tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-944958670766129557.post2893138166633209354..comments2023-11-02T08:25:05.425-05:00Comments on Just Another Ragamuffin: Second Chance Wednesdays - Part 1Carolyn Evaine Countermanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05955241245087668308noreply@blogger.comBlogger25125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-944958670766129557.post-36151584390178627832011-08-21T23:43:13.211-05:002011-08-21T23:43:13.211-05:00Melissa, I'm glad you stopped by. Glad I can s...Melissa, I'm glad you stopped by. Glad I can share in God's love with you. I have a friend who calls it "wallowing in grace". Haven't experienced it quite like that yet, but I'm looking forward to it.Carolyn Evaine Countermanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05955241245087668308noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-944958670766129557.post-75086768118142100822011-08-21T18:17:41.738-05:002011-08-21T18:17:41.738-05:00Carolyn, thank you for your transparency. Life is...Carolyn, thank you for your transparency. Life is so hard - and then we go and make it harder on ourselves. Thankfully, we have that good-spirited, loving God to hold us when we reject ourselves, those around us, and sometimes even Him. I've been "saved" since I was in junior high, over a half a life-time ago, but I'm still getting used to the whole idea of "being made new". With that refreshing "new-ness" comes redemption, beauty, and undefiled love. Years later, on days when I especially think I've got it - I realize that I may NEVER fully understand it, but God's love for you, for me, for every single being on this planet is so very real, life-giving, and fulfilling.<br /><br />Thank you.Melissahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12993364244654048824noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-944958670766129557.post-37678755802613137452011-08-19T08:52:35.737-05:002011-08-19T08:52:35.737-05:00Charlie, there were only three readers. Then I joi...Charlie, there were only three readers. Then I joined the POTSC project and I couldn't hide anymore. Glad you came by. Glad you understand about "plans".<br /><br />Thanks, Karen. I'm glad that I found POTSC before this project started. I know it is going to radically change things for all of us who participate by writing or reading. Good to share it with it.Carolyn Evaine Countermanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05955241245087668308noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-944958670766129557.post-3128468695298764632011-08-19T08:01:52.097-05:002011-08-19T08:01:52.097-05:00You have an amazing story! And it took guts to sha...You have an amazing story! And it took guts to share it. Thank you for sharing a piece of yourself with us. Your story has and will continue to help others. I'm so thankful for the second chances that allows each of us to move forward in the purposes we were created for.Karen Hammonshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07492198252378690944noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-944958670766129557.post-58595291684461768882011-08-19T02:16:44.591-05:002011-08-19T02:16:44.591-05:00wait a second I thought there were only three othe...wait a second I thought there were only three other readers!<br /><br />anyway truth be told a few weeks ago I had to look up who Casey Anthony is. I don't watch the news or read much of it, so I was way out of the loop. But as soon as Christians started attacking her I got uncomfortable - our righteousness can easily be turned into anger justified (supposedly) by God. <br /><br />Oh and I learned long ago to not make plans. I was supposed to go to graduate school after college - I ended up doing a road trip and accidentally moved 2500 miles away to Oregon. And then I was convinced I wouldn't get married til 30 because I was traveling so much - well I'm 27 and soon celebrating my 2 year anniversary. And we have a daughter. So what plans are we talking about? Just silly ones.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-944958670766129557.post-16379629418928651412011-08-17T22:42:35.134-05:002011-08-17T22:42:35.134-05:00Look at you with all your wonderful comments.... T...Look at you with all your wonderful comments.... The truth is when someone opens the secret places of their hearts to us.... we love them all the more for the telling of it.<br /><br />So glad to see you being loved on.....Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-944958670766129557.post-4729555844392771972011-08-17T15:39:32.875-05:002011-08-17T15:39:32.875-05:00Shackbible, thank you for coming by. It is a pleas...Shackbible, thank you for coming by. It is a pleasure to be used by God to bless people. I appreciate you letting me know!Carolyn Evaine Countermanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05955241245087668308noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-944958670766129557.post-40181149872432711742011-08-17T14:43:24.101-05:002011-08-17T14:43:24.101-05:00Thank you for this post! For me, one of the bigge...Thank you for this post! For me, one of the biggest personal revolutions I've ever gone through is to come to understand myself as a villain, as someone who has been given second chances I don't deserve. Anyway, thanks for blessing me with you writing today.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-944958670766129557.post-44674380948997632462011-08-17T12:30:01.404-05:002011-08-17T12:30:01.404-05:00Kara, I am so glad that we connected! I'm glad...Kara, I am so glad that we connected! I'm glad if this helped you even a little. Thank you so much for joining in. Love you too!Carolyn Evaine Countermanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05955241245087668308noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-944958670766129557.post-45924495050579433622011-08-17T12:20:38.452-05:002011-08-17T12:20:38.452-05:00Wow! I'm not even sure what to say. I read t...Wow! I'm not even sure what to say. I read the post with tears in my eyes...for a couple of reasons. One, I was that judgmental, critical person that would NEVER have given someone else a second chance, yet would've demanded it for myself. Two, I've been there! There were so many times I begged God to kill me because I was this horrible monster. I hated myself. How in the world could God love me?