I was raised in Zambia, Central Africa, of English/Italian parents, with a strict Military background. In 1970 my family migrated to Australia where I met and married my husband after a whirlwind romance. Patrick proposed the same week that we met! Our family comprises of four children and their spouses, plus 11 grandchildren so far and a great grandchild on the way!
Carolyn’s Cards’ was born in 1995 out of a deep desire to encourage others going through turmoil, loss or adversity. A childhood and adolescence of sexual abuse plus dabbling with the occult in my late teens opened doors into my life that later almost destroyed it. Experiencing an emotional breakdown firsthand in late 1993, enabled me to relate to wounded people and to those who hide behind a smiling mask, like I did for many years. It was hard work keeping polished and in place when my heart was simultaneously crying. I was wrong in thinking that God had forgotten me because in hindsight, despite those dark and desperate days, when a minute seemed too hard to navigate, coming to an end in myself and my own strength, was the making of me. With great care Jesus picked up all the broken pieces of my childhood and has made my life into something very, very beautiful, including this gift of encouragement through ‘Carolyn's Cards’ - a simple gift that shares love and hope to a world in need. A gift than helps us say kind, encouraging and uplifting words to each other; thereby depositing worth and value into the recipient’s heart.
I have come to believe that we all carry wounds around with us, from mistreatment, injustice; even unkind words. Some are just better at hiding hurt than others. Perhaps that’s why we need to remember to always be extra kind; everyone is dealing with something. Kindness tells our hurting world: we see, we hear, we care.
I also believe that facing the truth, however painful, is what really sets us free. Forgiveness was my first step to lasting freedom: it started with seeking God’s help, without which it would have been a ’band-aid’ solution; then I made a choice to forgive; it changed my heart; I began a new journey; it took courage; it took a while; it was worth the struggle.I learned that ‘to forgive is to set the prisoner free, only to discover, that the prisoner was you’ - I was a prisoner for too many wasted years.
All the words in my greeting cards are original and God-inspired to bring either a simple smile or gentle healing to the heart.
“I pray that my story gives hope to those who are hurting; encourages those who are struggling and inspires those on the way up, because, at the end of the day, we all need to love and be loved.”
My work is a tribute to Jesus - my source; my strength; my inspiration. All that I am and ever hope to be, I owe to Him.
To my late, kind and loving husband Patrick, for believing in me to make a difference in the world. He was a beautiful soul.
To our children, Natalie, Ashley, Michael, David, and their families, who bless my life every single day. Thank you!
For the beautiful gift of life; I thank my parents.
And to you… ’Embrace Life’ - be kind to yourself and make a difference.
An encouraging word unspoken, dies in your heart.
E: email@carolynscards.com
My heart if full, despite adversity and loss, I have so much to live for and to be thankful for.
