candle-gratitude

Good morning…

I recently ran across an old Youtube video of me teaching a living room full of ladies about transformation, metamorphosis, and being strengthened by God from the inside out. (Below you can see for yourself my taped introduction of our book, Scared To Soar? ) I chuckle at myself on video, seeing my banged hair with less grey, noticing my uncomfortable smile sharing an imperfect monologue, and cherishing the faces symbolic of all the women who have joined me along my own transitional journey – – – from the instability of a lonely, depressed newcomer, crawling away from my old comfort zone, knowing next-to-no-one here in 2003 – – – to a wiser, well-connected woman transformed by God into a soulful friend to many.

Transformation. Metamorphosis. Being strengthened by God from the inside out. These expanding experiences, which mark a life well-lived, are just as important to us today as they were ten years ago when Scared To Soar? was written. Back then, we were recovering from The Great Recession of 2007-2009, a period of marked decline in national economies globally. Now in 2020, our old home of calm, ease, and comfort has been left behind again, due to COVID-19, economic instability, political polarization, and our ongoing push toward racial reconciliation. Out of our old comfort zone and not yet flying into our future, we are being invited to cocoon with God in brand new ways, “wrapped so tight, so warm, so close, our whole being safe, held fast.” Through it all, God’s enduring message is this: “Give yourself quality time with Me, allowing My Spirit to transform your innermost being.”

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god's-slow-work

As we, individually and collectively, are passing through a time of great instability, we are invited to trust more deeply in God’s slow, patient work. Now chuckle yourself as you touch on the link below, listening to my younger self teaching a room full of curious women, grounding us in the wisdom found in the third chapter of Proverbs.

Do not let mercy and kindness and truth leave you [instead let these qualities define you];
Bind them [securely] around your neck,
Write them on the tablet of your heart.

So find favor and high esteem
In the sight of God and man.

Trust in and rely confidently on the Lord with all your heart
And do not rely on your own insight or understanding.

In all your ways know and acknowledge and recognize Him,
And He will make your paths straight and smooth [removing obstacles that block your way] (Proverbs 3:3-6, AMP).

…Sue…