How We Handle Hurt

Whether we recognize it or not, there are a lot of beliefs about how we should handle our anger & pain.

Some of these beliefs were brought on by trauma & feeling a need to protect ourselves. Some were modeled to us through our childhood & even into adulthood.

Some just became unconscious habits in how we manage pain in our lives.

It’s true that some people “handle” their anger & pain by hurting others, while others may pick up addictions as a way to avoid the pain that plagues them.

Burying It or Faking It

But among many other possible ways of reacting to our anger & pain in life, there are two very common ways of handling hurts that I have noticed in my own life.

I have often found myself either burying my feelings & pretending the hurt isn’t hurting me… or faking it by accepting its pain but not letting anyone else see it.

False Security That’s Hurting Us

Both of these reactions have the allure of seeming safe. We can trick ourselves into thinking we’re just fine & that we’re “handling” it.

We often use these as defense mechanisms when facing anger &/or pain because these two reactions don’t seem to be overtly hurting anyone else & because since we’re hiding our pain from others, no one can use it against us in our vulnerability.

But the illusion of false security leaves us in a prison of hurt that only damages us more over time, while also arguably hurting our relationships.

It’s Still There

Burying our pain from ourselves & from the world does not eradicate it, which leaves us even more vulnerable to pain when it is struck on us again.

The same goes for faking it. When we plaster a smile, hiding it from the world, we are not removing the hurt.

Being “Strong for God”

Christians seem to veer toward either or both of these reactions because we sometimes feel like we must “uphold God’s honor” by pretending we’re stronger than we are.

But listen, God knows we are just human!

We are not any stronger than any other person just because we have accepted God’s grace for salvation.

Not Super Human… Super GOD

Salvation does not make us super human.

If you are carrying a world of hurt behind that smile, please hear me on this… God sees you as you are, you don’t have to try to be strong for Him.

Not Our Own Strength, But His, in Times of Hurt

Here is where SURRENDER comes in to the picture.

Trust. Trust God to be enough when you are not.

Trust that He sees your hurt, your loss, your anger, your pain… & He loves you exactly where you are.

Be Real with God… He Can Handle It

Have you ever read any of the Psalms in the Bible?

The authors of some of the Psalms don’t hold back on expressing their anger, hurt, & frustration to God. Sometimes they even express a wish for someone to die for it! They get real with God in the midst of their pain because they know they can be honest with God.

God Can Take Care of You When All Feels Hopeless

But the authors of the Psalms don’t leave it at there misery & anger… In the midst of their terrible situation, they express their trust in God to handle both the hurtful situation as well as their heart & healing.

You see, we don’t have to carry our every burden, trying to prove that because we’re “a strong woman” or because we’re “Christian” that we can handle everything just fine.

We don’t have to fake it or lash out or bury it or turn to addiction… We can run into God’s open arms, share our hurts with Him & trust Him.

Crying Out to God & Trusting Him Versus Self

Here is an example of how I pray when I feel angry or hurt:

“God, I am so angry/hurt right now that I want to throw this vase into the wall! I feel so [betrayed, blindsided, invalidated, misunderstood, frustrated, livid, etc.] & I cannot control my emotions! They burn inside me & I feel lost & drowning in the hurt that I feel. Help me!

Be my strength because I don’t have it in me to [forgive, apologize, have peace, be calm, be loving, make peace, etc.]. I just want them to hurt for hurting me!

But I know that wishing for revenge doesn’t honor You, so please intercept these thoughts & change them to reflect Your love & grace. Change my perspective & renew my heart. Give me Your strength to react the right way. Give me Your wisdom to do what is best. Give me Your power to follow through in the way that You know is best.

Help me to trust You above the storm of my emotions that rage around me because of this situation.

You are All-Powerful God. You are the All-Creative Creator. You are the Unconditionally-Loving Savior. You know all & have a perfect plan that spans far beyond what I can see. Help me to trust in You above my limited view of the moment. I love You, Amen.”

It’s All About What He Can Do

It’s not about what we can “handle”. It’s not about how “strong” we are. It’s not about “proving” our faith.

It’s all about Him.

His love. His ability. His strength. His power. His wisdom.

Don’t Run Away… Run to Him

So, stop stuffing it. Stop hiding it away from the light of day. Stop aching your strained heart with that smile that doesn’t quite reach your eyes.

Stop fooling yourself that you have to be enough.

Drop to your knees. Bow your head. (Or, just ask Him while sitting in the car or wherever you are in the moment.) And lay the pain at His feet.

Ask Him to take it. Ask Him to handle it. Ask Him for freedom from your secret prison of pain.

It’s All About Him

He doesn’t need you to be perfect for the world. He needs you to show the world that He is perfect although we are not.

Shine a light by pointing to Him. Shine HOPE by pointing back to Him.

He is THE way… THE truth… THE life.

So, let Him bring life back into your heart by turning to Him in your anger & hurt & by letting Him be what lifts you.

He’s got you, Lovely. He will always be enough & more so. He’s got you.

Coming Next Week

Check back next Monday morning EST for more encouragement!

A Note from Michelle:

If you would like to hear more of my story, check out the “About Me” page. And if you would like to hear how I found my lasting source of HOPE, read the “Hope Is Found” page, on this site. I hope they are an encouragement to you! <3

Also, make sure to “Join My Tribe” by adding your email to the top bar & clicking “Join My Tribe”. This gains you access to an extra weekly dose of encouragement from me in your inbox, along with the link to each week’s new post! I can’t wait to do this journey together!!

Weekly Special Spotlight:

Each week, I will feature an item that is changing lives. These pieces are offering job creation opportunities for women artisans in impoverished nations all around the world! Check out this week’s featured beauty!!

Petal Necklace

This cubic zirconia floral pendant hangs from an antique golden chain & pairs perfectly with the Petal Stud Earrings.

Artisan Information:

The women we partner with in India do so much more than just create beautiful products. With every purchase, another woman is empowered out of poverty to be self-reliant! Women have the opportunity to earn an income, attend financial management classes, & receive education & healthcare. These women are now able to give their family a promising future because of your purchase!

Purchase this piece & empower a woman in India!

Shop Here, OR, Email me at michelle@michellehydeonline.com with any questions, & I will message you personally with more information!! Thank you for inspiring HOPE around the world, Lovely!

He Knew. He Planned. He Created. He Gave Grace.

It’s easy, even for Christians, to read the Bible & forget this very important fact—God created us… knowing we would reject Him… knowing we could never measure up to what He requires of us… knowing He would have to set a plan in motion to save us Himself, through Jesus… And He still created us.

… Because He loves us that much.

We Can Miss Out, But We Can’t Ruin God’s Plan

You see, it’s easy for us to interpret the Bible in a way that says, “Oh you dumb, rebellious humans, you went & messed up everything & now God is so mad at you that He had to send Jesus to fix everything.”

Now, don’t get me wrong, we are often compared to sheep for the very reason that we can quite certainly be pretty dense in missing the fullness of the love & power & deserving of reverence & awe that God is….

