My Ways Are Not God’s Ways

I had a plan for my blog today. I have been writing & editing in my head a lot of today, preparing for the time when I would sit down & let the words flow as I typed them out for you. But then… I go to do it & nothing is coming out quite right. Everything is falling flat. It all feels forced, like it’s not what God has for me to say today & yet I am trying to make it happen anyway.

So, here I am… an hour later… starting over with no plan.

Well, God, what do You have for me to say today?

A Trigger I Didn’t See Coming

I have been attending the Monday evening ladies Bible Study at my church—which I need to leave for in a little over an hour as I sit with this almost blank page in front of me now & a blog post deadline in 3.5 hours.

The topic of this Bible Study has been “Emotions“—& to be honest, I have been tempted to just stop attending—not because I think I know everything on this topic & therefore don’t need help with this… quite the contrary—but because I have felt it sometimes over-simplifies the topic maybe in a way that triggers me, quite frankly.

Why does it trigger me, you might ask…. Because of the large amount of negative responses I have received in my lifetime dealing with my own personal big emotions. People have not always seemed to respond well to them, unless of course, the emotions felt “understandable.”

As per my last blog post: “Why Are Deep Emotions So Often Equated with “Being Emotional,” you can probably see it has stirred some frustrations in me. But it has also given me a newfound confidence I haven’t really known before—embracing my lifelong, “sometimes feels like a curse, but now realize the true bring-me-to-Jesus-reminder blessing it can be”—“emotional-ness.”

There Is a Difference

The book just honestly reminds me of some naivety I had after my time with deep depression for 2 years back in high school. Almost a high, if you will, of “this happened to me, but God taught me through it & now I’m all good as long as I can hold on to this thing I learned!” As if… fix it & you won’t have to feel hard feelings anymore–maybe that’s not what she intended… but you have to be careful of where the line is drawn between addressing the emotions themselves & the idea of allowing them to be used as an excuse for sin–because there is a difference. Emotions don’t equal sin.

Now, sometimes she does distinguish between emotions & the spirals that can potentially follow, but a lot of times it just seems to lump all together as just emotions seeming to almost be the enemy–which, they aren’t.

Hence last week’s topic.

I Want to Allow Myself Permission to be Emotional

You know, being emotional can actually be a really beautiful thing. Aside from it serving as a prodding reminder of my very real & constant need for something outside of myself–AKA Jesus, it also allows me to more fully engage with the world around me, to soak it up & to experience it more vividly.

But it can also be uncomfortable… & make other people feel uncomfortable. And because of this, I learned to hide my emotions… to pretend… to feel them when I am alone only… to never let people see me cry.

But now, I look at someone break down in tears & fall into the embrace of someone they love & trust, willing to be vulnerable & weak with someone whom they know cares for them & I just think—“I want to have the courage to believe someone would let me do that, without judgment & not have to feel it alone.”

Emotions Aren’t the Enemy–Our Wrong Responses Are

Emotions have long been made out to be the bad guy. I hear things like, “you are always so emotional…” “stop being so dramatic…” etc. But feeling deeply is not wrong–unless used as an excuse for wrong.

I get that some people may use strong emotions because they’re starving for attention & that’s the only way they know how to get it. I know that some people may decide it’s easier to trust Satan’s lies & move further away from God & deeper into a spiral. I know some people will lash out at others & blame “that time of the month” as an excuse. But emotions don’t MAKE you do those things… You have a choice in how you respond to your emotions–even though your right response may not guarantee said emotions away.

Sometimes I Feel When I Feel I Have No Real Reason to Feel

I’m asked why oh why do I feel so strongly about something that’s not even really that big of a deal… & sometimes… I feel deep heaviness on my heart with no recognizable reason to offer as good reason for it.

I have had times, even without the extra time-of-the-month hormones at work, where I feel deep heavy sadness almost… like a heavy weight on me… & I don’t even know WHY. Like, I can search my heart & thoughts & not come up with a single thing stressing me out or worrying me or hurting me & yet it hurts SO MUCH anyway. Makes zero sense to me. And yet… is.

And people want an answer. They want a justification. It makes it easier to understand… to maybe be able to help…. Maybe they’re wondering if I am just being dramatic “again”?

I don’t know.

But in those times, I can have sobs flowing out, with no cause I can see for the heaviness weighing on me, & I talk to God in it. I ask Him for help. I ask Him to help me keep trusting Him in it even it He chooses not to remove it. I remind myself that God never allows anything without a good reason—for my good & His glory. That I can trust Him even when the hurt doesn’t stop. I ask for His peace & comfort & to feel His presence in the heavy hurts. And He does answer in those ways.

I Can’t Always Pray the Pain Away

It’s hard because it takes continual surrender when it doesn’t ease up after prayer. I want more of a 1. feel pain (or just not even have 1.), 2. pray about it & remember Biblical Truth, 3. it eases up & I move on. Instead, when I am emotional, 3. doesn’t come. The pain stays. And I have to keep laying it down at His feet & keep drawing from His strength instead of the satisfaction of feeling my own return to me. That is HARD. That continual surrender versus removal of the pain is HARD.

