I didn’t want to get out.

But Daddy swung the car door open.

My parents had just divorced and Daddy took me and little sister to the toy store one Saturday morning.

He wanted to buy us something to “Remember Daddy loves you,” as he placed the plastic bag in my hand at checkout. But, all I could think about was Momma.  What she told me that morning.  That I better not take anything from him.

I didn’t know it at the time, but that visit was going to be the last time I ever saw him again. I was a little girl, seven years tall.  

Daddy kept telling me, “It’s okay. It’s okay.” But I didn’t want to walk up to the porch. My legs drilled down into the ground like roots to a thicket of thorns at the bottom of concrete steps.

My Daddy put one hand on my back, pressing me forward, as he grabbed my little sister’s hand in the other. He rapped on the screen door while I blinked and sucked my breath in.

As I held myself there for a million years, the door flew open.

There she stood. Over me.

Even behind the screen, I could see Momma clearly. Her ragged jawline, her teeth clenched and face flushed. Her chest heaving. She took one look at me, at the plastic bag I was holding. I could see it in her eyes.

Anger.

And I broke apart in a thousand pieces right then and there. I knew I shouldn’t do what I did next, because it would make everything worse. But, I couldn’t help it.

I started shaking. Tears began to erupt and my mouth pulled down into a trembling sob. I couldn’t swallow them down. So I began to cry…

To be continued…

To Read The Rest Of the Story

…To read the rest of the story “When You Long For Rest & Space For You” – click here to join me over at DaySpring’s (in)courage site, where today’s post is published.

Take a virtual coffee break together. I’d love to be with you there.

It’s finally happening, friends —
Spiritual Whitespace: Awakening Your Soul To Rest
releases Tuesday June 3, 2014!

(psst… Last chance to order before Tuesday
to receive Exclusive Pre-launch Bonus Gifts!)

To celebrate the birth of my new book, I am launching a very special June Book Launch Series!

21 Days of Rest:
Finding Spiritual Whitespace

Please invite your friends to journey together on this {soulful} Blog Tour. Let’s rejuvenate and savor rest.

Are you on GoodReads?
Win a copy of my new book.

GoodReads is giving away 5 copies of my book. Click to enter by 6/3/14 Tuesday!
Go ahead.  Add Finding Spiritual Whitespace to your bookshelf.
Because well, books are like pastries. Enjoyed sweeter with company.

Now It’s Your Turn — Link Up!

Publish your post ANY DAY of the week.  

Link up on Thursday. Visit & comment the post before yours.

Use the Whitespace Thursday Linkup Badge.

Write what prompts your heart. Share your voice.

Today’s Thursday 5/29/14 writing prompt:  share your whitespace discoveries.

– moments of beauty and rest
– feeding your soul
– your alone time with God

Enjoy using these special Whitespace Printables (click to download).

Click  to learn more about Whitespace Thursdays.

Next Thursday 6/5/15
Special June Writing Prompt!

Use our special {21 Days of Rest} Blog Tour Badge 

<a href="https://www.thebonniegray.com/21-days-of-rest-finding-spiritual-whitespace/" title="21 Days of Rest: Finding Spiritual Whitespace"><img src="https://www.thebonniegray.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/BonnieGray_WhitespaceBadge_250.jpg" alt="21 Days of Rest: Finding Spiritual Whitespace" title="21 Days of Rest: Finding Spiritual Whitespace" style="border:none;" /></a>

June is very special.  Share all things #spiritualwhitespace.

Writing prompts:

* If you’re reading the book, share your discoveries.
How is the book speaking to you?
(Add your post onto my book page too: click to submit it)

*  I’ll be serving up special #SpiritualWhitespace Challenges in our 21 Days of Rest series.

*  If you haven’t read the book yet, share your whitespace moments. 

– moments of beauty and rest
– feeding your soul
– your alone time with God

* Pick an inspiring Pinnable Whitespace Book Quotes & Book Art. Click to see new ones.

* Choose your own open writing prompt.  Be you.

Thank you for using #spiritualwhitespace to share your pictures on Instagram & Twitter!
It’s fun to see the moments that feed your soul this week!