Photo Credit: tricky (Rick Harrison)/Creative Commons
Fall. That glorious season of candy corn color. Not quite here, but almost.
Some folks dread summer’s fading palette, but I’ve always loved the more vibrant shades of saffron, cinnamon, and orange. Where others see death of what was, I see hope of what’s yet to come.
In last year’s post, My 20 Favorite Things about Fall, I talked about God’s handiwork and how His visual treat inspires me.
Besides the changing color, the chili, the conferences, the scent of wood smoke upon the cool breeze, fall is a bittersweet reminder of what I haven’t accomplished yet, but because of hope knowing I one day will.
Sure, we could dig trenches of doubt and fill them with despair, but where’s the hope in that? Where’s the trust–the faith–that our Maker of the universe can airbrush our world in a heartbeat when it’s our time? Our time to shine. His time to supernaturally move.
As I prepare for next week’s ACFW conference, I find I’m in the boy, am I busy mode.
Despite that, I wanted to take a moment today to tell you, dear reader, I’m thinking of you and praying for all aspects of your life.
For those who are unable to attend this year’s conference, take heart! God’s preparing the way for next time! He understands your disappointment. Your longing. Your thinking Will my dream ever come to fruition? You may be unaware of how He’s working in your life just now, but He is and His plan is going to surpass your wildest expectations. (I know it will. I’ve been where you’re at. I’m still trudging a similar path in some respects.)
For those hurting because of heartbreak, don’t give up! I understand. Job loss. Been there. Illness. Been there. Death of a loved one. Been there. Path to publication. Still there. You’ll make it. You will! (With Jesus it’s way easier; He’s your “golden ticket.” Your greatest hope. I just don’t know of any other way to say it.) Even on my darkest day, at my most dismal hour, if I didn’t believe in something–Someone–greater than myself how on earth could I spark hope in anyone else? Couldn’t.
He breathes the supernatural oxygen into my dead veins!
For those who ache over past mistakes, stop it! That’s just what the enemy wants you to do because He’s come to kill, steal, and destroy your hope. Your joy. The very thing that God has guaranteed you through His son, Jesus Christ. Don’t choose self-recrimination over who God says you are: a winner.
For those who are friendless, you’re about to make one. Hey, I’ll be your friend! (See, besides Jesus, you already have another!) Now, please don’t be offended if I tell you the Truth from time to time. That’s how I love on my friends– I tell you what I’ve learned, what you may need to know, and why you may need to know it. AND… I expect the same in return!
Now, for a few housekeeping items…
Sense I love sharing love, I wanted to let you know about a fantastic book I’m reading by author Cynthia Ruchti. The title is Ragged Hope…Surviving the Fallout of Other People’s Choices. I’ll be posting a review in a few weeks, but I wanted to let you know ahead of time I’ll be hosting a giveaway then, as well. So stay tuned! (Better yet…sign up to follow my blog and your name will get thrown in the hat twice to win!) Let me just say now… you will want this book!)
Also…you may remember when I did a review of Dabney Hedegard’s awesome and inspiring miraculous journey (When God Intervenes). Going to hold a blog drawing for that one, too. Again, if you sign up to follow my blog, your name will get thrown in the hat twice.
I’ll hold those drawings sometime next month, so stay tuned!
I plan to post a short blog next Wednesday, 9/11/13, before leaving for conference. My family will hold down the fort while I’m away, but I’ll miss you!
Remember: Fall = change + courage (colored in hope)
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Have you experienced the trench of doubt? How did you work through it?
What’s been your greatest victory?
PLEASE SHARE
In need of a pick-me-up? Here’s a dose of encouragement and a dollop of HOPE! (Click to Tweet)
Your trench of despair is God’s time of defeat! Here’s why: (Click to Tweet)
Writers, are you in a season of doubt? Take heart! It won’t last! (Click to Tweet)
Photo Credit: tricky (Rick Harrison/Creative Commons)
Have a super faith-filled, coffee-drinking, chocolate-eating, miracle-making kinda weekend!
Blessings Always,
Comments 10
Such a beautiful post, Cindy. I love your heart and that you openly share it with all of us. Hugs!
I have been in the trenches of doubt and the way I’ve tunneled out is through the Word and asking God to confirm his promises to me. He did. Sometimes through that Word, and sometimes in unique ways. We have to watching and paying attention. 🙂
Author
Jess, I think we all go through those trenches. Wish we didn’t have to. Thank God, He’s there with us even amidst our doubts.
Hugs right back atcha! 🙂
Love this honest post, Cindy!! I have to echo Jess’s comment. When I come to God with my fears and worries and prayers, He reminds me I’m on the right track. My morning ritual doesn’t just include coffee (shocking, I know!!)–it includes Bible study and prayer. Can’t wait to see you in a few short days!!
Author
Jill, so looking forward to seeing you, too! I hear you on the morning rituals. I couldn’t make it without talking to Him first! (Then coffee!)
Sure…but I don’t have a trench. It’s more of an abyss.
In the past few years I lost almost every hook on which I hung my ‘identity’, both professionally and personally. It’s been disheartening, to say the least.
It’s tempting to play Pollyanna and say that those were masks and costumes that hid the real person – but that’s an oversimplification. Disguises they may be, but they’re disguises of hope, crafted with love and faith, if not complete understanding.
So the victory comes every morning, when I choose to keep trying, accepting the loss of definition and its feeling of security. And not trying to replace it quickly, but waiting for things to develop and grow as a fruit of today’s new labors.
And yes, sometimes I feel like God has left these parts. He hasn’t, any more than He abandoned His Son. He’s gone on ahead, and is holding a lamp to guide me.
Author
Andrew, I admit it. I am a Pollyanna of sorts. I’ve been through the fire–it pains me to see others go through it, too. I’m sorry you’ve dealt with so much. I know your life is a testimony to perseverance, and God is using you in ways that aren’t made clear yet.
What a beautifully worded comment! You blessed me.
Enjoy the conference, and the prep for it, too. Thanks for speaking Truth into our lives.
Author
Patti, such a joy to share! (And thank you for the well-wishes! Hope to see you there one day!)
I’m commenting late, but this is a beautiful post, Cynthia! Love your heart for encouraging others.
And I also love that I get to see you this week! 🙂
Author
Melissa, hey gal! You’re always welcome here! Thank you for your sweet words–I am going to sooo hug your neck soon! 🙂