Gratitude Letter to My Heavenly Father

The reality of it all can cause tears to trickle down my face. I didn’t want that painful season, but now I see all of God’s divine work. He replaced my heartache with peace, awe, and gratitude for how He created purpose from the pain I endured.

While today is my official blog launch, it represents so much more. It is a testimony to what God can do with our brokenness when we allow Him to lead us beside quiet waters and restore our souls. You see, five years ago today, I sat in a courtroom and heard the judge’s gavel striking the bench, finalizing my son’s prison sentence. My already damaged heart shattered, and I was sure I would never be the same. But God didn’t want me to stay the same—He had plans for me, and my broken heart was part of my journey! It was needed for God to do His work within me.

Thanksgiving week seems fitting to launch my blogging journey by giving thanks to my Heavenly Father and dedicating this blog ministry to Him.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Today, the anniversary of a painful, life-altering event, reminds me how You make everything new. You take our broken pieces and create something we can use to honor and glorify You.

Thank You for being patient with me. I wasn’t always easy to lead. Some days, I thought I knew what was best, and you reminded me: You have it all under control. Whenever I felt lost, You outstretched your hand to guide me back to the road You had paved for me. If my deep wounds seeped and left me feeling as if I were incapable, You comforted me and filled me with your strength to move forward.

Thank You for piercing my darkness with your light and meeting me where I was. Previously, the weight of my depression was debilitating, and I was sure it would destroy me. Thank you for covering me in your protective love.

Thank You for never leaving my side. Some days, I lived moment-by-moment, and on other days, You helped me take substantial strides. Eventually, we tackled entire days together. When I felt uncomfortable and unsure of my abilities, You gave me Your Word: You are with me, and through Christ, I can do anything. I will live the rest of my earthly life holding on to that truth!

Thank You for teaching me what unconditional love is. Whether I had a good or challenging day, your love remained constant. When I believed the lies that Satan whispered, You were right there with Your Word, encouraging and reminding me:  I am Your daughter, who You made fearful and wonderful. You were also in my cheering section, acknowledging my milestones when I had my first day without tears or my first smile after a depression.

Instead of treating my wounds in a miraculous moment, Father, You took your time and revealed more of your mysteries with each stitch of peace, hope, and love. Your mercies are new every morning, and your grace continues to be plentiful.

After all the brokenness, tears, and moments when I worried about the outcome of such devastation, today is a victory. My Faithful Father, thank you for the gift of writing, for giving me this opportunity, and for trusting me with such an important assignment. I commit this blog site to You and ask for your wisdom and favor over the words shared here. Please be with the women reading the posts. May they feel drawn to You and Your Word. May the biblical encouragement uplift them, and may they hold on to the promises You have for them.

Thank You for never giving up on me.

Love,

Your daughter, Tricia

Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!

—Psalm 118:1, ESV

Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.

— Proverbs 16:3, ESV