Even just the title of this book had me intrigued. Then to know it was the beautiful Bettinna Carlos who penned it, added even more depth to my desire to read this book. I have been consciously finding more time to invest in my faith lately. It’s been a deliberate choice. From the people that I speak to, and the studies that I attend, to the books I read for pleasure. Heartbreaks and Breakthroughs was an easy read (save for the occasional Tagalog word that I had to google) that spoke to my own aches and pains of my heart.
I met Bettinna about a year ago, when I guested on her Colours show, Mom Cafe, with another momma. Vida, who also has a child with exceptionalities. I had a wonderful experience during our time with Bettinna, and we even shared a few emotional moments when speaking of our kids. I was immediately inspired by Bettinna’s deeply rich faith, and openness in sharing it with others so freely.
And here she is, again, sharing just how much God has moved mountains during this season in her life, with the help of OMF Literature.
Betinna with Yna Reyes, Publications Director of OMF Lit
I have written and shared about OMF LIT before, and as I consider myself STILL new to my faith, I have often found myself looking forward to more opportunities to enrich my spirituality by attending talks, joining women’s groups, through reading The Word, and listening to the testimonies of others.
It’s a beautiful thing when someone shares part of their story like this.
It’s a blessing to share.
AND it’s also a blessing to those of us who are present to listen or read when it is testimony like this.
God knows what we need, when we need it.
Even to the detail that Bettinna shares scripture on the plates that her staff funnels out from the CKitchenry kitchen is mindful. And you know what?
This one was really for ME. God knows what we need, when we need it.
Side note: The other day, I was texting Gia while she was in school.
In the past few months I have realized that my level of anxiety increases sometimes and because Gia and I are synced in so many ways, I had to check with her about our cycle. Her answer was both funny and sad at the same time. I had a good laugh, and of course remembered my parents who make worrying a championship sport.
BUT I DIGRESS.
For this post, I would like to share my 5 take aways from the launch of Bettinna’s book.
Heartbreaks & Breakthroughs spoke to me in so many different ways, but for the sake of keeping this entry short and sweet, I will share my top five.
1. This book is not just for single mommas.
Bettinna’s story for anyone who would like to see God’s mighty goodness. Throughout the book, I found universal themes that anyone might be struggling with in their walk with The Lord. In fact, she opened up with this statement when she spoke to all of us at the media launch, and I wholeheartedly agree.
The messages in this debut book of Bettinna’s are for everyone.
2. God has purpose in our waiting.
I felt as if the struggle in waiting for the results of her tests, her eventual healing, and the victory that Bettinna laid out, was a great example of how He knew what she needed.
Even during the launch, I realized as she was sharing, how much I am similar to Bettinna in the way of work and making sure I am busy. I too, do not want to let an opportunity pass me by. I have learned to say no, a little bit more in the past few years, but I fail when there are times that I know He wants me to be still.
3. Forgiveness is a choice.
I have never been heart broken, said no one ever.
Seriously, this applies to everyone and anyone. I think the hardest thing to do, is to forgive someone who has never asked for your forgiveness.
BUT I also have this saying that I tell my kids all the time: HURT PEOPLE HURT PEOPLE.
That’s the truth.
Forgiveness is not for the other person. It’s for yourself. But the moment you can take a step back and look at people who have wronged you, with God’s eyes, then you will have a greater understanding of where their pain comes from…
Hurt people, hurt people. (Say that one out loud.)
4. God sends us helpers in our journey.
For Bettinna, one of the support groups she talked about in the book, was the group of women who she consulted and would look to, not just in her motherhood, but also in her faith. She also shared that she attended a retreat in December of 2016 that was pivotal.
This retreat was where she learned that GOD sent her the best helper in her life, through his son, Jesus. It’s also when she was baptized and fully came home to Christ.
But what stuck with me here, is not JUST that JESUS is our helper through out every season of our lives, but that He sends Earthly helpers too. These are people who will enrich our faith, who will come along side us, and and who will help us grow closer to Him, His Son, and to live in dwelt with The Holy Spirit.
5. Heartbreaks TRULY are opportunities for BREAKTHROUGHS
I have heard people say “He had a Come to Jesus moment.”
What does that mean?
I’ll tell you what it means for me.
The times I look back on, which were pivotal in my life and my faith were the times when I was on my knees, sobbing. These were times when I didn’t know if I was strong enough to make it through what was in front of me. These were times that I couldn’t make sense of the pain that my heart had to endure. There was no where else for me to turn EXCEPT HIM. (That’s a Come to Jesus Moment.)
Ironically, enough, this time that I am referring to, in my life was in 2016, just like Betinna.
At that time, I was begging for God to show me the truth, no matter how painful I knew it would be. I knew that only the truth would set me free. It was a time when truth, love, light, and standing for what was right for my family, was all I could do, simply because my faith demanded it of me.
But here is the quote from Betinna that resonates with me, and I think understanding this, and accepting this premise, is the very basis of knowing that God has purpose in it all. That God does not want our pain to go to waste. (Thanks Cindy for teaching me this.) And that God doesn’t punish us, or let bad things happen to us, He is simply there when these bad things happen, to SEE US THROUGH…
“Pero alam mo, as I look back now, it was through those heartbreaking moments that God broke through my life so I can be closer to Him and experience Him more personally. The more needs I brought to Him, the more I trusted Him to be the answer to those needs, the more He became real in my life in many ways.” (p.89, para 4)
AMEN. AMEN.
Thanks Betinna. I needed this one.
If I’m totally honest, sometimes, I look back at those really painful times and can get caught up in resentment. I know that this is not what He wants for me. What I want is to be able to look back on those moments and realize just how far I have come, because He was with me. Because through all those painful moments, He pulled me up. Kept me going. Opened my eyes to all the great many (big and little) blessings I have to be thankful for. He pruned what was unnecessary, and opened my eyes and ears to see what He wanted me to see, and hear what He wanted me to hear.
If you would like to purchase your own copy of Betinna’s book, check out OMF LIT.
Thanks for this 🥰 I shared your blog on my Facebook account ✌️ Just want others to learn more about God’s providence through people from all walks of life.
Thank you so much Helen. Betinna’s book was a really great read. I found myself underlining, highlighting and even saying Amen in my head. Thank you for always coming back and for sharing what resonates with you.