Seasons. Change.

Happy weekend, everyone!

I know I've been away for some time; but I wanted to drop by to encourage your hearts and minds for a bit.

Over the last few months I've found myself accepting and adapting to season changes (btw...I'm not referring to Autumn, Spring, Winter and Summer). While I cannot say that the process has been easy and welcoming, I can assuredly admit that partnering with the Holy Spirit through prayer, devotion, meditation, worship, reading the scriptures and embracing the 'whole' unknown plan of God has allowed me to be grounded. Yes! I chose the word 'grounded' because accepting His plan is not appealing to my flesh. However, there is an unexplainable peace that is produced from denying my plan and accepting His ultimate plan. It is not just a game changer, but has definitely been a life alterer.

I'll underscore here, that embracing His plan means that I am no longer in control. Yes! Once you embrace His plan you will begin to feel like you are not in control. It will appear as though you're not making progress. Sometimes, nothing (probably most times) makes sense. You begin questioning (if not sensitive to the season changes) what's happening, but even moreso, why everything is happening the way they are. Plans appear derailed, delayed, and denied. You feel uprooted and misplaced. To others, you appear unstable, indecisive and senseless.

Yes! But remember that peace I referenced earlier? Uhuh! Nothing can be compared to the peace of the the truth that I am, and you are centered in the will of God; although even that too feels questionable sometimes.

I've said all this to say, it's okay to walk away from things, people and associations once God is allowing you to. It is okay to walk in a direction contrary to what everyone seems to be gravitating to. It's okay to change. It's okay to start over. Why? Even seasons change. To think to yourself that Summer apparel is appropriate for Winter is manipulative, deceptive and nonsensical. So too, is believing that Season Changes do not require you to adjust: mentally, physically, spiritually, financially and emotionally.

And, no! You do not have to provide an explanation for your growth, isolation, maturity, metamorphosis or evolution. Why? A plant when growing is silent. It is its production that makes the noise. Likewise, you too should become comfortable and willingly accept being unnoticed, feeling unsettled, enduring growing pains and adapting to the relocation - all associated with Season Changes. Eventually, when the time is right, your production will make the noise. That's a word!

During season changes, what's above the soil is merely the target. What matters most are the roots beneath the soil. BE grounded. BE consistent. Yes...even in the dark when no one's watching...particularly because they cannot see you.

Let me just add this here...don't settle for becoming. You are a BEING! BE! BE vigilant. Pay keen attention to the lessons BEING learnt. They are the prerequisites for the upcoming seasons. You're gonna BE alright honey. You are alright.

Can I pray with you?

Dear God,

I thank you for my sister or brother reading this blog. You know them by name, DNA, traits, plans and purpose. It has not been the smoothest of journeys, but I partner with them in faith, believing that your plans and purpose for them supersede the fictions of their imagination that they try to grapple with. Remind them of who you say they are. Remind them that their importance is validated by the truth that their entrance in this world was preceeded by a perfect plan that not even their fore fathers could alter. Irrespective of what they are going through, I pray that you strengthen them. Give them the grace to endure hardship; knowing evidently that you will never allow them to go through what they cannot grow through. I pray for creativity, wisdom, grit, grace and strategy. May what seems to be a casket be an incubator for them in this season and beyond. I pray against every limiting factor that plays a part in manipulating their minds. I declare that they have the mind of God. Thank you for redeeming and strengthening my sisters and brothers. Thank you that everything is well with them - their children, spouses, relatives, jobs, finances, community, church family, country, et al. Thank you for helping them to understand and embrace that Seasons. Change.

In Jesus' name. Amen.

If you have not received Jesus into your life, I take this opportunity to invite you to know Christ. He's coming soon. Be ready.

Holistically serving the Kingdom,

Essy