More recently, in the midst of my routine life, I had a couple events happen that felt devastating to me. Not "coming up" in these situations and feeling misunderstood, it looked like and felt like I was losing. Now, when I feel, I feel deeply. Between these things that were happening simultaneously, the overwhelm of sadness and disappointment caused me to fold. I was sad, felt defeated and emotionally drained.

I started to seek the Lord in a relentless pursuit, even through my tears and desire to to not show up for myself. I continued to keep my commitments to myself, making it to the gym at 6am, showing up to Bible study weekly, reading the Bible in a Year and funneling all of my emotion into writing my book. I will continue to honor the Lord even in my confusion, disappointments and grief because God's timing is PERFECT. When we trust that our God is for us, we will walk into a new season with HOPE and expectation. We need to remember that the Lord's plans are far greater than we can imagine. I will be the first to admit I'm still having to remind myself daily of this truth. Aren't we all just a work in progress?

God's Word reminds us in 1 Peter 5:7 "Cast all your cares, anxieties and concerns onto the Lord because He deeply cares for you." No matter where you're at in life, Jesus loves us so much that He asks us not to carry our burdens. He will take them from us gladly. The infinite and all-encompassing love from the Father is consistent, merciful, and safe. It's the least I can do to tell God, "Lord out of my hands and into Yours. I release my grip."

No one in this life is exempt from pain, heartbreak and disappointments. Someone recently reminded me that "the Bible is a love letter from our Heavenly Father to us, a love letter from One who delights in us." My goal is to start taking God's Word more personally. He sees us, loves us, and has good plans for us. In the interim, be relentless in your pursuit of HOPE. This picture I captured of an intense rainbow is just one of the ways God winks at us in remembrance of His promise. "My words never come back empty, but will accomplish what I desire." -Isaiah 55:11