What if you sit under an old oak tree and pondered on your
roots, the core of who you are. What would be revealed? Are you roots sturdy
and healthy? Or are they decaying admits the dirt deep down?
Recently I had my reality shaken and it caused me to
evaluate who I am. What makes me tick and why do I tick like that? A thought
that kept popping into my head is, “you speak as though your are one person,
but on the inside you are struggle to be that person.” I speak in great
confidence. I walk with confidence and strength. But when it comes down to it—I
struggle with what I say and my walk falters. One thing I know is, my Jesus
is my anthem even when walking is hard and speaking is timid.
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| Photo Credit: Lana Southwood |
A reality check also occurred when I began to face a great
barrier. I’m almost certain it is as high as Mount Everest and as wide as the
A t l a n t i c O c e a n. What happens when you are just numb? Numb to the greatest
tragedy you have ever walked though? I’m acknowledging and owning up to the
fact that I have chose, in many situations, not to feel. I would prefer to not
feel sadness, pain, anger or frustration, it seems easier. But, not feeling is
a paramount way not to heal.
Coping with life throughout the years, I put up invisible BarrierS. Barriers I had no idea I even built which is terrifying if you think
about it. Just in case you have not been told, we are ALL wounded in someway.
Due to our humanity and those around us, we get hurt. Walking through life as
if everything is peachy is not okay. There are times in life when we need to
cling to our community of believers and be point-blank-honest, “I am not okay,
and I need healing and strength.” Admitting weakness and hurt is a battle for
me. But great strength arises from admitting great weakness. Weakness cannot be
strengthened until it’s in the sunshine. Step one of breaking down the
invisible is making it visible.
When acknowledging our weaknesses it is monumental to distinguish
our gifts as well. Write them down. Share them with the world. I am a dreamer.
I am an encourager and super optimistic. I am passionate about kids. I am
determined. I am adventurous. Oh yeah, I absolutely love to smile!
See how easy that is? If you struggle identifying your
strengths or gifts, go back to the oak tree with roots deep in the ground. Sit
down, get really quite and ask God “What do you love most about me? Though I
feel weak and helpless, what are my strengths?” I have a gut feeling that God
is going to shower you with strength you never knew you possessed. Let us stand
together to find the strength to be weak, but in that weakness find
empowerment.
“Optimist: someone that knows that taking a step backward
after taking a step forward is not a disaster, it’s a cha-cha.” Robert Brault
I am currently on step two of breaking down invisible
barriers. Step two involves seeking people who can keep you accountable and
counsel with wisdom. Remember, the only dumb question is the one not asked.
During this vogue, do things outside of the normal. I picked
up Pinterest DIY projects, which have been incredible. You get to see and
produce a physical transformation. It depicts and paints a pictures of the
internal transformation occur in my own life. I am established, but Christ is
continuing His healing and modification of my current state into something
glorious. Just another modification and upgrade to add on—cool fact, God offers
upgrades pretty much daily. We get the choice to upgrade or remain the same.
Let us make this vogue together and eagerly accept all
upgrades—even if they come with walls to conquer. I truly believe there is
joy to be had in the mist of overcoming. Joy is a choice, not a possibility.
