Voice of Hope
In January we made a Blog plan for the year, open to change of course, but we laid out some topics for each month and then some weekly topics within those months. That plan was sent to women we felt might want to contribute early in January. Covid wasn’t on our radar yet, not really. In January we discussed identity for four weeks, in February Love, in March we did stories of rescue as we geared up for Easter, and then our world changed. Covid lockdowns, shutdowns, unemployment continued much longer than anyone expected, protests and riots came into the news, throughout the months of April, May, June, July, we felt called to pause our plans and just try to shed a moment of light in a hurting world each week. That continues to be our goal. To be a voice of hope, joy, inspiration, that for a moment, the few moments it takes to read a short post, reminds us that God is still bigger than this, that He still has dreams and plans for each of us. To remind us to draw close to him when everything else is pressing in.
The original topic for July was “Stories from the Beach” this was meant to be a general time of rest and relaxation and the topics would be wide open to anyone who contributed during this time. I personally planned to write stories from a literal beach, I had hopes and dreams of summer vacations and time resting and recharging. As our world changed, none of that took form, and yet…
Way Maker
Our God who makes a way when there is no way, knows the desire of my heart. He knows what beaches and water do to refresh my soul. He knows what each cancelled trip this year has cost me emotionally, and suddenly he opened a door, and very last minute 5 of the 6 of us got to go spend a week on the beach. Ridiculously cheap airfare, a condo deal that had already been paid for, and a small rental car and we got to spend 6 days going form our room to the beach to the pool. We bought groceries to keep the eating out down, wore our facemasks everywhere outside of our relatively empty hotel and played games and swam. We did get to do a couple other things I’ll write about in another post, but as the days slowed and peace surrounded us, I remembered our plan for “Stories from the Beach.” This month we will return to that plan, not ignoring or running away from the challenges of our everyday life, but to shine light and hope and joy and encouragement in what feel like a lot of dark places right now.
Our prayer for you
In the midst of chaos God is still working. He is still romancing us, He is still calling us. He has gifts to give and dreams to fulfill. He has plans for our days that are not on hold. Whatever the “beach” is in your life, that place that you find beauty and peace and joy, may God show you where He is working, where He is waiting where He is gifting you. I pray today you are able to see a glimpse of how much he adores and loves you and the beautiful things he has for you.
“Way maker, miracle worker, promise keeper Light in the darkness My God, that is who You are
You are Way maker, miracle worker, promise keeper Light in the darkness My God, that is who You are.”