Within this year I began a journey to lose weight. Not because I care what people think, but because I want to be spiritually, mentally and physically healthy for myself and for my family. It has been almost a year now and as of today I am down seventeen pounds.
People have been incredibly supportive. And I have had lots of opportunities to encourage and share with others on their journey. However, there have been moments when some one would say something that would stop me in my thoughts. Reminded that words can carry weight and if I was not careful I could easily pick up the weight of my own insecurity. I would question. Why would they say that to me? Was I really that overweight? It was then that I quickly realized that I had a choice. I could carry the weight of those words and let them feed into my own insecurity or I could choose to smile with complete sincerity and love in my heart. Our identity is not in the weight of words or in the weight of our own insecurity but our identity is in Christ alone and who He says we are. Everyday we get to choose. We can choose love, understanding, grace and kindness. And then give it ALL away!
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trust, always hopes, always perseveres.” 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 NIV
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23 NIV
In May, I took a second trip back to Rwanda, Africa. This time we carried my daughter with us. God grew our faith and taught us both a lot while we were there. Including trusting God more. He used both of us in ways we could have never imagined. Several months later we are still processing.
One thing that God showed me through the beautiful people of Rwanda is how to love others well through forgiveness. Forgiveness is a word that leads to an action that if not freely given away can catch us up. Puts a big snag in our story and can keep us stuck. It is that little lump in the throat. It hinders us.
In 1994 a genocide took place in Rwanda. Family, friends and communities were torn apart and completely destroyed. Thousands of people were lost during those three months. Fast forward to where God intervenes. The people of Rwanda, some who had lost everything found the courage to face the ones who had committed these atrocities and extended forgiveness. Relationships grew and communities began to heal. Rwanda is now thriving and growing like never before. Rwanda is full of smart beautiful creatives with these incredible untouched and natural God-given resources. God is still healing and writing their well-favored story.
I am a sexual abuse survivor. Forgiveness has always been hard for me. God began my healing several years ago. And on the journey to healing He carried me to Rwanda to witness first hand what only God can do. When I learned of that kind of forgiveness, healing and genuine love for one another. How could I not forgive. Forgiveness is a process that is not impossible . It is not easy but God meets with us and walks us through. He never leaves us to go through our trials alone. He sends others to walk alongside us and us with others. You know, the ones that say “me too.” That is beauty of our story. It is the good stuff that comes from the hurt. It is what draws us closer to God. That is the blessing that it produces. I honestly don’t know what I would do with out the hope He has given me and that hope is for you too. If you are harboring unforgiveness of any kind. Please lay it down. Don’t hold on to it another second. Some things are way to heavy for us to carry alone. Ask God to help you. He is faithful. God will never ask us to do what He hasn’t already done for us. Don’t allow the enemy to steal from you any longer. There is so much healing and freedom that can come from forgiving.
Matthew 6:14 NIV says “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.”
Luke 18:27 NIV Jesus replied, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.”
Jeremiah 33:6 NIV “‘Nevertheless, I will bring health and healing to it; I will heal my people and will let them enjoy abundant peace and security.”
Refrences: Zondervan NIV Study Bible, 2008 Update.
Lately, I have been a little obsessed with the clouds. I snapped this picture the other morning while out on a run. I loved the contrast between the two. These little clouds all jumbled together can represent how we sometimes view our hardships. It can sometimes feel like we keep getting hit with hard things one right after another. Or, we can sometimes feel like there is this big, giant, dark cloud following us around.
Well, I went to scripture to see what God’s word has to say about clouds and I found this verse. Psalm 105:39 NIV “He spread out a cloud as a covering, and a fire to give them light at night.”
What if we looked at the clouds in a our life a little differently. What if we look for the blessing instead. What if we change our perspective. Hardships can produce something in us for a purpose. Right? Is it not in the process, the breaking down and rebuilding that we grow the most? During the process of hard times, what if God is giving us clouds as a covering. Protection.
Clouds can also produce rain. What if God is bringing in a little rain to water our battered and tired souls. Water is essential for growth. Slowing down our pace a little to receive what only He can give.
Resource: Zondervan NIV Study Bible 2008 Update
Running is a great way to quiet your soul. I started this running journey a little over 2 years ago.
On March 5, 2016 I was able to complete my first marathon. On November 5, 2016, I completed my second marathon. All God’s glory. Now, I can say with all honesty. It is not easy. It took complete commitment and a lot of dedicated training hours.
