Scripture Reading: 1 Samuel 1:1-28, 1 Samuel 2:1-11
Do you remember the song “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands”? When I think of the song, it’s comforting—and not just for nostalgia’s sake. To be held by one you trust brings feelings of safety, security, reprieve from worry and grief knowing you aren’t alone. And if God can hold the whole world, surely He can hold me, right?
Reading Hannah’s story has always felt like a strange mix of relief and pain to me. The journey of motherhood is hard, and like so many, I’ve waited to conceive, and I’ve loved babies I was never able to hold. But to be mocked and jeered at by the fertile woman she shared a husband with and then to have her character questioned by the priest, I can’t imagine the weight of her pain while longing to hold her own little one.
Hannah’s story reflects those of other women in Scripture who longed to bear children and who, in their longing, stood on the precipice of God’s great work in the world. Moses’s mom had her son’s life threatened by Pharoah, and then she had to surrender him to be raised as an Egyptian once he was weaned. Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph all had moms who walked hard roads to have children of their own. John the Baptist’s mom, too, was considered well past child-bearing age when the Lord intervened. God used all of these mothers—Jochebed, Sarah, Rebekah, Rachel, and Elizabeth—each in His story. And Hannah, refusing to take matters into her own hands, took her hurt to the Lord, fully trusting Him, “I am a woman with a broken heart…I’ve been pouring out my heart before the LORD” (1Samuel 1:15). She pleaded her case, trusting the Lord and even promising her hoped-for son to His service in return.
Hannah offered her pain to the Lord, and God heard her. Verse 19 says, “the LORD remembered her.” Like other times this phrase shows up in the story, God was preparing to do a new work, fulfilling His promises to His people. Hannah’s son, Samuel, would become the prophet who guided Israel’s transition from the time of the judges to a monarchy, anointing Israel’s first two kings, Saul and David. God took her faithfulness, even in her own immense grief, and He brought her comfort. And when she took her toddler son to live and serve in the tabernacle, she rejoiced in the Lord. More than delighting in her son or even her elevated station after having him, she found her delight in God. Chapter 2 records her song, expressing her deep gratitude for God’s sure and steady character, His unparalleled power, and His sovereignty over all creation—showing us through her faith that He indeed has the world in His hands.
Written by Becca Owens
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100 thoughts on "Hannah"
Take it to the Lord. Pour out your anguish and trust him!
Well said. Amen
There’s a book written by Jennifer Saake called “Hannah’s Hope” that walks through each verse in Hannah’s narrative and addresses the deep, complicated feelings and thoughts walking through infertility and failed adoption. It has been a helpful tool for me as my husband and I have been walking this road over 3 years ourselves. I’d highly recommend it if you or someone you know is walking through infertility or have experienced failed adoptions.
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Amen
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Sometimes pain is all I have to give. Help me to bring my pain and broken heart to you as an offering, may it be used for your glory. Though the sorrow may last for the night, joy comes in the morning.
“Hannah offered her pain to the Lord.” During the times when it seems all we have is pain and nothing else, we should offer that to the Lord. It is the first time for me to look at our pain as an offering.
Yes, never thought about that! Thank you!
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I can’t add to the great comments today, except praying for those in the wait, in the hope, in the unknown. Even the pain of loss that shattered hearts. We don’t know the plans of the Lord, and it doesn’t make sense to us…BUT God..He is the Lord of lords and the King of kings—and has the PERFECT plan for our lives. We often times are the ones that made wrong choices that lead to the consequences. We must come to him with a repenting heart. He will restore, but maybe not in the way we hope and want.
That makes the song that just played so valuable in it’s lyrics by We Are Messengers- “Come What May.”
Oh we don’t like that submission. Because it is surrendering our wants to being content in the Lord Himself above all things. Of course, sometimes we have not, because we ask not! He has good gifts for His Children…if you are a daughter of the Almighty (accepting of Jesus), He will provide in the way that is for the good of those who love Him and align with his truth in obedience.
Pour it out, submit. Surrender. Thank Him. Praise Him in the Wait! (another song–Praise- Elvation! or Hallelujah Even Here- Laura Laid (?), and Praise You Through It- Tasha Layton and Chris Brown) Maybe make a playlist, I have many, lol!
Be blessed today, praying for all! God is with us, in every minute!
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Hello Shes
“He guards the steps of his faithful ones,
but the wicked perish in darkness,
for a person does not prevail by his own strength.”
(1 Samuel 2: 9)
This is where I linger today, a verse embedded in Hannah’s Triumphant Prayer.
