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Happy Saturday, friends (or whatever day you choose to open this email :) )!
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I try to write in alignment with my real-life walk of faith. Sometimes this means I have to share vulnerable things in a way that is comfortable for my introverted self. But I never want to be anything but real as a Christian and a writer. I don't think everything should be shared, especially when it involves other people, but there has to be transparency to build authentic relationships with others.
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I recently posted about a spirit of discontent I found myself in and my big feelings over my daughter traveling across the world on her own. They were connected when I paid attention. In response to that, someone questioned why I would struggle when God was so good. That criticism stung at first, because I want to please God in my life. And here is the real message she was conveying...or theological idea behind that comment: Christians should never wrestle through human emotions, fears, anxiety, grief, celebration (not always easy when others are suffering), opportunities (what direction should we go), etc. In other words, true Christians are always at rest and peace and don't struggle, need to process, or fight to stand in this evil day.
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Do you believe that to be true? We might not verbalize it this way, but we often live it at one of two extremes - we are rotten no-good sinners or perfect saints incapable of sin as new creations. One leads to self-loathing; the other to pride.
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If either is true, I imagine we can get pretty discouraged with ourselves when we fail. And everyone fails at times. But beyond failing, we are in a process of growth and transformation that requires the grace of God on our lives. Jesus said that we would need the Spirit's help; we would need to ask for daily bread; we would need to take off and put on; we would need to seek forgiveness still. There is an on-going need to guard our hearts and minds, capturing anything that fails to glorify Christ.
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It is a natural part of motherhood to feel a deep shift of both relationship and responsibility for our children. There are healthy ways (taking it to God, reading Scripture, community) to process our feelings and changing roles, but make no mistake, God wired us to be fierce warriors for our children and when we love them as we should, it's a process to walk it out. God assured me that He understands my feelings. Can you imagine what it was like to watch His son on the cross, experiencing the full human weight of sin? I don't think I would survive it. Jesus relates to all of our humanity and understands our deepest intents of our hearts - yet He loves us still - He loves us enough to pray over us all our days. How comforting that is to me to know this type of grace.
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We live in two truths, not competing between truths, not holding one truth tighter than another. We are identified as saints and heirs as Christ-followers while still "working out our salvation" in our daily lives. Our position in Christ is secure but our humanity is real. I am able to live with the joy of Christ while processing the hard things of life. I am able to rest in the fact that nothing can pluck me from Christ, not even my own struggles to walk in faith, trust, and live in obedience through every moment of my life.
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This is spiritual growth - moving toward the likeness of Christ - admitting our need and dependence on God, working through our old ways to walk in the new, seeking and drawing near, confessing, receiving forgiveness, and "taking heart" by clinging to the hope of Christ. Claiming perfection is a false trap of the enemy...no way faster to deep doubt and dissatisfaction.
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Let's encourage one another to good works and faithfulness without expecting something that not even Christ does -- perfection. And let's be humbly seeking to allow grace for each of us to learn all that God has to teach us through trials, suffering, testing, and natural consequences of living in a fallen world. Let's love well with our words today. Praise God we aren't what we were and that He gives more grace to become a closer image of what we one day will fully be.
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Rest in that today friends even as you are wrestling through the complexities of life. As always, I will be praying for you.
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New on the Blog:
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Summer Read:
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This month I am doing some light reading just for fun and relaxation. I normally don't like mystery/thrillers, but this is as tame as it gets for that category, I believe. It was fun to try and figure out "who did it". It does have themes of terrorism and murder, so if that bothers you, be aware. I enjoyed adding some fiction to my nonfiction reading list.
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What are you reading this summer? I would love to hear!
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Encouraging Music:
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I normally don't like "country" music, but the first time I heard this song, I cried. Shocking, I know, but it was so powerful! :) What Jesus says to each of us. Beautiful.
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Free Download!
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Click here to download your copy of this printable on Holding Tight to Hope When You are Tempted to Lose Heart!
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Encouraging Podcast:
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While Annie F. Downs is known for light-hearted fun, she also talks about practical ways to live out our faith. She has a whole series on prayer that you can check out on her podcast, but I loved this interview with Beth Redman especially. The interviews with kids in this series is precious!
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Moments of Grace:
- Lindsey making it to France safely! Watching her be brave and adventurous makes me both proud and weepy. :)
- Women reaching out to say something I wrote encouraged them in a hard season.
- Watching my nephew graduate ad deliver a moving speech. I have prayed for that boy so much!
- Bible studies this summer with women who are thirsty to learn. What a precious thing in this world.
- I love each one of you who values this content and keeps reading. You are loved and prayed over.
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My First Published Book!
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Click here to purchase or read more about my prayer guide, Consider: Reflecting on the Words of Scripture. If you are local and want a discounted copy, send me an email!
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Sharing is Caring:
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Click the member archive to check out any free resources you might have missed!
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A final note of encouragement:
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"For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and through the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope."
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If you need prayer, please send me a message, and I will be more than happy to intercede on your behalf.
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