December 28
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What Broke You
"A dog returns to where it has thrown up. So a foolish person does the same foolish things again."
Proverbs 26:11 (NIrV)
Juliette hadn’t thought about Russ in a long time. At least, that’s what she told herself. Until she saw him.
It was just an ordinary Wednesday, and she was in line at a café, waiting for her latte, when she heard his voice. That same smooth, confident voice. She turned, and there he was—Russ, looking just like she remembered. The memories hit her like a wave. Late-night drives with music blasting, laughing until their sides hurt, his arms around her like she was the only woman in the world.
"Juliette?" He grinned, stepping closer. "Wow, it’s been a while."
She forced a smile. "Yeah… it has."
They talked. At first, it was just small talk—jobs, life, the usual. But then, the conversation stretched, lingering on the good memories. The fun. The chemistry. The nights she thought would last forever. And when Russ casually said, "Hey, you wanna go out sometime?" the answer slipped out before she could stop it.
"Yes. Why not?"
The word hung in the air, her heart pounding. As they exchanged numbers again, something in her gut twisted.
Later that night, she sat on the edge of her bed, staring at the ceiling. She knew how this would go. She knew Russ hadn’t changed. Had she changed? He had broken her once—his lies, his selfishness, the way he always knew just the right words to pull her back in. And yet, here she was, willingly walking back into the same cycle.
Her phone buzzed. Can’t wait to see you again, Jules.
She closed her eyes. Lord… what am I doing?
She reached for her Bible, flipping through the worn pages until her eyes landed on Proverbs 26:11. A dog returns to where it has thrown up. So a foolish person does the same foolish things again.
Her brow furrowed. Was this her? Running back to what she already knew would hurt her? She had prayed for change. For strength. For wisdom. But wisdom meant acting differently. It meant walking away from the things that had once broken her.
With trembling fingers, she picked up her phone and typed: I’m sorry, Russ. I can’t do this. I wish you the best, but I need something different for my life.
Before she could second-guess herself, she hit send.
Relief washed over her. A small, quiet peace. She whispered, Thank You, Lord. For reminding me who I am. And who I don’t have to be anymore.
Prayer:
Father, I know how easy it is to fall back into old patterns, to chase things I know are not good for me.
Help me to have wisdom and strength to walk away from what You’ve already saved me from.
When I am tempted to return to familiar pain, remind me of the healing You have given me.
Let me move forward with faith, knowing that You have something better.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
