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Post by renate9 on Nov 9, 2018 1:06:23 GMT
Am I the only one who is left?
I can't run this site by myself.
Renate
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Post by JeepGirl on Nov 9, 2018 5:38:59 GMT
Hi Renate, For some strange reason, this has been the pattern of our site. It has never had the same activity as when we were on Daily Strength. But DS changed its format and, I believe, all of the estrangement groups moved to other websites. Many of our members got lost in the transition and never found us here.
I stepped away from here several times because one or two people cannot keep up topics for discussion without input from others. We can see that others come here and just read but that doesn't keep the site up and running. Dialogue is so essential to a support group. Lindajoan has been ever so faithful but like you posted, she can't run the site by herself.
I absolutely know there are increasingly more cases of estrangements than ever before and I know support is needed but for whatever reason, this site has not been consistent. Because of that, I understand why members become discouraged and stop coming here. There is definitely a recurring cycle here. I know there are other estrangement sites that have more activity; however, I was always of the mindset that a Christian site is needed and once I found this one, I did not return to the others. God's presence makes such a difference, especially in our responses. But, God's way doesn't always look as exciting to others although we know His ways are the best. And as Believers, although we have as many hurts as other estranged parents, we tend not to bash our estranged adult children and are simply more factual about our situations and appreciate the prayers of others and know our only hope is in Jesus.
I have, personally, exhausted all my thoughts about this and if anyone can come up with an idea to either restore our site or, even start a new one, I would certainly be supportive. It is kind of you to give a call for help, Renate. If you want to run some ideas past myself, Lindajoan, Luke, Everloving or any other member, maybe private messages would be good to share and brainstorm.
Thank you for caring and praying for God's leading. Much love and prayers...
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Post by JeepGirl on Nov 9, 2018 5:42:08 GMT
It is me, again. I just went over to the Prayer part of our site and see there is more activity and current postings. I will head over there again and post. I didn't see those posts and maybe others have also.
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Post by JeepGirl on Nov 9, 2018 5:42:28 GMT
sorry, mistake posted twice
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Post by everloving11 on Nov 9, 2018 13:53:04 GMT
I tried numerous times to get into this site the last two weeks to no avail. I kept getting into a looping vortex where I was repeatedly kicked out. Frustrating - so it is marvelous to be let on today! Our ES's 32nd birthday was two days ago so my mother's heart was broken - again. This child, whom I carried in my body for 9 months and nursed at my breasts for nearly a year has utterly rejected me. Inconceivable! BUT God is still on the throne and He is so good. Last month was especially hard with one spiritual attack after another. Yet there were also huge blessings. I agree, JeepGirl - if I kick God out of this equation, there is absolutely no hope. One of the biggest benefits of this site is that we can freely share the blessings God bestows on us even in the face of discouragement. My biggest hope is that our ES will return to the Lord ~~~ then all will be made right. Anything short of that will be fruitless. Renate9, don't give up on us. God promises that even where there are only 2 or 3 gathered together in His name, He will make His presence known. I need to stay here since I am holding out hope for each one of us ~~~~ and I want to share in the victories of each of you as they unfold. I know how discouraging it is to see the days, months, and years pass by without any hope of a positive result --- I prayed for nearly 42 years for my mother to accept Christ as her Savior ~~~ and, hope against hope, she did in the final year of her life!!! That last year of her life was the most fantastic year we ever could have had ---- making up for decades of rejection. What a treasure well worth the wait. I have grown to love each one of you, dear hurting sisters.
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Post by JeepGirl on Nov 9, 2018 14:57:14 GMT
Everyloving, I am much better with technology than I have been in the past but do not know why you had trouble getting in. I believe there is a help section somewhere here and maybe you can send them info about problem you have been having. I have to go somewhere in a few so I don't have time now but I will also check and send in a report about your problem getting on.
Last night I posted this as part of a reply on our prayer section. Just want to give you an update on what is happening in my life:
I have had some progress in my estrangement but it has been a long, long time. I have even lost track of exactly how long but I think about 9 years of being estranged from my son and 5 years that I hadn't seen my grands. Just, recently, I have begun to have contact with my 16 yr old granddaughter and her older brother. Still no contact with my es. Similar to Luke, I gave my es over to the Lord and cannot do anything except to trust in Him and wait. He doesn't forget about us.