Does He remain faithful to provide strength that isn’t my own? To give me impossible peace while the pain is still hurting me? To comfort me as it continues to weigh heavy on my heart? Yes, every single time–He is FAITHFUL to me–but I have to be willing to KEEP COMING TO HIM IN IT. And that is HARD.

The longing is to pray the pain away, when sometimes God wants us to trust Him to be sufficient while the pain remains.

The Key Is to KEEP Coming to Him

I don’t disagree with a lot that the aforementioned author of our study recommends, in needing to renew our minds with God’s Word—the Bible, with needing to retrain our focus by remembering we have a choice, with remembering to turn to God in our struggles, with knowing emotions don’t need to lead to spirals–in fact, I talk about some of that in a previous post: “Understanding Depression with Discernment.”

But we must be careful to distinguish between emotions themselves & the spirals &/or sin they can bring if we’re not careful.

“Be Angry & Do Not Sin”

It is very true that feeling big usually brings with it a weakness for succumbing to the easy-to-believe lies of Satan, telling us to doubt God & turn away from Him, telling us to dishonor God, disrespect Him, or disobey Him because of how we’re feeling… telling us to lash out at others in them.

The verse: “Be angry & do not sin,” (Ephesians 4:26) comes to mind because it’s this picture of feeling the way you feel, but not allowing it to stand as an excuse for hurting yourself, God, or others… aka SIN.

Sometimes God Allows the Pain to Remain So You & Others May See His Strength in Place of Your Own

I also think of Paul’s thorn in his side—that he prayed for God to remove & God responded with: “My grace is sufficient for you.” (2 Corinthians 12:7-10) God allowed the pain to remain. And Paul understood that in seasons of pain, they could also be opportunities to shine God’s strength when he felt he had little to none–in his weaknesses, infirmities, reproaches, needs, persecutions, & distresses.

I have felt that in so many of my dark seasons. As if God is allowing this heavy dark cloud to follow me everywhere I go & when I pray for it to leave, it’s almost as if God is very gently telling me, “no.”

I Know This & Yet…

And I have spiraled. I have doubted God loved me. I have tried to solve it my own way.

But I have also submitted to Him in it. I have learned from it. I have seen God use it to bring me closer to Him, to teach me something that I had long asked Him about, to demonstrate to others how to turn to them in their own weaknesses & pain.

I have trusted He had a plan even when I could not see it. I have trusted He loves me even when the pain will not leave. I have trusted that God would not waste the hurts He was letting me experience.

I have seen God WORK in them. And BE MY SUFFICIENCY.

He did not leave me. He did not forsake me. He is the Potter & I am but the clay.

We’re All Learning–God’s Not Finished with Me Yet

So, yes, this Bible study book we’re reading, in its sometimes naïve over-simplification of emotions as the culprit versus the poor responses to said emotions, has irked me to no end on some days as I work through it… but it has forced me to face up to all the negative reactions I have received over the years of my life… to embrace that I am not ashamed for being emotional & I no longer want to allow anyone convince me that I ought to be.

If God wants me to be poured out so that He may be magnified… to God be the glory. AMEN.

Shine HOPE by determining to KEEP turning to God in your hurts, refusing to allow them to be used as excuses for sin… & by giving intentional grace to those who feel things you don’t think are justifiable or things you don’t understand… letting God, in all things, be glorified.

God can handle those big emotions just fine, my dear, so keep turning to Him in them each & every time.

Coming Next Week

Join me every Monday morning, EST, for more encouragement right here on my blog/website @ www.MichelleHydeOnline.com.

Share with friends & family… & SUBSCRIBE by “Joining My Tribe,” so you never miss a week!

As God grows me, may it encourage you to seek Him & know Him & love Him more every day.

A Note from Michelle:

(***Check out my FREE Journal Printable Resources: “Accountability Partner Guide + Question Prompts” & “Bible Study Question Prompts ,” as well as “Prayers of Surrender” prayer guides!***)

This blog/website has been running for SIX years now! THANK YOU for your continued support & encouragement. <3

If you would like to learn more of my story, check out the “About Me” tab. And if you would like to hear how I found my lasting source of HOPE, read the “Hope Is Found” tab, 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 (make sure to check your other inbox folders), along with the link to each week’s new post! I can’t wait to do this journey together!!

Fashion as a Force for GOOD:

Each week, I feature an item that is changing lives for women around the world. These hand-crafted pieces are offering job creation opportunities for women artisans in impoverished nations all around the world! Consider these pieces when shopping for friends, family, or yourself. Check out this week’s featured beauty!!

Champagne Vine Earrings (INDIA)

LIMITED EDITION – Available While Supplies Last! The Champagne Vine Earrings are crafted in a workshop committed to fighting child marriage and creating dignified jobs for women in India. These detailed, champagne colored fringe earrings are hand beaded and feature a delicate vine design beaded in black seed beads.  

How You Can Help Artisans around the World AND Help Support My Website:

#1 is PRAY. Financial help is great & helps pay my website fees & helps support these women artisans… but God’s help is always needed most… both for encouragement & for spiritual hope, through Jesus, for the women we support through our ethical fashion purchases. Always PRAY first.

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

Your purchases not only help these women, but my commissions help me in continuing this website/blog, encouraging women all around the world with the HOPE we have in Jesus. Win-win-win!

Love ya lots! Have a wonderful week living for His glory in all that you do!

