I go back to dusting. You know, as if I didn’t just go to war. Why strive to be She-Hulk or Wonder Woman? We can fight to be warrior helpmates with a dust rag in one hand and the Sword in the other, shielding our husbands and children from the enemy’s attacks.

The Spirit had given me spiritual eyes to see in that moment. I reach out my hand, place it on her, and begin to pray. I didn’t have any magical words. I stumble through it, rambling a bit here and there, but trusting that the Lord is hearing my prayer. I pray for healing. I reiterate what the Spirit had just spoken to me. I rebuke any evil spirit of sickness in the name of Jesus to leave. I declare that she’s a daughter of the King, washed in His blood, and none of his enemies can touch her. I finish with praising Him for who He is and what He will do…

During this time in my life, I’ve been asking God for His purpose for me and doing some introspection on the future of my writing….As I’ve been seeking, the Spirit has confirmed in specific ways that I should “keep writing,” and has given me wisdom and courage to be obedient to His leading and write topics that I’m passionate and convicted about.

Saying “no,” changing jobs, uprooting your family and starting a new life, stepping away from a ministry, friendships fading, children leaving the nest, and saying “goodbye” or “see you later” to people is never in vain. As my friend spoke out truth that night, we are to do only what God has called us to do—plant and water seeds—then get out of the way and watch what only He can do. This journey has been pure joy, being a spectator of the awesome works of our God, and nothing we can take credit for. 

While once I was suffocating from the waves, begging Him to stop them, I now can't get enough of these waves, never wanting them to stop sweeping over me. I don't want to come up, but go deeper still. I want Him to stir up the sea, so His love washes over me. Cleansing me. Consuming me. Filling me.

We may be showing our children that following the culture’s way of educating and living is more important than following Jesus at all costs. Are we asking God if His will for our child(ren) is a path that looks completely different than the world around them? Or are we raising our children to only follow the “tried and true” steps to get them where they “need” to be? What if we are unintentionally contributing to a culture that demands comfort, safety, and security?

What about the wounds that run deep within? Much, much deeper than the dermis layer of our skin? Deep within our souls? The emotional and mental scars from the pain of sin, whether it be from our own doing or inflicted on by another? Or the scars left by grief and suffering out of our control? Will there always be that deep ache? From what was lost? or damaged? or stolen? or given away? What could have been or could never be?