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LET’S TALK ABOUT SUFFERING.
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January 2, 2018.
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Snapping a cheesy tourist pic on Brooklyn Bridge in 0 degree weather, hair flying everywhere, freezing our faces off.
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It was cold but that didn’t stop us from walking over that famous bridge. There’s just something about New York that makes you feel like anything is possible. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
I wonder how I would’ve felt if I knew then that Brad would be hit with so many health challenges soon after we got home.
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It’s been nearly a year and a half of endless doctors appointments, medicine changes, and money out the door. We’ve gotten our hopes up to be crushed time and time again as nothing has worked.
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Yesterday, while I was speaking at my old high school, a grade 7-9 teenager asked me this question: “If God is real, why can’t we feel Him when it’s hard?” I’ve got to be honest, this question hit me hard.
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This past semester, I’ve learned so much about the theology of suffering. I chose to do two assignments on the topic to understand it more. And I’ve got to tell you, I’ve been so comforted by what I’ve learned. It’d take me all day to share it with you but I want to say this.
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You’re not alone in your suffering. None of us are. God is with you. God is fully divine. Yet He also became man. God isn’t aloof to your suffering. He went through it himself. Taking on the weight of the world on His shoulders. Bearing everything for us. God could have found another way, after all - He’s God. He didn’t have to do this but He chose to.
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I am comforted knowing God is in control and yet He is so intimately involved in our lives that He chooses to suffer with us.
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But our hope isn’t just in a God who suffers, but a God who is victorious. A God who conquers all sin and evil and suffering. He is the one who has the final say. And while we may suffer temporarily, we are assured of an incomprehensibly beautiful future with Him. ❤️
Me in a motel trying to make it look like a cool airbnb Hehe
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These are some simple photos that John documented of me today & I can’t wait for 60 years down the road when I will look back at these and remember the days when we lived on the go in airbnbs & motels & others homes!
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I want to challenge you to go find a spot that others don’t see as beautiful (aka the unconventional) and create something simple or inspiring or joyful!!!
In case you didn’t hear it today, I love you so much. From the bottom of my heart, I really freaking do. I have no idea what you’re going through, but I know you have a place here. You deserve to be seen and heard on a daily basis. Your voice matters, it really does. Perhaps you’ve been putting on a brave face each morning, and exhausting all your energy walking out that door. Or maybe you’re in a good place, but constantly fear you’ll relapse and go back to old ways. This journey is long and looks different for everyone. Yet here you are, continuing on, despite how hard it’s been. Your mental health does not define you. You are you and that’s enough. Healing comes slowly, but I promise, it always comes. You’re fighting the good fight and I am so stinkin’ proud of you for making it this far. I see you. I hear you. I feel you. And I love you. ♥️
By @craftedby
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I'll praise before my breakthrough
'Til my song becomes my triumph
I will sing because I trust You
I will bring my heart, I will lift my song “Praise Before My Breakthrough” // @bryantorwalt @katietorwalt •
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#craftedby #sheislight #shepaintstruth #shelaughsproject #solovelysofree #gritandvirtue #sheiscalled #shereadstruth #shecollective #lettering #handlettering #christiancreative #handmadefont #designinspiration #christiantypography #goodnewsfeed #modernscript #goodtype #script #thedailytype #calligrafriends #togetherweletter #modernlettering
i have no one sitting next to me on this cliff side edge and it has been my own, continuous, choice. i watched as my body was torn to shreds, watched my open wounds scab over, and i did it on my own, only stopping to pick at the crusted flakes of skin and bone. i will sit here all alone with my arms sternly crossed, head held high, and face blushing, until my flesh feels warmth again. i sit at the edge of an endless, tormenting drop-off and i tip-toe between the boundaries of light and dark each day. until i am ready to venture into the light with another soul, steadfast, by my side, i will sit here at the precipice of my own design and hold my own mended hands, forever looking towards the light. #savannahwrites
ARE YOU SHINING LIGHT TODAY?⠀⠀
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"You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven."⠀⠀
Matthew 5:14-16 (MSG).⠀⠀
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This is the heartbeat of the She is Light community. And it's Jesus' message to all of us.⠀⠀
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Go, shine His light!⠀⠀
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Xo, @elise_hodge⠀⠀