I Don’t Need Fixing

Why is having strong emotions so often equated with being dramatic?

Being emotional is often seen as a bad thing that needs fixing. Being emotional is often seen as a result of lacking faith. Being emotional is often considered a weakness.

Coming from someone with lifelong deep emotions… what a sad & incomplete understanding of emotions.

Emotions Can Tempt Wrongs… But They Can Only Tempt

The Bible is written with such rich emotions, even by male authors, no less, so why has it so commonly been twisted into such a strong conviction by certain people that strong emotions are wrong & should be avoided or squashed?

I get that there is always the fear of cultivating emotion-led faith, where you serve God mainly because you feel a spiritual high, versus serving Him the same regardless of how you are feeling, but that doesn’t make feeling… bad.

I think maybe because emotions make us vulnerable & feeling vulnerable is not always too pleasant. And, more notably, that vulnerability can set us up for attack. We can be tempted to doubt God… we can be tempted to dwell on the cause of the emotions versus turning to God in them… we can be tempted to give into despair… we can be tempted to react in sin—lashing out or blaming God or avoiding obedience to God… or growing a bad attitude. They can TEMPT us to shut down & grow bitter, but only can they tempt.

How Worship-Evoking It Can Be to Feel So Weak

But it’s not wrong to feel. It’s not even wrong to feel deeply. It’s not wrong to allow yourself that deep vulnerability of weakness.

In fact, what a worship-evoking thing it has the great potential to be… what a spur to pray & seek the riches of God’s Word…. What a blessing it can be to feel that very real need so deeply to your core—a reminder that you require something more than yourself.

Setting a Good Example Doesn’t Mean Having It Together All the Time

I get it. We want to feel “on our feet.” We want to feel strong & capable. We want to “be a good example.” We want to appear okay. We don’t want to feel so needy (as needy as we truly are).

But, as I say often about planning community church events, a good testimony is not necessarily that you ensure nothing ever goes wrong, but rather your response if something does go wrong.

So, we quote Scripture at emotions (reminding yourself of Truth in big emotions is a healthy habit, but it does not guarantee emotions away). We stuff it. We hide it. We pretty it up. We pretend. Or maybe we have just gotten so good at not letting ourselves feel it at all.

So, we try to find ways to avoid feeling so deeply… avoid feeling so out of control… avoid feeling so vulnerable.

Sometimes the Pain Is Unnamed

But sometimes the weight I feel has no name. It’s not from overthinking or from anxiety or from anything at all in particular. Just weight. And you know what—it feels good to let myself cry. I feel relieved. It pushes me to pray & let God sit with me in it, to give me peace despite the struggle.

I have gone through such intense spiritual attacks in certain seasons of my life, that I wanted to die because it felt like someone had taken about 20 weighted blankets & dropped them over my soul, like I was suffocating, but yet I was very aware of God still being in full control, whether He chose to leave the weight there or remove it. Crying from the pain, while praising God that I knew He somehow had a plan in the pain. So, personally, I saw that my deep, painful emotions were not present with sin–but yet they remained.

Let’s Not Assume More Than the Text Is Saying

I think we can look at stories like when everyone was freaking out on the boat in the storm as Jesus sleeps, seeing Him awake & rebuke the wind & waves to stillness & then rebuking the men for their lack of faith & think—“this must mean I should never feel struggle because it means I am worthy of rebuking for my own lack of faith.” But their problem in that storm wasn’t emotion—it was fearing the storm/natural occurrence more than the God Who controls those. God wasn’t implying a blanket rebuke against strong emotions here. (Mark 4:35-41)

Aside from seeing such rich emotions present in Scripture (the Bible), I know, from personal experience, how deep, rich emotions can be present with a very obvious lack of sin—aka, no continued dwelling on it or overthinking in place of prayer, no wanting to distrust God…. Just… pain.

Job Felt Deep Pain after Experiencing Deep Loss

“Then Job arose, tore his robe, and shaved his head; and he fell to the ground and worshiped. And he said:

“Naked I came from my mother’s womb and naked shall I return there. The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; Blessed be the name of the Lord.”

In all this Job did not sin nor charge God with wrong.” Job 1:20-22

That is not an expression of calm, lacking emotion. He tore his clothes it hurt so much. He felt the hurt & full weight of it, he felt strong emotions, but determined to praise God IN his hurt.

Is It Only Acceptable When We Can “Adequately” Justify It?

And I think people understand when it’s something that seems reasonable: lose a loved one—grief, someone gets attacked—hurt, seeing an orphan—pain. If it makes sense to people, it seems acceptable, but only if you can justify WHY you feel so strongly. Only then. And sometimes only for as long as someone may feel it is appropriate.

And like that day in my car with my rhetorical 20 weighted blankets, not understanding at all why I felt such pain in my spirit, but feeling it so strongly, crying in private because I knew I wouldn’t be able to understand it enough to “justify” it to someone else… I knew God was right there in it with me, holding me together despite how much it hurt. He had me even when the pain didn’t stop or let up. He saw me, He knew my pain, He didn’t need me to justify it to wrap me in His compassion & love. To hold me. To be my CAN when I just couldn’t.

Do We Vet Deep Emotions before We’re Willing to Show Compassion?

Why do we feel the need to believe a feeling is worth feeling in order to be in the storm with someone? To love them by their side through it?

