Finding Hope When You Feel Hopeless

Are you feeling challenged or overwhelmed? I would say join the club! Lol! 

Currently, I am recovering from severe chronic illnesses that I wasn't supposed to be able to recover from.... Well, I am recovering! I thank Jesus for that everyday. Problem? I am not recovering as fast as I want to! 

I do consistently recount how far I have come. I shouldn't even be alive at all at this point. But God has preserved me for a reason. My journey towards healing is as important as achieving healing itself! Since I have battled health issues from the beginning, this has been an important time to relearn so many things that many may take for normal. So there is a reason why this is turning out to be a process to move forward. 

Valuable Lessons?

One thing I am really coming to grips with is realizing that I do have a lot of valuable lessons to share. Yet, all through my life, I was told that nothing I said was worth listening to and if I thought something, it would automatically be a mistake. I mean that is some heavy baggage there. (Any of you experienced something similar.) So even to this day, unless it is a one-on-one meeting someone for a meal, I struggle to carry on any conversation at all at a meal. 

Then it really occurred to me today. Many things that I have been told in my life that are weaknesses are actually strengths. I hold strong empathy for others and feel what they feel. I love to help others when I can. I want to contribute to a community and relationships in that community. Is it any surprise that those who are takers and control freaks would be threatened by those qualities? I want to build people up. Those who are narcissists only want to tear people down. 

Next Steps

So here I am. I am working on re-programming my thinking. God had a specific purpose for creating me and you and everyone else as well. We are not accidents. Those who feel like we are accidents are not in the business of encouraging others to come into their own. We are actually their enemy! 

So if you are struggling to find hope and your place in the world, stop for a moment. 

Do you care about others. Do you want to see the world be a better place? Do you want to build community? Those are your superpowers. Step into them. Realize those who try to discourage you from those are not the ones you should listen to. 

We need more people stepping up into their own who speak to compassion and love. 

An Example to Follow

Jesus shook the world up because He stepped out to give a hand up to the ones that were broken. He saved his jabs for the religious fold who looked down on everyone else. Jesus transformed the world by His compassion, love and sacrifice. Imagine, if you started looking at what you think were weaknesses as strengths? 

This is where reading our Bible comes in handy as well. It is a constant reminder of what God elevates and how we can stay under His covering of blessing in our lives. Best way to get to know the Father is by reading His love letters to us. (And yes, I know men wrote the Bible. But when the Holy Spirit guides, them, it is amazing how the same ideas and themes are consistant throughout.)                           

Ok, working through the hard stuff like forgiveness can be brutal, I won't lie. However, once you get to the other side of it, a weight is lifted off allowing you to move forward in the gifts God has blessed you with. Mark 11:22-25 has changed my life concerning trusting God and the importance of forgiveness. So check that out. 

Breaking Out Against Fear

Right now, one thing I am working on is trying to record some videos. Can I even tell you how scary it is to do since I have always been told what I have to say is worthless? This is way out of my comfort zone. I really have felt the Holy Spirit lead me to do this for awhile, but I keep finding excuses. But here I go! It is time for me to step out and let God pave a new path in my life. 

Trust me, God wants to do the same with you. What is something that has been floating in your mind that you could do to change the world? 

Here is my new video I posted. You can view it either on Instagram or TikTok.  I still have to practice I know, but it would mean a lot if you like the video to cheer me on! 

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZTRQSLq1C/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reel/ClCRpBEOSmw/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

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