As I said a while back, so many things are different concerning my grands and, of course, they are older. But, God truly does restore the years the locust has eaten. Hard to explain, but want to share that it will be good, just different. I remember the pain and tears I shed all those years, thinking of everything I was missing in my grandchildren's lives, especially during the holidays, on their birthdays, and thinking of how time was passing and I couldn't ever get it back. But I did, God gave it back to me. I assure you, God is sovereign and truly restores in a way only He can do. Please believe me. Keep on trusting, along with moving forward in the place God has you. When its hard, come here and let us pray for you. This is one place where we truly understand and can relate to each other. Prayers and love...
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Post by luke2231 on Nov 9, 2018 15:05:33 GMT
I've had issues too with getting on this site - I kept getting error messages saying "Oops! There's a problem - please try again in a little bit," but days went by without being able to get in. However, I'm also on a couple non-Christian estrangement forums and those are a little on the quiet side as well. Maybe it's just a cycle? That does tend to happen here and there; people are quiet for a while but then someone posts a comment or question and all of a sudden there's a flurry of activity again.
Renate, we're here for you and for each other. Maybe we're off licking our wounds, or maybe life is just a little busy right now, but we haven't disappeared! I actually was reading a fairly recent article on estrangement and at the bottom it listed THIS SITE as an option for connecting with parents facing estrangement. Of course, it was in the middle of one of those sleepless nights and when I got back on in the morning, I couldn't find it any more. 😞 But that doesn't mean others haven't seen it. We do have a fairly large amount of people here that lurk but don't post, for whatever reasons. Don't discount that just because we're not active, our past posts aren't being an encouragement to some of those individuals!!!
Everloving, I'm so sorry about your heartbreak yet again. It IS inconceivable, yet it doesn't make it any easier. Like JeepGirl said elsewhere, sometimes years and years go by and there's a softening. We've seen it on this site, but I know of others in real life and virtually too - 4 years, 7 years, 11 years, 13 years.... it's all in God's timing and honestly, we wouldn't want to rush it because then it wouldn't be "right." The longer that this goes on, the closer I lean in to Him, which is the "right-est" thing I could ever do! You and JeepGirl are correct that we can be discouraged and still be blessings to others through this site, no matter how much time passes. I have a dear friend from high school that I maybe talk to once or twice a year, but when we speak, it's like the time hasn't passed. I feel that way about everyone here: I'm here for you when it's needed, and I feel confident that you're here for me if I need advice and support! And I pray for each of us facing this trial of doing without our flesh and blood. Loving you and uplifting you.
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Post by everloving11 on Nov 10, 2018 21:22:16 GMT
Thank you luke2231 ~ very sweet, loving words as we enter this rugged season that is supposed to be a close-knit time of family and friends.
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Post by everloving11 on Nov 10, 2018 21:24:51 GMT
On the eve of the election results, Eric Metaxas of Breakpoint shared the following that really encouraged me:
When everything seems out of control, and hopeless, remember these ~~~~ 1) Christ is risen. 2) Christ is Lord. 3) Christ will restore all things. 4) And He has called us to this time and this place.
WOW!
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Post by lindajoan on Nov 10, 2018 22:51:15 GMT
I am so thankful to see all of my Christian sisters names again. Praise the Lord. I check in with the sight daily and missed you all.
Thanks to Jeepgirl I checked the prayer request section. I had forgotten to check that area. I will look there from now on. We need the support and prayers of each other. We can truly say we understand the pain we feel from estrangement.
God bless each one here. You are in my prayers.
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Post by everloving11 on Nov 10, 2018 23:53:07 GMT
Thank you LindaJoan for being a constant in our lives!
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Post by lindajoan on Nov 11, 2018 1:04:37 GMT
Thank you for being here, Everlasting. God bless you!
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Post by bettyshe on Dec 27, 2018 9:10:34 GMT
I thank God for this place.
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Post by luke2231 on Dec 27, 2018 16:50:06 GMT
bettyshe,
How are you doing? Haven't heard from you in a while - a lot of us haven't posted in a while! - but I'm wondering how you are... Keeping you ALL close in my thoughts and prayers! xoxo
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Post by JeepGirl on Dec 28, 2018 3:46:05 GMT
Hi bettyshe, my sentiments are quite similar to our sister, luke. Wondering how you are also. It would be so good if even just once in a while we could hear from others and get a small update. Just seeing your name come up was good, especially this time of year when we are filled with so much emotion. You always had such a sweet spirit and that is what was brought to my mind when I saw "bettyshe". Prayers for God to be with you and that this coming year you will receive blessings beyond anything you could imagine.
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