Not just “giving them a verse to think on” because you feel they’re being dramatic or maybe overreacting… but holding them through it even when it doesn’t make any sense to you or doesn’t seem a “level of emotional” that is justifiable in that moment.

As if we have to vet it as worthy of not “just being dramatic,” in order for it deserve our care & compassion?

Is it because it’s inconvenient? Uncomfortable? We don’t know how to fix what we can’t define? It doesn’t wrap up as nicely as we would like?

Why don’t we try just loving anyway? Repenting even–of our felt need to approve compassion….

Weakness Isn’t a Bad Thing… It’s a Reality

Emotions are vulnerable. They can make us feel really weak. But maybe that weakness isn’t so bad after all.

And maybe some of us are just weaker than others (I certainly feel I am because I feel so much when others seem to think I shouldn’t need to)… who feel more deeply than you do, so that it may not make sense to you, but is what it is, regardless of whether it makes sense.

I used to feel like my strong emotions were a curse. I used to beg that curse away. But, as I got older & was praying through one season of deep emotional pain I couldn’t explain away… I asked God, “Why did You make me this way? Why do I have to have the curse? I just want it to stop. Please–why?!?” And I felt a soft answer over my heart in the form of dawning understanding that in all those years with seasons of such deep hurting, they have made me live with constant recognition of my very real need of Him… always drawing me back to seek Him… to rely on Him instead of myself… that those heavy emotions were not at all a curse, but a very rich, beautiful BLESSING.

How Do You Respond?

How you respond to deep emotions is what matters. Don’t let that weakness make you pull back from or deny God. Don’t let it tempt you to use it as an excuse to avoid doing right. Don’t let it have power of you, but trust God to be your enough IN it.

Let that weakness draw you into the arms of Jesus… to wake you up to the needs & hurts of those around you, to show compassion… to be a light that even in the darkness, God is the light & He can be your sufficiency even when you feel none of your own.

Let those tears fall. Release the tension. And let it spur you to worship the God Who is enough even when you are not.

The Problem Is Not Emotions… But in Not Dealing with Them in a Healthy, God-Honoring Way

We need to maybe stop demonizing heavy emotions & start embracing them in a HEALTHY, God-pleasing way!

So many years of demonizing strong emotions & the problems that come from them are usually because the solution taught has so often been—“stop being dramatic…” instead of “let them help you better recognize & understand your very real need for God, through Jesus… & use them to point others to His strength as your enough in your weakness. Use them to glorify God!”

Draw near to Him in them!

Fix your focus on Truth!

Cling to Him as your help & hope!

Use them to proclaim His glory! His strength in your weakness!

All glory be to God Almighty, God of Heaven & Earth! God Who made us to feel as a way to engage in the world around us. Praise God in the storm!

Teach Them Not–“Conceal, Don’t Feel”

If you have a child who has deep emotions, don’t teach them to fear, mask, cover up, or avoid them (even the boys because boys are allowed to feel!)… teach them to engage with those emotions in a healthy, God-honoring way, as a tool to help them remember their need of God (to pray & to seek Him) & as an opportunity to see & show how God can be our enough when we can’t be.

There are so many verses in the Bible that call us to compassion, to bearing with one another in love, to bearing each other’s burdens, to loving one another, to showing grace… let us keep THOSE verses in mind when someone is bearing a burden we can’t see &/or don’t understand.

Grace upon grace, emulating the love & care of Jesus Christ in how we treat one another in those deep emotions that may make little sense to us.

And in those deep emotions, may it be a living reminder of your very real need for more than yourself… drawing you into the ever-loving care of Jesus.

Shine HOPE by turning to God in your deep emotions… by not allowing them to control or tempt you… by being a light for God’s strength in your weakness… by showing compassion to others facing emotions we don’t understand… & by teaching the next generation how to feel deeply in a way that leads them back to HIM as their HOPE.

Coming Next Week

Join me every Monday morning, EST, for more encouragement right here on my blog/website @ www.MichelleHydeOnline.com.

Share with friends & family… & SUBSCRIBE by “Joining My Tribe,” so you never miss a week!

As God grows me, may it encourage you to seek Him & know Him & love Him more every day.

A Note from Michelle:

(***Check out my FREE Journal Printable Resources: “Accountability Partner Guide + Question Prompts” & “Bible Study Question Prompts ,” as well as “Prayers of Surrender” prayer guides!***)

This blog/website has been running for SIX years now! THANK YOU for your continued support & encouragement. <3

If you would like to learn more of my story, check out the “About Me” tab. And if you would like to hear how I found my lasting source of HOPE, read the “Hope Is Found” tab, 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 (make sure to check your other inbox folders), along with the link to each week’s new post! I can’t wait to do this journey together!!

Fashion as a Force for GOOD:

Each week, I feature an item that is changing lives for women around the world. These hand-crafted pieces are offering job creation opportunities for women artisans in impoverished nations all around the world! Consider these pieces when shopping for friends, family, or yourself. Check out this week’s featured beauty!!

Tarra Lantern Set (INDIA)

Support families in areas of extreme poverty in India, empowering them to end poverty cycles for their families, send their kids to school, and earn fair wages for their work through your purchase of the Tarra Lanterns. Display this set of ethically made gold lanterns beautifully with their star cut outs! The lanterns are open at the top to easily add a candle, light, or any other decor.

