Do you remember Katy Perry's song Firework and the powerful line, "Do you ever feel like a plastic bag, drifting in the wind, wanting to start again?" If so, raise your hand!
It's true, life can sometimes make us feel like we're nothing. Maybe you got a nasty comment on an Instagram post or a friend gossiped about you. But don't worry, because the Lord is here to help! He can be your highest high when you're feeling your lowest low.
Here in the twenty-first century, we have so many great things in our lives—family, friends, and iPhones, just to name a few. But we live with a lot of stress, too, don’t we? Our lives have been turned upside down by an unprecedented pandemic. Social media captures our attention, but the photos of other people’s seemingly excellent, exciting lives twinge our hearts with a little sadness and longing for what we’re missing. And the harsh words people are willing to write there usher in a black cloud over our day.
Undergo natural development by increasing in size and changing physically; progress to maturity.
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. – Romans 12:2
The Lord will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O Lord, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands. – Psalm 138:8
Is there anything more inspiring than women of God coming together to create for His glory?! That's what the ladies above did, crafting stories, music, lyrics, and art to detail the faithfulness of our God!
As I sit to write this, putting my past life into words has been a healing journey of saying goodbye to the old me. The old me, who I loved, but am more than okay not seeing again. Someone recently asked me if I could do it all again, would I still marry my ex-husband. That question struck me hard because I honestly didn’t know what I would say. If I hadn’t married him, would there be a lot less pain? Would I have done as much healing without myself and him breaking me down so that God could build me up? I probably will never have the answer, but that’s okay.
Eating disorders are thriving during the pandemic. Hotline calls to the National Eating Disorders Association are up 70-80% in recent months. A recent survey found 62% of women with anorexia experienced worsening symptoms as the pandemic hit. Those with binge eating disorder also experience heightened symptoms. Eating disorders are isolating to begin with, and here we are, isolating ourselves even more.
Everyone goes through hard times, at different times and for different reasons. Jesus even told us we would have troubles in this life (John 16:33). Maybe for you, something happened that you weren’t expecting. Maybe you’re confused as to what God is doing in your life. Maybe for whatever reason, things are just plain hard.
But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7
Hannah Kerr, famed singer/songwriter of 'Warrior' (below) and 'Ordinary,' is anything but ordinary. She wears her faith on her sleave, trusts God with her whole heart, and uses the gifts God's given her by encouraging young women all over the globe.