BEAUTIFUL IN ALL SEASONS

Recently, when I face a problem that makes me anxious and nervous, I find myself postponing any thoughts about it because, in that moment, I feel incapable of confronting the current reality. It’s almost as if my brain decides to forget about it for now. Rather than confronting the problem, I push it aside. Let’s imagine an animation of a brain guard a brain emoji 🧠 wearing a bulletproof vest and sunglasses 🕶️. This brain guard protects me from the immediate emotional discomfort that comes with standing eye to eye with “trouble” 🚨. You get it! The day continues as normal. It’s night, and I sleep. After a night’s rest, it’s another ordinary day. The brain 🧠 doesn’t have the bulletproof vest on this time ; instead, it’s in a corporate outfit now. Out of nowhere, here comes a slide presentation with solutions short and sweet in point form. All this happens so randomly during my  most restful state. This has happened a few times this month once it took me a day, and another time, t...

As I await the best Not me all these years thinking I will get to a point where in this lifetime I will be trouble free, as in heaven trouble free. 😶‍🌫️  In my 27 years of life I’ve just consciously grasped that temptation and bad news won’t simply come to an end in this life. Temptations, trials, and tribulations are part of our existence. Much like the changing seasons they come and go, making way for the next. Unforeseen circumstances are certain but temporary. It will help me to learn to identify the season I’m in, to accept, prepare myself for it and adjust accordingly. James 1:2-4 reminds us to "count it all joy when we meet trials of various kinds, for we know that the testing of our faith produces steadfastness. And to let steadfastness have its full effect, that we may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." The use of "when" indicates time, that trials and tribulations are seasonal. Additionally, James instructs us to “know” that tests through thes...

Let not your situation deceive you; the Lord hems you in behind and before, and lays His hand upon you. I believe I qualify to tell you this, as I have been tempted to think I am gasping for breath, alone, and that He is far from me. My body burns with physical pain—sore muscles, sore joints, and fatigue—leading to struggles with breathing and lightheadedness. I’m overheating on this side. I don’t mean to belittle your pain or mine with the introductory line. It is natural to cuddle negative thoughts and to feel sorry for oneself. This is very common; I’ve been doing it for the past 14 years, each time my body flares up, making it feel impossible to lift a finger. I am writing to you to present a truth that I believe can carry us on—something for your consideration. Chronic illness, loss, family problems, disappointment, rejection, unemployment—whatever you have been struggling with for a day or longer—can make it difficult to be positive. It often feels natural to indulge in self-pity...