***Purchase this unique handcrafted set, using the “Shop Here” link below to empower these artisan women in India out of poverty!***

How You Can Help the Artisans & Support My Website:

#1 is PRAY. Financial help is great & helps pay my website fees & helps support these women artisans… but God’s help is always needed most… both for encouragement & for spiritual hope, through Jesus, for the women we support through our ethical fashion purchases. Always PRAY first.

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

Your purchases not only help these women, but my commissions help me in continuing this website/blog, encouraging women all around the world with the HOPE we have in Jesus. Win-win-win!

Love ya lots! Have a wonderful week living for His glory in all that you do!

Let’s Take a Deeper Look

I see a lot of misplaced blame happening & I am sure it’s nothing new, but I want to take some time to highlight some of these areas so that we can better assess whether there is something we need to do about it….

A lot of things in life are not bad in & of themselves, but often get a bad rap because they commonly are associated with low self-control (ie. social media) or even just something that makes other people uncomfortable (ie. strong emotions).

Social Media Isn’t the Problem

I cannot tell you how many times I have heard speakers & leaders pretty much bash social media as almost associating the use of it with sinful behavior.

But, for things like this, we need to take a step back & look at things more closely.

Like so many things easy to blame, it isn’t the thing itself that is the problem, but the misuse of it, or taking it out of a healthy context. Just like food–we cannot blame food for our lack of self-control, just like we can’t blame social media for our lack of control with it.

My former pastor was one of those who used to really nail in that he felt social media was borderline sinful & should be avoided–a waste of time at the very least, but then he read a book recommended by a friend & when done, he confessed to me that his whole view had been altered & that he was positive that if Paul were alive today, he would be an avid social media user, because it is a way to go TO the lost, when they may not ever come to you.

Using Social Media for Good

Living in Japan for 7 years, 3 of it really being isolated from most all the world because of language barriers, God used that hardship to prompt the launch of this website & blog, because He showed me very clearly that not everyone in this world has access to fellowship & community with other Christian women. I really wanted to provide that safe space, accessible from any part of the world.

I aim to use my corner of social media to be a light in the darkness, pointing ever to the hope we have available because of Jesus Christ.

Social media, therefore, is not the problem. It is when it is taken out of a healthy, God-honoring context… when it is misused & used as an excuse for sin.

Social media has the power to be a light in very dark places, in the privacy of homes, where people don’t have the courage to admit their need, but have it nonetheless—to point them to the only solid place of HOPE—to point them to Jesus.

Social media has the power to encourage & build up those who feel they have no support system near them & no one to come alongside them in places of isolation or hurt, to point them to Jesus in every season of life, no matter where they may live.

Let Me Say This Again–Feeling Strong Emotions Is NOT Sinful

This next area often demonized that is very personal for me—emotions. Oh boy have I heard it all with this one… & it often ain’t pretty.

I so often hear people making it seem like having deep emotions is a bad thing, bordering on sinful, as if it signifies a lack of faith or trust in God. (Maybe they haven’t read some of the deeply emotion-rich books of the Bible—like Psalms?)

Feeling deeply does not mean you don’t trust God enough. Let me say that again—feeling deeply does NOT mean you don’t trust God enough.

In fact, aside from the deep emotions expressed in the Bible, growing up with deep emotions gives me a certain personal perspective on this topic.

Growing Up, It Felt Like a Curse… Now, I See It for What It Really, Truly Is… A BLESSING from God That Ever Draws Me Nearer to HIM

Did you know that I grew up crying out to God about my big emotions? Asking Him why He made me so weak & frail? So sensitive? So annoying with my big feels that seem to make some of the people around me subtly & slowly back away or even openly push me away?

And do you know what He ended up answering me with? A realization that because of those very big feels that I forever felt were my curse… in a world often lulled into complacency & a false sense of self-sufficiency… I was never given that “luxury.” I was always very aware of my very real need for Him. & so, throughout my life, I was constantly & consistently shoved back to understanding my need to seek after Him as my only real & true hope–what a GIFT!

Emotions, therefore, are not the problem. It is when they are taken out of a healthy, God-honoring context… when they are misused & used as an excuse for sin.

Emotions have the power to bring down walls, to send us into the arms of Jesus. Emotions have the power to show us our always very real need of Jesus–what a beautiful GIFT!

Showing Compassion

I talked about this last (?) week, in “Happy Plastic People–The Pressures to Seem Perfect,” where maybe influenced by a social media rich culture, we have been fooled into thinking that a good Christian is someone who portrays themselves as always having their life together–but that is not what is represented in Scripture at all–the Bible is full of weak people, used by an ALL-POWERFUL GOD.

We don’t stop being weak! We don’t stop being human! We don’t stop needing Him at all times! Do we live our best to please & honor Him in all we do, though, YES. But we are not strong. We need Him–& that is okay.

In fact, in the many biblical references to God as our Father, I always thought of it as a grown daughter coming to her dad for help with her car or for advice, but wow was I wrong… & prideful, obviously… because the truer comparison is a helpless baby or toddler who THINKS SHE CAN, but really depends on Him for EVERYTHING.