AND, we all are rebellious & definitely have a choice to either obey or rebel, in which if we’re completely honest with ourselves, we quite often rebel (because how many of us can say that we are completely & totally trusting of & in surrender to God’s will & way one hundred percent of the time? I know I certainly can’t claim that!)

But even though we are dense & rebellious in nature, we cannot “mess up” God’s plan.

He Knew

He knew, before time began, that He would need to make a way to pay our debts for us, so that we could be provided a way to come running back to His loving arms, wiped completely clean of the wrongs that separate(d) us from His glory & complete holiness.

You see, we could never blindside God. We can’t catch Him off-guard. We can’t surprise Him.

He already knew.

And He already provided a plan & a way back to Himself—through Jesus’ sacrifice for our wrongs. (Read about how I fell to the feet of God & allowed Jesus’ sacrifice to heal me & how He can heal you just as well, on my “Hope Is Found” page on this website.)

Not Shame, But PRAISE!

So, the next time you are feeling the shame &/or guilt pile up on your shoulders, turn those torments into praise!

Thank our wonderful Father God who made a way back to grace possible.

Thank Him for His love & patience & gift of grace.

Thank Him that although we are completely & utterly undeserving, He still offers us His grace so willingly & so lovingly, if we just trust in Him enough to accept it!

He paid the price, knowing we could never make it right on our own.

His Power & Grace Makes Us Whole!

We owe Him our all & yet, all He asks is for us to trust Him enough to love Him back.

He accepts us as is.

He knows our flaws & sin & rebellion, & yet His hand is ever-outstretched, waiting for you to take hold & be whisked into His embrace.

He shapes us & molds us as we give Him more of our trust.

Judgment Day Will Come, But Grace Is Offered Now

Judgment day will come, but right now, we all have equal opportunity for grace, no matter our degree of “unworthiness”.

Because it’s about Him being so great that He can cover anything & everything if we but surrender ourselves to live in His love.

He lifts us up.

He makes a way.

Let Him make a way for you.

I love you, Beautiful! And so does He!

Shine Hope, because the world needs it desperately–& yes, I speak from personal experience!

*HUUUUUG*

Coming Next Week

Check back with me next week, on Monday, for some more regularly scheduled encouragement & show me some love by joining my tribe, by leaving your email in the popup at the top of your screen! Or send your email address to me @ michelle@michellehydeonline.com, if you would like me to add you!

A Note from Michelle:

If you would like to hear more of my story, check out the “About Me” page. And if you would like to hear how I found my lasting source of HOPE, read the “Hope Is Found” page, on this site. I hope they are an encouragement to you! <3

Also, make sure to “Join My Tribe” by adding your email to the top bar & clicking “Join My Tribe”. This gains you access to an extra weekly dose of encouragement from me in your inbox, along with the link to each week’s new post! I can’t wait to do this journey together!!

Weekly Special Spotlight:

Each week, I will feature an item that is changing lives. These pieces are offering job creation opportunities for women artisans in impoverished nations all around the world! Check out this week’s featured beauty!!

Sea Glass Necklace

Artisans recreate the look & feel of sea glass by upcycling glass bottles from local hotels & restaurants that would otherwise be discarded, & tumble the broken glass with water & sand from the Red Sea until it is smooth & resembles the beautiful pieces once commonly found on their beaches. Sizes & colors may vary.

Artisan Information:

Many Jordanian women have their lives controlled by their closest male relative. They balance many customs at home, creating a lack of independence. Some of these women are divorced, widowed, or married to a man who may already have many wives. But amid struggles, these women we work with arrive to a family-like workplace. They can be seen & heard singing, laughing, & drinking tea while creating our unique jewelry made from upcycled glass bottles. Your purchase empowers them with bold confidence & financial independence for the first time!

Purchase this piece & empower a woman in Jordan!

Shop Here, OR, Email me at michelle@michellehydeonline.com with any questions, & I will message you personally with more information!! Thank you for inspiring HOPE around the world, Lovely!

Gazing out the dusty window, she watched as the wind danced with the strands of tall grass in the field beyond her small home. The sway & the tease of the wind swirling through & round & back again, in an elegant dance of wistful joy, made her heart feel calm.

She imagined a deep ocean, where the surface seemed to ebb & flow as one body. To her, fields of grass always resembled oceans when the wind blew through them.

The sunshine only made her view better, as it gave the appearance of glitter sprinkled on the grassy field, welling up a sense of hope & wonder & playfulness as the light spotlighted the dance between the wind & grass.

The room where she sat was dimly lit & dusty, a faint smell of mildew hung in the air around her. The tension of responsibility loomed, as the bustle of morning activities went on in the rooms beneath her. Her parents & older siblings were engrossed in the chores for the day, seemingly unaware of the wonder beyond her window.

The window was her escape. The window was her portal to a world of imagination & wonder.

From her view out of this small round window in the attic, she could see the vast dancing field in front of her, the tall line of tress beyond it, & she could only but picture in her mind the magical secret that she kept hidden from the world, hiding behind that line of tall trees, seemingly untouched & unnoticed by the rest of the world around her.

She would go to venture out there today.

She felt drawn to its mystery & curiosities.

Her life needed a sprinkle of wonder & awe today.

But first, she pulled on some clothes fit for an adventure, which to her meant a billowy pastel purple gown & a halo of spring flowers atop her curls. Shoes were optional for adventures, in her humble opinion.

So, as she stepped barefoot down the stairs & down the hall, & as her parents & older siblings hustled about in the constant fray of responsibilities & stresses for their day, she slipped out the door unnoticed & snuck out to that dancing field of grass, where she made no delay in sprinting through the soft grass that tickled her toes.

Carefree & eager to visit her mysterious discovery once more, her heart swelled as she excitedly reached the line of trees that kept her mystery hidden from those around her home.

This was it. This was her moment to step into the wonder once more.

Hesitating momentarily, she mused over the thought that every visit to this mysterious place left her wondering why no one else seemed to notice it or to even venture past this line of trees that now loomed curiously above her.

She took a deep breath to steady her excited nerves as she stepped into the shadows, where only a short walk through the dark wall of trees led her to a bright clearing.

Here, she could see it… the most beautiful place she could imagine ever seeing in her entire life.

Ahead of her spread out a vast field of simple, small flowers, as far as the eye could see. The flat earth before her was lush & green & speckled with delicate blooms.

And there, in the center of the field, afar off, was the curious wonder that always forced a moment of pause, as wonder & awe & curiosity filled her small heart.

The tree.

But not just any tree. This tree twisted & turned, its branches stretched out wide & yet curled in a fanciful twist of intertwining patterns. It looked like something out of a fairytale… or a painting… or pure imagination.

It was unreal. It was fanciful. It was amazing!

She stared in awe… her eyes sparkled as she soaked up the view & all at once felt drawn to race toward the tree, excited to visit her small, mysterious hideaway from the world.

As she drew nearer, she could only manage a slow advance, too intrigued & inspired by its wonder to rush.

Now in the center of the flowery field, she looked up & let the magic of the moment swirl around her, the breezes playing with her hair & refreshing her entirely.

