Wrinkle-free Wednesdays
Guest post by Lisa Powell
I was watching the news the other day and heard of a story about Broken Heart Syndrome that reminded me of many singles. The story was about a medical condition that causes heart problems due to stress. The medical condition is believed to be caused by a surge in adrenaline often in the aftermath of a stressful situation, such that the heart muscle is overwhelmed and becomes temporarily weakened.
I’m sure most singles didn’t need the medical community to confirm what they have known for a long time and that is there is indeed a condition called a broken heart. I don’t have to explain the pain one feels when a relationship ends or the pain of having no relationship at all. However, I think we can all agree the pain of a broken heart can be excruciating, no matter the cause.
Lack of companionship can be overwhelming for some, especially when there seems to be no end in sight. Unfortunately the broken heart of many singles is compounded by the hurtful comments of family members and friends who have a tendency to make Christian singles feel as if they are incomplete or that something must be wrong with them because they are not yet married.
These ongoing interactions can create a lot self-doubt and isolation for many Christian singles because the very people they would turn to for support are the ones inflicting the pain.
After a relationship that was heading towards marriage ended, I can recall hurting so much that I didn’t know how I would go on, but God…stop right there, enough said! That’s how I overcame my broken heart, by the grace of God. For every doubt I uttered, God had a comforting response from his Word.
- Lord, I feel all alone…but God said “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6, 8
- I just knew he was the one…the Psalmist said, “…No good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly.” – Psalm 84:11
- But everyone else seems to have someone…but God said, “So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him.” – Luke 11:13
- Lord my biological clock is ticking… the Psalmist said, “Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord.”- Psalm 27:14
- But God I want to be married and have a family, God said, “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” – Jeremiah 29:11
- Lord, why me?…Habakkuk taught me to ask not “why” but “who” is the God that sustains me through all of this?” – Habakkuk 3:3-16
- Lord, I love him, but I love You more, God said, “…obedience is better than sacrifice…” – I Samuel 15:22
You see, medical experts say there is no known way to prevent broken heart syndrome, but they confirmed what most Christians already intuitively know and that is a broken heart is a temporary heart condition and those who suffer from a it will eventually recover. Although it doesn’t feel that way while we’re going through it, we know ultimately that it’s only temporary.
For those who are currently suffering from a broken heart, I can tell you from experience that God can turn your sorrow into joy. He turned my tears into smiles and then He turned my misery into ministry. And finally I was able to say, Lord, I don’t understand and I don’t even like this, but God I trust You!
Make no mistake about it, heartbreak is real, but no matter the reason for your broken heart know that Jesus can heal it. God’s unfailing love is sufficient. There is absolutely nothing too hard for God, and that includes healing your broken heart, just give it to Him.
About the Author
Lisa is the creator of www.the-christian-single-woman.com, a website dedicated to helping Christian single women lead fulfilling and whole lives during their season of singleness. Though singleness is not a desired state for most, she is a firm believer that it should not be a season of depression. As a Christian single who has endured many ups and downs in singleness, her heart’s desire is to be a voice of encouragement for Christian single women to remind them they are not alone, they have not been forgotten and most of all that they are loved by Christ.
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Kiesha holds a Master of Arts in English, is a writing instructor and blog consultant.
Again Lisa, this is an excellent and very relevant post. When I was a kid I’d heard stories about a woman who died of heartbreak after her husband left – and as an adult I experienced it when my husband and I were separated. I literally felt my heart palpitate to the point where it would take my breath away. It was a very paralyzing feeling.
But I love these little pills of scripture you’ve included. I’m enamored with your writing style.
I’m curious, have you written a book yet?
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Thank you Kiesha. It really feels odd to take credit for any of this because my writing style and ministry is just the result of a surrendered heart. I just got to the point where I was sick and tired of being sick and tired and just decided to trust God wholeheartedly and what you see is the result. Thanks be to God that others can benefit from it.
As for the book, I have not written one yet but that is definitely a future goal.
.-= Lisa´s last blog ..A Recipe for Christian Single Living =-.
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This post was mentioned on Twitter by krenee76: Overcoming broken heart syndrome http://goo.gl/fb/siDf...
What a fascinating blog post this is Lisa! Unfortunately, I have also gone through much heart ache during and after a failed marriage.
My ex. husband wasn’t a bad person, there were issues and actions which eventually caused the break up of our marriage.
I was raised in a Christian family but he had not. Therein was the problem. I know only too well the pain you describe in your article. It was frightening and very real.
My faith is what got me through the nightmare. The Lord is Great as we know. There is a happy ending to the broken heart syndrome I experienced because I met and married my second husband. He is wonderful, he is a strong Christian and a good husband. I am so blessed.
Thank you for your excellent blog.
best wishes
Brenda Cooper
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Kiesha Reply:
March 18th, 2010 at 7:53 pm
Hi Brenda! Great to see you here. I’m glad you allowed your faith to see you through – I tell you that’s the only thing that keeps me. Hope to see you here again. Be blessed!!!
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I really wouldn’t want ending up with a broken hearth but that’s better if you are suffering with the relationship your with though.
.-= Trina Colon @ homes foreclosed las vegas´s last blog ..Las Vegas- Rehab Heaven- =-.
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Hi, this post will help you with the healing process.
Logic will tell you if getting back together is the right thing to do or if you should just get on with your life. Ask yourself what was the cause of the breakup? The answer is usually not as obvious as you think. Your ex gave the reason they broke up with you. The question is what caused the initial problem? Only you can answer this question. Be honest with yourself. To read the full article click the link.
mend your broken hearts
.-= Lanette Higham´s last blog ..Getting Back Together – Mend Your Broken Hearts =-.
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The sentence was very inspiring, I was able to say, Lord, I don’t understand and I don’t even like this, but God I trust You!
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I think the best way to get over a broken heart is to cry, cry, cry, talk about it with friends, cry some more, maybe blog about it, then try to see good things about the breakup – maybe you weren’t right for each other after all? Brainwash yourself with good thoughts and find fun things to do.
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Kiesha Reply:
May 5th, 2012 at 7:09 am
Hi Gabrielle!
I like this idea you call “brainwash yourself with good thoughts” – that’s another way of saying “train your thoughts not to keep obsessing” – it’s definitely the best way to go over it all.
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