Have you ever had those days (or maybe weeks or even months) where you feel like you are down in the pits? I know I have, this past fall had been one of those times, well actually months (to be completely transparent) and I had had some harder days that just didn't seem to relent, many stressors all at once and SO much stuff within me coming up to work through! I was absolutely overwhelmed! I went on a walk, I knew I needed that, it is a favorite thing I love to do with Jesus. As I was walking, I saw a leaf that had caught my attention, I picked it up and was admiring it. Immediately, I felt the Lord begin to speak to me, “Look at this leaf, it is just like you!” If I am honest, this totally caught me off guard and honestly was not impressed with this idea. He went on to say... "It is beautiful, full of many colors, it is unique in shape and size, it is whole and complete because I made the leaf, just like I made YOU in my own image! My ideas and thoughts began to quickly shift as I began to warm up to the profoundly different viewpoint and higher perspective being offered.
I then felt the Lord ask the question, “Do you see the dark part, isn’t it beautiful, almost in the shape of a heart?!” The Lord surely has a sense of humor as He knew what I was thinking about the dark spot! He continued to share His thoughts about me. I love the places you see as dark that you don’t like about yourself, whether it is your old sin, your mistakes, the things that were done to you or maybe it's old or new thoughts or the places you feel ugly. It is time to quit judging yourself and focusing on the darkness! Would you zoom out the lens and look at the beautiful YOU in its entirety? Can’t you see how much more beautiful the whole leaf is including the dark sport and the beautiful contrast being woven together? And would you be willing to trust me with the part(s) of yourself you are still learning to love? I love ALL of you and am transforming you more than you know!
He asked another question, “Do you see the Light shining through the dark part?” My Light and Glory are shining through, the light shines brightest in the dark places within you too, especially as you look to me and trust me with your “dark places!” Those places of darkness where the Light is shining through, it radiates even brighter and it not only is and will continue to change you, it will be the places that your story and testimony will profoundly transform others! Your story is part of My story, I SEE your “darkness” as glorious and filled with light!! My Light shines brightest in the darkest places and My Light always transforms, even if it takes time and is a process, I love this journey WITH you, My Daughter!!
The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.
~John 1:5
...Rightly do they love you. I am dark, but lovely, O daughters of Jerusalem.
~ Songs of Songs 1:4b-5a
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