Beauty Redefined

I sat behind this lovely woman at church for over 16 years. Initially, it was her thick, natural blonde, bouncy, and perfectly coiffed hair that always drew my attention. Maybe there was some unintentional longing for hair like that. It’s Friday night in Tulsa and I sit across the table from this smiling, radiant, beautiful woman with an oh-so-cute hat covering her head and an equally accessorized and matching outfit. She is adorable and she is rocking her new exterior. I realize, more than ever, this extraordinary woman is not defined by her hair or the lack of it. She is defined by the courage, faith, resilience, determination, confidence and the absolute bulldog tenacity to rock whatever challenge she faces. Like little David, the shepherd boy, who “rocked” the giant, she is “rocking” cancer. Slaying cancer!

Trina’s journey of faith began way further back than a cancer diagnosis. We were drawn together many years ago and we’ve been encouragers to each other through many of our ups and downs. It’s been one of those “God” connections when we are blessed with some friends who are for a season and then there are others who are lifers! What everyone sees on the outside – her strength and relentless will to conquer – comes from what is on the inside of her. Oh, that life was a bowl full of cherries, butterfly kisses, raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens. Wouldn’t that be divine? But it most certainly isn’t!

You see, none of us are immune to challenges and concerns and roller coaster rides that make us want to throw up! God, in His divine sovereignty, doesn’t want us to suffer, but, from personal experience, I assure you I am who I am today from the adversities that I’ve faced that transformed my character from a shy, wimpy, lacking confidence gal to a confident, peace-filled, and strong woman. And, with that confidence, I can share my experiences to help those around me get through theirs. I am thrilled to share my earned wisdom with others that are facing some really tough times.

If we’re children of God, He has a plan for all those roller coaster rides. Most of the time, we don’t see the big picture. We only see what’s right in front of us. Every challenge we face and every test we have to take, God is preparing us for what’s ahead. One of my favorite scriptures is Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” There is no doubt that God’s plans include rabbit trails, off-road terrain, rugged mountains, and dark valleys for different reasons. It's a head-scratcher, for sure! But, be comforted, because He is the God of the hills and valleys and He is always there with us.

Making it through rocky places and seasons gives us the ability to comfort others because we’ve been there, done that, and many of us have the t-shirt to prove it. Trina has a friend who was recently diagnosed with cancer. She is already encouraging her with what she’s learned and, no doubt, she will be passing along her story to others to assure them, with God, we make it through – not always unscathed, and even smelling a little bit like smoke, but certainly, with a riveting and epic story of God’s amazing grace.

Thank You, Father, for never leaving or forsaking us. Help us to enjoy the hilltop blessings AND handle the rocky places and valley challenges knowing that You are with us regardless of the terrain. In Jesus' name. Amen.

WANTED for Stealin' Farrah's Hair

I love it when my FB timeline pops up with one of my old posts or a photo that someone posts of me that floods me with some precious AND some crazeeee memories. This photo was from a Western Party that I attended a few years ago. I was on the WANTED list for stealin' Farrah's Hair -- $50,000 Reward. LOL! Actually, that hairdo did come from Farrah's era (the late 60s & 70s). I guess I was a Farrah-wanna-be -- well, at least her hair and maybe I had an attachment to Ryan O’Neal – her love interest for many years -- so much so we named our son, Ryan! Another – LOL!

Where I'm going with today's post isn't about Farrah OR her hair. It's about being wanted. I don’t know your history -- how you came to be here at this place and at this time. I don't know if you were ever rejected and made to feel UNWANTED. I don't know if you were a "wallflower" at that school dance or if you had a long line of fellas waiting to dance with you. I don't know if you've received a pink slip after pink slip on jobs that just didn't click for you. I don't know if the love of your life walked out on you for another or if you've never known the love of your life. But I do know this: YOU ARE WANTED!!!

Before you were conceived in your mother's womb, the God of the Universe planned you – each intricate detail of you and gave you breath. Your life is His proclamation of "I want him/her in this world at this specific time, in this specific place, for reasons that only he/she can fulfill."

When God was handcrafting and designing you -- His Masterpiece, He included your strengths, your talents, your gifts, your eyes, your nose, your goofiness or your seriousness. He put it all together and created the miracle of YOU!

Whatever has happened along the way of your journey to this day, His purpose for you still remains strong. God is still saying “You are WANTED". He is still saying “There is a purpose for you being here and I have plans for you -- to prosper you and not harm you -- plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11
Don't ever listen to the lies of the thief who wants to steal you of your wantedness. Rejection is a thief and a liar. Don't listen to him when he tries to convince you you've failed too many times or you've messed up too much. That you took a wrong turn somewhere and you can never get back on track. That there is something “wrong” with you or everything in your life would be right. Just don't listen to those lies.

Instead, lean into your Father -- the ONE that made you and brought you here to this place at this time. Let Him tell you again, “You are mine. You are chosen. You are accepted. You are cherished. You are my prized possession -- my masterpiece."
Yes, YOU ARE WANTED -- but for how much? You are PRICELESS -- a one-of-a-kind ORIGINAL. Don't ever let anyone tell you otherwise!
#WANTED