The worn. leather sofa...

a little bit more of my story (metaphorically)...

Have you ever thought of yourself as something like an old, worn leather sofa? The kind that’s seen years of laughter, tears, comfort, and struggles. There are a couple of springs that have lost their bounce, a few missing tufting buttons, and my leather might be a little scuffed from years of use. But for God...I’m still standing. And more than that—I’m still serving my purpose.

For over 20 years, I was part of a home. I was not perfect. But I tried my best...I supported, I comforted, and I gave my all. And much like that sofa, I took on more than I should have. I was often stretched too thin, carrying the weight of others’ demands while my own needs were pushed aside. My springs, once strong and resilient, began to weaken, and I found myself fraying at the edges. After being married to a verbally and mentally abusive man for over two decades, I began to lose sight of who I really was. My worth was diminished, and my confidence crumbled, much like a leather sofa that had been overused and undervalued.

The titles I feared so much , I see the beauty in the brokenness. I see the strength in the scars. The missing buttons? They remind me of the pieces of myself I’m still in the process of reclaiming. The loosened springs? They represent the vulnerability I feel as I start over. But I am still here. I am still functional. And I know now, more than ever, that God has a purpose for me.

where there are scars...

When I look at the sofa, I don’t see a piece of furniture that’s past its prime. I see something that has history. Something that has been through the storm and yet remains. The scratches on the leather tell a story. They remind me that life is not about being flawless. It’s about resilience. It’s about continuing to serve even when you feel worn out. It’s about finding beauty in the imperfections.

For so many years, I was living in the shadows of abuse. My identity had been swallowed up by the hurtful words, the manipulation, and the emotional toll of living with someone who didn’t value or respect me. But now, as I walk through this new chapter of life, I’m learning to see the value in my scars. They don’t define me—they refine me.

God has been with me every step of the way, reminding me that my worth is not based on perfection. It’s based on His love and the unique purpose He has for me. I may not be shiny and new, but I am still His creation, still capable of fulfilling the calling He has placed on my life.

I still have worth...

Just like that old leather sofa, I’ve learned that age, experience, and even hardship do not diminish purpose—they can enhance it. The years I spent in a marriage that was far from loving have shaped me into someone stronger than I ever knew possible. I’ve been through the wringer, but I have come out on the other side with a renewed sense of self and an unwavering trust that God has something more for me.

I may be a little more worn down, but I am no less valuable. I am learning to embrace the beauty of my journey—the lessons I’ve learned, the strength I’ve gained, and the wisdom I now carry. God is using every part of my past to mold me into who He created me to be. Every scar, every wrinkle, and every crack is part of the story He’s writing for my life.

I still have purpose....

The thing about that old sofa is that it’s still reliable. Even with a few springs out of place, it’s still there to provide comfort. Even with the missing buttons, it’s still sturdy enough to hold the weight of those who sit on it. It might not look like it did when it was first made, but it still has a job to do, and it still does it well.

I am starting to realize that I am like that sofa. I might not be the same as I was 20 years ago, but I am still strong. I am still capable. I still have purpose. My life may look different now as a single mom, but it’s no less significant. In fact, I believe it’s just the beginning of something new.

God has shown me that even in the midst of loss and heartache, He can still use me. He has a purpose for me, and He has a purpose for you, too—no matter how worn down or broken you might feel. Our scars do not disqualify us from being used by God. In fact, they might be the very things that make us uniquely equipped to fulfill His plan.

only with God's perfect grace....

So here I am, standing tall in my wear and tear. I’m no longer hiding my flaws, my wounds, or my past. I’m embracing them, because they have shaped me into who I am today. With God’s grace, I will continue to stand strong and reliable—just like that old sofa. I know my best years are still ahead of me (even better than I could ever imagine), and I’m excited to see how God will continue to use me for His purpose, even in my imperfection.

loving the worn, leather sofa....

God has a way of redeeming our scars, healing our brokenness, and turning our pain into purpose. No matter where you are in life—whether you’re starting over or still navigating the journey—trust that God sees your worth, He has a plan for you, and you are far more valuable than you know.

Hugs,

Windy