Hey girl, hey!
By Shannon Nelson
Starting A NEW (normal) may not be easy.
Many of us are finding ourselves starting A NEW. It could stem from opening or closing a chapter in your life, such as your children moving away to college, starting a new relationship or maybe ending one, overcoming an illness, embarking on a new career, or experiencing a loss. Perhaps you are just ready for a change. You may feel like you're starting over, but you're not starting over; you're starting A NEW. Often, the enemy will have you think that because you're starting A NEW, something is wrong with you, or you have failed. Maybe he says that you have messed up…again. But the truth is you have not failed, and it is important for you to know this. Those are lessons learned. Remember this: God knew exactly what we would do when we did it. He also knew that we would be at this stage in life. This is no surprise to Him. If He wanted something different to have happened, He would have allowed it to happen differently.
A NEW may not be easy. (Yes, I said it again!) Recently, I read a blog that our amazing Pastor Lucy wrote for our women's group, Chosen. How fitting of a title to know that we are Chosen! Allow me to paraphrase what I understood she said. We must have the right ASK. Ask, Seek, and Find. This is based on the following scripture …
Check out her blog, The Right Ask!
The right ask is about us going to GOD first. We often sit, and we plan and plan and plan…. finding ourselves frustrated, stressed, and doubtful. Please understand this is not the will of God. Stress, anxiety, chronic illness, none of these things are the will of God for our lives. When we acknowledge Him in ALL our ways, He will direct our paths. (Proverbs 3:6) Therefore, let us ensure that when we're starting A NEW, we begin by having a conversation with God.
I want to share two statements with you that are important for us to remember.
# 1. Don't discount the good you have already done.
The enemy attacks our thoughts. He criticizes, convicts, shames, and blames. It is important to know he uses the same tactics. This time, he won't win!!!
#2. You are enough.
Yes, ladies, we are enough. Just as God has created us. Whatever needs to be corrected or adjusted comes from Him. If no one else sees your value, you need to see it!
Currently, I have several ANEWs, starting this group, working on a blog for my church women's ministry, and starting a new career. Yet, I know God is ordering my steps. (Even though I don't know where I will go). It has never been a desire for me to write and be so transparent. Yet, I recognize that the journey I have been on in the past three years has not been just for me. This was part of His plan where many ANEWs were being birthed.
It would be easy for me to start my career once I graduated from college this year. Yet, I am finding this is not true. I have often found myself applying for various roles, needing clarification on which one is for me. So, I had to stop and seek God's guidance in this journey. My pastor has reminded us that is what we are to do initially with ALL things. Yet, often, when a situation arises, we rely on ourselves. We attempt to figure out the solution on our own. I am changing that narrative for myself. Another ANEW…lol
I am grateful that I have some wonderful people in my life that will share with me.
The other day, my sister, Courtney, said, "I know we are seeking roles that will give us the most money. Yet, maybe we should be seeking the roles that give us the most pleasure and peace". She is not negating that money is not a factor. In her statement, she reminds me that the job is not our source; God is. It takes faith to believe in that statement. Faith is one of the most essential tools that we need as Christians.
As I said before, starting A NEW may be challenging. Yet, starting ANEW is a blessing for ANEW is simply A NEW and typically more positive way. Isn't that what we are doing? Changing the course of our lives in a new and positive direction. Let us encourage, inspire, and support one another as we soar, shine, overcome, and blossom like a butterfly.
Some of us are in the developing stage and allowing God to show us the path. Each of us will transform like a butterfly as we step into our ANEW.
Ladies, be AMAZING, be BOLD, and be ASSURED as you rest in Him as you start your ANEW.
Yours truly,
Shannon