<br /><br />God has such a remarkable way of extending grace to us. And yes, the ways that He uses our stories to help others is such a marvel to me. I have just recently started sharing bits and pieces of my story with others and it is amazing that there is always someone who says, "You, too?".<br /><br />And yes, I would extend grace to you over and over again. Because I know that our Heavenly Father has extended it to me far more times than I EVER deserved.<br /><br />Love you, Carolyn. Thanks so much for sharing your heart with us.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-944958670766129557.post-57835873253471826082011-08-17T12:08:18.404-05:002011-08-17T12:08:18.404-05:00Lisa, I am grateful for your Second Chance as well...Lisa, I am grateful for your Second Chance as well. So glad you stopped by.Carolyn Evaine Countermanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05955241245087668308noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-944958670766129557.post-53782973454393882252011-08-17T10:40:55.244-05:002011-08-17T10:40:55.244-05:00Thank you so much for sharing Carolyn. It should ...Thank you so much for sharing Carolyn. It should be me on that poster as well. So grateful for my Second Chance.Lisahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07760972026517245107noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-944958670766129557.post-21327204336680689292011-08-17T10:21:38.414-05:002011-08-17T10:21:38.414-05:00Oh, and Julie? You can go to http://www.potsc.com/...Oh, and Julie? You can go to http://www.potsc.com/index.php to check out People of the Second ChanceCarolyn Evaine Countermanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05955241245087668308noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-944958670766129557.post-44234791338871217612011-08-17T10:02:50.171-05:002011-08-17T10:02:50.171-05:00Julie, my love, thank you. That reply is definitel...Julie, my love, thank you. That reply is definitely going in my "Julie and Rebekah" folder. I guess I should add Kara so she doesn't get left out? ;) I'm going to end up with a folder in my purse of printed responses from you. I'll look like a bag lady at some point, but I don't care. Bring on the love!Carolyn Evaine Countermanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05955241245087668308noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-944958670766129557.post-38786005787858504922011-08-17T09:53:03.503-05:002011-08-17T09:53:03.503-05:00I am so bummed because somehow my comment got lost...I am so bummed because somehow my comment got lost. Carolyn, This is a most beautiful story of redemption. I love you all the more for the telling of it. In every word you breathe the heart of our Creator as you tell us all that we will never, ever, ever be beyond His grace. No matter how many mistakes we make, no matter how bad it is His grace is above it all. You have beautifully displayed this remarkable love that doesn't look at behavior and allow it to define us. We are NOT what we have done. It's all so stunning to consider. What a gift you have given today as you have allowed us to see the redeeming hand of God. I'm so blessed to know you. Thank you my friend for your beauty spilled out in these words. Just stunning!!! xoxoxoxoAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-944958670766129557.post-73845634417998932492011-08-17T09:08:03.483-05:002011-08-17T09:08:03.483-05:00Melissa, welcome. God is counting your tears. I ho...Melissa, welcome. God is counting your tears. I hope it does not shock you too much to know that I am a licensed Bachelor level social worker. I have seen the devastation in families (though I have never worked for Protective Services). I have been the one to make the call for help. It seems that God has a sense of irony. Not lost on me. He uses our stories in funny ways (funny to me, at least) but I'm learning to just go with it. He always makes something out what seemed like garbage. And He graciously gives me front row seats to His miracles. Stop by any time and feel free to contact me.Carolyn Evaine Countermanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05955241245087668308noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-944958670766129557.post-84394662919398276182011-08-17T08:56:03.422-05:002011-08-17T08:56:03.422-05:00I am writing this in tears. As a social worker and...I am writing this in tears. As a social worker and guardian ad litem, I have worked with multiple people who have a story, just like yours. As a Christian of many years, I know that change can and does happen. Unfortunately, too many of those stories never end with grace but there are ones that do! And that is why *most* people in the system do what they do, hoping that they can save a child but also save a family. <br /><br />I also have had my encounter with God over people who deserve a second chance. I was in college when Ted Bundy terrorized FSU. Several years later, as a criminal justice major, I saw the crime scene and autopsy photos. I wish I hadn't. I was haunted by those images for years. When Ted Bundy was going to the electric chair and he made a confession of faith to Dr. Dobson, I was furious! How dare he think he could get a "Get out of Hell" free card?? The day of his execution, I "happened" to be in Bible Study Fellowship and during prayer time felt a push to pray for Ted Bundy. You can imagine my horror. I argued with God, "you gotta be kidding?" Then I grudgingly offered up a lukewarm "Make it quick and painless, Lord." Such an obedient child. And God spoke so directly to my heart that I have never doubted it was Him "If there is no salvation for Ted Bundy, then there is no salvation for YOU." I burst ibto tears, because it is TRUE. If we start deciding who gets a second chance, then none of us do. It's all or nothing.Melissahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16932214013887760859noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-944958670766129557.post-73044448406420578762011-08-17T08:37:27.388-05:002011-08-17T08:37:27.388-05:00Rebekah, I love you too. So much in such a short t...Rebekah, I love you too. So much in such a short time. Thank you for sharing your story here. It helps a little with my "tingling" feeling (you got that one right). I'm am so glad that I am getting to share this "chance" with you. Your prayers for me are uplifting and I cannot thank you enough. xoxoxo cCarolyn Evaine Countermanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05955241245087668308noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-944958670766129557.post-15255664503526652352011-08-17T08:29:49.673-05:002011-08-17T08:29:49.673-05:00Carolyn,
