Have you ever felt a bit defeated – then read the perfect quote, verse or saying? The feeling of strength, motivation and inspiration breathes fresh life into your entire being. When we feel discouraged, whether it is brought on by ourselves or by others, it can drag us down completely and to the point we do not know how to dig out of it. With every attempt, it feels we make the hole even deeper. This is why I am inspired by those who share their battle stories and why I share mine. Recently I came across a verse I felt was written just for me. It gave me confidence and the inspiration needed to finish this past week strong and with joy! I usually put verses at the end of my posts, but I hope you will take a moment to read the one below. If it inspires you, then it is yours too!
“Don’t worry – I am with you.
Don’t be afraid – I am your God.
I will make you strong and help you.
I will support you with my right hand that brings victory.” Isaiah 41:10 (ERV)
I have been asked why I choose to share my life this way (openly in blogging). And I guess it is because I believe if I am real with my successes and failures, then it will open the door to others to be real with theirs. In my opinion, there is nothing more hollow than sharing your time and life with those who put up the facade that everything is great when it is not. I came across the following quote by Jessie Cruickshank that sums my thoughts up completely and is beautifully written:
“This is why I celebrate my failures. Celebrating a victory without acknowledging and celebrating the battle is disingenuous. It creates a shallow memorial. There is no overcoming without trial. To celebrate my failures is to celebrate what God has done and how far He has brought me. To hide my failures is to reject these important parts of my story. But to me, God is bigger and more worthy of praise. So I choose to praise Him with my whole life, failures and all.”
Resources/Inspiration:
Books/Bible Study:
Love Does by Bob Goff. Join us in our new Bible Study Group: “Love Does – Fall Bible Study with Nancy & Cari”
Article:
“Why I Celebrate my Failures” by Jessie Cruickshank
Songs:
Giants Fall by Francesca Battistelli
Rise Up by Andra Day (this one is for my girls – I love you!)
Verses:
Isaiah 41:10 (ERV): Above
Psalm 46:1 (ERV): “God is our protection and source of strength. He is always ready to help us in times of trouble.”