Hannah, the childless & ridiculed, did not conceive & bear a son, in her own power. Her heart rejoiced in the power of the Lord.
I have been that childless woman in the metaphorical sense. But I have felt the prolonged pull of self pity & not praise. I am still learning to abandon self-regard & stop holding out self-interest. I will always need Him to help guide & guard my steps in a faithful walk. To release the fallacy of self control. To find the freedom from the myth of self constraint. To gain His favor by what I let go, not what I grasp.
I do not want to be among the wicked who doubt in darkness.
Hannah poured her heart out in surrender & returned home in peace. I seek the wisdom to do the same.
So help me God.
“To gain his favor by what I let go of, not by what I grasp.” Amen Gwineth. So spot on!
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Hello She’s! I wanted to pop in and ask that you all pray for my coworker and her family. I had mentioned awhile back that her husband (just 39 years old) had been given months to live, and, sadly, he passed away this past weekend. Please pray for her, her young son, and the rest of the family as they adjust and grieve.
Oh boy. This is so sad! I’m praying!
Praying for this family in their grief..a d you Kira, as you walk alongside them..❤️
Praying for this precious young family! ❤️
God sees us, no matter what our story is nor how deep our pain may be. May we continue to pour our our pain before him and trust that he will see us and answer us and bring something beautiful from all we have to offer up to him.
Hannah’s story – bitter sweet. Hannah wanted nothing more than to be a mom. Something that her husband just didn’t quite understand. No matter how much a husband loves you or you love your husband, it does not replace or replicate the love of a child.
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I have such great admiration for Hannah – who so desperately wanted a child, but yet was willing to sacrifice him to the Lord were she to have her prayer answered. And … she followed through on her promise. How easy it would have been to forsake that promise and keep Samuel all to herself. Had she done that, she would have missed out on God’s greatest blessings.
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I try to imagine what it was like for her to bring Samuel to Eli, his little hand in hers – and then to hand him over, walk away and leave him there. I would have been sobbing my heart out!
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But Hannah had a different reaction – she worshiped the Lord, and prayed the most beautiful prayer that glorified the God who was her rock, the one who set the world on the foundations of the earth!
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Such lessons to ponder and learn from Hannah’s life!
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As so many of you have all ready mentioned, I too pray for each one of you who desire to have a baby of your own and wait with longing arms. My heart aches for you and I have wept before God for you. I pray that He will hear your cries and answer just as He did for Hannah. I also ask you to pray for a young couple in my church that have been trying to have a child for almost 2 years. My heart hurts for them – and for you. Continued prayers for you all.❤️❤️❤️
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@Lynne from Alabama – dear Lynne, continued prayers for you as you still feel the pain of your loss. I will be praying for your missions trip, VBS and for God’s continued guidance.
@Tami – I am so sorry for what BJ is going through, and yes – that “slow walk to death”. There is nothing more heartbreaking than having to watch a loved one go through that. Continued prayers for you all.
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Happy Wednesday sweet She’s. May God richly bless your day! ❤️
thank you Sharon!
Thank you, SJG, for your tender thoughts about “expectant” mothers.
Praying your beautiful prayer for ‘our Hannahs’ with you, Sharon.. sending you much love, my dear..❤️
Oh, Sharon… once again you have so eloquently expressed my ❤️ in all of your requests. Please add sweet Jensen and Logan to your “Hannah” list! They have been longing for a child for -4 years… intense surgical procedures included. My ❤️ breaks for them, as I totally join you in all of your heartfelt requests!
Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning. Psalm 30:5 KJV
Weeping may stay overnight,but there is joy in the morning. Roman’s 30:5 CSB
Hannah’s life sentence. I am reading a book by Warren Wiersbe called the Defining Verse. Rev. Wiersbe chose this one for Hannah. The book was previously titled Life Sentence.
Thank you for the recommendation, I love Wiersbe’s books and commentaries!
As I was reading the devo, the Casting Crowns song, Oh My Soul, was playing in my head. I know I mentioned it recently, but today I watched the “Official Lyric Video” which features a young ballet dancer. The lyrics and the dance made Hannah’s story come to life- for me anyway. ☺Beautiful video!
Casting Crowns – Oh My Soul (Official Lyric Video)
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What strong faith Hannah had!
Wiersbe said this:
“The story thus far makes it clear that the life and future of a nation depend on the character of the home, and the character of the home depends on the spiritual life of the parents. The future hope of the people of Israel rested with that young lad in the tabernacle learning to serve the Lord. Never underestimate the power of the home or the power of a little child dedicated to God.”
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May we represent God with such faith and character.