Her small hands reached up. She let her small fingers graze gingerly along the rough surface of the tree bark, that somehow felt like rough velvet.

And as she glanced upward, she could see the small opening in the branches that led to her own private hideaway.

Impatient to wait a moment longer, she took hold of a low branch as she steadied her barefoot feet on the trunk, preparing to make the short climb toward the opening that glittered & sparkled from where she stood.

Ducking into the hole, it seemed even brighter inside, within the dense weave of branches.

Little drops of dew were suspended in the air, floating above her head like tiny bulbs of glowing light.

Fanciful trinkets from unknown origins were set around the inside, each in varying pastel colors of intricate design.

She crawled in further & sat cross-legged once inside, distracted once more by the wonder & amazement that flooded her heart. Whenever she visited this tree, she always felt like all of her troubles seemed to vanish.

She felt safe & full of hope & joy.

She knew, while in this tree, that things were going to get better.

She knew that this moment of wonder could overshadow any fear or dreariness that threatened her heart.
Inside this tree, full of enchanting wonder, she could relax & just enjoy the moment of peace that seemed to encapsulate her world, in its presence.

She only hoped that she could learn how to bring this same feeling of refreshment & joy & wonder to her family & to the world she encountered along the way of life.

As the scenery began to drift away, she awoke in bed as an adult… remembering fondly the dream that had graced itself upon her mind while in restful sleep.

She wiped the sleep from her eyes, smiled from the memory of that fanciful dream, & rolled over, pulling the comforter toward her chin, wishing for that wonderful dream to whisk her away once more.

Coming Next Week

Check back on Monday morning EST for some more regularly scheduled encouragement & I hope you enjoyed this month’s special feature post, shared every last Thursday of the month!

A Note from Michelle:

If you would like to hear more of my story, check out the “About Me” page. And if you would like to hear how I found my lasting source of HOPE, read the “Hope Is Found” page, on this site. I hope they are an encouragement to you! <3

Also, make sure to “Join My Tribe” by adding your email to the top bar & clicking “Join My Tribe”. This gains you access to an extra weekly dose of encouragement from me in your inbox, along with the link to each week’s new post! I can’t wait to do this journey together!!

Weekly Special Spotlight:

Each week, I will feature an item that is changing lives. These pieces are offering job creation opportunities for women artisans in impoverished nations all around the world! Check out this week’s featured beauty!!

Truth Earrings

These incredibly light earrings are made with genuine local capiz shell.

Artisan Information:

In the Philippines, finding employment as a woman in poverty can be extremely difficult. Poor working conditions, lack of job security, & unfair pay are often the realities. Through your purchase, these women are receiving an income, health care, & social development programs. This allows these women to realize their potential & pursue their dreams in a safe environment. You have the opportunity to change lives!

Purchase this piece & empower a woman in the Philippines!

Shop Here, OR, Email me at michelle@michellehydeonline.com with any questions, & I will message you personally with more information!! Thank you for inspiring HOPE around the world, Lovely!

Expectations

We are faced with so many expectations, aren’t we?

Parents expect so much of us growing up & even after we grow up & move out.

Teachers & bosses expect dedication, focus, & hard work–& everything in between.

Relationships expect loyalty & equal give & take & a partnership through all of life’s demands.

Children expect… well, everything.

God expects obedience, faithfulness, & service, through love & faith.

Even societal & cultural norms have expectations.

And then there’s us. Don’t we seem to expect the most from ourselves? As the saying goes, “I’m my own worst critic.”

Rising Tide of Anxiety

It can seem overwhelming sometimes, when the weight of the world’s expectations seems to hover on our shoulders & then follows us everywhere we go.

With all of the expectations we juggle from day to day, no wonder anxiety & depression seem to ever be on the rise.

The list of demands only seems to grow as time goes on, including the demands on our attention in every spare moment, through social media & other modes communications readily accessible & at our fingertips.

What’s the Solution?

So, how do we cope with it all?

How do we overcome the wall of anxiety that sometimes seems to threaten us around every corner?

How do we honor God with our time when every moment seems swallowed up by all the expectations we face?

Well, in the words of the recent Disney queen, my advice is to “let it go”.

But Wait!

“Now, wait a minute…” you might be thinking. “Our kids have to be fed & job responsibilities must be met & relationship efforts have to happen & ABOVE ALL, we need to honor God in how He expects us to live!!”

Yes.

Totally agreed.

But, to clarify my statement, we should let it go & give it to God.

Don’t miss that last part, because we will definitely NOT find peace in avoiding life’s demands. And we will also not be honoring God that way, either.

Give it to God.

Letting God be God

So, how does that look? How is that lived out?

Shouldn’t we be doing all of this FOR God? So, how do we let it go & give it to Him? How does that equal living our life FOR God?

Through trust… Through relying on God’s strength & God’s power & God’s wisdom, above our own.

When we give over control to Him, we are actually doing exactly what He asks when He tells us to live our life FOR Him. For Him, by Him, through Him.

God Works in Ways We Can’t Predict or Explain or Do on Our Own

Sometimes this looks like God giving us the peace & strength to do what needs to be done.

Sometimes God gives wisdom we didn’t already have, so that we know what to let go of completely & areas where we can relieve some of the pressures, or even a new way of doing things.

Sometimes God displays His power by rearranging time or circumstances to remove some pressure.

Sometimes God sends a capable someone who can help share the burden.

Sometimes God shows you that the pressure you are claiming was never something God asked you to carry, because we often try so hard to live our plan versus God’s.

However God chooses to help, He will help.

Him, Not Us… His Plan, Not Ours

We don’t have to be a superhero. We don’t have to drown through life. We don’t have to barely make it. We don’t have to count down until Friday.

We can learn to let go & let God.

We can learn to thrive in the knowledge that God’s got this & that HE provides what we need to do the things He asks of us.

Let Him Run Things… Let Him Help

Let God be the CEO who runs your life.

Let God be your secretary who schedules your day.

Let God have the control. Let God use HIS power through your day.

Hand over the reins of your life to God, who never tires nor exhausts His power or resources.

Instead of carrying the weight of the world, learn to let it go & to place your plans & the expectations of others into God’s capable & loving hands.

Are you carrying the weight of the world? Learn to let it go.

Shine Hope!

Coming Next

Make sure to read this month’s special feature post (every last Thursday of the month), coming this Thursday!

Also, check back every Monday morning, EST, for more encouragement!

A Note from Michelle:

If you would like to hear more of my story, check out the “About Me” page. And if you would like to hear how I found my lasting source of HOPE, read the “Hope Is Found” page, on this site. I hope they are an encouragement to you! <3

Also, make sure to “Join My Tribe” by adding your email to the top bar & clicking “Join My Tribe”. This gains you access to an extra weekly dose of encouragement from me in your inbox, along with the link to each week’s new post! I can’t wait to do this journey together!!

Weekly Special Spotlight:

Each week, I will feature an item that is changing lives. These pieces are offering job creation opportunities for women artisans in impoverished nations all around the world! Check out this week’s featured beauty!!

