Guest Post: Healing Broken Relationships, by Jill Kemerer

Jill Kemerer is one of the first people I met online when I began writing. She is one of the people who motivated me to begin blogging, and she answered LOTS of my questions as I set my blog up just over two years ago. Meeting her in person at ACFW one year showed me she’s as lovely in person as she is online. She’s such an encourager and an inspiration to me, and to many. Her debut novel came out on March 17th, and it’s a wonderful read. Without further ado . . . .

Here’s Jill!

Relationships can be the most wonderful things in the world. There’s something amazing when you meet a new friend and instantly connect. Families can be more comfortable than the comfiest couch. And falling in love—is there anything better?

But relationships can also cause so much pain. There’s a reason many people dread the holidays, and it’s not the commercialism. It’s being confronted with imperfect, stressful relationships when we’re all supposed to be happy. Christmas movies make the holidays look good, but how often do you really end up with everyone in harmony?

Most people have at least one relationship causing them pain or stress. Some of these aren’t broken yet; others burst into flame long ago. So what do we do? Just move on? Pretend the pain isn’t there?

Sometimes we move on or pretend not to care as a way to cope. It’s just too painful not to. And sometimes we’re the guilty party—we’ve let the loved one down, hurt them in ways we can’t quite believe, ignored their pain.

Yes, I know broken relationships too. I’ve been hurt and I’ve been guilty of hurting others. But I’ve found a surefire way to move forward in peace.

I pray.

I don’t pray brimstone and fire. I don’t spend hours wailing to God how the other people wronged me (that’s what calling my sister is for! Haha! Kidding!). I drop to my knees and acknowledge that I’m a sinner. Then I pray for God to bless the other person. Often, my heart objects to this. I cry out, not wanting to pray FOR the other person. But when I genuinely pray for their blessing, I feel lighter.

It isn’t always a one-time deal. When I struggled to forgive someone, I have to pray over and over for as long as it takes to get peace about the relationship. God is so good. He’s healed several broken relationships I thought beyond repair. Some relationships must end, but with prayer, we can gain peace about it.

Do you struggle to forgive those who’ve wronged you? Try it! You might be shocked at how much lighter you feel.

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About Jill ~

Jill Kemerer writes inspirational romance novels with love, humor and faith. A full time writer and homemaker, she relies on coffee and chocolate to keep up with her kids’ busy schedules.

Besides spoiling her mini-dachshund, Jill adores magazines, M&MS, fluffy animals and long nature walks. She resides in Ohio with her husband and two children.  Jill loves connecting with readers, so please visit her website www.jillkemerer.com and find her on Facebook and Twitter.

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Small-Town Bachelor ~

A Place to Call Home

When Reed Hamilton arrives in Lake Endwell for a family wedding, he expects to do his part as best man then head back to the big city. But when a tornado postpones the wedding, the town is in shambles and Reed is injured. Thankfully maid of honor Claire Sheffield offers him one of her cottages to recuperate in.

Dedicated to her family and her dream job at the zoo, Claire is all about roots. She’s this city slicker’s opposite, yet as they help the town rebuild, Reed is captivated by her stunning looks and caring ways. He can’t ask Claire to leave the life she loves for him, but he also can’t imagine ever leaving her behind…

Interested in buying Small-Town Bachelor? Click on http://jillkemerer.com/books/small-town-bachelor/ for links to purchase!