My big emotions that oftentimes make so many people so noticeably uncomfortable are the very things that regularly remind me to rely on HIM & not myself.

Can Satan kick me when I am down & make me spiral through believing his very convincing lies when I am in deep times of struggle? Yes. But are the emotions, aka FEELING, the problem? No. Just because it makes people uncomfortable, doesn’t make it sinful.

(Check out my previous blog post–“Understanding Depression with Discernment,” to read how I learned, through MUCH prayer & MUCH personal experience with strong emotions, to pierce through to the TRUTH behind the emotions. This realization changed my life–for real!)

Always Look to the ROOT–The Epidemic of Misplaced Blame

Let’s be careful not to blame the wrong thing when we assess situations. Be mindful of not spreading “the epidemic of misplaced blame.” Whether it be social media, big emotions that make us uncomfortable, or anything else, really.

Oftentimes, it’s not “the thing” that is the true problem, but the misuse/abuse of it, taking it out of a healthy context, or using it as an excuse for sin that is the real problem.

Where have you maybe been guilty of misplacing blame where you just need healthier boundaries… or a lesson in compassion?

Shine HOPE by using any weakness as a reminder of your very real need of HIM, letting it prompt you to surrender more of yourself to His powerful help, living with compassion versus living as a judge… & by using the resources at your disposal for His glory.

Coming Next Week

Join me every Monday morning, EST, for more encouragement right here on my blog/website @ www.MichelleHydeOnline.com.

Share with friends & family… & SUBSCRIBE by “Joining My Tribe,” so you never miss a week!

As God grows me, may it encourage you to seek Him & know Him & love Him more every day.

A Note from Michelle:

(***Check out my FREE Journal Printable Resources: “Accountability Partner Guide + Question Prompts” & “Bible Study Question Prompts ,” as well as “Prayers of Surrender” prayer guides!***)

This blog/website has been running for SIX years now! THANK YOU for your continued support & encouragement. <3

If you would like to learn more of my story, check out the “About Me” tab. And if you would like to hear how I found my lasting source of HOPE, read the “Hope Is Found” tab, 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 (make sure to check your other inbox folders), along with the link to each week’s new post! I can’t wait to do this journey together!!

Fashion as a Force for GOOD:

Each week, I feature an item that is changing lives for women around the world. These hand-crafted pieces are offering job creation opportunities for women artisans in impoverished nations all around the world! Consider these pieces when shopping for friends, family, or yourself. Check out this week’s featured beauty!!

Nepali Nativity Set (NEPAL)

This adorable nativity set is handcrafted using traditional felt-crafting techniques that have been passed down for generations. Each Nepali Nativity Set includes three figurines, Mary holding baby Jesus, Joseph, and a little lamb.

***Purchase this adorable nativity set using the “Shop Here” link below & help to provide a woman in an area of extreme poverty with a safe job and fair wage.***

How You Can Help the Artisans & Support My Website:

#1 is PRAY. Financial help is great & helps pay my website fees & helps support these women artisans… but God’s help is always needed most… both for encouragement & for spiritual hope, through Jesus, for the women we support through our ethical fashion purchases. Always PRAY first.

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

Your purchases not only help these women, but my commissions help me in continuing this website/blog, encouraging women all around the world with the HOPE we have in Jesus. Win-win-win!

Love ya lots! Have a wonderful week living for His glory in all that you do!

Personal Boundaries Are Good… But…

I have talked recently how there was a time in my life where I moved to a new place & everyone seemed to be singing to the same tune & I felt out of place, like I didn’t belong & didn’t fit in because I “didn’t know the words.”

It was a Christian culture cultivated to help set boundaries for the staff, in order to represent Jesus well—in other words, the intentions were in the right place, I believe, but because I didn’t grow up under these same boundaries & rules, I automatically felt noticeably different from everyone… like I didn’t fit.

On top of that, I did, unfortunately, meet some judgement from a select few who had taken those boundaries to another level—almost as if it defined them personally as being a good Christian because they grew up within these boundaries—it sort of became an unrecognized, subtle self-righteousness where it was sometimes a little too easy to look down on someone’s standing with God if they didn’t follow these same boundaries.

And because they were fellow Christians & I trusted THEIR faith to be sincere, I began to question my OWN faith & whether it was sincere “enough” to make me a “good Christian.”

Happy Plastic People–The Pressures to Seem Perfect

Have you ever been a part of a church & you felt like you just could not measure up because everyone was always happy, always perfect? … While you felt like the hot mess express? That’s been me.

I don’t know why we feel so much pressure to show up with everything already figured out, as if we have it together all the time if we want to be considered a “good” Christian, as if you didn’t just yell at your kids in the car on the way to church. (I don’t have kids, but I can definitely relate to the general idea.)

And the unspoken expectation for leadership to always appear perfect? What an unfair, impossible standard. I have always been friends with many in leadership, from working as a Sunday School teacher or Bible study leader alongside my former youth pastor, to being the church secretary & spending most days learning from & chatting with our pastor, to being close friends with a pastor & his wife in Japan. And let me tell you–they are no closer to perfection than any of us. They are human, too.

Why is there so much pressure to seem perfect? To be happy plastic people?

Do You Too Feel Ashamed of Your Struggles Sometimes?

