P.S. You're not the only one...

The P.S. series includes behind-the-scenes insights and closing thoughts on each feature piece — the good stuff that didn’t quite fit into the final story. Click here to read “The Unanswered Prayer.”

I sat down with Veata on a warm Saturday morning on a sun porch overlooking a beautiful back yard. It felt a little like a blind date, in that we were set up by a mutual friend who goes to church with Veata and heard part of her story and immediately thought of me. “I want you to talk to my friend,” she told her, explaining a little about my background and the mission of Project Surplus. She thought Veata’s story would be a great match for this platform and she was absolutely right.

I was immediately drawn into the raw-ness and relatability of Veata’s story. That longing to be loved and fully accepted is hard-wired into every one of us. How many of us have fallen for the lie that says there’s something wrong with me, or if I just try harder, my spouse or my parent or my child or God, will love me?  I related so much to Veata’s battle with not “feeling” saved. I’ve had to remind my own heart so many times that I don’t have to work to earn God’s approval. He’s not waiting to scold or punish me if I make a mistake. Jesus’ death and resurrection means I’m made perfectly righteous the moment I place my faith in Him for salvation. See 2 Corinthians 5:17-21 for more on this.

I love how in this story, Veata’s breakthrough moment was just between her and God. The marriage being restored, being able to conceive and healing family relationships were all great blessings. But being at peace with God was the ultimate victory. And without it, none of the rest of it would have satisfied. On sharing her story, Veata told me “I pray that it will encourage others not to give up on searching for Jesus.”

Final thought - I recognize that this story may be painful to read for some. So many people carry silent wounds or shame from past trauma or abuse. If that’s you, I’m so sorry for what you went through. It wasn’t your fault and I pray you experience the perfect love of God and healing in the deepest places. I hope Veata’s story helps give you freedom to share your own story with someone. If you are suffering from abuse, domestic violence, or thoughts of suicide, I’ve included some resources below. Please, please talk to someone who can help.

The National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE)

National Dating Abuse Helpline 1-866-331-9474

National Child Abuse Hotline/Childhelp 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453)

National Sexual Assault Hotline 1-800-656-4673 (HOPE)

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255 (TALK)

National Resource Center on Domestic Violence 1-800-537-2238

Futures Without Violence: The National Health Resource Center on Domestic Violence 1-888-792-2873

National Center on Domestic Violence, Trauma & Mental Health 1-312-726-7020 ext. 2011