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Jessica Flores's avatar

. Wow. This story ripped my heart out, but thank you for the vulnerability in sharing it! Your life is a miracle, and so is His love!

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Laurie Meek Watkins's avatar

Oh, Karla! How my heart goes out to you. What a hard thing to go through as a child! As a child of an alcoholic, I struggled - but my mother was consistent and helped us understand the illness my father struggled with - but you - darling child - talented heart - I am so sorry you had to endure this. Isn’t God great to reveal true love to you? YOU are so precious! Thank you for sharing. Sending love and appreciation. ❤️

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Suzan's avatar

Looking forward to the Butterflies, they came out exquisite!

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Suzan's avatar

Karla, Thank you for sharing. ❤

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Michelle's avatar

Thank you Karla….your words rang true, it’s taken time to realize Gods love for me.

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Fay Hartwell's avatar

Thank you for these wise words Karla and for pointing us in the right direction. It’s been years since I realised the truth that God is my parent. After many painful years understanding that the love I didn’t receive from my biological parents was there all along was enlightening and still gives me courage and a feeling of being loved beyond measure. I’m so sorry to hear what you endured as a child and young person.

I spent some time recently with my mother and was left suffering, feeling hurt and in pain from something she said. I wrote about my feelings and prayed and the message I received from the Angels was “ you can’t get blood out of a stone” it brought me peace and back into a space of understanding. Thank you.

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Carin C Chambers's avatar

I read this on the 11th anniversary of my mother's death. I could never explain that buying Mother's Day cards was almost impossible for me. I didn't find out that my mother was a narcissist until after my 50th birthday and a really horrible day with my mother... I typed in all of the words that came to mind to describe my mother and what I was experiencing, and then I pushed return. Narcissist popped up... I'm a masters prepared registered nurse and took human growth and development in college. It wasn't until that day that I realized it wasn't me. The day she died was strange, because I felt freedom and release. She lived to 93 and I took care of her because that's what God has commanded us to do....honor thy mother and father... I was blessed with an amazing father. He gave me my optimistic attitude and love so much love. He was lucky enough to divorce my mom and go on to have 25 years with a wonderful woman. Thank you, I can't put into words how much stumbling onto your site many years ago has brightened and cheered me many times. Following you through your life has given me courage for the future. God bless you and yours.

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Tamara's avatar

Thank you for sharing your story. It never was you, dear heart.

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Jennifer Jahromi's avatar

Oh Karla, I am so sorry you had to go through that. You are so loving and full of love, I would never have guessed that. What a wonderful redeemer Jesus is that He can take broken hearts and broken people, bind them up and surround them with love! That’s my story too. I didn’t even know what love was until I met Jesus. Thank you so much for sharing. How very brave! 💗💗💗

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Christine Bolin's avatar

I grew up with 2 alcoholic parents. 2 stepmothers. 3 step siblings.1 half sibling. 1 whole sibling. I understand living in a dysfunctional family. I have a relationship with only 1 sibling...my stepbrother. I understand the pain caused by abandonment and neglect. BUT GOD.

I see His faithfulness to me. I see where He brought me out on this side of it all. I have moments and sometimes days where I sink into a hole, BUT GOD pulls me up, dusts me off and once again reminds me of His everlasting love for me.

I so enjoy your blog. I've always been drawn to your artwork,but getting to "know" you through your blog the past several years has made your art even more beautiful. I imagine as your draw and lay down layers of color, so many things swirl threw your mind. BUT GOD always shows you His faithfulness to you, too. It's beautiful. Thank you for sharing with us.

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Linda Dietz's avatar

I grew up in a dysfunctional family due to an alcoholic father and while it was difficult, I can't imagine anything more painful than what you experienced! God is to be praised for how He redeemed you & is using your story in the lives of many. I just read something by Paul David Tripp in "Do You Believe ?" He was talking about God writing our stories. God uses (redeems) things that are unimaginable and that "nothing we face is for naught. God doesn't write any "throw away" chapters." May God continue to establish your steps and may He give you a godly "bear hug" from all of us who have been ministered to by you.

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Bonnie's avatar

Thank you for being so vulnerable in this beautiful post. You bless me so much!

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Tracie Newton's avatar

I knew my heart resonated with your art and your words for a reason...I was also abused and rejected by my parents. I hesitate to share more on a public platform but thank you for sharing your heart. Also I love the purple butterfly and heart!!!! Is there any way I could purchase them from you now? Purple and pink are my favorite colors and hearts and butterflies are my favorite things!

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Karla Dornacher's avatar

Hi Tracie. I'm getting ready to offer the hearts and butterflies for sale and wanted to give you the opportunity to purchase the purple ones first. I'm asking $32 each which does include shipping. Hopefully you'll see this message right away and let me know. And thank you for sharing a little of your own story. And so thankful you know the Lord and that He loves you and saved you as well!! Blessings my friend... Karla

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Judith Sudduth's avatar

He loves us with an everlasting love! We must stand in this present moment , realizing this amazing fact-truly knowing the feeling of eternal love.Precious 💝

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Vicky Whittemore's avatar

Yes, what a blessing that He loves us in our unlovableness! Your history is part of what God used in drawing you to Himself, the best parent anyone can have!

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Janie Fogt's avatar

Karla - your life is a testimony to God's amazing love. Man, He is so good!

I love your Jeremiah 31:3 art. My words for 2025 are Loving Kindness - and I love Butterflies. Is there a way to purchase this art so I can print it?

I love the clay pendants and I hope I can snag one next week!

Have a great week!

Janie

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Daneen Roberts's avatar

Oh Karla, thank you for sharing these snippets with us. I was blessed with loving parents and grandparents and my heart aches for what you experienced. You are SO talented with your beautiful art. Thank you for sharing your creations with us non artistic folks😊

May God’s blessings abound ❣️

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