Finding My Way

By Gayle Bradshaw

This book is about my life's journey. I have come a long way, and I am excited to share it. I struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder and major depression. I have learned I can trust God in any circumstance. Though it has cost a lot, it has paid dividends of love and acceptance. I have found hope and peace. I choose to believe in God, and I choose to believe in life. If I hold on to faith, there is always hope. Nothing is impossible! In my writing, I have found purpose. I am thankful for this opportunity to speak my heart...I'm finding my way.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Covenant Books, Inc.
• Release date: May 29, 2018
• ISBN: 9781643000756

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Finding my Way

Gayle Bradshaw

ISBN 978-1-64300-074-9 (Paperback)

ISBN 978-1-64300-075-6 (Digital)

Copyright © 2018 Gayle Bradshaw

All rights reserved

First Edition

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods without the prior written permission of the publisher. For permission requests, solicit the publisher via the address below.

Covenant Books, Inc.

11661 Hwy 707

Murrells Inlet, SC 29576

www.covenantbooks.com

Rising Up

The miracle of new morning

Has eased into my heart

Blessing me with

A brand-new start

God has brought

Fresh hope into my soul

As I step gingerly

Down a road I do not know

I believe

There is so much to come

Each passing moment

Is another battle won

Looking forward

Beyond what I can see

With dreams of all

I one day will be

I long for peace

It is almost in my grasp

Trying to separate this moment from my past

I’m reaching out

Life is more

Than pushing through the fear

It’s plunging into a sea

Of all that I hold dear

I believe—

I choose to believe

As I step on

I’ll find the strength I need

There is hope!

Fresh and new to me

Little by little

I am breaking free

Finding Faith

At times

Faith is difficult to grasp

Trying to separate

This moment from my past

My God

Gives me strength to push on

I struggle

My doubts and fears are not yet gone

But I believe

This fight is not the end

This moment—

I will step out again

I’m reaching

With all the hope in my heart

A new day

Is the chance for a new start

So…somehow…

I must make it through this day

Fighting desperately

But believing it will be okay

I have to—

I have to believe

If I keep pressing on

Someday I will be free

Learning…

And trying with all my might

I pledge today

I will not give up the fight

Beyond

I don’t know the words to express

The hope I feel deep within

It’s so far beyond

The places I have been

I believe

In what is to come

Feeling a sense of peace

With each battle that is won

I forgot I could actually feel joy

And I’m fighting to hang on

Afraid if I close my eyes

The joy will be gone

I’ve been trying so hard

To work through my fear

I have to hang on

For this moment the hope is here

I have to believe—I choose to believe—

There is so much life ahead

The struggle takes all my heart

In ways that can’t be said

But I have come a long way

And I know there’s a long road ahead

Feelings change and are scary

But I’m moving forward instead

I thank God for this moment

How good it feels right now

I’ll keep on working

And keep my hands to the plow

Life really can be good

If I just believe

Holding on tightly

I’ve found the hope I need

Innocence Lost

Since ever so little

There has been no place to hide

Stripped of my body

Stripped of my pride

As I grew

Violated again and again

It’s all I’ve ever known

It’s all I’ve ever been

My adult life

Has been much the same

Raped and left

Feeling I’m the one to blame

When does it end?

Will I ever trust again?

I’ve nothing left

With which to defend

I feel naked

Even when I’m fully clothed

I look in the mirror

My own face I loathe

Did you hear me cry, Jesus?

Won’t you throw me a line?

My body has been so used

It’s never been mine

I give you this scarred body to you

I pray for your strength

And I pray one day…

You’ll give me back my innocence

Turning This Around

I feel so lost

I don’t know where to stand

But I’m trying to move forward

The best that I can

One moment has hope

The next in despair

I feel tormented

So difficult to bear

I don’t know what to do

What is the next step?

How do I top the chaos

Going on in my head?

Trying so desperately

To know what is real

I cannot give in

To the desperation I feel

I must believe

Somehow I will get through

My emotions change so quickly

I don’t know what to do

But I know deep down inside