Loretta D. Lamm
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Being a mother of three I certainly know the challenges that every day life can bring. But, what about the painful past? How does one cope with horrid memories of an abusive childhood? How does one overcome the guilt of years of alcohol and drug abuse? How does one grasp the very threads of life and maintain a mere existence in a world filled with much corruption? I can tell you that the Lord Jesus Christ is the One Who lowered the pistol from my right temple and gave me hope in my meaningless life. He is the Answer to every question I have, the Mender of every problem I face, the Forgiver of every sin I commit, and the Leader of every step that I take! He has made all of the difference in my life! He IS the difference! He IS the Truth, the Way, and the Life! He IS!
Over time, on my endless journey, He has wiped away the tears and given me the courage to look back with a forgiving and shameless heart. He has given me the strength to move forward in each new day!
In my book, The Open Road of Life, there are poems, inspirations, prayers, and true stories telling what the Lord has put on my heart since I gave my life back to Him. Some tell of what He’s brought me through while others tell of lessons learned. Feel the pains of the past and the confusions of what every day life can bring. Read how the love of God has comforted and brought so much joy to my life through faith and trust in Him. Discover the beauty of life’s many wonders. Read about the changes He has made in me and know that He will do the same for you. See how He opened my eyes and heart and gave me a deeper appreciation and respect for everyone and everything around me, but most of all a greater desire and love for Him!
"I LOVE You fervently and devotedly, O Lord, my Strength. The Lord is my Rock, my Fortress, and my Deliverer; my God, my keen and firm Strength in Whom I will trust and take refuge, my Shield, and the Horn of my salvation, my High Tower. I will call upon the Lord, Who is to be praised; so shall I be saved from my enemies." Psalm 18:1-3 AMP
May the love of God be real to you today as you read what His love has done for me! May you know that He truly loves you regardless of what you’ve done or where you’ve been. What really matters now is where you’ll go from here. So kick off your shoes, wiggle your toes a bit, and take a little stroll with Him down The Open Road of Life!
Loretta Lamm: Just a simple "country girl" at heart with so much to be thankful for!
Accomplishments: Survivor of the harsh handouts and choices that life has to offer; abuse, addictions, near drug overdoses, and suicide attempt.
Goals: To be used by God to bring truth, a ray of light, and an ounce of joy and hope to lives through my testimonies and the message of Jesus Christ.
Dreams: To become a well-loved author for the Lord. To use my God given talents in other areas of writing such as children’s books (in which I am completing my first volume of short stories); an autobiography (that has two chapters completed so far); greeting cards, gifts, bookmarks, and other writing opportunities that I may be blessed with.
Acknowledgements: A modified version of the poem "Turn Right," was chosen by The International Library Of Poetry Selection Committee to be published in the Anthology "The Silence Within" which will be available in the Spring of 2001!
History: At the age of seven I gave my tiny heart to Christ! I thank my parents for carrying me to church those few years of my childhood, because it was those years that the tiny seeds of faith were being watered in my heart. Seeds that would not come to full bloom until my early thirties because of wrong choices I made along the way.
Unfortunately, Satan had his way and my family quit going to church. Sadly my parents began abusing alcohol and each other. Eventually, my sister and I, being the third generation of abuse, became victims of this vicious cycle. Because of this I backslid, and at the age of fifteen became a user of alcohol and drugs myself. Despite my sins, God made a way out for me and I left home at the tender age of sixteen.
At the age of twenty-five, still living the same lifestyle, with a five year old son, my first husband mysteriously disappeared. I sank into deep depression, contemplating suicide, but God wouldn’t allow it.
Two and a half years later the Lord delivered me from drugs and alcohol! I met a wonderful man who is now my husband and God has blessed me with two more beautiful children! In 1995 I quit running from God and gave Him my life completely for keeps! Because He never gave up on me, I made it! To Him belongs all of the glory and praise!
Somewhere in the confusions of my mind I knew the answers I needed concerning a mother’s love could only come from God. One night during time of prayer and meditation I was given this vision . . .
I saw the hand of Jesus reach deep down into the clutter of my life and bring to the surface of my heart several memories. They had been buried for many years among the rubble of heartache and pain. As He gently blew off the years of dust and softly polished them with the sleeve of his robe, anticipation began to stir in my soul. I silently watched Him with the eyes of my spirit, totally amazed at the great care He was giving my memories. I could not take my eyes off of His face. His eyes were full of love and peace with a sparkle of anxiousness! The tiny smile on His face reassured me that He was pleased with what He’d found! He looked at them as if they were treasures that had been long forgotten! Then with both hands stretched out towards me our eyes met and He smiled a wonderful smile I’ll never forget! Jesus, my Father, with the greatest look of joy and surprise, handed me, His child, my polished, long lost memories! I took them from His hands, never taking my eyes off of His face, and held them close to my heart! Then I closed my eyes and continued to hold them tight, cherishing this wonderful gift He had given me. Suddenly I began to weep. I did not have to look at them for my heart already knew what they were. When I opened my eyes many precious childhood memories of my mother’s tenderness and love flashed before me. As I saw them I immediately remembered each and every one. My entire being absorbed them as a sponge absorbs water, until my soul was satisfied and the pain that had existed all of these years had eased.
In the arms of Jesus I found myself, like a little child in need of comfort. He held me as if I were a cherished treasure! I remember so clearly feeling His love just radiating from Him. Lovingly my Father wanted to reassure me that there were precious memories. He wanted to ease some of the pain by bringing them to the surface of my heart. Over the years I’ve never stopped loving my mother and if I can’t make more precious memories at least now I have these!
The greatest thing I have learned from this discovery is that Jesus is love in every essence of the word. Revealing my mother’s love was truly an act of His love for me. Whenever I need a hug I can run to His opened arms and honestly believe that His love and tenderness are much More Than Memories!
TURN RIGHT
In life there are many roads for us to travel.
Back roads and highways, asphalt and gravel.
Most assuredly each has it’s own twists and turns.
Dips and bumps and many lessons to be learned.
With our seat belt secured and everything in place,
we set off in our lives to be a part of the race.
At every turn there seems to be a cross road.
Leading in every direction, to the unknown abroad.
Up ahead in the distance it looks like a curve,
Hands gripped to the wheel, we hang it with such nerve.
The way looks clear, we’re in the passing zone.
Petal to the floor in a flash we’re gone.
Road under construction is what the warning sign read.
Wouldn’t you know it there’s a detour ahead.
Twists and turns carrying us out of our way.
From the destination we were heading to today.
We must have taken a turn for the worst.
We’ve come to a dead end and realized that we’re lost.
The yield sign ahead brings us to a near halt.
With little time to think we know it’s all our own fault.
To live is not something that we honestly deserve.
It’s all up to us whom we choose to serve.
When our eyes are opened we become afraid,
To see the road and the choices we’ve made.
Approaching the intersection things become quite clear.
Adjusting my mirror I noticed "The Light" in my rear.
"HE" was there all the time, but how could that be
Many times this road we’ve traveled yet we never did see.
So a U-turn I did to go back to "The Light".
Deciding to make the choice for my life to Turn Right!
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"But the gate is narrow (contracted by pressure) and the way is straitened and compressed that leads away to life, and few are those who find it."
Matthew 7:14
"The highway of the upright turns aside from evil; he who guards his way preserves his life." Proverbs 16:17
