11/28/2024
A Message from Michelle: It's been a minute since my last post. Life has not been too kind to our family (or others)over the past several months, so I inherently "checked out." In those months, I felt angry, depressed, anxious, manic, ungrateful, and everything in between. I abandoned everything I relied on, which comforted, strengthened, and gave me peace when I needed it the most. I stepped out of the woman who, for the past 4 years, deeply depended on her morning routine of stillness, craved the readings of Jesus Calling, and appreciated the sightings of a red bird.
The events that led to my disappointing behavior seemed to pile on. I have helplessly watched close loved ones suffer from grief & struggle with mental health. I witnessed thousands of homes destroyed (including ours) by not one but two hurricanes within 2 weeks of each other. I have a friend hurting as they navigate a struggling teenager. A friend whose brother is currently in the hospital is in immense pain, and another friend is slowly losing her Mom. Even as I am writing this, a beautiful (daughter-like) young mother is desperately fighting for her unborn babies. Lately, instead of choosing my faith, I have shamelessly been discouraged and lazy. I have not been seeing immediate results, cures, or fixes the way I wanted or needed!
I was in a store earlier this week when a kind stranger calmly walked up to me and said, "Jesus loves you," It was only a short time before I got in line to make a purchase. I turned around and saw that she was standing right behind me again. Then, my heart started pounding, and I felt the tears coming because I knew she had not spoken to anyone else and that her presence behind me was not a coincidence. So, was her appearing to me divine? I can only say that something changed in me that day, and John 16:33 kept coming to mind. I have told you these things so you may have peace in me. In the world, you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world."
I got off course. I tried to take control. I thought I could do life in spiritual half measures until a stranger had the courage to walk up to another stranger &J say three words. I am thankful 🤍
