Adena M'lynn's Voice

As I reflect on my journey from who I was to who I've become in Christ, the lyrics of "Both Sides Now" take on a deeper, more personal meaning. In my younger days, I was like the "angel hair" and "ice cream castles in the air" - innocent, idealistic, and perhaps naive. The "feather canyons everywhere" represented the vast, unexplored potential of life that stretched out before me. I looked at the world with wide-eyed wonder, like gazing at clouds and seeing endless possibilities, but under dark clouds. But as I grew older and experiences shaped me, those same clouds began to "block the sun." Life's challenges, disappointments, and hardships "rained and snowed on everyone," and I realized that the world was not always as idyllic as I had once believed. There were "so many things I would have done, but clouds got in my way" - obstacles and setbacks that hindered my plans and dreams. Yet, even in the midst of th...

Trees are more than just beautiful additions to our landscapes; they also offer valuable life lessons that we can apply to our own lives. One of the most important lessons we can learn from trees is the importance of resilience. When faced with strong winds or storms, trees bend and sway, adapting to the pressure instead of rigidly resisting it. This flexibility allows them to weather the storm without breaking. Similarly, in our own lives, we should strive to be adaptable and resilient in the face of challenges, learning to bend without breaking under pressure. Another lesson we can learn from trees is the importance of staying grounded. Trees have deep, strong roots that anchor them firmly to the earth, providing stability and nourishment. In our own lives, it's essential to stay connected to our roots (not necessarily meaning family) – our values, beliefs, and support systems – in order to maintain a sense of stability and purpose. By staying grounded, we can draw strength and ...

I want you to know that I understand and respect you providing me space to figure out who I am before the end. It's a profound and deeply personal journey, and I'm glad you're taking the time to help me. Thank you.   You know, I've been thinking back to our high school days, and I have to say, I really respected you for hearing my "no" when you tried to take things further. I know I was probably sending mixed signals with all the touching and flirting, but you showed me respect. I realize now that I was dealing with a lot more than I could have imagined at the time, with sexual relationships I was having with old men. But look at us now, reconnected, married, after all these years, both of us on a mission to figure out who we really are and what truly matters in life. It hasn't been a smooth road, that's for sure. We've had our share of distractions and obstacles along the way. As awful, and dangerous, we've even come to blows at times, fightin...

The space between my legs was meant to be private, a sacred territory untouched by others. Yet, before I reached the tender age of five, it was claimed by someone who had no right—a 57-year-old who shattered the innocence of my world. Dreams that once sparkled with potential faded into the background, as I was relegated to a mere afterthought, left to simmer on the back burner of my own life. He took what was never his to take, and by the age of twelve, I found myself becoming willing, my actions guided by manipulation rather than choice. It wasn’t a daily occurrence, but it happened often enough to leave indelible marks on my psyche.   Now, at 63, I grapple with the realization that my life has been overshadowed by deceit, casting me into the role of a liar. He may have passed away in 1983, but the echoes of his actions haunt me still. How does one reclaim what was unjustly taken when the thief is no longer of this world? Despite the torment, I've continued to survive, to breathe,...

When life's journey brings unforeseen challenges, prolonged healing processes, or unanswered prayers, we find ourselves at a crossroads. The choice becomes stark: either cling desperately to our circumstances, attempting to manipulate, predict, or control the uncontrollable, or step forward with open hands and a humble heart, fully aware that God's ways are beyond our understanding—unpredictable, often challenging, yet always moving forward. God's plans and methods are heavenly, transcending our earthly comprehension. As we reflect on the rough patches, the difficult changes, and the times of despair we've faced, we will come to see their necessity in our lives, realizing, "This was all part of God's plan to bring me to this point." This readiness to embrace change and uncertainty showcases a deep faith in God, the Creator, rather than in the outcomes or the details of our situations. It's a testament to trusting in God's plan above our own, recogn...