BEAUTIFUL IN ALL SEASONS

Recently, when I face a problem that makes me anxious and nervous, I find myself postponing any thoughts about it because, in that moment, I feel incapable of confronting the current reality. It’s almost as if my brain decides to forget about it for now. Rather than confronting the problem, I push it aside. Let’s imagine an animation of a brain guard a brain emoji 🧠 wearing a bulletproof vest and sunglasses 🕶️. This brain guard protects me from the immediate emotional discomfort that comes with standing eye to eye with “trouble” 🚨. You get it! The day continues as normal. It’s night, and I sleep. After a night’s rest, it’s another ordinary day. The brain 🧠 doesn’t have the bulletproof vest on this time ; instead, it’s in a corporate outfit now. Out of nowhere, here comes a slide presentation with solutions short and sweet in point form. All this happens so randomly during my  most restful state. This has happened a few times this month once it took me a day, and another time, t...

As I await the best Not me all these years thinking I will get to a point where in this lifetime I will be trouble free, as in heaven trouble free. 😶‍🌫️  In my 27 years of life I’ve just consciously grasped that temptation and bad news won’t simply come to an end in this life. Temptations, trials, and tribulations are part of our existence. Much like the changing seasons they come and go, making way for the next. Unforeseen circumstances are certain but temporary. It will help me to learn to identify the season I’m in, to accept, prepare myself for it and adjust accordingly. James 1:2-4 reminds us to "count it all joy when we meet trials of various kinds, for we know that the testing of our faith produces steadfastness. And to let steadfastness have its full effect, that we may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing." The use of "when" indicates time, that trials and tribulations are seasonal. Additionally, James instructs us to “know” that tests through thes...

Let not your situation deceive you; the Lord hems you in behind and before, and lays His hand upon you. I believe I qualify to tell you this, as I have been tempted to think I am gasping for breath, alone, and that He is far from me. My body burns with physical pain—sore muscles, sore joints, and fatigue—leading to struggles with breathing and lightheadedness. I’m overheating on this side. I don’t mean to belittle your pain or mine with the introductory line. It is natural to cuddle negative thoughts and to feel sorry for oneself. This is very common; I’ve been doing it for the past 14 years, each time my body flares up, making it feel impossible to lift a finger. I am writing to you to present a truth that I believe can carry us on—something for your consideration. Chronic illness, loss, family problems, disappointment, rejection, unemployment—whatever you have been struggling with for a day or longer—can make it difficult to be positive. It often feels natural to indulge in self-pity...

You cannot be a Christian and remain a fool. We are intelligent and wise on this side. What is Simplicity? The simple believes everything, but the prudent gives thought to his steps. One who is wise is cautious and turns away from evil, but a fool is reckless and careless.  -Proverbs 14:15-16 Dictionary Definition: If you say that someone is simple, you mean that they are not very intelligent and have difficulty learning things.   Synonyms : artless, innocent, naive Bible Definition: One who is foolish, reckless, and careless. This person does not give careful consideration or thought; they are just here and there. According to the above verse  and   Ephesians 4:14. Synonyms : ignorant, unstable, disloyal A Simple Person Hates Knowledge How long will you who are simple love your simple ways? How long will mockers delight in mockery and fools hate knowledge?  — Proverbs 1:22 Ways to Correct Foolishness Repent at my rebuke! Then I will pour out my thoughts to...

As I type this title, I can't help but laugh at myself. Reflecting on much of my life, I realise I've stressed over my appearance for a long time. I’ve always longed for a little more meat on my thighs and behind, of course. While I’ve adored my flat tummy—and still do—I didn’t appreciate being underweight or the comments urging me to “eat up.” For a long time, I struggled with my relationship with food, only starting to improve after I turned 25. I didn’t like food; I forgot to eat, and I’d wonder why I always had a headache or felt lightheaded. Real talk: it’s not about food when it comes to weight; it’s about genes. Now that I’m older and care about more than just a skincare regimen, I’ve become more mindful of what I put into my body. I’ve also accepted that I am petite and not unattractive. My 20s have afforded me a better lens into the window of life. I’ve recently discovered that high-waisted jeans are not for everyone, just as boyfriend jeans aren’t. A key to appreciati...

Psalm 40:8 “I delight to do Your will, O my God; Your law is within my heart.” Prophecy : I prophesy I will always delight to do Your will; Your law is within my heart. Thoughts A couple of hours ago, I was not pleased with the pain You permit on my path. I felt angry, and my soul rejected understanding. What is it I have done to deserve this amount of hurt, to miss out on Your grace, but to be a witness of health accessible to others? I asked myself. I’ve seen You heal; physically, I’ve been in the rooms when You did it. Why is my case seemingly difficult? “What step am I missing?” I’ve continued to ask. Prayer: Enable me to find peace, to honor Your will even when it breaks and confuses me, for I’ve known You to be great. I’ve known You to give Your heart to Your people. I pray I accept Your will in the absence of reasoning, just as You gave Your heart in the absence of reasons other than one: that is, because You have loved. In my infant understanding:   Love is protective. I’ve...

About two weeks ago, I started experiencing anxious feelings. I felt afraid at the thought of doing things that meant going out and being seen by people. These feelings are not new guests. I’ve learned in the past that I need to be careful when differentiating between feelings and diagnoses; we shouldn’t self-diagnose because it’s similar to throwing sensitive words around, which can cause harm. Throughout this piece, I will refer to feeling anxious instead of saying "my anxiety," as I was never diagnosed. Now let’s immerse ourselves into the text. I felt anxious a lot when I was in high school. Bona letsoalo ne le iketsetsa honna mona—out of nowhere, I was always arrested by fear. I never really told anyone or sought to understand the root cause. This was my life for years, and I continued to university with this uninvited stranger, whom I eventually became familiar with. Can I tell you I was both full of life, confident in my abilities, excited for the future, and fearful? ...