If you've read my book or followed me long at all, you know that I usually leave my faith-based beliefs outside of my "Finding the Gift" writing and stick to inspirational messages only. This is very intentional.
Because of bad religion and misguided messengers, I was a God-hater for twenty years. Although I'm in a peaceful place now and I choose to believe in God, I'm extra-sensitive in my writing for others who have been spiritually wounded, in the name of God. So unless I'm specifically speaking or writing in a faith-based environment, I prefer to be more inclusive. We all need hope and encouragement.
Occasionally, however, I can't write about something and do it justice without bringing my current beliefs about God into it. As I’ve said in my book and because of my personal experiences, I encourage everyone to be open to the possibility that there is a God and that he is FOR you. Keep reading if you're willing...
Have you lived long enough to see a few miracles? I sure have. There are so many miracles around me right now that I am overwhelmed with awe and appreciation. It's everything from relationship restoration to spring flowers unfolding.
One day I aspire to write a memoir and share more in detail about the miracles I’ve been blessed to witness. I will point to a life of brokenness that has found redemption, as well as a life full of devastation that has been transformed into restoration, every single time.
I went on a walk this morning and that question concerning miracles came to me after realizing another miracle has taken place in my life, following decades of praying. (Never ever give up!)
While I do hold out hope and pray for things that would take a miracle, my life is not absent of worrying and "what-iff-ing." However, my worrying is not what brought any of these recent miracles to fruition. Worrying only takes me out of my present moments and brings additional pain and anxiety.
Miracles occur with time, trust, and hopeful expectation. And for me personally, I attribute miracles to my faith that the God I believe in loves to answer prayers that serve my (our) greatest good. As a parent, we do the same thing for our kids, right?
I saw something a couple of weeks ago that said, "I don’t need proof there’s a God. I am proof there’s a God." That touched me deeply and made me think about my life.
When I speak, I often say that I could be dead in so many ways. And yet I’m still here. And I’m not just here, I am HERE. In FULLNESS. Sometimes that’s in fullness of joy and sometimes it’s fullness of despair. But either way I am here. I am doing life, I am ALL IN.
I will have that cheesy happy ending, but it isn’t about the ending, it's about right now. It’s about soaking up every possible shred of beauty, right now.
Even in the midst of crying my heart out and wailing with grief and brokenness at times, I can see the beauty of being able to release deep emotion like that and be present with myself (and my God) in such pain. To honor and express my pain is a gift that moves me through it.
Pain is real, but it’s not permanent.
Not long ago, a new friend remarked consolingly that I have been through so much. Yes, I told her, I have been through so much! (I came through it!) Or maybe she said, "You have survived so much." Exactly! I have survived so much. (Past tense.) In fact, I have survived it all and am stronger for it! I am a miracle … and I'm sure, so are you.
There’s a reading in “Finding the Gift” on March 15 entitled, "Someone's Got My Back." I was writing on the beach at dawn. I saw a resort worker scooping up all of the seaweed on the shoreline so that by 8 AM, when most people start venturing out, there would be no trace of it. There would only be a beautiful, flawless beach prepared for people to enjoy that day.
That is one of the best ways that I can visualize God working out miracles in my life. Even when I can’t see it, even when I can’t feel it, miracles are happening to make the world and my life better.
So I'll ask you again, have you been alive long enough to see a few miracles? I believe we all have. And if you haven’t seen them, it doesn’t mean they haven’t been there. None of us know how much worse things might have been in any given circumstance if it weren’t for the miracles that happened for us.
Today open your eyes a little wider and look for the miracles, also known as the gifts.
Maybe life is extra challenging for you right now. If I could stand in front of you and look you in the eyes, I would grip your shoulders and assure you that miracles are happening for you right now, even if you’re not seeing or feeling them... yet. YET! Trust. Have faith. Be expectant! The more you look, the more you will find.
I love each and every one of you, with a full heart. I am standing here affirming miracles, in you and around you, today and every day.
PS
Music is often my salvation. I can always find music to match any emotional need I may have. Whether it's celebratory, contemplative, creative, playful, or perhaps even something to cry my eyes out to, I can always find the perfect music to accompany my moments.
If you're into music, open to faith-based inspiration, and want a good beat to move to, check out this song by Colton Dixon called
Miracles. And if you don’t know the music of Lauren Daigle and you need some hope, check out all of her songs, but especially
Still Rolling Stones, You Say, Look Up Child and her newest,
Hold onto Me.
I have several playlists on Spotify, from faith-based to 80's, instrumental, and a lot in between. Email me and I can share how to access my favorite ways to stay inspired musically.
