Dear Special One,
 Growing up in a small town with big dreams was all this
ordinary girl could think about. Spending most Saturday
nights behind a shut bedroom door singing into an old Coke
bottle to Barbara Mandrell and the Mandrell Sister’s was a
regular occurrence. It would infuriate me to hear my family
clapping outside the door and interrupting my own personal
moment. Growing up in a local church I suffered terrible
stage fright to the point that when my mouth opened, NOTHING
came out. But, oh, how I wanted to sing. For as long as I
can remember, this was my heart’s desire.
A few months after my baby boy was born, I began having
difficulty breathing, fatigue, and really weird moments of
unusual feelings. One day I just couldn’t get out of bed. I
had no strength left. Several physicians later there were no
answers except anxiety, panic attacks and soon came
depression from the lack of findings. From days of not being
able to function to nights of complete insomnia I was
exhausted. All the medications intensified the symptoms and
I began having horrible nightmares. Fear consumed my every
moment. I could not make decisions anymore and I was totally
not myself.
 My last two years have been full of trials, doubts, and very
unusual moments. But, oh, what I was missing. The album was
God’s plan, and trust me; He put it all together from
beginning to end. The song “In the Midst”-which became the
Album title- I wrote during a prayer walk. Maybe you should
know I don’t read music, write music, or play an instrument.
Every word, every melody, was in my head when I finished the
walk-- delivered by God Himself.
Anxiety and panic attacks were how God got my attention. I
am a little (for those of you who actually know me you will
say a WHOLE lot) obsessive-compulsive in nature, which at
times is overwhelming. Funny thought, God must have known
one day that He would use that trait for His advantage.
After all, He did create my passions, my characteristics,
and me. Many times we must be broken in order to serve Him,
for it is in our desperate times that we turn to our Savior
with humility. I will not tell you life is always easy now,
as I still struggle, but the difference is I have hope in
Jesus. I live for Him now and I sing for Him now. He fills
me with joy and gives me a purpose. One of my favorite
scriptures is Proverbs 3:5-6 “ Trust in the Lord with all
your heart and not your own judgments, always let Him lead
you and He will clear a path for you to follow.”
Trust me!---I am an unworthy sinner saved only by His grace.
I am an insecure individual with many blessings I do not
deserve. But several things for you to keep in mind that I
have learned through my personal trials are these: “He will
never leave you comfortless, he will come to you.” (John
14:18) and “I can do all things through Christ who
strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13). You can know Him as I
have come to know Him, but you must seek Him. Do not rely on
everyone else when it comes to learning about our Lord! Open
your Bible and read about Him yourself. That is where you
will find all He has for you. He will reveal miraculous
things about Himself to you. He is one big adventure. He is
an absolute blast and has a fantastic sense of humor. He is
REAL!! Pray faithfully and honestly and He will show you
amazing things.
 If you do not know Jesus, or have turned away in disbelief,
I pray you will seek the truth. The death Jesus endured on
the cross was a debt he paid for us all, not just a chosen
few. You may think you have done too much wrong. Listen,
Jesus was the only perfect One in the entire world. You
can’t work or buy your way into heaven, and no amount of
good deeds will get you there, if you do not accept Jesus as
your personal Savior. My friends----it is so very simple.
Faith alone in Christ alone is all he asks, so repent of
your sins and accept the free gift he has given you. Giving
up the sinful nature is not a means to salvation; it is a
result of salvation. Do not let anyone mislead you: Jesus
takes you just as you are and He will help you change.
I hope this has been encouraging for you. If He can change
my life, He can also change yours. I am happy to pray with
you or spend time with you to talk about Jesus and my
experiences. Do not let another day pass without knowing the
One who gave His life for YOU!
Love,
Shelly
“ For I cannot help but speak what I have seen and heard.”
- (Acts 4:20) |