Inverted Capiz Earrings

These earrings feature shimmery, creamy white capiz shells, each framed by a black edge.

Artisan Information:

In the Philippines, finding employment as a woman in poverty can be extremely difficult. Poor working conditions, lack of job security, & unfair pay are often the realities. Through your purchase, these women are receiving an income, health care, & social development programs. This allows these women to realize their potential & pursue their dreams in a safe environment. You have the opportunity to change lives!

Purchase this piece & empower a woman in the Philippines!

Shop Here, OR, Email me at michelle@michellehydeonline.com with any questions, & I will message you personally with more information!! Thank you for inspiring HOPE around the world, Lovely!

I’ve Got This… But, God

It’s easy to seek God for help when we know we are lacking, but what about the times when we feel we’ve already got it covered?

Do we take sufficient time to bow our plans & desires before God’s feet & ask Him for His input, even when we feel like we’ve already got it all figured out?

This self-sufficient mentality is a “disease” that we all struggle with at times.

Our Way Bowed to God’s Way

We often like to feel like we have our daily life figured out. We like feeling like we have a method & a way that seems to work for us. We like the sense of control it gives us.

But what if we’re missing out on something so much greater? Something that fills us with contentment & peace, with confidence & fulfillment?

How often do we figure out a way for something & just run with it on autopilot, without considering whether God can help us do it better, in a way that not only gives us more peace, but also brings Him more glory in the day-to-day?

Stepping into Our Potential Life

How often do we let this comfort zone of perceived control prevent us from stepping into the potential God created within each of us?

I am realizing more & more how important it is to not only stop for reflection from time to time, but also to take that reflection of life to God & ask for His say on what might be different & better if we let Him run things His way.

Pray for His Insight & Power

It’s important to stop & ask God to give His input, even with something simple, like:

“God, I want to please You with my life & I know I sometimes have blinders on in doing things the way I know. Give me Your perspective & wisdom. Give me Your power & strength to step into the potential You have designed specifically for my life.”

God Can Make a Way

I cannot tell you how many times I have felt stuck by a circumstance in life & never really considered there could be any way out of it. I just accepted it as a part of life that I had to deal with, but God goes so far beyond our limitations!

As a short example, I always struggled with reading my Bible regularly because my mind could never seem to rest on God’s Word long enough to digest what I was reading.

I assumed that because I was not good at it, that I should be content with reading less, relying more on Scripture snippets from time to time or tidbits highlighted through devotions I might be working on at the time.

But here’s what I was missing in my “solution”—the context of the entirety of Scripture. Because I thought there was no other way, instead of asking God for His help to overcome my obstacles, I was relying on how good I thought I could do with it.

Our Perspective Versus His Infiniteness

You see, it is so easy for us to take culture & upbringing & self-“realizations” as hard facts, without stopping to consider that God knows more than we do. That God can do better with what we have. That God isn’t limited by our limitations or circumstances.

Letting God Handle What We’ve Got “Handled”

What part of your life do you feel you have running on auto-pilot?

What areas of your life do you feel like you’ve got all figured out & maybe have never stopped to ask God about it?

What poor circumstances have you been rushing in to redeem in our own wisdom or strength, whether it be a spouse’s weakness, a child’s stubborn nature, a friend’s wrong, or a social injustice… without stopping to ask how God would like to solve the problem?

We can have right motives & we can feel justified & we can feel like we’re doing a good job… but it is ALWAYS best to bow those ideas & those solutions which are based in human understanding to God’s infinite wisdom.

So, take inventory today of the areas of your life that you are handling on your own.

And take that inventory list to God, bowing your way & your will to His power, His will, & His way.

Shine HOPE His way, Lovely, & have a wonderful day giving God all the glory.

Coming Next Week

Make sure to check back every Monday morning EST for some more encouragement!

A Note from Michelle:

If you would like to hear more of my story, check out the “About Me” page. And if you would like to hear how I found my lasting source of HOPE, read the “Hope Is Found” page, on this site. I hope they are an encouragement to you! <3

Also, make sure to “Join My Tribe” by adding your email to the top bar & clicking “Join My Tribe”. This gains you access to an extra weekly dose of encouragement from me in your inbox, along with the link to each week’s new post! I can’t wait to do this journey together!!

Weekly Special Spotlight:

Each week, I will feature an item that is changing lives. These pieces are offering job creation opportunities for women artisans in impoverished nations all around the world! Check out this week’s featured beauty!!

Northern Lights Studs

These studs hold labradorite stone, displaying multiple captivating colors that vary in different exposures to light, just like the Northern Lights themselves. Flash-plated posts.

Artisan Information:

The women we partner with in India do so much more than just create beautiful products. With every purchase, another woman is empowered out of poverty to be self-reliant! Women have the opportunity to earn an income, attend financial management classes, & receive education & healthcare. These women are now able to give their family a promising future because of your purchase!

Purchase this piece & empower a woman in India!

Shop Here, OR, Email me at michelle@michellehydeonline.com with any questions, & I will message you personally with more information!! Thank you for inspiring HOPE around the world, Lovely!

Grace Is Free

This is a topic that I have found cannot be discussed enough—“Obedience through faith, not self-efforts.”

It seems that we have universally grown accustomed to feeling some control over our position before God. As if we must prove ourselves worthy in order to be given His free gift to cover our wrongs.

Sometimes we live in a state of self-condemnation, beating ourselves into submission in order to honor God with our lives. We think we have to pay Him back.

But God’s free gift of grace is just that… free.

Our Best Isn’t Enough-And That’s Grace

God even says that our righteousness (the best we have to offer), is like dirty rags.

God doesn’t say this to condemn us & mock our efforts, but rather to say that His gift cannot be earned, but is just GIVEN, free of charge, if only we believe on Him for that gift.

Our best still isn’t enough & yet God covers the gaps for us.

And yet we still strive to earn or to deserve His grace.

Doing Nothing Is Not the Cure

This isn’t to say that the opposite of the pendulum swing is true either, that because we cannot earn it, we shouldn’t strive to honor God with our lives.

BUT, it is not because we put pressure on ourselves to deserve His free gift & it is not through our own self-efforts, either.

Knowing We Weren’t Enough-God Makes a Way

In discussing this topic with a friend, this comparison came to mind:

God gave us the law (the 10 Commandments), knowing that we could never fulfill the law on our own & knowing that we would have to come to Jesus to be the propitiation for our wrongs to right our relationship with Himself.

In the same way, God gives us commands on how we ought to live this life, knowing that we do not have the capacity to live that way from our own efforts, knowing that He sent the Holy Spirit to guide us & empower us to live the way He has called us to live.

The Balance

Also, just because we could never perfectly fulfill the law or God’s commandments on how to live, doesn’t mean we should avoid living God’s way & instead do whatever we want.

But we should also not tire ourselves trying to be perfect when we are not.

So, it sounds like I have told you to both NOT avoid doing what is right while also NOT tiring yourself to do what is right.

I know this might sound like a contradiction, but it is actually the perfect formula for faith & for a life lived through a relationship with God through a life of faith AKA abiding in Christ (versus just following His example).

