Ups and downs. Terrifying leaps and crashing falls.
But I am SO excited FREEDOM is finally here.
Coming out of seasons that seemed like they would NEVER end and breaking free from chains that I thought would NEVER fall off... it's a beautiful and indescribable feeling that fuels me up with endless gratitude for the Father and His patience with me... His constant work to refine & heal behind the pain of my circumstances.
I've spent a lot of time reflecting on where I was, where I came from, how long I was there, and where I am NOW... And honestly it brings tears to my eyes.
I can't even express how excited I am to say "PEACE OUT" to my past and "LETS DO THIS" to my future.
The temptation to focus on all the regrets of what is already behind me loves to greet me every morning very loudly when I wake up. But Jesus is louder, and His "Good Morning" is spoken with a rainbow sunrise.
I had to share this story of what He did yesterday to remind me even louder:
I got a tattoo sporadically with some of my best friends around 2:30 am on a weekend home from the hospital. I had been wanting one and it just seemed perfect to help encourage me through the rest of treatment and be a physical reminder of how I want to live my life everyday. My talented and wonderful friend, Olivia, helped design the word "Immovable" with a black sharpie on some napkins. I wanted part of my EKG (the chart that monitors your heart rate) designed into it.
It's from a life verse of mine: "So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless." 1 Corinthians 15:58
To remind me every time I look in the mirror that my heart is immovable in the faith it holds and what it beats for... that I'm standing strong no matter what and nothing I do in life goes without purpose.
Well at work yesterday, a sweet customer from Lebanon came up to the counter and excitedly said she loved my Arabic tattoo. I laughed and said it's actually an English word. She stopped and said it definitely had an Arabic word engraved into it. I proceeded to freak out with joy and astonishment at this complete and miraculous accident. I asked her WHAT WORD IS IT???
She said: it says, "New"
NEW. As if God couldn't make it any more clear, I am forgiven and I am loved.
My friend Olivia and I had zero clue that is what the Sharpie was creating with our artistic attempts-- but God did.
I'm here to tell you today that God is never afraid of your mess and your past. He only sees YOU and where you CAN go, not where you've been. Let Him rewrite your story and make you n e w. Who knows what word He'll engrave upon your heart or speak to you.
Let His voice be the only One you listen to in the morning amidst all the others. Live out your day with the freedom He's painted throughout the earth and the song He's singing all around you.
"There are far, far better things ahead than what we leave behind". -C.S. Lewis
-Han
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