ro·man·ti·cize/rōˈman(t)əˌsīz/verb
Transition is the uncomfortable space between where / who, you were, and where/who you are hoping to be or become. The pain of transition can make us romanticize about what life was “before.” Read more
All of your experiences, all of your pain, all of your disappointments, all of your victories, everything about you is necessary for your Purpose. There is not one thing that you have, tangible or intangible, that is unnecessary. It is the sum total of it all that God will maximize, and allow you to thrive in your Calling, Read more
Mental or moral strength to persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty.
Merrian-Webster Dictionary
STRENGTH.
PERSERVERENCE.
BOLDNESS.
If I were asked to define courage using 1 word, I would choose one of the words listed above. I love the idea of courage, and having the privilege to witness it at work in the lives of others. Today, I had the honor of witnessing the manifestation of many seeds of courage on display at a ribbon cutting ceremony and Grand Opening of a business. I left the event excited about the future, and proud of the business owner, who had undoubtedly pressed past, and jumped over many obstacles to realize her dream.
There was something special about seeing the tangible fruit of courage. I was inspired, and I started to think about what courage really is, versus the misconceptions of it. Read more
I said I would not quit, and then I looked away.
I said I would stay focused, and I dropped my head, gazing upon the ground.
I said I would be self-compassionate and gracious when I made mistakes, and I shut my eyes.
With shame and defeat hovering over me, I stared into the mirror intently, depressed, Read more
When a tree is preparing for its renewal season, it sheds its leaves. Liberated from the weight of the leaves, the tree, and its branches are free to rest and replenish. Fall and Winter seasons, though wet, cold, gloomy, and uncomfortable prepare the tree for the vibrancy of new life that is sure to bloom forth in Spring.
I have only recently gained an appreciation for “Wilderness-like” seasons of isolation. Before I saw them as punishment, a “time out” of sorts for not meeting expectations, or for falling short.
However, I am learning that seasons of isolation are really seasons of “PROMOTION PREPARATION.” These are times Read more
Dearest Grieving Daughter,
I am writing you this letter on the Eve of my 7th Mother’s Day without my mother, and my 14th Mother’s Day, married, without a child. And this is the first year in the past 7 that I am approaching Mother’s Day doing “just fine.” I have been doing SO fine, in fact, that I have been surprised. Leading up to this weekend, I have been checking myself regularly, and giving myself space to feel the weight of emotions that I typically have learned to expect and make space for during this time of year, but I haven’t been able to find my usual sorrowful outpouring of silent, private tears, nor can I find my usual “May” visitors, PAIN, SHAME, and DEFEAT. I don’t share that with you to boast of myself or my own strength. I don’t share it as a badge of honor, to say, “Look at me,” no, I decided to begin this letter sharing this with you because I am a testimony of what God will do for His Daughters who find themselves in the throes of sorrow.
As I searched for Tears, Pain, Shame, and Defeat, I found instead, a burden on my heart for you, God’s Grieving Daughters. Women who have come to dread this time of year completely. Women who don’t feel like there is much to “celebrate” this weekend. So I wanted to write you a letter to tell you that you are not forgotten, and to assure you that there is indeed hope on the other side of your pain. I want to be very clear, this letter is not only intended for women who have lost a mother to death. I am also writing to women who have had to live with the pain of barrenness, women whose mothers are alive, but they are estranged from them, women who have buried children, or lost them to the judicial system in the form of incarceration, and women who are raising their children to the best of their ability, Read more