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Love, hugs, and prayers! ❤
oh that video was perfect! It’s one of my favorite songs, but today the dance represented Hannah, and all the burdens we need to bring to God, and lay at the feet of Jesus!! We are all on the amazing journey of God and his plans for us, when we keep our trust and put his truth in our hearts!
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I am chuckling to myself thinking CeeGee would be like me in my shuffling to decide what 3 songs to play at jail ministry today. It has been such a treat that with our leader out, I have had full control over our songs each week!! Then there’s like 10 I WANT to play, lol. I try to make them line up with the lesson! Today’s lesson is “Joy is my Job!” I’m going to begin with NO music played but have them clap, and break into the old children’s song “I’ve Got That Joy, Joy, Joy, Joy (Down in my heart)! I hope it will get them smiling, before our lesson. And make you smile!! The other songs I keep debating because we only have certain ones downloaded currently.
What a fun way to start your time together! Rhonda, did you notice the stage floor at the end of the video? ❤❤❤
YES..beautiful!!
May we represent God with such faith and character..
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Amen..
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Hugs, Cee Gee..❤️
My heart goes out to all the women wanting to become a Mama & those who have babies in Heaven. My friend Hannah had a miscarriage a couple years ago & now has her rainbow baby! Seeing the pain that experience brought her firsthand changed how I viewed the blessing of motherhood. God has used her to minister to others going through similar experiences!
As we read this passage today, my heart goes out to those that are in the waiting. Those who are crying out to the Lord for direction, hope, a godly husband, a child of their own, a prodigal child to return, a health issue. These verses are not easy to read and perhaps many saw the name Hannah today and could not even read a word because it caused such heavy heart ache. I’m sorry for the pain and longing you are experiencing. May the Lord be ever so near and you feel His loving presence.
I am humbly grateful and do not take for granted the absolute joy and gift of marrying and having children. I do not understand the depths of such longing. I have however walked alongside precious friends who have and are journeying through these and have witnessed their immense burden. I don’t want my words to sound trite, dismissive, a typical church-y answer but I have witnessed how the Lord has worked, moved and carried these beautiful sisters as they navigate His timing in their lives. Some longings and prayers have been answered as they have prayed, others in very different ways. I have witnessed their recognizing how God hears when they poured out their hearts to Him like Hannah did.
Hannah’s example is really remarkable to me and although my crying out to the Lord has a different story line, her character and her heart remind us to be steadfast in whatever our circumstance is. She reminds us that God does not change and He always hears. Whatever our circumstance or situation we can hold onto the hope of that truth that God is always faithfully at work in our lives, His plans and purposes will be fulfilled. May we be encouraged by Hannah’s example, strength and perseverance today.
Praying for all of your requests. Thinking especially of those today in the longing and waiting and also ones mentioned from yesterday…Melani, Lynne, Tami, Taylor and more. ❤️
Amen Wendy! Beuatifully said!
Thank you❤️
Well written Wendy. I too have not experienced the longing for a child, but Hannah’s story teaches me to bring whatever I have to the Lord and trust that he hears and will answer. And thank you for the prayers!
Wendy, beautifully beautifully said.
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Amen.❤️
Hannah’s rejoicing in prayer reminds me of Mary’s rejoicing. ❤️
It behooves us to remember that there might be much pain (and even taunting… like Hannah experienced) before we experience great rejoicing.
Yes, amen Adrienne!
Hannah is such an example of how to live in a difficult situation. She was bullied by her husband’s other wife, not able to have children and the priest thought she was drunk! Yet she did not take matters into her own hands! She turned to the Lord in her anguish and poured out her heart to God!
Then she gave her little son back to God! What a woman of faith! Praying that I can follow her example as I walk through difficult circumstances!
Praying for all. Tina, your openness and honesty blesses all of us! And for those who are like Hannah and haven’t been able to have children, God sees you and I’m praying for you. This scripture reading was probably difficult for you but keep persevering!
What I tell have been telling myself lately when dealing with health issues, discouragement and wanting to give up, “Just like all the heroes of the faith, “do the next right thing!” Just keep getting up and persevering! Trust God for the outcome!
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Yes Cheryl…Just do the next right thing. Give your “ugly” cry to God. We will have times of anguish, questioning, faltering, and rolling around on the floor…but give it to God! But God…when he is Sought after…He will hear…He will answer!! Just like David, and the other heroes! We too are Saints and Heroes for the Lord to the people around us. In our struggles, they can see our trust and faith! That is a much impacting faith, then in the blessed times!
