Growing and Growing
Hello Lovelies,
It's been a minute, but I'm here. I've been working and growing through a lot in this season. From walking away from old relationships completely to navigating tough conversations with friends, no longer going to places that do not serve me, and honoring my body through God in many ways—your girl has been working on herself from the inside out this year, and I am truly proud of my growth.
In the midst of all of that, I've been traveling for work and developing a new business venture. In this season, I reached a point where enough is truly enough. It's beyond time to give everything over to God and be still. Psalm 46:10 says, "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."
I've been focused on hearing God's voice, learning His will for my life, and embracing what it truly means and feels like to be loved by Christ. One thing I'm learning in this season is that not everyone is against me. What I mean by that is I struggle with people not responding, acting, or thinking how I would in various situations towards me or around me. I don't literally think they are against me, but I allow situations that are so little to take up so much headspace. It's like, why, Jadesha?
Basically, I need to work on my cognitive distortions and Catch, Check, and Change my thoughts. Thank you to my dear friend with a background in therapy for that nugget of advice. Speaking of that, I am also learning in this season the power of sharing. There is so much power in sharing your story, what you're going through, and just talking truthfully and honestly with those around you who can pour into you.
Now, I do have to be mindful of who I share things with, as I don't want my vulnerability to fall on deaf ears. But I've been learning so much more about my friends in this season and cultivating new relationships through my walk with Christ. I can truly say I love it here.
Another thing I am growing through in this season is going to God as a first result and not after. I often find myself trying to take control of things and handle them my way first before placing my burdens in His hands. Matthew 11:28-30 reminds us, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light."
I'm also gaining a spirit of discernment, which has been so vital in my life. Being able to recognize what the enemy is using to attack me and regaining my power in those areas has been transformative. He may take something, but he can't take my worship. Lord knows he's been trying to use my relationships with friends, "loneliness" in my single season, and so much more to get me.
Another thing I am learning in this season is God’s love for His children and how good He truly is. It’s like all my life, I heard things like “God is so good,” “Thank God He saved me,” and “He is a healer,” but it’s like, what are we being saved from? What happens when His healing doesn’t come in the way I think it should? Romans 8:28 reminds us, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose."
I'm truly gaining an understanding of His goodness and His faithfulness through reading His word. Recently, I finished the book of Matthew, and all I can say is, God, I thank You.
In this journey, I've realized the importance of letting go and trusting God's plan. Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages us, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight."
So, here I am, Lovelies, working on myself, embracing God's love, and sharing my journey with you which I cannot wait to share more. I hope my story encourages you to trust in God, share your truth, and grow in your relationship with Him.
With love,
Jadesha M. Hair