Natalie's Story

Natalie Brown is my sister from the same mister and another mother. I met her just a few years ago when when thought she was an only child and did not have one living family member on the earth. None of my siblings knew she existed until her ex-husband relentlessly researched family names until he found our Brown family in Corry, Pennsylvania. We got his call on Thanksgiving day when we were all together. We had another sister! The whole conversation was wild, thinking God brought more family member together. She was in Alabama, we all were in Georgia. When they were able to come to meet us in person, she discovered she not only has two brothers and two sisters, but cousins, nieces, nephews. Generations of us live here! It's been a miracle in itself!

But Natalie has still has another story to tell about what happens when the Shepherd of the sheep hears the heart-breaking cries of His little lambs. She cried out many times over the past couple of years and He showed her He was with her every step. I told her, "it's a powerful story and it would encourage people. If you write it down I'll put it in my blog!" So she did. And here it is!

Natalie Brown

Here is her story in her own words:

The man that I was married to for 37 years left me.  I was completely devastated. He crushed my heart, soul and spirit entirely.  He left me with nothing.  Nothing. I’m not going into great detail about it, but the only financial means I had to exist was my two-week paycheck coming to me in a few days.

BUT GOD. I called one of my life-long friends and asked her if I could spend a few days with her and her husband until I could sort things out.  I packed some items for a few days and left.  After being there for just a day or so, we all sat down and they opened their hearts and their home to me for as long as I needed. They told me they wanted to help me save money and to ONLY leave when I felt like I was completely ready.

GOD.  I came across an advertisement for Divorce Care on Facebook at a local church that turned out to be only five minutes away from where I was staying.  I was hesitant to go because I didn’t want to tell my story to strangers.  I went anyway. I knew it was God directing me.  I was the only one in the class.  Two leaders (male and female) listened to me, prayed for me, and insisted on continuing the class even though it was just me. I was experiencing so much kindness and grace! Through our time together I experienced an amazing transformation!  On the last night of the class, they both encouraged me to go through the class again, that I may get something else out of the class to help me that I didn’t see before.  They knew and I knew I had already come a long way. So  I prayed about it.

GOD.  Then one of the leaders contacted me about the second class to let me know that there were five other ladies who were attending.  I knew I was supposed to go.  

 

Natalie (front R) and her dearly loved Divorce Care friends who were sent by God.

GOD.  I met some of the best, most Godly Christian ladies that I could never imagine meeting.  They were going through almost the exact situation that I was; are all within five years of age of each other, and each of us had been married at least 20+ years.  I had yearned for some single, Godly women in my life because I always felt like the third wheel when going out with my friends who are couples. They NEVER made me feel that way -- it was just the way I felt.

GOD. Then with my job! Even in this wildly, unpredictable pandemic, as a Pre-K teacher, I received a substantial raise. I wasn't expecting it but I surely needed it!

GOD.  My family has been right beside me, praying for me when I couldn’t even pray for myself, giving me godly advice and just listening to me.  My church family has been amazing.  Checking on me often, still to this day, praying and advising me. 

Natalie's D-Group (Disciple Group) ladies God sent to surround her with His love.

My co-workers have been very supportive, offering me whatever I need or even want.  I am closer to God than I have ever been and not just because of what He has blessed me with.  Don’t get me wrong.  I’m extremely thankful for ALL the blessings that He has bestowed upon me, but I’ve NEVER felt the closeness that I have with Him now.  I KNOW my family, friends and co-workers continually prayed for me and were ALWAYS  there for me, but I learned to TOTALLY turn EVERYTHING over to Him. 

 I feel the peace that passes ALL understanding. Turn to Him.  Lean on Him.  Give EVERYTHING to Him.  I am ALWAYS looking up and smiling and saying, “Thank you, God!  I know that was You!”  

Psalm 62:5-6 NLT Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in Him.  He alone is my rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will not be shaken. 

Proverbs 3:5  NLT  Trust in the Lord with all your heart, do not depend on your own understanding.

Through it all, my eyes are on YOU!

Love, Natalie

 Grace Balint (one of Natalie's newly-discovered nieces) sings "He Rejoices Over You"