Lean Into Him to Do All He Asks of Us

You see, although we are incapable of living the way God has asked us to, & although this does not excuse our wrongdoings, we should instead lean into God for what we are called to do in our incapacity to do it.

Here is an example of something I say to God in my prayers:

“God, I feel so [distracted, lazy, busy, rebellious, tired, stubborn, worn out, incapable, discouraged, impatient, proud/arrogant, etc.], but I know this honors You, so please give me the [strength, wisdom, clarity, available time, power, ability, encouragement, inspiration, discipline, humility, patience, etc.] that I don’t feel I can muster on my own to accomplish this that honors You. You are all that I need in my limitations. I am not enough, but You are GOD. Thank You that I can be still & know that through my limitations, You ARE GOD.”

Because really, that’s what it all comes down to.

We Are So Limited, But He Isn’t!

I am limited. There is so much that God asks of me that I just don’t have the capacity to do on my own…

Like:

• Loving my enemies
• Knowing what to say to someone whose world is crashing around them
• Taking time for a quiet time with God when my world is chaos
• Accomplishing a big task that seems out of my abilities
• Knowing how to respect someone who is rude or mean
• Responding rightly in a high stress situation
• ETC.! (The list of my shortcomings & weaknesses, if I put a decent amount of time & effort into writing it, would be quite long, if I am honest!)

SO MANY things are beyond my human limitations & I can exhaust myself REALLY QUICKLY in trying to live up to all of it all the time, in my own strength or wisdom or power to make it all happen. And then , I will STILL fall short of it 100% of the time!

God Fills in the Gaps

But yet, God still asks them of me, knowing my limitations better than I know them myself.

And so, the beautiful solution to this gap is HIM. Letting God lead us across those gaps, between His commands on how to live & our human limitations, through/by/with HIS power, love, patience, hope, strength, joy, wisdom, etc.

HIS. Not ours.

Don’t Just Follow Christ-Abide in Him

So, if you feel like you’re barely holding your Christian life together, you’re doing it wrong.

Sorry, not sorry.

Stop trying to be Super Christian & instead, lean into our AWESOME, UNLIMITED, SUPREME, LOVING GOD.

Just stop.

And pray.

And let God move you where you can’t move yourself.

Take some pressure off yourself, because you were never meant to do it in your own strength anyways.

Shine hope, Lovely—Through FAITH, Not Self-Efforts.

Coming Next Week

Make sure to tune in every Monday morning EST for some more encouragement!

A Note from Michelle:

If you would like to hear more of my story, check out the “About Me” page. And if you would like to hear how I found my lasting source of HOPE, read the “Hope Is Found” page, on this site. I hope they are an encouragement to you! <3

Also, make sure to “Join My Tribe” by adding your email to the top bar & clicking “Join My Tribe”. This gains you access to an extra weekly dose of encouragement from me in your inbox, along with the link to each week’s new post! I can’t wait to do this journey together!!

Weekly Special Spotlight:

Each week, I will feature an item that is changing lives. These pieces are offering job creation opportunities for women artisans in impoverished nations all around the world! Check out this week’s featured beauty!!

Eternity Necklace

Multiple mixed metal chains are hugged by a metal curved tube to create this simple yet elegant piece with a lobster clasp closure.

Artisan Information:

The poverty cycle in India continues primarily because of the lack of education. Most schools are not free or affordable. Therefore, many children never learn to read or write & grow up with limited opportunities. However, every purchase of this product empowers women to provide for their children & send them to school! You have the opportunity to end poverty & create an impact for generations to come!

Purchase this piece & empower a woman in India!

(*Also shown: Western Stud Trio (silver pair), also empowering women out of poverty, in India!)

Shop Here, OR, Email me at michelle@michellehydeonline.com with any questions, & I will message you personally with more information!! Thank you for inspiring HOPE around the world, Lovely!

Pride & Timidity Versus Confidence & Humility

How often do we confuse confidence with pride & humility with timidity?

What’s the difference? Is there a difference?

Yes, & this difference makes ALL the difference.

Confidence Through Christ, Not Ourselves

You see, we can have complete confidence in life because we know that no matter our balance of rights versus wrongs, our salvation is bought by the blood of Christ & not through any efforts of our own.

Confidence says that because God has gifted me, I can step into this situation or this role knowing that my ability is from Him & that He will provide me with all of the strength, wisdom, & power that I need to accomplish what He asks of me as I lean into Him for help along the way.

Pride, The Enemy of Confidence

Pride gives ourselves a pat on the back, while confidence says that it’s all because of God & through God that we are able to accomplish any good.

The opposite of pride tends to be fleshed out as timidity (versus humility), also known as a fear of doing anything because we don’t want to encourage the credit to fall on us.

Can you see how Satan can use both of these extremes? We are either drawing attention away from God (through pride) or we are refusing to do what God asks of us, for fear of drawing attention away from God (through timidity).

What a sad pendulum swing that often traps us in self-loathing or inaction.

The God-Honoring Balance

But God asks us to let the pendulum rest on the most God-honoring balance amongst the two extremes.

He asks to have confidence & humility in perfect harmony.

We can have full confidence in what God has equipped us with, while having the humility to realize that those strengths are from God & not from us.

So, if you find yourself backing down from activities out of a fear of pride (aka timidity), step into it instead with confidence, knowing, with humility, that your ability comes from God.

Love you, Lovely!

Coming Next Week

Make sure to join me next week as I talk about Obedience through Faith Versus Self-Efforts.

And join me every Monday morning EST for more encouragement!

A Note from Michelle:

If you would like to hear more of my story, check out the “About Me” page. And if you would like to hear how I found my lasting source of HOPE, read the “Hope Is Found” page, on this site. I hope they are an encouragement to you! <3

Also, make sure to “Join My Tribe” by adding your email to the top bar & clicking “Join My Tribe”. This gains you access to an extra weekly dose of encouragement from me in your inbox, along with the link to each week’s new post! I can’t wait to do this journey together!!

Weekly Special Spotlight:

Each week, I will feature an item that is changing lives. These pieces are offering job creation opportunities for women artisans in impoverished nations all around the world! Check out this week’s featured beauty!!

Holly Necklace

Holly’s passion is to empower women to be all God created them to be & live out their potential. Whether she is in the brothels of Asia to hometown USA, her desire is to see women live out their calling with confidence & dignity. This piece is a reflection of the confidence & skills a woman rescued from the brothels has when given the opportunity. A delicate piece, this golden/pink druzy necklace sparkles in the light.

Artisan Information:

In Asia, poverty leads many women to be sexually exploited in brothels. These women want to provide for their families but have so few options. But through your purchase, women are being rescued from these brothels & rehabilitated. Holistic care is given to these women, including a shelter, job training, healthcare, counseling, & educational grants for themselves & their children. You can help these women experience restoration for their future!

Purchase this piece & empower a woman in Asia!

Shop Here, OR, Email me at michelle@michellehydeonline.com with any questions, & I will message you personally with more information!! Thank you for inspiring HOPE around the world, Lovely!

