We Need You

Posted byFractured Faith BlogPosted inUncategorizedTags:, , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

I read a lot of blogs on here and try as much as I can to interact with, and encourage, you the good people of WordPress. Some posts are penned from places of hope and restoration by writers who have been through horrendous experiences but have emerged (battered yet triumphant) from the other side. Others are darker stories from people who are walking similar paths but are at different stages of their journeys. Their rawness and honesty is to be applauded as they stumble through the eye of the storm.

If AFracturedFaith has a mission statement it is to act as a beacon of light to those who are walking the same path as me but not quite as far along. I don’t see myself as a role model but if my words can help even one person then my work is done. Every day I read inspirational stories of courage and resilience. I see tales of tragedy and trauma. But through it all another theme emerges. I see talent amongst the trauma. Pain exposes potential. It unearths an energy and creativity that, otherwise, might never have seen the light of day.

It is akin to the myth of the phoenix rising from the ashes. Where there was once decay and destruction I can now see the first shoots of recovery emerging from the ruins. Your words are rising upwards and creating a latticework upon which you can construct new life. Not only for yourself but for the others who follow your blog. Every positive message is a step forward not just for you as an individual but also the wider recovery community. Your words move us; they turn us into a movement.

I see some of you question the value and validity of your posts. You wonder if anyone even reads them, what’s the point? My message to you is to keep writing and posting. Your words are both therapeutic and educational. They reveal as well as heal. They help others cut through chains of addictive behaviour and find a way through the mist of mental illness. They provide clarity and focus. Your mind may once have been in pieces but you now offer peace of mind. You are both a peacemaker and a pathfinder.

We need you. I need you. And I hope that some of you need me as well. I have spent too much of my life as a needy, attention seeking man. I now want to draw attention to your needs and your talent. Together we are strong and can change lives and worlds. Our former brokenness can lead to breakthrough in the lives of others. Our scars act as signposts for others travelling further down the road behind us. If we sow enough seeds some of them will fall on fertile ground and flourish. From tiny acorns mighty oak trees grow.

So keep sharing your story. The rough with the smooth. We want to hear your voice loud and clear. You are special as is your story. We can learn so much from you. There will be tears and there will be heartbreak. That is all part of the process. It is a necessary evil which will ultimately lead to a greater, sustainable good. You may feel worthless, useless and hopeless but you are not. You are not. Your perceived ‘lessness’ offers us more than you will ever realise. Don’t ever stop.

Where are you on your journey?

What does the blogging community mean to you?

Published by Fractured Faith Blog

We are Stephen and Fionnuala and this is our story. We live in Northern Ireland, have been married for 17 years and have three kids - Adam, Hannah and Rebecca. We hope that our story will inspire and encourage others. We have walked a rocky road yet here we are today, together and stronger than ever. We are far from perfect and our faith has been battered and bruised. But an untested faith is a pointless faith. Just as a fractured faith is better than none at all. We hope you enjoy the blog.

113 thoughts on “We Need You”

  2. I’ve had suicidal thoughts for 13 years now. Even now when I see a blade, I picture hurting myself…. I was so ashamed of it but now I acknowledge it, unapologetic and fearless.

    Thank you so much for your blog.. I am so humbled by your words and your story. Thank you for being here.. It means a lot and makes a great difference ❤

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  7. I used to delete posts because I just felt that my words were not important. But everyone’s words are important, especially when it is a place like this where people are sharing their experiences in life, their ups and downs, with no glamour or falseness, just honesty. The blogging community for me is just a way to meet people all across the world who I can connect with on a level that I crave, which writing seems to bring out in people 🙂 Thank you for sharing.

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    1. The fact that you started your blogging career with a Tolkien quote convinced me that you are worth following. I think your experiences and thoughts are of vital importance. I look forward to reading a lot more of your work in 2018.