I have actually felt ASHAMED of weakness before. As if my struggle made me less of a Christian. As if I needed to hide it & cover it up so that no one would find out.

I don’t want my faith questioned.

But then, I have been reading the Bible every day for years now & I notice a pattern—the rough parts, the bad decisions, the moments of faith lacking… they aren’t sugarcoated in the Bible at all. They’re told, & used, to point people to where our TRUE strength, wisdom, confidence, grace, & HOPE come from—GOD, through Jesus Christ!

Their weaknesses exposed, their doubts are talked about, their mistakes are displayed, their decisions to trust themselves in place of God are discussed in detail… dumpster fire aftermath included.

Even the Ones We Put on Pedestals

Even the big heroes of the faith who are used as examples for us to follow made huge mistakes…sometimes knowingly—even them!

David, a man after God’s own heart—lusted, acted on it, & had her husband killed to cover it up, then DID NOT repent right away until confronted about it much later.

Jonah straight up RAN, even though it says he KNEW the people would turn from their wickedness back to God if he obeyed.

Abraham slept with his wife’s servant, at her suggestion… & caused understandable conflict with his wife & the servant… all because he doubted God’s promises.

Paul was given a huge second chance redemption story & then absolutely refused to give JohnMark a second chance, even though suggested by the same man (Barnabas) who had stood up for HIM when everyone was too afraid of his past.

And then, don’t even get me started on the Israelites, God’s chosen people. Sheesh, talk about setting a bad example.

The Bible, through God’s inspiration, does not share about a bunch of strong, perfect people, but of weak, imperfect people used by a grace-giving, all-powerful, loving GOD.

Living with Grace

How easily I can discount someone for being unfaithful to God, as if that hasn’t described me many a time in different seasons of my own life!

How easy it can be to sugarcoat our own shortcomings, instead of using these weaknesses as a stage for God’s grace & glory to be for us what we fail to be ourselves.

When the Bible talks about being “above reproach,” I do not think it is saying to pretend we never mess up, sugarcoat or mask when we do, pretending it never happened.

I think it means to do your best in every circumstance to live well-pleasing to God, but when you DO INEVITABLY mess it up… use it to point others to our hope in JESUS, not us.

NOT—“pretend to be perfect” to set a “good example.” People don’t need to see that you never struggle… they need to see that when you DO struggle, you know where to turn–to GOD, through Jesus.

Always Let Your Life Point to HIM

Think about it–Does your life demonstrate your own strength? Or His?

YES, do your best on all accounts to live in a way that honors God, pleases Him, & gives Him all the glory He deserves. YES.

But don’t hide your broken parts. Use them to let His goodness, His glory, & His grace shine through all the cracks of your life.

The Bible, inspired by God, doesn’t pretend… mask… sugarcoat… so neither should we.

No more happy plastic people. Give yourself (& others) permission to be a work in progress.

My Weaknesses for HIS Glory

Real, raw, forgiven by the grace of GOD, through Jesus Christ, our LORD!

“And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore, I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:9-10)

Shine HOPE by allowing yourself permission to not pretend, & to use your failings, your weaknesses, your insecurities, & your mistakes as platforms to demonstrate God’s unfailing wisdom, power, grace, love, & HOPE through JESUS.

Coming Next Week

Join me every Monday morning, EST, for more encouragement right here on my blog/website @ www.MichelleHydeOnline.com.

Share with friends & family… & SUBSCRIBE by “Joining My Tribe,” so you never miss a week!

As God grows me, may it encourage you to seek Him & know Him & love Him more every day.

A Note from Michelle:

(***Check out my FREE Journal Printable Resources: “Accountability Partner Guide + Question Prompts” & “Bible Study Question Prompts ,” as well as “Prayers of Surrender” prayer guides!***)

This blog/website has been running for SIX years now! THANK YOU for your continued support & encouragement. <3

If you would like to learn more of my story, check out the “About Me” tab. And if you would like to hear how I found my lasting source of HOPE, read the “Hope Is Found” tab, 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 (make sure to check your other inbox folders), along with the link to each week’s new post! I can’t wait to do this journey together!!

Fashion as a Force for GOOD:

Each week, I feature an item that is changing lives for women around the world. These hand-crafted pieces are offering job creation opportunities for women artisans in impoverished nations all around the world! Consider these pieces when shopping for friends, family, or yourself. Check out this week’s featured beauty!!

September 2024 Hope Mail (KENYA & INDIA)

Enjoy free shipping on your September Hope Mail package that includes our Ava Earrings handmade in Kenya, Spice Cake Lip Balm from India, and our celebratory Birthday Cake Sticker!

***Purchase this set, using the “Shop Here” link below to empower women in Kenya & India out of poverty!***

How You Can Help the Artisans & Support My Website:

#1 is PRAY. Financial help is great & helps pay my website fees & helps support these women artisans… but God’s help is always needed most… both for encouragement & for spiritual hope, through Jesus, for the women we support through our ethical fashion purchases. Always PRAY first.

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

Your purchases not only help these women, but my commissions help me in continuing this website/blog, encouraging women all around the world with the HOPE we have in Jesus. Win-win-win!

Love ya lots! Have a wonderful week living for His glory in all that you do!

