I had another Blog Post that I was going to share but I feel compelled to share with you where I am right now. The first 9 months this year has been tough full of twists and turns and lots of storms along the way. My blog has given me space to share candidly my struggles and my triumphs. As I mentioned in Why I am loving Audiobooks and Podcast I have been listening to Chrystal Evans Hurst Podcast and have finally gotten around to reading and listening to her book “She’s Still There” http://chrystalevanshurst.com/shesstillthere/
Y’all this book is blessing MY SOUL! I am also doing the companion Bible study which I would love to do with a group of women in person or virtually.
Chrystal shares her struggles of trying to find that girl/young woman that was full of expectancy, dreams, and hope for what her life would look like. Her message resonates with me. She shares her life with such transparency, a teen pregnancy, life as a single mom, financial struggles, LIFE! So much of her story, I can identify with. What do you do with those disappointments and those expectations that were not met?
The expectations in marriage when you realize “you complete me” isn’t real, when that job is sucking the life from you, when your kids are driving you insane, church hurts, family hurts. I know we are all facing something maybe something not mentioned here but a storm none the less.
You ever feel like you are lost in all the noise of life and you find yourself slowly drifting, veering off because you can’t seem to keep it together. I fought hard doing the work to deal with the grime and shame of sexual abuse; God has allowed me to come through the other side. Good can come from hurt and disappointments when we allow God to heal those wounds and we are committed to doing the work He turns those ashes into beauty. Now If I am honest this tough season I am in right now doesn’t feel beautiful just yet but I am committed to staying the course.
As I was listening to Chrystal’s podcast today she was talking with her sister Priscilla Shier http://chrystalevanshurst.com/186-authority-with-priscilla-shirer/ about Living Life With Authority. Even in the tough times and through the fear. To have a mindset of not looking at the trials we face as something to quickly get over and praying that God would just remove whatever that thing is we are facing but rather seek God with expectancy to not only equip you through the rough spots but to gain an insight into His perspective. As hard as my journey has been as it relates to my past the process was worth what I gained in trusting and solely depending on God as He brought me THROUGH IT and me FIGHTING to rescue the girl within. I have learned that I must do my part when those difficult times come and for me that means staying in God’s Word, praying throughout the day, PRAISING, listening to encouraging podcast, journaling, reading and staying connected to friends. If you are in a stormy season of life and that girl within has faded into the background this book will encourage you! I have been listening to the podcast/and or the book and have had to restrain myself from doing a PRAISE DANCE while at work in a very quiet office (they wouldn’t get it lol). Chrystal says a few simple phrases throughout the book that have been so encouraging: YOU are loved. YOU are Valuable. YOU are accepted. YOU are okay. I am feeling encouraged just by sharing and my prayer is you will be encouraged as well.
What season are you in today?
I purchased this book at Kim’s conference but haven’t cracked it open. ♀️ I’d be interested in a group study.
Hi Kiva,
Oh, I so wanted to go to the Cling Conference but had other obligations that weekend; the book is so worth the read. If we get enough interest which it looks like we will; definitely will do a group study. I think it will bless so many people.
How encouraging! I’m in a season of not knowing but trusting God to help me not to worry about the not knowing and expect whatever that next season is God will help me through it. In the last year of my season of working, about to retire in 360 days but who’s counting. Lol! It’s an exciting time but a scary time as well. I keep telling myself I’m going to be just fine and i’m starting to believe i am, God got me this far and he’ll continue to carry me along. I will definitely put this book on my list to read. Thanks for your encouraging words! Be blessed!!
That season of not knowing is the hardest, isn’t it? But as you said he will see us through it all! Wow, less than one year until you retire what a blessing. The book is a must read for sure.
Excellent Karen. Thank you for the recommendation!
Hey Khylah! You’re Welcome!
Thank you for sharing about this book & study! I haven’t heard of it, and it surely sounds like something I could use. I’m in a season of, “This isn’t what my life was supposed to look like, Lord.”
Whew Mander! I feel you I am in that season for sure but I want to do something different and not have the why me Lord attitude that I often have lol. But really leaning into how He is stretching me and waiting with expectancy to see how He will use this season in my life. I don’t want to waste it thinking about my circumstance but rather keeping my eye on Him through it all. This book will bless your life I PROMISE.
Thanks again for your transparency Karen! When going through the difficult seasons of life, I can feel alone and like it’s only me who’s experiencing the tough times. Thanks for letting us know we’re not alone and our victory is found in God if we will just trust Him through the process. Let me know if you start a group study.
I feel a book authored by Karen Merritt in the making.
Hi Kelly,
Yes, that loneliness is real when you are in a difficult season I know exactly what you mean! The transparency is only God it’s like I can’t keep it quiet when I feel He wants me to share even the raw ugly side of what I may be going through. It so encourages me to share and I pray and it encourages other women that we aren’t alone and life isn’t always rosy even for those the Love Jesus. You guys encourage me by sharing your stories as well. Aww thanks for your encouragement Kelly only God knows.
Girrrrrrrllllllllllllll!!! OK- so now that I said that…..!!!! I’m definitely interested in a group as well! I have the book, but NEED to pick it back up and continue reading, Thank you, thank you, thank you for allowing God to use you and for being open and transparent!
Hey there! I will certainly keep you posted on the group I would love to do it with our little community. Thanks for the feed back ❤️