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  9. I have nothing to add to your words, as I feel the same way Sergeant Stephen. If you have seen my blog, you know I am building an army from the community that visits me, and army is a brotherhood. We are supposed to help each other and if we can’t help, at least listen, read and provide advices. Thank you for this encouraging post. It is helpful for those of a fractured faith. 😀 (sorry for the pun, but it fit so greatly)

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  12. Thanks so much for visiting my blog. I wasn’t expecting to be found but I’m determined to keep writing and posting, and to be the peacemaker and pathfinder you so eloquently evoke in this post. *Appreciation*

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  15. Thank you for sharing. We definitely are all on different paths. Sometimes the road is full of hope and light and sometimes the way seems dark with only a hint or remembrance of what that light looked like. Yet, we press on… remembering the times that we could feel the presence of the Lord so near. For now, it’s a lull and a bit of darkness combined with uncertainty of the road ahead… though a familiar path… the question remains.. does it turn to the right or to the left.
    Thank you again for this post.
    Bless you both.

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  17. As a bipolar and schizophrenic patient I have lived a life of turbulence. I’ve been suicidal for most of my life with never the courage to pull the chair out. I love my savior Jesus but I’m also gay and a lot of people don’t agree that gay and Jesus can belong in the same sentence which makes me sad and depressed. In 2017 I decided to embrace writing as part of my therapists advice and really went for it. Not only is it the therapeutic but I know I’m able to help others in their highest time of need.

    Thank you for your kind words. I barely know you but wonder where you’ve been my entire life. xX

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  18. I’m so glad I found the blogging community. It’s very different (in a good way) from most social media. Most people aren’t trying to put up a front of perfection, as you’ve mentioned before, and that’s so refreshing. Honestly, I don’t remember what my life was like when I didn’t have other bloggers in it. It’s certainly better with you guys 🙏❤😊

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  19. I’m so glad I found your blog. You all actually inspired me to keep blogging after I quit. The writing helps me but I was feeling very much “what’s the point”? But I think connecting with others (as you do so well) is the point.

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  20. What a great, encouraging blog post. Interacting with other bloggers is such an important part of my daily routine now, and it really helps. Especially, when I read positive posts such as this one. Do keep blogging because we do need you.

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  22. Yes, we all need each other. And, if someone who has a smaller blog is reading this, trust me, if you are honest, if you are speaking the truth, people will be gathered together. I still wonder about who am I reaching out to, and if I am doing enough. I can always continue to improve, and my goal is to do so. But right now, I work on being content. God has helped me so much and He continues to guide me and strengthen me. This community has become a church family for me. I’m so thankful for what God has given me through trials. I’m never left alone, cause He is always there. Even if my only blessing is a sunny day, His hand is there. ❤

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  23. The blogging community has become like a second family to me ❤ I had no idea when I started how many wonderful people there were out there that were struggling just as I have struggled and have been humbled beyond words at their courage to take up their pens(keypads) like swords and fight their demons! I’m so thankful you found my blog, starting my day with your encouragement has meant more than you’ll ever know 🙏🙌🙏Love you all ❤

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      1. 😊 you’re good lol it actually has gotten to the point where if I don’t see you visit one day I check here to make sure you posted out of concern for your well being 😂 and then think good grief don’t scare me like that!

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  28. You would think by this time my journey would be complete, Not! In fact God is beginning a new journey with me through the blogging community. I am thankful for the road He has me on and for all of you who are teaching me how small the world is. Thank you for giving me a place to share God with you.

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  29. A cheerful hello to you afracturedfaithblog. I started to blog because the medical team looking after me thought it would be of benefit as I am a fanatical reader, writer, and passionate English teacher It was thought that it would engage my interest in life by rebuilding my English skills. However, it was a struggle to write one up every day as I could not remember words, how to spell, and simple rules (placement of a comma etc,) were beyond me. I have the draft of a book I started when I was in year nine about female warriors that I plan to publish one day. For me not having English was that greatest loss of all. I know that sounds silly to many but it is the one thing I have had throughout my life that no one could take from me. I had got to the where I had decided I was going to end it all, and you like a blog of mine, you will never have any idea of the overwhelming flow of emotion I experience, so instead, I went to my doctors and got some magic tablets that help me feel better. I have also had a little holiday at the local mental health unit to get that little bit of extra help. My medical team is saying most likely twelve months to sort it out but I am here to be able to do that because of you.

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  31. I started blogging in the fall and my goal was once a week but I always feel at a loss of what to say – and so pressured for it to sound good. I have a ton of blog post ideas but whenever I start one out, it doesn’t feel right..so I haven’t written in two months.
    I really want to start again because I know the Lord has brought me through so much and taught me so much and I’d love to share – but I feel like I struggle with not knowing what to be completely open about or what to be private about or if now is a “good time” to post something or if I should wait. I feel like I’ve put a ton of weird expectations on myself and they’re holding me back.
    This post was encouraging – but I still don’t know where to start.

