Category: Life

Letting Go

I haven’t posted in quite some time. During this lapse, I celebrated several birthdays including my own, said goodbye (for now) to a beautiful person and dear friend, lost a much-loved pet, helped to plan a Bridal Shower and Bachelorette Party for my best friend, shared the holidays with my family, began attending a behavioral health program, played in a hand-bell performance at my church, and watched with joy as my best friend said “I do,” to name a few.

There have definitely been some ups and downs.

But I feel like that is what God is trying to teach me. No matter what happens in my life – whether it be good or bad – He is there, and He is loving, and He is sovereign. And He is using my circumstances to mold and shape me so that I can fulfill His plans for my life.

Today as I was driving home from a difficult psychiatrist appointment, the Lord spoke to me through several songs: “Just Be Held,” by Casting Crowns, “Come As You Are,” by Crowder, and “Help Me Find It,” by Sidewalk Prophets. I felt like God was saying to me:

“Crystal, you’ve got to let go. Stop trying to control everything. Stop trying to be perfect. Stop trying to please everyone. Come to me just the way you are – weaknesses, sins, brokenness and all. Look to Me. Rely on Me. Trust Me. I am your Father, and I love you. Life will not be easy, but I will guide you as you move forward in faith.”

And that’s what I want to do.

I will most likely stumble and fall…but I trust that I will keep getting back up by God’s grace. And keep moving forward.

I want to let go – moment by moment…and fall into the arms of the God who will never let go of me.

 

 

The featured picture is a shot that I took with my phone when I arrived home from my Dr.’s appointment today. In the photo it looks like the sun, but it’s actually a tiny slice of a rainbow (there were numerous colors). This was another reminder that God sees me, sees where I am and what I’m struggling with. And that with Him, there is hope.

Learning to Wait

Wait with patience, my Savior bids me –

He will not long delay.

The answer to my heartfelt cries

Will comes in His time and way.

   

Wait with peace, the Lord reminds me –

He yearns for me to be

Resting in His loving presence,

Without fear or anxiety.

   

Wait with hope, God seeks to teach me –

I can trust His heart of love.

He always does what’s best for me,

By sending blessings from above.

   

Wait with faith, for He is faithful –

Thus far hath He carried me.

And He will keep His promises

Throughout time and eternity.

 

 

Photo Credit: Yaoqi Lai

Reaching Out in Love

Earlier today, I was a little unkind in how I treated someone. At the time, it didn’t seem like a big deal. But as I was driving home, a song came on the radio that gave me goosebumps. I had heard the song before, but this time it really convicted me and made me think about my actions.

The song is called “Save My Life,” by the Sidewalk Prophets. It talks about reaching out to other people. About looking into their eyes, and actually taking the time to see the hurt and pain that might be there.

So often I breeze through my day, not stopping to consider those around me and what they could be going through. Maybe that person who seems “annoying” at the time really needs a friend. Maybe a favor done for someone, even when it’s inconvenient for me, could encourage that person to make it through the day. Maybe a word of truth spoken in love could actually mean the difference between life and death for someone.

I know that there have been people in my life who have done this for me. My family never ceases to amaze me with how they support me on every side with words of encouragement. I have friends who are understanding of the things that I struggle with and who don’t poke fun or dish out judgment – they just love me. And most of all I have my Savior, Jesus Christ, who gave His life so that He could have a relationship with me. So that He could really know me. And so that He could love me in spite of all of my shortcomings.

Is there someone you need to reach out to today? Even people who seem like they “have it all together” need support and encouragement. Because the truth is, none of us really “has it all together.” We need each other. And we need to be willing to come alongside others with the help and hope that God has given to us. ❤

Photo Credit: Julia Caesar