I want to start off with saying that I l...Carolyn,<br /><br />I want to start off with saying that I love you.<br /><br />Secondly, I can only imagine the soul tingling that has been and will continue to go on until you receive all your comments. Or maybe that's just me and I would be on pins and needles until someone finally gave me the "how come" and the "what for" as to why I am not worthy of any chance, let alone a hundredth one.<br /><br />I read on Sarah Markley's blog yesterday your comment and immediately I had a reply in my heart that has been waiting in the wings since. I will leave that to the end.<br /><br />Carolyn, I was pregnant at 16 years of age. The pregnancy, the birth and the fact that I even raised her is a longer story than this comment will allow. But, I will say this, at one time, when she was probably 2 or 2 1/2 she was throwing a tantrum. I know, I know, so outside of normality for a toddler. And I was at my wits end. Wits. End. I picked her up, walked her to the doorway.......I'm so ashamed to even finish this, but I feel it appropriate to share with you, since you opened your gates to us......Lord have mercy!!!<br /><br />I threw her on her bed and she fell backwards onto the wall and landed on the electric baseboard heater that stuck out. And I shut the door.<br /><br />That beautiful, wonderful, amazingly sweet child didn't have a chance in hell with this "kid" as her mother. I was told from the get go that I wouldn't know the first thing about being a mom. Initially I proved them all right. And then I spent years proving them wrong. All of this being in my own strength and I fell apart in 2004. Another long, horrible story.<br /><br />She is now 25 years old. I never did that again. My awareness as to what I was capable of was brought bubbling over the surface and I kept myself in check until of course she was a teenager, than all bets are off!<br /><br />My reply, that's been hanging on since yesterday my dear, sweet Carolyn is from a book by Anne Graham Lotz titled, Just Give Me Jesus......<br /><br />He is the God of the second chance, the fat chance, the slim chance and the no chance. He makes change possible.<br /><br />Heavenly Father, thank you for bringing conviction to Carolyn to share her story here today. If You reach one person, unbeknownst to any of us because of her courage and obedience, it will be more than worth it! Thank you! In Jesus' name - Amen!<br /><br />Love you girl! Fer real yo!graceandgiggleshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00896998435671905089noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-944958670766129557.post-2966808250271222482011-08-17T08:26:01.432-05:002011-08-17T08:26:01.432-05:00Thank you, Eileen. My gut is slowly untwisting fro...Thank you, Eileen. My gut is slowly untwisting from the weird shape it was in when I hit "publish" this morning. ;) I didn't expect the first POTSC writing assignment to hit so close to home. But maybe it's better that we got the hard stuff out of the way first! Thank you so much for stopping by.Carolyn Evaine Countermanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05955241245087668308noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-944958670766129557.post-80569742652864603772011-08-17T08:22:00.095-05:002011-08-17T08:22:00.095-05:00Carolyn, thank you so much for sharing your story....Carolyn, thank you so much for sharing your story. Your face in that red square at the end speaks volumes! Each of us could put our faces there in place of Casey Anthony. Thank you!Eileenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08759685086052787602noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-944958670766129557.post-55983352390734850352011-08-17T08:16:12.101-05:002011-08-17T08:16:12.101-05:00Thanks, Ashley. It was a great day when I realized...Thanks, Ashley. It was a great day when I realized these things don't define me. Hoping to help some other people learn that too.Carolyn Evaine Countermanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05955241245087668308noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-944958670766129557.post-16003060834451639742011-08-17T08:10:52.043-05:002011-08-17T08:10:52.043-05:00Carolyn- your story is beautiful. Thank you for sh...Carolyn- your story is beautiful. Thank you for sharing and taking a risk, your courage is amazing. So thankful for grace in my failures and glad that my failures or hurts or past does not define me. Thank you for stepping out to give grace.Ashleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05761323468140870524noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-944958670766129557.post-38360197927341495842011-08-17T08:09:06.165-05:002011-08-17T08:09:06.165-05:00Awesome, isn't He? Thanks for coming by. Hope ...Awesome, isn't He? Thanks for coming by. Hope we "see" more of each other!Carolyn Evaine Countermanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05955241245087668308noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-944958670766129557.post-62420719172614128352011-08-17T08:06:42.616-05:002011-08-17T08:06:42.616-05:00First, second, third, fourth - and more - chances....First, second, third, fourth - and more - chances. Yes. Thankful for mercy that shines brightly every morning. Thankful for forgiveness that haunts and woos. Thankful for a God who never lets go.The Christ Stumblerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03032956107730166519noreply@blogger.com