Day 21 Blog — Restoration After the Storm

Links to start your day:
🎵 Song of the Day: Give Me Jesus – Jeremy Camp
📖 40-Day A Live Fret Hope Journal on Amazon
🎶 40-Day Playlist on Apple Music

Dear Friends,

Today I’m writing from a place of reflection. Last year felt like an avalanche — financial anxiety, emotional grief, and fear pressing in on all sides. So much was bleak. I was just trying to survive.

But today, one year later, I can honestly say: my life is completely different than I ever imagined. My businesses are still standing. And I am back in the insurance industry — something that wasn’t even on my radar last year.

This is more than a career step. It’s the restoration of a 20-year-old wound. Abuse once took that path from me. Now God has given it back. That is powerful. That is hope.

Job 11:18 reminds us:

“You will be secure, because there is hope; you will look about you and take your rest in safety.”

That verse steadies me. Even when depression tries to thunder through my mind, God whispers: “Brooke, you’ve got this. I’ve got you.”

Recognizing How the Abuse Process Continues

The devotional truth for today is sobering but important. Abuse continues because of how both sides of the dynamic are trapped:

Abuser:

• Refuses to face their own problems, blames others.

• Holds unhealthy emotional dependency, avoids responsibility.

Victim:

• Accepts blame in order to survive, believing they can stop the abuse.

• Does not create the abuse or have power to stop it.

👉 This matters because survivors often carry misplaced guilt. Abuse is never your fault. The abuser must own their actions — and you are never responsible for creating or stopping their violence.

Warning Signs of an Abuser

Abusers often:

• Blame others for moods/behaviors.

• Break or strike objects in anger.

• Manipulate people or situations.

• Isolate you from support.

• Use physical violence during arguments.

• Show jealousy, stalking, or controlling behaviors.

• Pressure quick commitments.

• Exhibit extreme mood swings.

👉 These red flags are not just in intimate partner relationships — they can appear in workplaces, families, and friendships too. Knowing them is critical for safety.

Hope Goals for Today

• Goal: Understand the abuse cycle and recognize warning signs.

• Pathways: Build safety plans and seek trusted support.

• Next Step: Set boundaries and protect your wellbeing.

Reflection

Friend, I want to remind you: follow the path of life and peace. That path is always the right one. Even when depression pulls like quicksand, even when self-harm whispers, the way of hope is still steady under your feet.

Romans 12:2 calls us to renewal:

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

And Proverbs 4:23 reminds us:

“Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.”

5 Hope Tips for Today

1. Name red flags — once you see the signs, you can respond with clarity.

2. Guard your heart — your peace is worth protecting.

3. Renew your mind daily — rehearse truth, not shame.

4. Set boundaries early — safety starts with “no.”

5. Celebrate restoration — God can restore what abuse once stole.

Today’s Hope Reminder:
“What once was lost can be restored. Even wounds 20 years old can be healed by hope.”

Emergency Resources

• National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988

• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741

With hope and appreciation,

Dr Brooke Jones
Founder Stronger Women