From doormat, to hazmat, to transformed

Holly Barkman — Tue, 7 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Ruthie Woods had become the target of a bully, allowing Cade to step all over her and steal her joy. He was their family friend and an employee of her father. How could he treat her with such disrespect, by calling her cruel names and sometimes even punching her? Although untrue, Ruthie felt alone and unworthy as her self-esteem diminished. Her life was ruled by her negativity and thoughts of ways to avoid seeing Cade at her family farm. Ruthie needed to find a way to clean up this toxic mess, that she called life. After finding courage, she eventually stands up to Cade, and then tells her parents the truth.

I know that I am not the only person out there, that has ever felt like Ruthie Woods, alone and unworthy. The truth is Ruthie was never alone. God was with her always. He is with me now and also with you if you know Him. We can allow others and even ourselves to create a disaster in our lives. But we can have peace knowing that Jesus is with us.

As a child, I had a dear family member tell me not to be a doormat. A doormat? What does that mean? I was a timid child and teenager, afraid of my own shadow at times. And I remember what it was like to be like Ruthie Woods, sad and afraid. As I became an adult, I let other influences rule in my life, creating in me a rebellious spirit. The lines between right and wrong were blurred and I sought after what the world had to offer. However the freedom I sought was only a trap for sin. I desperately needed someone to call in the hazmat team for me and clean up my life. The more the world pulled at me for my devotion to it, the farther I drifted away from God. After trying to do life on my own, I finally realized that I could not live my life apart from God. I needed a Savior. I needed Jesus.

I surrendered my life to Jesus, and I haven't been the same since. I confessed to Him my sin and He forgave me. My guilt and sadness have been replaced by peace and joy. This life has been completely transformed by the love of God! And Ruthie Woods? Stay tuned to see what happens in her life.

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Holly Barkman | Updates

From doormat, to hazmat, to transformed