Words have the power to encourage.

What happened to the unity we felt after September 11th? It felt like we were all brothers and sisters who cared about each other, no matter our differences. That sense of unity I was able to experience for a few weeks is something that’s been on my mind a lot in the last two years as we’ve become more and more disconnected as a country and division seems to be becoming an acceptable norm.

I’ve actually felt pretty fearful lately. Not the kindof fearful where I even realized it. Not fright or desire to run and hide. I haven’t been jumpy or afraid to speak out. l’ve been experiencing a different kind of fear...the kind where I’m afraid to take risks, afraid to dream big.

With each disappointment I’ve tried to fix it in my own strength and I find myself now feeling drained and discouraged. With the words “I can’t do this” and I should just give up because “I don’t have the strength,” floating around in my head.

You read, “…the joy of the Lord is your strength” Nehemiah 8:10 (NIV), and you wonder, how can I have that joy and courage during those over-stressed moments when I can’t take the pressure anymore? There really is a joy and strength from God that no unkind person or bad situation can touch.

Have you ever had one of those moments where you realized that you’ve totally misunderstood something God told you? I’ll never forget last year when I was praying over my plans for loved+blessed and I clearly felt the Lord whisper to me the word “Yield”…

I’ve honestly never been interested in boxing. Why someone would want to participate in a sport where they are going to get punched and bruised is beyond my comprehension. But I do find the imagery of boxing so relatable. In order to achieve victory, we all experience some bumps and bruises. We get knocked down and no matter how much it hurts, we have to make the decision to get back up in spite of the pain. We have to dig down deep and find the strength to keep fighting.

Sometimes it seems like things would be so much easier if we could just give up. In the midst of the struggle; when the going gets tough; when it seems like nothing is working out in our favor, we lose sight of the big picture and get lost in the right now details.

Juggling life’s responsibilities - being a mom, a wife and a Christian blogger can be a lot - sometimes it can make you feel like you’re a hot mess…

Believe He will do what He says He will do! Whatever situation you find yourself in, remember that He can make a way out of no way. He can make even the most difficult situations work out for your good. He is not limited by your limitations. He is not limited by your imagination. His power is not limited. His forgiveness is not limited. His grace is not limited.

You are stronger than you give yourself credit for. You are an overcomer.