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I was blessed to be able to have children. I do not take that gift lightly. Barrenness is used often in the Bible to show God’s power and strength. Hard things that are out of our control are used to demonstrate God’s omnipotence. Although I did not struggle to give birth to my own children, my mother’s heartache is watching my children walk away from God. Yet, when I finally surrendered to Him, He heard me and worked a miracle. My prodigal came home. She returned to us. I am slowly surrendering my son to the Lord. The Lord is talking to me about releasing him. When he was younger, we always though he would be a pastor. He has a loving heart and a calming presence. But now that my son lives apart from his faith, life has been rocky and confusing for him. He keeps trying to do things on his own. His personality has not changed, he is still kind and sweet, but he is desperately trying to find purpose for his life. Barrenness, prodigals – God hears the prayers of desperate mothers everywhere. But as I am learning, like Hannah, we must be willing to surrender them, and our will, to Him.
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So so true. It’s all in the surrender
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Tina-thank you for your vulnerability and sharing what God has done and is doing in your life. May God bless you and keep you.
Hannah’s story impacted me differently this time reading it this time around (and where I am in my life and faith journey/marathon). I could not fathom giving up my child the way Hannah did. However I see how strong her faith was and how she wanted to honor God for His faithfulness. I was listening to the SRT Podcast with Nick Connolly and he quoted Charles Stanley. The quote (paraphrased) was “obey God and trust Him with the consequences”. That’s what Hannah did. I see Hannah wanting to honor God for His love, His gift of motherhood, and His love for her. My words may not capture what I’m trying to say…but God is good. I see a glimpse into her “why” for giving Samuel to God.
That quote from the podcast, stood out to me as well. A succinct, short but pointed phrase of challenge and truth that would lead and guided us well.
Thank you Amy..❤️
I agree Erica. That had to have been so hard. What trust and faith Hannah had. Knowing God would protect and guide her son.
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Amen
Thankful for Hannah’s story of her faith and of God working His plan, but whew … it’s a hard one as my prayer for children was answered differently. Took a long time to come to grips with His plan for me in that regard, and some days it’s still hard.
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I love Hannah’s prayer, especially the first 3 verses –
1 My heart rejoices in the Lord;My strength is exalted in the Lord.
I smile at my enemies,Because I rejoice in Your salvation.
2 “No one is holy like the Lord, For there is none besides You, Nor is there any rock like our God.
3 “Talk no more so very proudly; Let no arrogance come from your mouth, For the Lord is the God of knowledge; And by Him actions are weighed.
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CEE GEE – yes, a wise Christian teacher ❤️
TANYA EVANS ❤️ thank you for song shared
AMY W ❤️ thank you for your testimony
TAMI ❤️ praying for you, BJ/daughters and Chela
MERCY ❤️
WENDY B ❤️
TAYLOR praying for your dad ❤️
R ❤️❤️❤️ love the praise report on your husband’s recovery, awesome!
Praying for all
Searching, thank you for sharing how your heart relates to this passage. My heart goes out to you and all Shes who didn’t have that prayer answered. Like Hannah you cling to your faith and are a shining example for us. Love you, sister! ❤
Yes you are Searching! I’m so grateful for how you live out your faith. And you definitely have the gift of intercession. May God bless you today!
Holding you in a hug my friend, right now.. prayerful that your heart knows His peace and tha Hannahs words sure do give you that sense of God’s plan and purpose for my life will always be His very best as you hold fast to Him..
Much much love dearest..❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
“And Hannah, refusing to take matters into her own hands, took her hurt to the Lord, fully trusting Him”
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I’ve always found Hannah to be an inspiration woman of faith. Like Abraham she was willing to give her one and only son to the Lord. And later in 1 Samuel 2:21, we read, “And the Lord blessed Hannah, and she conceived and gave birth to three sons and two daughters.”
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CEE GEE – thanks for asking about my young mama. She is struggling to stay hopeful. So many layers to the drama that is her reality. She was dropped from the rapid rehousing program, so she has been trying to find housing on her own. She has applied to several businesses for work, but has not received any calls for interviews. Hanging over her head is the fact that the shelter she is in can “discharge” her and the baby at any time without notice. Very stressful to say the least. Continued prayers for peace during the storm would be appreciated.
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As to my husband and his colleagues, they are all waiting for HR to finalize paperwork so they know what their severance packages are. Their manager is the only one who has found a new position and will be moving to the other side of the country to take it. Bittersweet for all as he and his wife are good friends.
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R – fantastic news about your husband’s recovery. Praise the Lord for His mercy and kindness to you both!
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TAYLOR – will be praying for a total recovery for your dad.