Let’s Dive In!

For this month’s special feature post (every last Thursday of the month), I thought I would take a dive into the adventures of me & my husband, on the beautiful island of Guam.

Imagine stepping off the plane, into a beautiful land full of palm trees, tropical flowers, & lapping waves of crystal blue waters, surrounded by green everywhere.

Despite the occasional typhoons & rainy season, Guam is warm & sunny for a majority of the year. That’s my kind of life!

This was our life for three beautiful years on Guam.

Guam’s Development

Before moving to Guam, we had heard only stories of its beauty, while being told how undeveloped the island was (think huts, dirt roads, & mopeds as transportation). Lucky for us, things have developed quite a bit since “those days.”

Nice neighborhoods still neighbor abandoned lots of overgrown sections & some back roads are known for their gravel & potholes, but there has been a lot of development beyond dirt roads & huts.

One thing to watch for are some slick roads during rainy days. Since the asphalt was mixed with mashed up broken coral, the roads are sometimes slick when it’s raining—think similarly to the black ice during winter months elsewhere. So be careful!

America’s Other Tropical Paradise

Guam is considered a territory of the United States, so the common language is English & they use USD currency. Although, as a fun fact, the local people are known as Chamorro.

Guam is beautiful, with a lot to see, so let’s dive into some of the sights….

So Much To Do!

One of the many wonderful things about Guam is the fact that there is so much to do with very little cost involved.

Now, I am sure there are places where you can spend your money, like the beach-view hotels & high-end shopping, but there is so much to do that costs very little.

Shopping, Shopping, Shopping!

Activities on Guam vary from shopping the expensive stores in Tumon to scuba diving in the crystal-clear waters around the island. There are lots of amazing things to do, so this blog post will only touch the surface, but if you are planning a visit or move to Guam, this will give you a pretty good start.

As for shopping, besides the high-end shopping in Tumon, they have places like a giant Kmart, Macy’s, Ross, a few shopping centers & Micronesia Mall, equipped with a movie theater & food court.

Guam Deliciousness!

For food, as our favorite, Jamie & I recommend Mosa’s Burger Joint (Spinach, Mushroom, Blue Cheese Burger with sweet potato fries, & maybe the spicy spinach artichoke dip with garlic bread as an appetizer—YUMMMM!)

Another local favorite is Jamaican Grill, with a delicious selection of Jamaican/Guam fusion choices. Meat & rice & a delicious Jamaican Burger!

Restaurant variety includes IHOP, Ruby Tuesdays, Applebees, Chilis, TGI Fridays, & more. Gun Beach also offers a beachside restaurant that has a casual beachy feel, overlooking the ocean with open walls. It’s a great place to eat & watch the sunset.

There is also a wide array of American fast food, like: Taco Bell (my personal favorite), Burger King, McDonald’s, Panda Express, Sbarro, Papa John’s, Dominos, Pizza Hut, Subway, etc. Also, make sure you check out Yogurtland for a refreshing frozen yogurt treat.

For an unforgettable date night, we also loved our underwater eating experience at Underwater World, with tropical fish, sharks, stingrays, & sea turtles swimming above & around us!

Seeing the Sights

Walking through Tumon is gorgeous & well-lit, with anything from great souvenir shops like ABC, as well as high-end shops like Gucci & Prada. Our favorite Tumon-strolling activity, though, is Underwater World.

For a small fee, at Underwater World, you can spend a few hours walking through an underwater tunnel, exploring the tropical fish, sea turtles, sharks, & stingrays, as well as several individualized tanks upstairs & dining opportunities in the tunnel itself (reservations only, I believe). Benches throughout the tunnel allow you the chance to sit & relax while watching the underwater sea life interact around you.

One of our favorite activities on Guam was a drive through the less developed south side of the island. You can jump on Route 4 & follow that road all the way around, with stops at tucked away beaches, beautiful lookouts, & a hike up Mount LamLam, if you’re up for some great views!

Some Gorgeous Views!

There are many gorgeous hikes around Guam as well & most local shops will have maps with routes & difficulty ratings, so make sure to check that out! One of the ones we tried was Tarzan Falls, but make sure it’s not too muddy when you go, because the slopes can turn into muddy slip n slides, if you know what I mean.

We also loved visiting Two Lovers Point, which tells the tale of two star-crossed lovers who chose to die together rather than being forced apart. The cost is only a few dollars & the view is amazing. If you look off to the left from the top of the lookout, you can see the silhouette of a woman’s face in the shoreline, with her hair flowing out into the ocean.

Just Keep Swimming

A must-experience activity is visiting the many places to lounge on the sunny beaches & snorkel in the clear blue waters. The fish are everywhere & it is an easy trip, as Tumon Bay has parking for beaches, waves are blocked by reef walls around most of the island, & the water goes up to your shoulders in most places. Stress-free & gorgeous! (KMart is a great place to buy all the gear you need for snorkeling at a decent price.)

But, one of my most favorite activities, aside from the southside of the island drive, is the diving! MDA on Guam offers rental equipment for about $20-25 (at least it was this cheap while we lived there!) & there are so many gorgeous places to scuba! Gun Beach, Fish Eye, & boat dives offer gorgeous underwater views. It is not uncommon to see eels, schools of brightly colored fish, & even some sea turtles occasionally! I have also seen spots with clown fish, squid, & octopus. It’s amazing!

Fish Eye is a place where you can wear the metal helmets & walk on the sea floor, while feeding fish! They also have an area to walk down indoors, to peek through the portholes & watch the fish swim by. I have never paid to do Fish Eye, but it’s fun to dive nearby & wave to those who are inside, looking through underwater portholes.

Definitely a Beauty to Behold!

Besides everything I mentioned above, the sunny skies (most of the year), warm weather, crystal clear blue waters, hibiscus, plumeria, palm trees & vast greenery make Guam a beautiful & unforgettable island to explore!

If you ever get the chance to visit, do it! Guam–“Where America’s day begins!”

Coming Next Week

Make sure to check back on Monday morning EST, for some regularly scheduled encouragement! Love you ladies!

A Note from Michelle:

If you would like to hear more of my story, check out the “About Me” page. And if you would like to hear how I found my lasting source of HOPE, read the “Hope Is Found” page, on this site. I hope they are an encouragement to you! <3

Also, make sure to “Join My Tribe” by adding your email to the top bar & clicking “Join My Tribe”. This gains you access to an extra weekly dose of encouragement from me in your inbox, along with the link to each week’s new post! I can’t wait to do this journey together!!

Weekly Special Spotlight:

Each week, I will feature an item that is changing lives. These pieces are offering job creation opportunities for women artisans in impoverished nations all around the world! Check out this week’s featured beauty!!

Petal Necklace & Petal Stud Earrings

This cubic zirconia floral pendant hangs from an antique golden chain & pairs perfectly with the Petal Stud Earrings.

Artisan Information:

The women we partner with in India do so much more than just create beautiful products. With every purchase, another woman is empowered out of poverty to be self-reliant! Women have the opportunity to earn an income, attend financial management classes, & receive education & healthcare. These women are now able to give their family a promising future because of your purchase!

