I don't want to rush through my journey to "She Speaks", skimming the highlights, but linger and savor each treasured moment of how God revealed Himself to me in the most incredible ways. Yesterday I gave you a quick overview, but I now want to call you to join me and stroll slowly through a garden of delights. Let's meander, seeing the beauty, hearing His voice, enjoying His smile. The King called His princess, summoned her to come, and she obeyed.
This past Friday morning my alarm awakened me just before 5:00AM. The very fact that I was aroused from slumber gives testimony to God's provision of a good nights rest before my adventure was to begin.
As I hurried to get ready and meet my husbands departure deadline of 5:30AM to head to the airport, my mind was reviewing and claiming every 'fear not' Bible verse I knew. A twinge of excitement definitely resided within as I was about to step out in faith and trust God like I never had before.
Hurrying to gather all my bags and head to the car, my heart filled with the sadness separation and "Goodbyes" bring. Struggling to find the "good" in "goodbye" my heart was torn and tears threatened. Just yesterday I read these words:
"I'm not sure anything has ever been harder for me - the utterance of goodbyes, the playing out of them, their finality, their void, their distance. Yet there are some distances, some chasms, some signing offs that are purely necessary for life to blossom. Certain things - and I won't name them, because you already know them in your soul - choke us, wound us, and bind us in ways that keep us from new hellos. They deserve a farewell. Still we cling because the painful familiar is often more comfortable than the foreign amazing." (Kelly Minter, "No Other Gods")
Venturing out into the unknown brings risk and demands a choice. God was asking me to say goodbye - not just physically to family, friends, familiar - but to fear. Saying goodbye often creates a void, but God fills that space when we leave room for Him. Our goodbye's can turn into unbelievable, unimaginable sweet hellos.
As I walked to the car, my heart felt heavy, feeling the unavoidable pain of departure that was imminent. Just feet from the vehicle I suddenly jumped when I heard the words, "I don't want to scare you."
I turned to look and ran into the arms of my friend Carol. She had come at this very early hour to be God's reminder again that I was not alone. Make-up was lost and surrendered to tears that fell unrestrained and unchecked. Embraced by a friend, I gave permission, momentarily, for the anxieties and uncertainties within to be completely released so that God's peace could then take up residence and fill my heart.
Armed now with hugs, prayers and chocolate, I waved goodbye reminded again of God's amazing love and care for me.
Is there something in your life today that requires a wave goodbye so that you can fully embrace the hellos He has planned and waiting for you?
Please come back and join me again tomorrow for Part Two of "I Found Joy in a BIG God!"
Also, remember to check my other blog, "Pondering in His Presence" for more indepth coverage of this faith-walk journey.
11 comments:
God's been stirring in my soul of writing that there are times we have to say goodbye, letting go.
He just spoke in a BIG way to me, through you. Confirming what He has been stirring.
Awesome....Lord, I will NOT drag my feet.
Love,
Yolanda
This is very touching...and thought provoking to consider anything to which I may need to say goodbye.
I'm so thankful for what God has done with and in you...tranformin you from fear to faith.
Joy-this is how I started my journey-letting go. I did not experience fear but had such an overwhelming sense of peace and calm as I headed to She Speaks (I have this posted on my entry on the 23rd). God is so God and yes He is big enough to carry us through our fears and our peace!
It was such a pleasure to meet you and your sweet, sweet spirit!!
Blessings!
In His Graces~Pamela
What fun...recalling with you.
Still alive in Gatlinburg.
peace~elaine
PS: Waving good-bye this day to all of my yesterdays that breathed with unbelief.
Oh Joy...there is so much I need to say 'farewell!" to...slowly I learn...I do so want to soar...love your sharing...thank you...Sita
Carol is a treasured friend who was there to be the hands, feet, voice and arms of Jesus. What a precious gift!
How neat to read that you were roused from sleep by your alarm. God was working in your life and it is so exciting to read this!
Looking forward to Part II...and to hearing in person every nitty, gritty detail of your amazing weekend!
Joy, your writings are such a blessing. I not only read today's post but scrolled down to "Amazed' and "The Gift of Music" then read some in "Pondering In His Presence" and look forward to the 2nd part of"I found Joy in a Big God"
mary
Hi Joy,
This is my first time to your beautiful blog.
I've been having so much fun reading about each person's experience at She Speaks.
Maybe next year, I'll be brave and attend.
I really enjoyed reading your post and will look forward to following up.
You are such a gifted writer.
So nice to meet you, I'll be back♥
That was great! Is there something in my life not I need to wave good-bye to? I will ask the Lord that question. I am SO glad you had such a great time and how fantastic that your friend, Carol would come to see you off. I just love that. Checking back tomorrow.
-Sheryl
Very encouraging and what a precious gift Carol was to you! Your post is timely as I am stepping on a plane flying to Northern Ireland on Sunday...I am not keen on flying but am clinging to Jesus..I have my little book of do not fear verses in my handbag ready to read if need be!!:) Would appreciate your prayers! Thanks! Can't wait to read part 2 of your journey at She Speaks!
How precious to read these highlights tonight. Oh, and that quote you shared about "Good-bye"...so impacting.
Praying for the strength and courage to bid goodbye to that which is needed, and allowing God to fill their place. Thank you, Joy.
Blessings,
Tracy
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