My dear friends, let me tell you a story. I promise you this: it’s one you will want to read all the way to the end. And I assure you, the identity of the storyteller will remain a secret. This tale offers a valuable lesson, one that many of us in our golden years can relate to, or may even find some wisdom in.

Imagine being married for three decades—thirty long years of commitment, faith, and shared lives. Only for it to crumble when your spouse leaves you for someone younger. Can you even fathom the hurt, the betrayal? This was the torment one woman went through. Months of despair and questioning her worth became her companions. She felt like her years of sacrifice had amounted to nothing, a feeling that’s all too familiar for many who’ve experienced heartache in relationships.

In her time of suffering, she found solace in faith. She turned to her Lord and Savior, and through prayer and seeking Jesus’s guidance, she began to rebuild herself. Every tear shed was a step closer to healing. And as the Good Book reminds us, ‘The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.’ (Psalm 34:18)

But here’s where our story takes a turn, a twist if you will. Just as she began to embrace her newfound strength, her ex-husband’s new relationship crumbled. The grass isn’t always greener on the other side, you see. Life has a way of showing us that sometimes it’s greener where you water it.

Now, this estranged husband came crawling back, seeking reconciliation. Tempting, isn’t it? To return to the life you once knew. But our storyteller faced indecision. Should she forgive him? Should she open the door to her past and invite him back in? Or should she take this as a sign from above that it’s time to start anew, to begin a fresh chapter in her life?

But there was a twist that left even me astounded. It turns out, her ex-husband’s new relationship wasn’t just a doomed fling—it was built on lies and deceit. His younger paramour had hidden a shocking truth, one that I won’t delve into to guard the privacy and sanctity of the people involved. But let’s just say, it was earth-shattering in ways that make you question humanity.

So here stood our protagonist, at a crossroads. On one side was the comfort of forgiveness, the path Jesus might advocate. Our Savior, after all, teaches us the value of forgiveness, of turning the other cheek. On the other side was the opportunity for liberation, the chance to find peace and contentment on her own terms.

You see, my dear friends, this isn’t just about relationships. It’s about faith, resilience, and the ability we all have to rise above our trials. In a world that often feels like it’s tearing at the seams, we are reminded of the values our Lord instilled in us. We remember the strength of character that comes from enduring and overcoming tribulations.

Now, I reckon as a woman married for 35 years myself, I can understand the delicate intricacies of love and forgiveness. My husband and I have faced many trials, but our faith and love for each other saw us through. But I also understand the value of self-worth and setting boundaries. As much as we are taught to forgive, we must also be wise and discerning, valuing the temple that God has given us—our hearts, our souls, our very lives.

To the men and women who have stood by their partners through thick and thin, who’ve stayed committed despite the heartache and trials, I commend your strength. But more importantly, I urge you to seek God’s guidance in every step, to listen to that still small voice within, the Holy Spirit guiding us in moments of uncertainty.

Our storyteller had to grapple with these very notions. And through prayer and seeking God’s wisdom, she found her answer. It’s not about the destination, my friends; it’s about the journey. In her heart, she knew she had to choose herself this time. She had to prefer the new path God had placed before her, a path of self-discovery and divine guidance.

So, dear friends, if you find yourself at a similar crossroads, take a moment to pause and pray. Seek the Lord’s guidance. Remember, we are soldiers of Christ, strong and resilient. We must always strive to forgive and love, but never at the cost of our self-worth and divine purpose.

May we all find the strength within us, the valor to face our trials head-on, and the faith to trust in God’s plan. Amen.

Until next time, keep the faith, stay strong, and remember what my dear Papa used to say, ‘The good Lord’s watchin’ over ya.’