Purchase this piece & empower a woman in India!

Shop Here, OR, Email me at michelle@michellehydeonline.com with any questions, & I will message you personally with more information!! Thank you for inspiring HOPE around the world, Lovely!

How Do I Fit?

Have you ever found yourself wondering how you fit into God’s plan?

Being well aware of your own shortcomings, failures, & insecurities, in comparison to the perceived strengths, accomplishments, & courage of others can leave us wondering how we can have any influence in our hurting world that others can’t do better.

When I was growing up, I always looked up to those who seemed bold & courageous, the leaders & the ones already doing the work. I assumed that was for them & not for me.

I always tended to step back & let them do their thing, while I essentially sat back & made excuses for inaction.

Of course, we don’t like to admit it as inaction, but that is inevitably the result of letting others do everything that we are also called to do.

Not Lazy, Just Insecure

I don’t think it’s even necessarily laziness, but it definitely seems like Satan likes us to believe the lie that because others seem to be better, we shouldn’t do it as well.

Take this blog, for example. If I am completely honest with you, I feel completely ill-equipped & inadequate to run any kind of anything, let alone a weekly blog & Facebook community.

I see too clearly all of my rebellious nature & stubborn/selfish tendencies. I see my writing blunders & babblings & wish I didn’t sound “so dumb” in my writing, because my weaknesses are glaringly obvious to me.

Be a Light

But God has been giving me a sort of wake-up call with this type of thing.

The world needs lampposts in the darkness. Lampposts for HOPE. Lampposts that shine the light of Christ into this hurting world.

God wants people who are willing to show up & take a stand for Truth in LOVE.

Even If…

Even if I end up being a terrible writer & even if I mess up & even if I miss a deadline & beat myself up about it… God can still use my willingness to show up for Him.

Even if I am ignored & no one reads anything I share. Even if everyone thinks I am lame & have no business running a blog. EVEN IF NO ONE CARES… God can still use my willingness to show up for Him.

Maybe God…

If you are feeling it necessary to be a light for Christ, but you feel alone or inadequate in this endeavor, maybe God will use this blog to encourage you that it DOES matter & it IS worth it.

If you are wondering if Christianity is just my pick of the litter for religions, maybe God will use this blog to show you that HE is the ONE WAY to Truth & HOPE & that He offers this freely, apart from anything we are unable to give.

If you are struggling with a conviction & wonder if God is really working through that situation, maybe God will use this blog to solidify that Truth in your heart.

Even if I mess up & miss the point. Even if I speak poorly & am grossly inadequate, God can still use my willingness to show up.

Keep Shining Hope, Keep Showing Up

And so, I will keep showing up.

Not because I am especially disciplined or determined or selfless or humble or anything, but through GOD’S strength, GOD’S encouragement, & GOD’S help.

I am nothing. HE is EVERYTHING.

I am weak. HE is STRENGTH.

I am selfish. HE is KIND & GENEROUS.

I am limited. HE is INFINITE.

I am not worthy of this task, but HE CAN USE ME DESPITE ME.

He is everything!

Let God Maximize Your “Minimals”

We are ever incapable of measuring up to the needs of this world, but through God’s guidance & power & wisdom, we can have an impact! Through HIM.

We are always lacking. We are always prone to self-seeking. We are always insufficient.

BUT GOD IS OUR EVERYTHING.

But How???

How can you serve God when you are broken…? Because God is everything.

Lean into Him. Take your mustard seed-sized offering to Him & ask Him to grow your meager offering into something for His glory.

Maybe It Means

Maybe it means starting a blog. Maybe it means starting a prayer circle to uplift others by turning to God together. Maybe it means offering to help clean up the church once a week. Maybe it means offering to help improve the graphics at church.

Maybe it means bringing meals to those who are suffering. Maybe it means offering to meet with another woman or teen in the church to pray & encourage one another. Maybe it means being intentional in praying over the needs of your church.

Lean Into Him

God created us all uniquely. God designed us all specifically. God gave us all different gifts. But God fills in our gaps.

So, lean into Him. Ask for His guidance in where to go next & what to do next. Ask Him to fill in your gaps. Ask Him where He can use you. Ask Him to work out your God-designed potential in you. Ask Him to help you trust Him more & more each day. Ask Him to help you to know & love Him more.

God Is Still God

When you’re broken, God is still God.

He doesn’t call the equipped. He equips the called.

All we have to do is lean into Him & be willing to just show up.

Let His lamp be a light unto your feet. One. Step. At. A. Time.

Just trust HIM.

Coming Next Week

Check back on Thursday for this month’s special feature post!

Also, come back next Monday morning EST for some more encouragement from my heart to yours. <3

A Note from Michelle:

If you would like to hear more of my story, check out the “About Me” page. And if you would like to hear how I found my lasting source of HOPE, read the “Hope Is Found” page, on this site. I hope they are an encouragement to you! <3

Also, make sure to “Join My Tribe” by adding your email to the top bar & clicking “Join My Tribe”. This gains you access to an extra weekly dose of encouragement from me in your inbox, along with the link to each week’s new post! I can’t wait to do this journey together!!

Weekly Special Spotlight:

Each week, I will feature an item that is changing lives. These pieces are offering job creation opportunities for women artisans in impoverished nations all around the world! Check out this week’s featured beauty!!

Warrior Cuff

This brass gold, hammered, stacked cuff opens in the back and will be your go-to piece. (*Also available in silver color.)

Artisan Information:

The poverty cycle in India continues primarily because of the lack of education. Most schools are not free or affordable. Therefore, many children never learn to read or write & they grow up with limited opportunities. However, every purchase of this product empowers women to provide for their children & send them to school! You have the opportunity to end poverty & create an impact for generations to come!

Purchase this piece & empower a woman in India!

(*Also shown: Fearless Earrings, empowering women out of poverty in Nepal!*)

Shop Here, OR, Email me at michelle@michellehydeonline.com with any questions, & I will message you personally with more information!! Thank you for inspiring HOPE around the world, Lovely!

Feeling Lost

Sprawled on the floor with a tear-stained face, wondering how you will survive through to the morning, wondering if you WANT to survive until the morning.

You have tried everything to revive the ruin of your life…. You have tried to stay positive…. You have tried to be strong.

And yet, here you are, melting into despair, wondering if a life ended is better than another day of the pain that you live now.

You know God. You consider yourself a Christian, knowing that Christ paid your debt to set you free from sin. And yet, you still wonder if even our great God could do anything to help bring hope into your crumbled, bleak resemblance of life.

And then the tinge of guilt for claiming to have faith while still falling apart.

It’s hard to admit you’re falling apart when others doubt your faith.

How do you give God your best when you have nothing left to give? How do you give God anything at all?

Being Faithful in Weakness

It’s so easy to think that faithfulness means never struggling, but how many retellings in the Bible express immense struggles, while still remaining faithful?

Sometimes, doesn’t it feel like, as a Christian, we put this pressure on ourselves to “measure up” to the “standard”?

