There are many words that find our way into our hearts and minds, but are you selective of the ones you hold on to?
Why do we hold on to the hurtful words? The rejection. The pain. Even the lies. Why do we replay these words over and over in our own heads and dwell on them so much?
I did that for a long time, but twelve years ago that all changed when I discovered a source of truthful words that I can hold on to instead. Words that are worth hearing every day.
Here is the quick version of the story: Twelve years ago, I hit the lowest point of my life when my world turned upside down and I didn’t know which way was up. It was time to face my painful past… my life’s “storms” as I call them. I could no longer stuff the pain that continued to haunt me, even in my sleep. My dreams were constant reminders I needed healing. It was like a volcano festering underground that finally had no choice but to erupt and there was no way to control the aftermath. Wave after wave of painful memories came spewing out. I didn’t handle it well. I sobbed uncontrollably and drank a lot for 3 weeks straight.
I felt all alone. It was me and the Jack Daniels in my glass trying to figure everything out and he was useless at offering any helpful advice. Numbing the pain wasn’t solving anything, it was just delaying the inevitable. It was time to face my past head on, so I went to God.
I was sitting on my bed, crying. I couldn’t process why so many awful things took place in my life. So much seemed cruel. How could a loving God allow all of that? It didn’t seem like any of my friends had that much to deal with. No one could relate to me. Then another wave of emotions erupted, and I screamed to God, “Why did all these things happen?!?!”
I expected my cry to fall on deaf ears, but He heard me… and He answered me at that exact moment.
“Wait. Have faith.” were the words I heard. Suddenly God’s presence filled the room. I felt His love, grace, forgiveness, and peace in such a powerful way that I cannot explain it into words. It was the most intense antidote to my painful memories. Suddenly I realized His plan for allowing the pain… to help others who feel that pain, too. I felt no more self-pity. Instead, I felt purpose, hope, and joy for the future. I felt I could breathe for the first time in decades as he carried off a massive weight from me… a weight I wasn’t ever meant to hold on to.
Since that moment, there has been no question in my mind on if God exists. He does! I will never waiver in that thought again. It forever changed me in a matter of minutes.
He continues to speak to me and gives me words I can hold on to. He gives words I can replay in my mind over and over without negative effect. Words that destroy the lies of my past put there by the enemy. Words that prove God is good.
His words have counseled me and brought me healing. They have guided me and given me wisdom far beyond any “wisdom” I think I have. They have even made me aware of situations that needed addressing in myself and in people I care about.
These are words with purpose. Words given to bring positive change. They are words to share with you to encourage you to keep going, and to invite you to listen to the Holy Spirit in your own situations. He wants to speak to you! In fact, He already is, but are you listening?
I can tell you His words are life to me. When you experience how involved He can be in your daily life, you will understand what that means. He will transform you in more ways than you can count!
That is what Peace During the Storm is about. A way to share His words, my stories, and the photography He gives me to encourage you during the storms of life. To encourage you to listen for yourself. It is all meant to help you see another perspective, His perspective.
As a side note: It is the same when I do storm photography. If I try to take a picture inside a storm, the lens will be wet, everything is gray, and often it is even too dangerous to be outside. But if I get away from the storm and look back into it, I see something else. Something beautiful from another perspective.
So, take a step back from your life’s storm. What is He saying to you through it? Ask Him for His perspective and He will help you find peace during the storm.
Stick around… a lot of content to come.
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