Girl, you were made to rise above the chaos
We are living in unprecedented times,
From lockdowns to 'a new normal' there is a huge shifting of the foundations and emotions may be running high, or conversely fatigue settling in. Similarly we are having huge (much needed) conversations globally on justice, and as women of faith we need to be leaning in and seeking to represent God's heart for justice on this earth that He loves so much
(John 3:16: For God so loved)
But girl, what about you?
How are you - really?
And how do we nurture a resilient and gritty faith for this season?
Here are some principles that I am leaning on this season:
Invite the Lord into everything - especially the raw, messy emotions and hard conversations that come up
Healing sounds romantic but the process is painful. A process of allowing wounds to rise to the surface, truth to e brought to the light and things long since devastated to be healed. Girl, if that's you - or areas of your heart and soul - allow the kindness and goodness of God in. Into the deeper places of intimacy. Into the deeper places of trust. God never reveals something within us to shame us, but in order to restore us and to lead us to wider open spaces of freedom. Trust and allow for the process.
In the journey you can trust the one who loves us first. You can trust God with your past . You can trust God with your present. You can trust God with your future. His character is sure an secure. His heart is sure. He is trustworthy and He is safe.
Together not alone
Community is so important, now more than ever. Find good, open, trustworthy people to do the journey with that demonstrate character and consistency. Girl, you deserve those people!
The enemy knows what he can separate, he can divide and conquer. And too much time alone can often allow unhealthy thought patterns to settle into our soul realm. Community helps us bring things to the light - and there is no better light than the love and truth of God.
Speak life
Our words matter - we need to be women who not only know the Word of God but also have an ability to take authority over the atmosphere of ourselves, our homes and out life by speaking and declaring Godly truth.
Ask the Lord for specific words and promises to speak over your season, and stoke the fire within. He is for you, not against you sis
Take care of your health
Take stock of where you are right now - physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually.
Is any area at risk? What practical steps do you need to care for and nurture yourself? This is not weakness or selfishness, self care matters so you have the strength and strategy to be where God needs you to be. This is a marathon not a sprint, and like the airlines say perhaps you need to put on your oxygen mask first before you can help others.
Seek knowledge and wisdom with discernment both within faith and secular communities and sources - and know that you are worth it.
Super practical tips for self care:
Move and nourish your body daily
Drink those 8 glasses of water (hello, hot lemon tea for those in winter!)
Take a few deep breaths
Be present - take time to notice and be okay with exactly where you are
Soak in worship and prayer
Find gratitude in the little things - cognitive dissonance theory says that we cant feel two opposite emotions at the same time
A posture of gratitude has an amazing ability to transform and take you out of fear
Declare the Goodness of God
We worship a God who is the same - yesterday, today and tomorrow. And girl, He is for not against you. His presence goes ahead of, behind, beside and in front of you. As the world may be changing He is the unchangeable.
His love and care is your safety, and safe place.
For I know the plans and thoughts that I have for you,’ says the Lord, ‘plans for peace and well-being and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11 - AMP
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