Embracing Conflict

In thinking of you this week, a specific Bible verse came to my mind.

-Isaiah 30:21-

“Whether you turn to the right or the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.”

Often, we cannot see the journey we’re on, while we’re taking it. It’s only afterward, looking back, that we see the train of the path. Every good story is about a character who wants something and overcomes conflict to get it. I know you’ve had a lot of stuff happen recently, and I just want to encourage you.

Embrace conflict.

Everything that happens… every swerve, roadblock, broken bridge, speedbump, and pothole are working together to make your story great. One day all will be revealed. Jesus knows where you’re going. Heck – He’s driving!

You are loved, dear girl. I have been and will continue to keep you in my prayers. I can’t wait to see your story unfold! I know it’s gonna be a blockbuster. :)

Five years ago, a girlfriend of mine (who remains a friend to this day) wrote me the words above in a handwritten letter. We met at a prayer group and one night the leader of our group had us all draw random envelopes with individual prayer requests on them. My friend grabbed my envelope. And I’m happy to report that everything I wrote on that same envelope, has come to pass. During that particular season, I was not at peace or happy with my place in life. I was actually miserable and dealing with a ton of conflict. And although I was utterly miserable, I could see how God was using the conflict in my life to push me to where I am now and where I’m going. I’ve kept that same letter and continue to read it whenever I’m having a rough time. It reminds me that if I got through that rough season, I can get through any rough season. While I’m blessed and can’t complain, the past few weeks has had its challenges. But I’m learning to lean into them. I’m moving through my fears. And I’m embracing the conflicts. Because no matter how challenging, good, or bad, things are, it’s all working to make my story great. All will be revealed. One day at a time.

The Day I Became A Kidney Donor

About a year ago, I had a dream my dad wanted to talk to our family about something serious. I wasn’t sure what he wanted to discuss, but I knew it was something I needed to prepare myself for. Around the time after I had this dream, I remember stopping by my parents place and sensing something was going on that they weren’t telling me. I tried to dismiss what I’d been feeling, but I couldn’t shake it. Something serious was happening. As I returned to my home after visiting them one day, I was in my kitchen washing dishes when a heaviness hit my heart like nothing I’d ever felt before. Something’s wrong with dad. That’s what that dream was about. God, what’s going on? As I continued washing dishes, I started crying and praying. Then in mid-spring, my dad held an unexpected family meeting that would change all our lives forever. He hesitated at first, and as his voice started cracking and he started crying, he said, “Well, I wanted to talk to ya’ll to tell you that I have kidney disea...

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Making Waves