Reciprocity Matters: Learning to Steward What God Has Given Me

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  There was a time in my life when I gave freely without much thought about whether that giving was being reciprocated. I showed up for people. I listened. I encouraged. I supported. I poured into friendships and relationships because that was simply who I was. But over time, I began to notice a pattern. I was often the one reaching out. I was often the one checking in. I was often the one giving, encouraging, helping, and investing. While there is nothing wrong with being generous, I eventually realized that constantly pouring without being replenished comes at a cost. Reciprocity matters. Healthy relationships are not about keeping score. They are not transactional. They are built on mutual care, respect, and investment. Both people contribute. Both people make an effort. Both people value the relationship enough to nurture it. When only one person is invested, the relationship becomes unbalanced. For many years, I continued giving even when I received very little in return. Part...

He Restores In His Time

 


This was written in the early part of 2024 but I decided to revise it and place it here as part of my case for justice in every area of my life. We are currently praying 3 times a day collectively, for justice to be served, by the Good and Just Judge our Father God. 

I’ve come to realize there are pieces of my past—entire moments, conversations, even people—that I can't remember. The impact of childhood, complex trauma, repeated emotional pain, prescribed drugs, marijuana use, alcoholism, and even a blow to the head have caused memory blocks that feel like empty pages in my story.

But I want to be clear: I don’t intentionally disregard people—unless harm was done. What I’ve experienced has affected me deeply, but it doesn’t define my heart.

 I also recognize this: there are more unhealed people than healed ones. Some choose not to confront their pain. Others don’t even realize healing is needed. But for those of us doing the work—healing, growing, learning, overcoming—boundaries are vital. Not to be cold or distant, but to protect our peace, our progress, and our purpose.

Emotional pain can be one of the worst kinds of pain.
But it teaches. It humbles. It awakens.

To truly heal, we must:

  • Acknowledge what we feel and why

  • Communicate when we can

  • Process and release

  • Learn the lesson so we don’t repeat the pattern

And even in the places where we feel lost or broken—God is able.
He can restore memories.
He can redeem the time.
He can make all things new—in His will, in His way, and in His timing.

“And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten...” – Joel 2:25

You are not forgotten. You are not beyond healing. You are not too far gone.
God is able.

✨ Follow @imattercomm for uplifting posts, healing encouragement, and spiritual reminders that your healing matters.

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