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LYNNE FROM ALABAMA – praying the Lord continues to bring you comfort and gives you strength to do the works He has prepared in advance for you to do.
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MELANI FRYER – praying for your sister’s heart to change about caregiver duties. Maybe she is just burned out?
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INDIANA ELAINE – continued prayers for pain relief and wisdom from your medical team.
Praying for this young mama, for housing, job, transportation and childcare.
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And praying for your husband and coworkers as they look for another position. Praying for guidance in their searching, for financial provision in the meantime.
Praying for the young Mama and for your husband.
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I know uncertainty (especially when it comes to basic needs) is extraordinarily unsettling and anxiety-provoking. Every time I speak with my goddaughter’s grandmother and just wanting a “roof over her head I can afford”, it reminds me to pray harder for them and that God would guide re: if we have a role.
Praying for all. Favor for young mama
Oh, Kelly, what a struggle for that young mama and for your heart! May God have mercy and make a way for them soon. I pray she is obedient to God’s nudging and keeps her eyes on Him.
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Prayers for all of you in this lost friendship (another fallout from the lay-off) and for each of the workers to stretch their resources until they gain employment- prayerfully soon. Thanks for the update! ❤
Kelly – continued prayers for your young mama. I keep hoping and praying that God would soon intervene and open the doors for her.
Also continued prayers for your husband and his colleagues as they all start looking for new work.
Thank you for your prayers, Kelly (NEO). You are so faithful in lifting our sisters in pray when your plate is very full. I’m praying for provision for both the young mama and your husband. Praying is one thing I can do while life is on hold.
Kelly, wrapping you, your cares and worries in a hug covered in prayers, as I write.
Praying for your young Mama and her situation to change in Jesus’s name..
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Also holding up your husband and his co-workers as they continue to find work in light of their lay off. God in your mercy, guide and direct their paths.. and Lord I pray you keep their hearts in peace through this transition. Amen.❤️
Amen❤️
May I too dedicate all my situations to God. Trusting Him in all my ways. ❤️
My story is different and yet speaks of God and His character, His love, and faithfulness.
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Unexpectedly at seventeen, I found myself expecting a child.. a child myself, and noone to turn to, I struggled through, working things out as needed and as I went along.
I had made no promises to God, but He had to me.
I was an abused wife, hospitalised on occasion with broken ribs, bruises and eyes so black, I could hardly see my little person..
I managed, one day, to leave whilst he was out, stayed with my mum for a while, I was nearly 19!
It’s funny, remembering those days as I do now, I realize, even through the mess of it all, God’s hand was with and over us..
We were never alone. I may not have known it then, but trust me, I know it now..!
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My journey, so very different from Hannahs and yet, it is the same God we called/call out to. In the days of confusion and pain, in the days of elation and joy. The same God who holds us in our brokenness and the same God who walked/walks with us, hears us, carried/carries us through. He is the same God who keeps His promises and loves us no matter how or where we are in life..
For and in that, I join Hannah in her prayer.. and praise..
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My heart rejoices in the LORD;
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In the LORD my horn(my strength) is lifted high.
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My mouth boasts over my enemies,
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For I delight in my deliverance..
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There is no one holy like the LORD;
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There is no one beside you;
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There is no Rock like our God..
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Amen…
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Happy Wednesday my loves.. Be Blessed whatever your day looks like..❤️❤️
Blessings to you today, dear Tina. ❤️
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Sweet sister, ❤️ my heart hurts as I read this piece of your testimony. Thankful for the encouragement you bring each day by sharing your faith with us, through the valleys and on the mountain tops.
❤️ Indeed, thank you Tina
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Thanks for sharing Tina- God is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow!!!
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Thank you, Tina, for sharing your story. I know God uses our journeys to help others. I love seeing the faithfulness of God in your life and getting to witness the woman of God you are today. You give us She’s encouragement and love!
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Thank you, Tina for sharing such a difficult part of your testimony. The Lord is using your story to bring honor and glory to Him, to bring great encouragement to our hearts ❤️
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❤❤❤ Thankful that God got you out of that situation safely and that you are here to share your testimony with us! Hugs, sister, from the daughter of an abuser (and whose mom never ‘got away’).
I’m sorry Cee Gee.. praying peace over you as I may have triggered something with my story..
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BUT GOD dear sister, BUT GOD..
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Much love,
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God has surly turned your ashes to beauty. Thank you for always sharing your story.
Happy Wednesday. ❤️
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Oh…. Sweet Tina………
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Tina you are an amazing woman of God, your words never fail to teach me something.
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