You know that feeling friends, when it appears that something is for certain not going to work out? Whether it be your marriage, your latest project, your personal goals of eating healthier or spending your days less stressed?
I just want to encourage you by saying that is the very moment when you must press on. Whatever it is that you are going through, just keep going. (As I typed that, Dory singing “Just keep swimming. Just keep swimming. Just keep swimming, swimming, swimming...” played through my head.)
I came across this quote today, which speaks beautifully to how I’m feeling and what hope I’d like to convey to you:
“When you get into a tight place and everything goes against you, till it seems as though you could not hang on a minute longer, never give up then, for that is just the place and time that the tide will turn." — Harriet Beecher Stowe
Their have been times when I said to my husband, “Babe, I just don’t feel like going to church, today. I (for whatever reason it was) just don’t think I can do it.” This was his reply: "well then you definitely must go!"
Not because I needed to ‘be fixed’ or 'feel better' or to do it out of some sort of ‘religious obligation’, but because it’s in those moments when you press on, against everything inside of you, that you are being prepared for a blessing and/or being a blessing in someone else’s life.
My husband was right (you ladies know your man likes to hear that!). In those instances that I've pressed on and went to be with my church family, growth occurred. Or I was there for someone to talk to that really needed a listening ear. Friends, I’ve lived it and know this to be true.
As cliche as it sounds, I can honestly and genuinely say that every obstacle, large or small, that I have made it through in my life has made me stronger. And I am now thankful for those challenges.
I look forward to one day sharing my story/stories with you -- of hope through physical, emotional, mental, spiritual and relational challenges and pain, because for me, each of them has been destined for helping others.
Your story matters, friends. All of our stories matter. If you are going through something hard, know that it is not for waste; purpose can come from the pain.
So press on today, fellow Hope Artists, their is hope out there waiting for you - both to be experienced and shared. Your story matters and someone needs to hear it.
We can do this.
-- Stephanie
Photo credit: decimated dandelion by Peter Castleton via Compfight
I just want to encourage you by saying that is the very moment when you must press on. Whatever it is that you are going through, just keep going. (As I typed that, Dory singing “Just keep swimming. Just keep swimming. Just keep swimming, swimming, swimming...” played through my head.)
I came across this quote today, which speaks beautifully to how I’m feeling and what hope I’d like to convey to you:
“When you get into a tight place and everything goes against you, till it seems as though you could not hang on a minute longer, never give up then, for that is just the place and time that the tide will turn." — Harriet Beecher Stowe
Their have been times when I said to my husband, “Babe, I just don’t feel like going to church, today. I (for whatever reason it was) just don’t think I can do it.” This was his reply: "well then you definitely must go!"
Not because I needed to ‘be fixed’ or 'feel better' or to do it out of some sort of ‘religious obligation’, but because it’s in those moments when you press on, against everything inside of you, that you are being prepared for a blessing and/or being a blessing in someone else’s life.
My husband was right (you ladies know your man likes to hear that!). In those instances that I've pressed on and went to be with my church family, growth occurred. Or I was there for someone to talk to that really needed a listening ear. Friends, I’ve lived it and know this to be true.
As cliche as it sounds, I can honestly and genuinely say that every obstacle, large or small, that I have made it through in my life has made me stronger. And I am now thankful for those challenges.
I look forward to one day sharing my story/stories with you -- of hope through physical, emotional, mental, spiritual and relational challenges and pain, because for me, each of them has been destined for helping others.
Your story matters, friends. All of our stories matter. If you are going through something hard, know that it is not for waste; purpose can come from the pain.
So press on today, fellow Hope Artists, their is hope out there waiting for you - both to be experienced and shared. Your story matters and someone needs to hear it.
We can do this.
-- Stephanie
Photo credit: decimated dandelion by Peter Castleton via Compfight