I find that when I don't have a specific topic on my heart to write about, I just share what is on my heart. Vulnerability is a scary thing. It really is because it involves you letting down the wall that everything is okay and letting people see the real and raw you.
I used to be afraid of "letting people in". I was afraid of "burdening people", and even as being that person who "complains"- when the reality is it is more so being honest about where you are than complaining! I was so afraid of letting people see the authentic and raw me, that I let off the "everything is good" vibe all the time. The reality is that everything isn't going to be good, and that's okay! It's actually for your good! I've found that challenging times and times of testing are the ones that cause you to grow the most!
With time, I became more willing to be open about what I was struggling with- but also how God was meeting me every step of the way! And do you know what I discovered? I discovered and realized that where were many who were struggling with the same things I was struggling with. Who would've thought that me not having it all together and being open about not having it all together, would actually encourage and bless other people who don't have everything all together?
That is why I value vulnerability and truth. I've found that when I open up about what I'm struggling with, when I share the things that are going great and everything in between, people can relate! People don't need "fluff", people don't need you to beat around the bush, people don't need you to be perfect. None of us are perfect- only Jesus was and is perfect! Praise God that day by day we are being transformed more into the likeness of Jesus! Transformation is a process, and while it can be challenging, it is beautiful and worth it! Glory to Jesus that by His blood we are saved, healed, restored, redeemed, set free, set apart, etc.! But I want to encourage you to be vulnerable with at least one person you trust. For me, I tend to be blunt on my Facebook page, but it's because I know God is in the midst and also if people know what is really going on with me- they better know how to cover me in prayer.
We're made for relationship. Community is a blessing. We can be real with each other and do everything from celebrating the good times to mourning losses to encouraging each other to keep pressing on and so much more.
I met a man named Hunter at the tent a couple nights ago. He is a husband and father of 3. He asked me how old I am, and I said 24. He's turning 50 in 1.5 years. He told me that at age 24, he couldn't imagine what life would be like. The lows in life were lower than he expected, but the highs have also been higher than he expected. No matter how low the lows were, the Lord ALWAYS redeemed them. Isn't it amazing that we can fully trust God and place our confidence in Him? So yeah life may be harder than we expect, but with Jesus it's also going to be a lot better than we expect!
We have hope that God redeems- and hope is contagious! Reach out to those around you and pray for them, love on them, encourage them, support them and call them higher. Be real with where you are because people are drawn to rawness because it's relatable. We all have our struggles, but we don't have to struggle alone. Link arms with one another, united by a common love of Jesus, and walk forward in confidence. If someone isn't a believer, still link arms with them and love on and support them.
We were made to love God and love others- loving others is such a significant way to love God! Let's not leave anyone behind. Be fully you, don't be afraid of letting people see your mess, share about how God is meeting you and moving in you, and encourage and love on those around you. We are truly better together.
I used to be afraid of "letting people in". I was afraid of "burdening people", and even as being that person who "complains"- when the reality is it is more so being honest about where you are than complaining! I was so afraid of letting people see the authentic and raw me, that I let off the "everything is good" vibe all the time. The reality is that everything isn't going to be good, and that's okay! It's actually for your good! I've found that challenging times and times of testing are the ones that cause you to grow the most!
With time, I became more willing to be open about what I was struggling with- but also how God was meeting me every step of the way! And do you know what I discovered? I discovered and realized that where were many who were struggling with the same things I was struggling with. Who would've thought that me not having it all together and being open about not having it all together, would actually encourage and bless other people who don't have everything all together?
That is why I value vulnerability and truth. I've found that when I open up about what I'm struggling with, when I share the things that are going great and everything in between, people can relate! People don't need "fluff", people don't need you to beat around the bush, people don't need you to be perfect. None of us are perfect- only Jesus was and is perfect! Praise God that day by day we are being transformed more into the likeness of Jesus! Transformation is a process, and while it can be challenging, it is beautiful and worth it! Glory to Jesus that by His blood we are saved, healed, restored, redeemed, set free, set apart, etc.! But I want to encourage you to be vulnerable with at least one person you trust. For me, I tend to be blunt on my Facebook page, but it's because I know God is in the midst and also if people know what is really going on with me- they better know how to cover me in prayer.
We're made for relationship. Community is a blessing. We can be real with each other and do everything from celebrating the good times to mourning losses to encouraging each other to keep pressing on and so much more.
I met a man named Hunter at the tent a couple nights ago. He is a husband and father of 3. He asked me how old I am, and I said 24. He's turning 50 in 1.5 years. He told me that at age 24, he couldn't imagine what life would be like. The lows in life were lower than he expected, but the highs have also been higher than he expected. No matter how low the lows were, the Lord ALWAYS redeemed them. Isn't it amazing that we can fully trust God and place our confidence in Him? So yeah life may be harder than we expect, but with Jesus it's also going to be a lot better than we expect!
We have hope that God redeems- and hope is contagious! Reach out to those around you and pray for them, love on them, encourage them, support them and call them higher. Be real with where you are because people are drawn to rawness because it's relatable. We all have our struggles, but we don't have to struggle alone. Link arms with one another, united by a common love of Jesus, and walk forward in confidence. If someone isn't a believer, still link arms with them and love on and support them.
We were made to love God and love others- loving others is such a significant way to love God! Let's not leave anyone behind. Be fully you, don't be afraid of letting people see your mess, share about how God is meeting you and moving in you, and encourage and love on those around you. We are truly better together.
Psalm 133:1
"Behold, how good and how pleasant it is
For brethren to dwell together in unity!"
God is in the midst of unity. I pray for you, I pray for those who read my posts. My prayer is for you to find confidence and security in the love of God. That because you know who you are in Jesus, you will be able to love and honor those around you. I also pray that whatever circumstance you find yourself in, you will not go through it alone. Be open, be honest, receive the help of God. He fights for you, He is for you. Greater is He that is in you, than he who is in the world. Jesus has overcome for YOU- you are a conqueror and co-heir with Him. How amazing is that!?!? I love you. Be strengthened and be encouraged to be fully you, walking in the fullness and wholeness God intended you to walk in.