Staying Encouraged During the Poopy Times

As many of you know, if you’ve read my blog posts for very long, I’m a “see the glass as half-full” kind of gal.

If life hands me lemons, I’ll make a pitcher of iced tea and use those lemons.

Hard times? Well, like Scarlett once said, “Tomorrow IS another day.”

Challenges, disappointment, rejection, or trials? Got it covered. My God is bigger than any of that junk.

Whether you’re a writer, blogger, or one of those treasured gems that just stopped by for a visit, thank you for joining me today.

And if you’re hanging suspended under the dark clouds of discouragement and despair, then today’s post is especially for you. You’re worthy. You matter. God is about to work a miracle in your life!

You are not an insignificant speck in a sea of dreck. If our Almighty God knows the very number of hairs on our heads (Matt. 10:30) then He certainly has the solution to our problems, big and small.

Staying encouraged during poopy life-moments is daunting. (I hope you don’t find the word “poopy” offensive. Being the unpretentious person that I am, keeping it “real” is what I politely do.)

I could dish up a plateful of platitudes just now, but if you’re like me, those often leave me with a stubborn case of indigestion.

Let me just share:

• If you’re a writer on the slippery slope to publication, and you’re ready to throw in the towel, don’t. Your time to shine may not be just yet. Then again, it may be just around the corner. God spoke the world into existence. He could change your world in a heartbeat. I navigated the path to publication off and on for almost 20 years until I got “the call.” (The call from my agent offering representation, that is.) I had a few detours in between that I’ve spoken about before. But I’m on my way. I’m not special, different, or someone with connections. I merely possess two of the closely related P’s–perseverance and persistence. Key words in harnessing success.

• If you’re a doubter, give yourself a pat on the back. Good for you. Acknowledging your fear is the first step, but don’t fall prey to the “I’ll never be able to do this” mindset. My life motto, as you may recall, is: admit it, own it, and determine to move on. Don’t let the enemy cripple you into thinking that you’re not good enough, strong enough, or worthy enough to tackle those reservations. Everyone, and I mean EVERYONE, experiences doubt/fear at one time or another. Even the most revered folks such as authors, speakers, pastors, and teachers have brushed shoulders with fear and elbowed past insecurity. It’s n-o-r-m-a-l. Know this and don’t linger there. God has equipped us with everything necessary to overcome fear–the supernatural power of the Holy Spirit!

• If you’re nursing a wounded heart or battling disappointment or catastrophic circumstances, understand “this, too, shall pass.” Trite words, but so true. And yet, knowing this doesn’t make it easier at times, does it? When our son battled a life-threatening chronic illness during his high school years, there were times when the days seemed so dark that even with a flashlight, I wouldn’t have been able to see  my own hand. Focusing on the problem didn’t help our son get better. Trusting God for a solution did. Faith (Heb. 11:1) became my moment-by-moment focus. Faith in someone whose ways were higher than my own. For us Type A souls, handing God the reigns isn’t always easy. Sadly, sometimes, he has to break us a bit during the beautiful molding process. And the period of refinement is usually that much sweeter because of it.

Staying encouraged during the poopy times isn’t a jolly walk in the park, but more an appreciation/anticipation of brighter days ahead.

The messiness of life is going to happen. We can greet the day unprepared or we can stock up on toilet paper. Our lack of preparation isn’t going to stop God from taking care of business!

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Have you weathered tough times? Care to share how you stayed encouraged?

or

Are you experiencing some turbulent life-moments? Can we pray for you?