Safe & Sound

I haven’t sat down to write in a long time and I believe it’s for multiple reasons. I have been busy adjusting to life with an exciting lovable little toddler 😄. I have been accomplishing goals and setting more goals for the rest of the year and I hope to accomplish them all in 2023. Also, preparing for our next little addition which is a big task in and of itself. So pray for us when you think of us <3

If I'm honest, I have also been afraid to sit down and pour out my heart as I know I need to in this way but I mostly do in my own journaling time with the Lord. So this is different and challenging most times. It can feel forced because I don't always "feel it" but when I write it's genuine so I must continue.

Why is it so hard for me to be fully vulnerable on paper or even in person? I have asked myself this a lot… and I believe for me this is new territory. I have struggled in the past because many people who I have shared with have left or have taken advantage of me. So, in all relationships and new things comes some fear and anxiety. At least for me they do. Normally, it's hard to not withhold, if you know what I mean. In other words where I thought I was a safe, I wasn’t and naturally I just retreated. I withdrew. I left. ✌🏻

Authenticity is essential! (That's a t-shirt)

Fast forward to now, I have learned what safe spaces look like. I have seen how to identify the people that are trustworthy. People that can be spiritual giants and also practical humans all at the same time. Beautiful people who truly apply The Word of God and that are people of integrity. I am thankful for these people in my life. Can you say you have found that in someone? It’s a special thing to find and even more important to treasure and cultivate. So, make sure you find these precious leaders and hold onto them. I call them leaders because they are wise in their approach. Most times they know when to listen and when to speak. When to pray and when to rebuke. I trust them with my secrets and I can bare my soul before them.

So tell me, Do you struggle to be vulnerable to? Where did that break down happen for you? Where did it start?

I challenge you to sit with The Lord and discover the truth. Sit down to reflect and Ask Yourself these questions...

• Where did fear settle in?

• Did someone hurt you?

• How has it held you back?

For me, I had to really evaluate where my feelings were coming from in order to address them. The Bible tells me in Philippians 4:1 "to think on what is true" and most of my thoughts were lies. I had to take a moment to confront my thoughts. The truth was only revealed when The Word of God collided with my thoughts! I recognized how false my perspective was and immediately corrected it. Immediately their was a complete shift in my thinking.

I also recognize that my own past hurts prevented me from finding genuine relationship with others. So I had to acknowledge those fears so that the Lord could help me and I had to exercise faith in this area. Faith that God can meet me right where I was and and guide me to where he wanted me to be.

Relationships help us grow, and form our faith. The body of Christ is full of different parts, so that it works collectively together as one. It's a pure example of how we are to work with one another so if you struggle to trust people, it will affect your relationship with God. It hinders your progress because it limits you. You will only share so much. You will only do so much. However, when we are fully confident in our relationships and in our faith in Christ we can move forward regardless of what may come.

Many choose to avoid relationships because they're afraid of conflict, betrayal, and offense. In life, we can't avoid these things. Are they painful? Yes. Is it gut wrenching? Yes. On the other hand, how beautiful it is to dwell in unity together when things work the way they were designed to so, is it worth the risk? Yes! Will God meet me right there too? YES!

See, if I trust that, God will meet me at the high points why would He not meet me at the low points too...

At the end of the day, it depends on how much I trust God with my life. In the good and the bad do I trust that he will help me? Do I trust that His Word will guide me in my feelings and in my mindset?

The Heaviest burdens that we carry are the thoughts in our head - Unknown

In the presence of The Lord is where I am found safe and sound 🤍

So how do you maintain this lifestyle of being sound minded, Well, I have heard it said like this, if we operate from peace and hope we don't have to find it during a crisis.

So STAY IN HIS WORD. His Word cleanes us! It washes us! It renews our perspective and refreshes our soul if we follow His instruction. It will take constant surrender and humility to do the opposite of what we feel but, you will reap the reward the following Christ.

You will begin to look more like Him. People will harm you and you will turn around and bless them in Jesus name because you trust in Him and Your confidence is in Christ not man.

See, we as people fail all the time and so leave room for that in your relationships. Give grace and mercy where it's needed. Be an example to them of the Love of God and of Truth. Let go of any offense that tries to grip your heart. Guard your mind and heart and resist the temptation to withhold. (I constantly have to remind myself of this)

So let this be a reminder that you are Safe and Sound in Christ. Trust that He will walk you through all of life's journey. He won't abandon you! And remember HIS WORD IS A LAMP UNTO YOUR FEET AND A LIGHT UNTO YOUR PATH! Trust Him and take Him at His word!

HIS WORD IS ALIVE!

TRUST HIM

GO BEFORE HIM

ASK FOR HELP

HE WILL MEET YOU ⚓️🕊️💯

Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is living and active and full of power [making it operative, energizing, and effective]. It is sharper than any two-edged sword, penetrating as far as the division of the soul and spirit [the completeness of a person], and of both joints and marrow [the deepest parts of our nature], exposing and judging the very thoughts and intentions of the heart.

Ephesians 5:25 For husbands, this means love your wives, just as Christ loved the church. He gave up his life for her 26to make her holy and clean, washed by the cleansing of God’s word.b 27He did this to present her to himself as a glorious church without a spot or wrinkle or any other blemish. Instead, she will be holy and without fault.

2 Timothy 1:7

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.

-ShanyseNicole