“Turns out there are plenty of opportunities, everywhere we look, there’s another thing to die to—another hurt or frustration another door in the face, another bout of anger or pide, another pang of jealously. All things must be put to death in me that Christ may live.” – author, Gwen Ford Faulkenberry,
I wrote this quote in my journal, somewhere between January and February 2021. I was barely surviving my grief. Once the reality of loss set in, I lived my life in a haze—fully accomplishing the day’s tasks, fully numb. The days after Mother’s Day was the worst of it. I experienced some of the most painful times of my life and my career in ministry. Let me just say, I’m thankful I’m still here.
During the days following Mother’s Day 2021, We celebrated our youngest son’s graduation. I took a detour home to rest and spend time with Jesus.ย In those moments, I found Jesus in a new way. I’m beyond grateful for the One who speaks life. Jesus says,ย “I love you with an everlasting love. You are safe with me.” His love for us is unconditional and unequal and unrivaled. And in our perfectly imperfect moments, His compassion is unmatched. I’ve been a long-time follower of Jesus and never fully embraced His love deep within my heart; It was head knowledge, not heart assured.
Here are some reminders of what we gain as we let go and live:
1. Strength – Phillipians 4:13 – God gives strength where we need it most.
2. Provision – Matthew 6:26 – He’s the Provider.
3. Restoration – Joel 2: 25 – He will restore what was lost.
4. True love – Ephesians 3:16-19(VOICE) – Unending love.
We are transformed by the love of Jesus, not burdened by it.ย We are chosen. We are cherished. We are precious. If you are a recovering pleaser of people, and your life experiences have left you feeling like you’re never enough or too much, all of it goes pale, in that Light of Jesus’ love. Let that rejection, fear, self-sufficiency, inadequacy be gone, that you may live.
“In those beautiful deaths, you are free. Life is found. It’s where the power lies–true joy”
–Gwen Ford Faulkenberry
A FEW OTHER THINGS…
- Listening to this song from the powerhouse duo of Chandler Moore & Cody Carnes. Something’s happening in the Worship Music business. Check out this song: Firm Foundation(He Won’t).
- A friend gifted me with David Brenner’s book, Surrender to Love. It was my companion during the 2021 week with Jesus. It was deeply impacted on this weary soul.
- Unhindered Life Group with Brandi Wilson was an awakening for me in Spring 2022. I encountered the intimate stories of women processing grief and pain. It was a powerful transformational tool that began the process healing of the pain I carried
- The “Found By You Devotional” is a 7-day free resource available on the YouVersion app and Bible.com. Click here๐๐พ๐๐พ
Be encouraged. Walk wonderfully free๐ฆ
