, put-together presence.
That is not a heavy southern accent. I’m from the north and I understood you perfectly.
Cyndi, thank you for sharing your talk. God IS in control, and it is shameful that so many Christians condemned you for being divorced. I fully understand that marriage is to be sacred, but there are times it is not best to stay in a hurtful situation, especially with small children. God guided you out of a situation that was not His will and placed you where you needed to be.
Thank you for posting this! Much needed right now. Blessings!
Hi Cyndi!I watched the whole sermon and never got to hear you speak .your husband was praying and then it stopped idk what happened !
Beautiful message, Cyndi- thank you for sharing!😊
Thank you for allowing God to use your message, your experience, to minister to others…especially me. I’ve had a hard time letting go of the guilt that was birthed from past sins. Today I choose to grip His hem. Bless you, Cyndi.
Cyndi, I loved your message and how open and honest you were. I praise God for the beautiful life He has given you.
Such a profound message. Thank you for sharing, there is a lot to be taken from what you have said.
Thank you for sharing this. I so needed to hear this at this time in my life. I am gripping his hem. God bless you
Thank you for sharing – gripping his hem for my adult children and grandchildren.
On my way to church so I can’t watch this right now – boohoo. But I’m going to watch it as soon as I get home!
But thank you in advance for the reminder we need to let go of control and turn it over to God.