Sometimes the darkness in this world can be overwhelming.
I don’t even watch the news much anymore because I rarely find anything encouraging. Maybe that is hiding my head in the sand a bit…or maybe it is protecting my heart.
I easily gravitate towards the negative.
It isn’t something that I like about myself, but it is a part of who I am.
I have to fight it. To not get caught up in the “drama” and go down that dark path.
Recently I, and many of my dreamer sisters, were told “no” to an opportunity that seemed like such an amazing God-sized dream.
I will be honest with you and tell you that I really thought this time might be “it”. My spirit was crushed a little when the “no” came….the lies that I wasn’t good enough started creeping in again.
And I felt without words.
Have you ever been there? Chasing after what you thought was your God-sized dream only to discover it wasn’t in the cards for you. At least not now, not this time.
So I had to ask myself if this one thing was going to define me?
As writers, dreamers, want-to-be-speakers….we are bound to hear “no” from time to time. In fact we may actually hear “no” more than we hear “yes”!
But that doesn’t mean that our words aren’t important!
In fact it is the very reason that we must keep moving forward, keep offering hope to others!
As followers of Christ we are called to be a Light here.
Matthew 5: 14-16: 14 And you, beloved, are the light of the world. A city built on a hilltop cannot be hidden. 15 Similarly it would be silly to light a lamp and then hide it under a bowl. When someone lights a lamp, she puts it on a table or a desk or a chair, and the light illumines the entire house. 16 You are like that illuminating light. Let your light shine everywhere you go, that you may illumine creation, so men and women everywhere may see your good actions, may see creation at its fullest, may see your devotion to Me, and may turn and praise your Father in heaven because of it.
I love these verses in Matthew. Such a reminder that I need to be letting my light shine everywhere I go.
Why?
So that men and women everywhere may see creation at its fullest, may see my devotion to God and turn and praise God because of it.
We are called to be a light, ultimately, so that God can receive praise and glory!
This world isn’t about me (I know big shocker right?!) 😉
I am here to be a light in the darkness. (<==== Click to Tweet)
I can use this space for my glory…or for His.
I hope that I am always choosing the latter. That the words that spill on to these pages are ones of hope and encouragement and ultimately point you to Jesus.
So while the “no” stings, it doesn’t need to define me. My life has been a series of “no’s” that have eventually opened doors to some amazing “yes” opportunities!
I am called to be a light here, in all seasons. The good and the difficult because none of this life would be possible without Him.
I can’t ever forget that!
It is always an honor to link up with my fellow God-sized Dreamers. Want to join in on the fun? Jump over here to read more!
Photo Credit: Identity Photogr@phy
Kristin, such a beautiful and timely message! Indeed, my life is to shine brightly by Him and for Him. It’s so easy to think it’s all about me. Thanks for the reminder!
Sabra,
Thank you for reading and encouraging me as well!! Have a wonderful rest of the week!
Thank you, Kristin! This was very encouraging to read today. Thank you for sharing your words and your heart in this space!
Rachel
P.S. I contacted WordPress about fixing my account, and I can comment on WordPress blogs again. yay!
Rachel, YAY!! So glad they got everything fixed!! I have a weird thing happening recently with my Mac and it is probably a simple fix but I don’t know where to start….glad that you have access to commenting again! 🙂 It was so nice to see you even for a minute this weekend, I hope you are feeling stronger and well rested each day!
I’m finally reading Jennifer Lee’s book (LoveIdol) and these simple words she wrote jumped off the page… “She risked failing, for the sheer joy of trying.”
I’m assuming that to receive a “no” you took a risk. I know how hard taking those risks can be. I believe God rejoices when we take those steps outside of our comfort zone. The yes will come and it will be far better than anything we could ever imagine.
You are a light and I’m so glad we have connected in this blogging world. Your words always encourage and inspire.
Blessings.
Beth, Your words are always such an encouragement to me – thank you, sincerely for reading and offering such hope and encouragement to me!!
Kristin,
You are so right. We can use our writing space to glorify ourselves…or Him. And you are choosing correctly through your words here! I can see your heart was crushed (as was mine when I got that note saying “no”), but maybe it’s just a “not now.” Or I need you somewhere else. But you are also correct, it’s not ever an excuse to put out our light. If anything, our light should shine a bit brighter…knowing He has something even bigger in store. 😉
Blessings today and thank you for visiting my little piece of the blog world today, too..
Meredith
Meredith – prayers for you too!! 🙂 It is nice to be in the company of so many amazing writers who feel the same and yet choose to keep moving forward!! Blessings to you!
I look at it this way…I’m am in excellent company as a fellow “no” receiver 🙂 I am not diminished by the no, but encouraged to come in contact with so many incredibly gifted writers who speak God’s truth to my heart day in and day out, and with whom I’ve found community through other avenues on the big ‘ol web. Candles high ladies!!
Toni, I love that perspective!! Thank you for grounding me a bit with that! It does sting….but I am so grateful for the community here that I have to count my blessings!!
This really resonated in my spirit. I’ve often wondered why I chase this dream of writing, when it doesn’t seem I’m getting where I want to go. God has perfect timing. I am leaning in, trusting, waiting on His timing.
Great to meet you via God-sized dreams Kristin.:)
LIGHT is my word for this year. It’s been a different focus than I even anticipated when I picked it, but it’s been so good. And your post here? It’s so much of what God has been teaching me. Thanks for sharing and being a light. XOXO.
You ARE a light in this dark world, such a pleasure knowing you and a honor to call you friend.