When learning about the new identity and calling that the Lord has placed you in is an exciting, fascinating, and terrifying thing. All wrapped into one, it is ever-changing and ever-growing, leaving you in awe of God’s detailed design. For me, becoming a wife and mother has forever been my dream since I’ve been a little girl. And while I love it beyond words, my goodness is it truly humbling. Days you feel on top of the world, others you feel like your barely coming up for air.
What does it mean to sit and be still? Is it actually sitting and doing nothing? Because let’s be honest, there is no way our minds can be still and not think about the hard work day we just had or focus on the stress of paying a bill with a paycheck that barely covers the rent. Maybe your mind and heart are racing with thoughts and feelings of a heartbreak, and you get hit with a wave of tears randomly throughout the day.
“Therefore, do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” - Matthew 6:34
If you're anything like me, you've probably thought (from time to time) “why am I still single?” or “man, it would be nice to be married.” In that case, you are not alone! Being single can be hard, yes, but let me serve as a beacon of hope for you that it's also incredibly rewarding!
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.