The goal was just to finish. And by the way, I am not fast. The week before the first race, I became so fearful that I could not finish that I almost dropped out! I thank God for a friend that does a lot of running. She answered all my questions, gave me advice and encouraged me to run the race. She had total confidence that I could do it. It was me who had a hard time believing that I could do it.
The following Saturday, I found my self on the start line. God allowed me this amazing opportunity in order to teach me how to over come fear and adversity. And how to apply what I learned into business. He reminded me that He has given us everything we need to overcome fear. Fear and doubt can paralysis you and can keep you from growing. It is only in struggle there is progress. I have learned so much through running and have grown a lot personally because of it.
Running is a great way to get away. Clear your head and spend quiet time with the Lord. Don’t quit and don’t give up on your goals and dreams!
Philippians 4:13
Some of us have big ginormous hearts. This is a calling. A purpose. Loving people right where they are. It is sometimes hard and it tugs on our heartstrings, but this is how we can know for sure that we are most alive. This is where God lives.
God does give us dreams. For me, it has always been to use the gifts and talents that He has given me to serve for a purpose. A purpose greater than my self. All for God’s glory.
A few months ago, we were given an opportunity ( a dream) to go out and serve the homeless in our community. When we said YES, we would go and when we went with out hesitations or limitations. It left a lot of room for God to move and to work. We had no idea the impact it would have. We learned more from our conversations with them than they ever would from us. Our hearts were broken and we were forever changed by it. This is now one of our most favorite place to be. These are our new friends.
Do not be afraid to go out and love others that you may think are different from you. You will find that you have more in common than you realize. It is all only by God’s goodness, mercy and grace that any of us have anything. Love bridges the gaps and can heal wounds. Love lifts the spirit and is a universal language.
Happy Sunday! It was an interesting week at the salon. There was a lot going on. It was a busy one for sure. And for that we are truly blessed!
One story that stuck out was an act of service. This one tugged on my heartstrings. It was a special day and this particular client came in to have her long hair donated. This was in honor and remembrance of some one very special who had lost his battle with cancer. This special day was his earthly birthday. This was her inspiration to have eleven inches cut off. So, we placed it in a ponytail and we lobbed it off! Created a new haircut and added a bit of color. She is beautiful and so is her act of service.
It is in these moments that I realize that there is way more to the story. She could have gone anywhere and had this done, but she chose J. Andrews Salon. In fact, she has chosen me as her stylist for several years now. For many of us at the salon, it is about building relationships with our customers. Walking with them through the good and the bad. Smiling with them when things are right in their world and crying with them in their brokenness. This is so completely humbling and so rewarding all at the same time. It is in these moments that I am reminded that we serve a purpose greater than ourselves. It is always such a gift and an honor to share in these precious moments. It is our inspiration and one of many reasons why we love what we do.
I would love to hear from you. Leave your comments and questions.
Things I Can Control & Things I Can Not Control
As a sexual abuse survivor, I have learned a great deal about trauma and how it can affect our health and overall well being. I have learned that because of a traumatic childhood that life expectancy could be reduced. BUT I know my Jesus and I know that we are not defined by a label or diagnosis. I also know that because I now have this knowledge that I now have a responsibility to take back my power for my health not only for myself but for my family. Through this journey, I want to share things that have helped me and just maybe they can help you too.
Everyday, I have to actively choose a healthier lifestyle. Why? Because I want to live a long life for my daughter. I want to grow old with my husband. I want to be around to see all the things possible! I love working behind the chair and seeing all my beautiful customers and visitors to the salon. I want to show up and be present everyday!
So, I have to actively choose:
Not to drink, to exercise. To get enough sleep. To be mindful of what and who has access to me. The pay attention to the products that I use and the ingredients. To guard what I read or watch. To choose wisely the foods that I eat BECAUSE they have the power to help my body heal and to combat illness and inflammation. I know my body is designed to heal itself BUT I have to do the work.
Everyday I have to choose to forgive others and myself. To let go of any bitterness or anger and to say goodbye to shame and resentment. To reframe from negative thinking and to trust God in the process.
These are things that through God’s goodness, mercy and grace. I find freedom in. He gives me the strength and through His power the ability to control the things that I can and to let go of the things that are completely out of my control. While we can’t control what happened to us, We can control how we respond.
Maybe this is true for you? Maybe you are learning how to overcome trauma? What is it that you are holding on to that you need to let go of? What is one active step that you can do today to take back your health?
“Be of good cheer. Do not think of today’s failures, but of the success that may come tomorrow. You have set yourselves a difficult task, but you will succeed if you persevere; and you will find joy in overcoming obstacles. Remember, no effort that we make to attain something beautiful is ever lost.” -Helen Keller
