The broken road traveler

     Are you a broken road traveler? A question that may have you pondering on "what is a broken road traveler"? Well, a broken road traveler is what I consider (after all, this is just my observation) someone who is traveling down the road of life hurt, confused, abused and neglected but they are striving with determination to put the pieces back together again. As they are putting the pieces back together, a broken road traveler is replacing the pieces that does not fit. 

    Often times, we try to force things or people to work in our favor when it truly does not work for us. I know many believe that if they work hard at it and show the other person their worth then they will learn to love and appreciate them. However, being the true reporter that I am the easy way for me to say this is by emphasizing the old saying, "you cannot make work what doesn't work". However, if you are still saying within yourself, "Yes, I can" then go and replace triple A batteries with double A batteries. It will not work. I rest my case.

    

    Don't get me wrong, I understand the hurt and pain. I understand how a person put in a lot of time and effort to make something work but is clearly failing. I understand how it feels to feel on top of the world one day and the next day everything has been shattered and now the world feels like it's on top of you. How do I understand these things? I understand them, because I too am a broken road traveler. However, I find peace in knowing that at the end of the day, there is hope. Hope in Christ.

    For some people they are born wanderers. Searching for every adventure that life has to offer even if that means giving up relationships and old friends. However, for some of us, that just doesn't work for us. We want stability and security. For that reason, we sacrifice in order to build the family and life that we've always dreamed of.

    Those things don't come easy for a broken road traveler. So many twists and turns, humps and bumps. We find ourselves climbing more hills and mountains than we really expected. Nevertheless, we must not quit. There is a reward at the end of it all.

    As a broken road traveler, here are some things we should do.

1.  Do not take advice from ungodly people. Many may want to throw out random advice to you and they do so by saying "if it was me, I would do..." Stop them right there. Psalms 1:1 tells us that we are blessed if we do not take council from them. So, the easy way to avoid this, is by not confiding in them. To confide in an ungodly person can be dangerous for you. Even if it's your best friend.
2. We should hold fast to what we believe. Never give up on your faith. Push through persecution. There will be times when you are misunderstood or even lied on. However, you must tap into your inner strength and push through it. In fact, P.U.S.H. (Pray Until Something Happens). Remember that "The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit" (Psalms 34:18).
3. Hold your peace. For outspoken people like myself, this is a hard task to do. Nevertheless, I find that sometimes, it's just best to hold your peace, turn and walk away. When you do, the Lord will fight for you (Exodus 14:14).
4. Put all your trust in the Lord. Over the years, people have said these things; "do not put all your eggs in one basket". "Don't trust what you can't see". "Trust no man but yourself". All of these sayings are not wise advice. They are all built on one common ground: Fear. Fear has become the head of many people's lives. Life is a gift from The Most High and we cannot allow this gift to waste away. Trust God's plans for your life. In fact, Proverbs tells us to "trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not to your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge the Lord and He will direct your path". This is sound advice. This type of advice led King David to realize that "yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me." You too are comforted by the Lord. Therefore, you must not quit. 
5. Cry. It is okay to cry. Cry your way down the broken road that you are traveling. Cry until you see the light. Cry for your children. Cry for your husband or wife. Cry for your mother and father. But, whatever you do, cry for yourself. Do not neglect you; because, weeping may endure for the night, but joy comes in the morning. There will be a new dawn. There will be a new day if you don't quit.

        Travel down your broken road because the Lord walks with you. You are not alone. The Lord will never leave you nor will He forsake you (Deuteronomy 31:6). Trust His plans. Yes! You are walking down a broken path. Nevertheless, this is the path that is set for you. In the end you will win if you just don't quit.

    Therefore, my brothers and sisters in Christ, I want to leave you with this. Joshua 1:9 tells us the words that The Most High spoke to Joshua. Those same words radiate to you and me. "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go". So, do not be ashamed or afraid to travel down your broken road because this is a path that you can only travel with the Lord. No one else. 

    So, I am encouraging you to be strong because only the strong will survive. "Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. (1 Corinthians 16:13).

Tyeshia Alston

@Tyeshiaschronicles