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  32. Truly wonderful read……I love answering your questions that you pose at the end. Sadly my answers i find are very rarely positive. This brings me on to where i am in my journey. I am somewhere in the middle of my journey at a major crossroads. I am torn between the easy path of continuing my self destructive route where i will inevitably end up in hospital being fed through a drip or the undulating path of recovery where things will be difficult for a time. Part of me wants the recovery which is something that i must do for the sake of my daughter. However the evil bullying part of me seems to think all is good in my world. Nothing to worry about etc………..
    I am very grateful for the support i have received from the WordPress community. I have got to know some very kind and caring people over my journey one of whom is yourself. I thank you for that from the bottom of my heart.

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  34. I appreciate your encouragement in this post and it does describe my situation because I just enjoy writing. I’m no expert and my post are just sharing instead of giving advice, but it is discouraging when few read it and even less comment. Your thoughts expressed here are much in line with mine. I like the idea of a sharing community.

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    1. I started on here last May with very few followers. I had tried and failed before to launch a blog. Just be yourself and focus on delivering a consistent message & quality content. If you get that right then everything else will take care of itself.

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  35. When I started blogging; it was a push; I believe from God, He wanted me to write to glorify His name and three posts in, a tragedy struck my life and all I have been writing about ever since is the pain I am going through and hope I cling to. Blogging gives me therapy and keeps me going because I know my story just has to give somebody hope. Somebody has to see me go from the worst to the best of the best. I have met pretty good writers on WordPress too.

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  36. A great post dude!

    Proverbs 16:24 – Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body. Thanks for taking the time to encourage.

    I think I am right where I should be and the blogging community is a place of creativity and community, a place where I want to encourage and grow

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  38. You may not be a role model, but you are a miracle! Anyone that God has brought through the wringer of addiction to share their story of hope is. Keep writing and sharing, I will as well!
    Chuck

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  39. I didn’t know I needed this. This is my 4th year blogging consistently but it’s always been mostly for catharsis than anything else. Although I do burn for being a healer and a bridge builder, I couldn’t allow myself to desire that because of all the self criticism it’d trigger in me about being a speck of dust on the interwebs. I actually felt liberated reading this. I know it was from your core because nothing else can have such an effect. Thank you

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  40. Great Great Great post! So many times I have questioned myself, why I am doing this blog, who reads it, is it silly, etc. I love writing and my mission now is to help those in need. I have been in recovery for 8 years and 7 months now and my new life has given me and my family so many rewards. It was a long road to get from where I was to where I am. Every year I am maturing and learning exactly who I am.
    I write for myself and for others, I stay sober for myself and my family.

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  41. You are definitely a light and so is your love for your family. We need more love and tenderness in this world. To value each other is the most precious thing of all. My journey has led me to this realization and I know that it’s a gift to have come so far and to discover of love of writing.

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  42. Oh wow. I found this so encouraging. It’s hard on some days because I wish I was reaching more people and I wonder if my blog is making a difference. Thanks for this! Plus I love this blog and I’m grateful for you both😊

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      1. Everything! My goal is to be a light to others who are going thru tough times. My Facebook Page is all positive, fun, happy. Without the R rating. People need kindness. They need to know they’re not alone, and they matter.

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  45. Pingback: We Need You – Candy’sCrumbs

  46. I wonder oftentimes how many “followers” actually read my posts. But, as you said, so much healing can be found in writing my feelings. So, I am helping myself in addition to whoever reads. Thanks for the reminder to continue being me!

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      1. It has become very time consuming. I want to be more available for my kids. They are growing so fast. I may pick back up next year once my ladybug starts kindergarten. I only have a few short months left home with her before she’s a “big girl.”

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          1. I appreciate you asking! We had a big scare today with a ballistic missile threat in Hawaii. Talk about nerve wracking! To say I need to prepare a bit more is an understatement! I feel thankful today that I have God in my life and I’m not going to let this replace my happiness with fear. Pray I can stay strong…especially with a hubby gone.

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