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Name It!

I have a practice that affirms me. When God allows me the privilege to journey to His oceans and seas, I purposely plant my feet in fresh sand, walk to an isolated space on the beach, stoop down, and write the words, My Journey Matters. I usually sign and date it, take a photo, and sit (or stand) in meditation. In that isolation, shut off from distractions, I recall my spiritual journey, assess my “right now” circumstances, and then embrace a newfound perspective of my now and my later. Most importantly, I thank God for leading me to this seemingly sacred conversation between Him and me. I thank God for reminding me to speak life and to name our encounter before I left that place.

Our predicaments may change from day to day. But our mindset and our speech must champion the willful fight within. We must give voice to our God-inspired dreams and determinations. Whether it’s I can – I will – I am – I shall. We are wise to honor our overcoming with words that affirm who we are and whose we are.

This series is purposefully named My Journey Matters because I’m living the manifestation of these words in thought, word, and deed every day. Even with the highs and lows, God is relentless in His whispers to me that all of it matters, and that the journey is for my good. I love how God, in my lowest moments, reassures me of his promises, sealing those encounters with the sign of His rainbow. Naming it works! Name your encounters with God. Name your becoming adventures and your overcoming. Watch God position your journey to bless you and someone else needing a breakthrough. He knows what He’s doing.

“Rain and snow fall from the sky. But they don’t return without watering the earth that produces seeds to plant and grain to eat. That’s how it is with my words. They don’t return to me without doing everything I send them to do.” -Isaiah 55:10-11

The featured photo for this writing is from my recent travels to the Bahamas.

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It’s Worth It

Emotional healing is a remarkable feat. Kudos to those living victoriously – no longer distracted by taunting triggers and stressors. For those still pursuing emotional healing, still wrestling with creative diversions, the path to overcoming can feel like repeated cycles of defeat. Traveling the unassuming terrain toward becoming healthy (again) proves to be an arduous journey. Yet it’s worth it.

Our human condition is dressed in feelings and emotions. We can’t escape the natural consequence of action and reaction. However, we can accept the challenge to secure a healthy pathway to healing, not succumbing to repeated feelings of hurt that mislead us to misery and bondage.

I’m leading a study on the prophets Elijah and Elisha in the Bible with a group of women at my church. During our study time, we discussed Elijah’s feelings of defeat while carrying out God’s plan for his life. Elijah’s emotional state led him to run away from the ensuing hurt pursuing him. Jezebel, that is. 

From an anguished heart Elijah told God in 1 Kings 19:4, “I have had enough, Lord.” Elijah felt he could no longer escape the taunting of Jezebel’s threats to kill him, nor could he escape his weariness. He felt alone and was giving up on any hope of rescue or healing. Then God responded. God released an angel to Elijah’s side to alert him to the resources right in front of him, resources God was providing as needed healing to carry Elijah through the rest of his journey. 

At Elijah’s lowest point, he recognized, through God’s reminders, that wholeness was within reach. Even though Elijah experienced unjustified hurt along his journey, Elijah also experienced healing by the permissive hand of God. It was worth it.

Along my journey I’ve learned that it’s okay to feel defeated in this life, even while having a relationship with God. The truth is, committing to live for God and not self will position us on a challenging journey that comes with feeling hurt sometimes. However, in the nick of time, God reveals Himself, alerting us to His resources and might. Those resources may include counseling services, rest, relocation, new friends, a new mindset, nourishment, visions, whispers of encouragement, an army of angels, a table of overflow prepared for us set before our enemies, revelations, and forgiveness. 

No matter the trigger or trauma we encounter, we don’t have to wallow in feelings of defeat. Wallowing will suffocate us. Our healing is in God – He is ours, and we are His.

It’s all worth it.

“but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” – Isaiah 40:31

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Today Will Be Different

My youngest daughter loves to explore the adventures of life. She entered this life on the cusp of adventure. After hours of unforgettable labor, I delivered my baby girl with surprising evidence of an impossible predicament. To the naked eye, it appeared she would not be able to walk because of what we later learned was dysplasia of the hip. Yet her exuberant cry and the demanding aura of her presence supposed something different.

No matter what our situations look like, our doubting behavior, or the demons that harass us, we can present all of our predicaments to an everlasting God. And He settles them all, leaving nothing undone. What some cannot fathom or manipulate to fit into their limited understanding, God creates teaching moments to provide lessons for transformational living. What others are fearful of proclaiming or for those who are slow to offer Him praise, God presents tests to expose their heart. And to all who are watching and waiting for God’s incredible work, along an adventurous journey, He presents a stage for His miracles, signs, and wonders. Then He watches to see if we do anything different.

Sooner or later, in the comfortable responses we offer our predicaments, we must declare, “Today will be different.” No more doubting, disguising and destroying the notion that God’s way is best. Be different than those in the world living a lifestyle of bitterness and misery. Choose a lifestyle, believing God.  My husband and I experienced our promise-keeping, way-making God in the delivery room that day, sixteen years ago. We prayed relentlessly, laid our hands on our daughter, and repeated the promises God made to us back to Him. Then God answered us with a miracle. Our daughter’s condition was corrected in record time; her growth rate was not disturbed, nor was her mobility averted. We gave God praise with our lips through that journey, and we showed our gratitude with a devotion to His Way. God’s wonders continue to take center stage in both of our daughters’ imperfect lives, telling a story of the possibilities of God.

Try this: Challenge yourself at this moment, with all you are dealing with, to declare, “Today Will be Different!” Now live what you have professed. God is watching.

“But if I were you, I would appeal to God, I would lay my cause before him. He performs wonders that cannot be fathomed, miracles that cannot be counted.” – Job 5:8-9

“Nothing is impossible for God.” – Luke 1:37

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A Walking Testimony

I met a stranger a few days ago who shared something powerful with me. In our brief interaction she said she was having a challenging day. In that moment she was pressing her way through her work shift while also pressing her way through the realities of taking chemotherapy every day. The more I listened intently, the more she shared. She explained she was living with a rare blood disease that required a daily chemotherapy pill for her survival. My jaw dropped, and my forehead wrinkled. This woman didn’t look ill, nor did she struggle to move around. However, she did look a little worn, no doubt tattered by the issues life. Still she mustered up a big smile on her face and fashioned a smile in her eyes. She looked determined, wearing her work uniform with pride and what seemed to be a shield of perseverance across her chest. This woman was a walking sermon. A walking testimony that edified me in that very moment.

Yes, I’ve experienced life and death situations in my personal journey. Situations where God’s mighty hand saved me. Yet, somehow, I was finding it difficult to allow those experiences to minister to me in my current realities; realities that include aging parents with health challenges, finishing my doctoral studies and wearing multiple hats in carrying out the responsibilities of wife and mother. Meeting this stranger reminded me of the gift of life. No matter our predicaments or setbacks, God gifts to us seconds, minutes and hours in days we’ve never seen before. God gifts to us a world to walk freely in, humbly living our testimonies in the midst of people who need to be edified, who need to be resuscitated and encouraged. Sermons are not always preached from a pulpit. They are effectively lived. What sermon is your life preaching? Whose life have you edified without bringing attention to yourself? Someone is waiting for you to walk their way.

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God is Mastermind!

“You are not the mastermind of your journey. Renew your thinking by recognizing God’s mighty hand and redeeming touch in your triumphs, challenges, and impossible situations. Look and see what God has done along your journey. God is Mastermind!“

~ Tammi Love