It feels like being faithful means being perfect all the time.

Like being faithful means never messing up.

Like being faithful means never being overwhelmed by hurt & pain & stress.

We think that being faithful means always being strong & always believing unwaveringly.

We think that being faithful means never falling apart.

We often think that it’s up to us to carry through the storm, to prove our faith.

But Still…

But no amount of our strength & no amount of positive thinking can bring back a loved one.

No amount of effort can erase a hole in our heart.

No amount of trying can undo a devastatingly painful circumstance.

Sometimes, no matter how tirelessly we try, our efforts just don’t do a thing to solve our problem or heal our heart or fix our situation.

So why do we put so much pressure on ourselves? As if, if we try harder next time, we can overcome?

Expressing Pain While Staying Faithful

If we struggle to put the expression or feelings of hurt, pain, or torment in the same sentence as faithfulness, think of some of the people represented throughout the Bible.

Think of Job’s loss & torment, while still praising & trusting God.

Think of David’s lamenting psalms, while still looking to God as his help & refuge.

Think of Christ’s bloody tears, while still obeying God’s mission to save us on the cross.

Faithfulness Isn’t…

Faithfulness does not mean being strong on our own.

Faithfulness does not mean we never cry out in pain.

Faithfulness does not mean we don’t hurt.

Faithfulness does not mean pretending our personal world isn’t falling apart.

Faithfulness does not mean never wanting to quit.

Giving Our Best-Even When It’s Small

Even when we have nothing, even when we are at our worst, we can give God our best just by trusting God to be enough when we are not.

Mustard seed-sized faith–“small, barely holding on, but knowing somewhere, somehow, God CAN” type faith.

Faith that says, “I personally can see no way of hope, but if anyone can, God CAN.”

Stepping outside of the chaos & destruction to say, “God, how can You bring anything good out of THIS? How can THIS be part of Your PLAN?! Help me to trust You because I don’t know how to hold on anymore. I don’t have a plan. I can’t fix it. But God, You are somehow enough. Help me to rest in that. Help me to trust You when every odd seems to be working against me. I can’t. I CAN’T.

But You CAN.”

That’s faith. Trusting that He CAN in the midst of our CAN’Ts.

Giving To Get, But GOD

You see, as people, we have the tendency to think that to have faith or to give God our best, we need to be strong warriors. We think we have to bring something to the table for God to use.

But even when we have nothing, God CAN.

In those times of loss & despair, where nothing seems like it could ever improve, we have the rare opportunity to see that, plainly stated, IT’S NOT US.

That even when we are falling apart at the seams, GOD IS ENOUGH.

Even without our help.

Trusting in the Hurricane

As I sit here in the hospital with my 24-year old baby sister who is recovering from a ruptured appendix, I am reminded of this beautiful truth.

As I sat crying on the couch last Monday, after hearing that my sister was fighting for her life on the other side of the globe, I was reminded of this truth.

Botched travel plans & a day of rushing through three train stations & two airports, I was reminded of this truth.

I didn’t have anything to give. I couldn’t beam to Florida, from Japan, to be with my sister. I couldn’t fix the travel woes. I couldn’t heal her. I couldn’t control anything.

I cried. A lot.

And as I lay there frustrated & aching & scared, on my couch in Japan, far away from my sister, I was reminded that God CAN.

God never loses control.

God Reigns Through It ALL

He sees it all.

It may not turn out the way I expect or the way my limited perspective longs for, but He makes it fit together in a plan so big & so vast that expands beyond the current circumstances.

As I heard in a song once, “Sometimes God calms the storm & sometimes He calms His child.”

You see, even IF things do not go the way we pray. Even if it all seems to fall apart, God never wastes a moment & He is always in control.

He offers peace in the torment. He offers strength in the collapse. He offers power over the fear. He offers courage in the unknowns. He offers HOPE in the midst of hopeless.

He is always working HOPE. He is always pointing back to Himself. He is always offering to sustain us.

God CAN.

GOD CAN

So, as I sit here (now writing from the hospital cafeteria, in Florida, as my sister rests), I am reminded that GOD CAN.

I feel strength I didn’t muster. I feel courage amidst the fear. I feel peace in the storm.

God is with us. He is sustaining us. He is reviving us.

God has it in His able hands. God loves us unconditionally. God CAN.

And because I know my sister loves Jesus & has her hope placed in Him alone, I know that even if God had not indeed chosen a road to recovery, (*Which it miraculously seems recovery is where we’re headed at this point!!!!), God would have taken her to a shining & glorious place called Heaven, where she can rush into the loving arms of her Savior & dance a dance of hope & love & eternal joy.

God always has a plan. All for Him, even when things don’t go our way, but thank You Lord for the recovery we are seeing!!!!!

Even When… God’s Grace Remains

Even when we feel lost

Even when all hope is gone

Even when our hurt seems strong

God’s grace will still remain

And even when all crashes down

And even when our strength is gone

And even when we’ve given up

God’s good grace still overcomes

We may have nothing

To offer Him

We may have nothing

To offer Him

We may be hurting, all hope feels gone

BUT God’s Grace still reigns the day

God’s GOOD GRACE reigns always

((*Always shine HOPE, even if it means saying, “God, I can’t do this, but You can.”))

If you feel God is not calming the storm, pray & ask for His strength to carry you through. Ask for His peace & courage. Ask for His perspective.

And listen to “Blessings” by Laura Story.

*I don’t own the rights to this song. All rights to Laura Story & Company.

Coming Next Week

*I am sorry for the lapse last week. That was the day I found out about my sister. Thank you for showing me grace & for your prayers as she has a long road to recovery. Thank You, Lord, for Your healing power & sustaining grace!!!*

Check back every Monday morning EST for more encouragement! Love you, sisters!

A Note from Michelle:

If you would like to hear more of my story, check out the “About Me” page. And if you would like to hear how I found my lasting source of HOPE, read the “Hope Is Found” page, on this site. I hope they are an encouragement to you! <3

Also, make sure to “Join My Tribe” by adding your email to the top bar & clicking “Join My Tribe”. This gains you access to an extra weekly dose of encouragement from me in your inbox, along with the link to each week’s new post! I can’t wait to do this journey together!!

Weekly Special Spotlight:

Each week, I will feature an item that is changing lives. These pieces are offering job creation opportunities for women artisans in impoverished nations all around the world! Check out this week’s featured beauty!!

Horizon Earrings

These golden diamond shaped earrings are wrapped with vibrant coral thread.

Artisan Information:

In India, poverty is rampant & fair working conditions are hard to find. But with every purchase, women are receiving an income, access to healthcare, adult literacy programs, & self-help groups! Not only does this change their lives, but they are also pouring back into their communities & helping others! You have the opportunity to empower thousands of women in India!

Purchase this piece & empower a woman in India!

(*Also shown: Awakening Bracelet from India!*)

Shop Here, OR, Email me at michelle@michellehydeonline.com with any questions, & I will message you personally with more information!! Thank you for inspiring HOPE around the world, Lovely!