I Am Not Going to Pretty Up the Truth

Now, this week’s topic may be off-putting to some of you. Part of it may even scare some of you, but I have never been one to try to pretty up something ugly for the sake of more “likes”… & today is no exception.

I have not had suicidal thoughts (for many years now, at least), but I have been thinking a lot about death. Maybe you remember my blog post “When Life Hits Hard, I Just Want Heaven.” That is in the same vein of where I am going with this today.

You see, I have come to a point where, without overanalyzing or freaking out first or anything… my first, initial gut reaction to certain hard situations has been: “I wish I could die. I am too weak for this world. I just want to die & go to heaven, so I don’t ever have to hurt again.”

It scares me sometimes when this is the first, gut reaction to something hard, & yet, there it is. I must point out that it usually only lasts a few moments & is gone & that while it can happen several times in a day to maybe once every other day, it is not continual. (I am not feeling that way right now, for example–nor has it happened yet today.) It also goes completely against my reasoning that it’s “not really even that bad.”

Have you ever felt that way? That the hurts of life just feel unbearable in some moments?

Sometimes Life Is Hard

Now, when I take the time to dissect this impulsive, immediate response, I can see that this is most likely the result of years & years of little hurts that were never dealt with–that became a part of my personal identity… but none of that backstory explanation comes up when that little thought pops up in my head at this point—just: “I wish I could just be dead already.”

If you’re anything like my husband, this sounds beyond too morbid a conversation, & I get that. I’m sorry.

But I know I am not the only one out there that has this feeling on occasion & maybe yours has already shifted to suicidal thoughts or planning. I sometimes honestly can understand why. When that thought assaults me, all I can think sometimes is: “I can see why someone would commit suicide. If I left this unchecked or had many times been assaulted by this thought in one day, I can see why someone would want to end it.” That’s what Satan wants us to hear.

Life is hard sometimes.

Sometimes the Little Things Can Hurt a Whole Lot

And it doesn’t always have to be that someone died or you’ve been assaulted… or experienced abuse.

Sometimes even the small stuff can seem overwhelming if it piles on enough.

I think the little things can be so rough because it can seem like, logically, they should really be no big deal & because you’re not dumb or clueless, you CAN recognize that quite clearly while still feeling as if your heart is being torn to shreds. This just makes you feel even weaker, like you can’t even handle the SMALL hurts. Like, wow… pathetic. That’s how I feel sometimes about it anyways.

It doesn’t help when people don’t get it because it clearly does not make sense, even to you, or when they fail to show any compassion. But you feel like you HAVE to be able to explain it or people just think you’re dramatic & out for attention or just straight up pathetic & annoying… the icing on the already awful cake. Like, it somehow seems easy &/or manageable to everyone else, but you can’t seem to handle it.

Because of these reasons & more, small things can hit pretty hard sometimes.

“How It All Began…”

I have been talking a lot about the past 12 years & how my insecurities followed me into marriage. Then, I lost my budding career & all I had was me feeling like a terrible housewife PLUS my pre-existing insecurities because I just had no clue where to start to improve. I felt like a failure all around. And then my husband was working overtime so much I barely saw him & then his capacity for my struggles was low, so I felt like I had to stuff it & hide it & pretend so that I wouldn’t add fuel to the “me being his wife as a huge mistake” idea.

“My struggles are my own. Keep it to myself. No one wants to hear them. I am a burden. I am a disappointment. I am too much.” -the script that ran through my brain.

“How It Continued…”

Then, I had all of these opinions from a large group of people singing the same tune suggesting the fact that I didn’t even fit in as a Christian. I felt like “I was never quite good enough. Never quite measured up. I was alone. I had nobody who believed in me–as if my faith was always in question because I didn’t do things the same way they did them.”

I began to question everything about myself as a “not good enough” Christian who never seemed to get it quite right.

“How It All Blew up in My Face…”

Then, recently, I had an unprecedented misunderstanding upon misunderstanding upon misunderstanding that never was allowed space for reconciliation or clarification. It seemed to become who I was viewed to be, as if I was now the “What now?” girl. “Like I am the problem. Like I am a headache. Like people just want me to keep it to myself & shut up already.” I know they may not think that (even to themselves), but that’s how it began to feel—like every time I spoke up, the subconscious reaction to me was: “What now?”

Well, when patterns emerge, it’s easy to think, “well, I was once capable & praised & acknowledged & appreciated before… but something about ME has changed apparently, because I can’t seem to please ANYONE doing the same thing as before. Was the previous a lie? Am I really this awful & annoying? Can I really not seem to ever get anything right anymore?”

Like: “I must be the problem.”

Everything piled on from the previous until I felt like I never seemed to be quite what people wanted me to be… like I was never quite enough for them… for anyone… like I was TOO MUCH to handle.

But Let’s Take a Closer Look

Now, if I take a closer look at those situations:

1. The marriage scenario was just my insecurities. Hardly anyone just starts out knowing exactly how to keep house & all that comes with that. It takes learning & growing. It takes grace.
2. The judging my faith based on following different manmade rules is just a difference in upbringing & views. It doesn’t mean I am not a “real” Christian because I listen to non-hymn worship music or wear shorts. It’s just a difference in opinion. Everyone is different. We’re all accountable to the same God & making sure we’re right with Him versus acting in rebellion is what matters–He is a faithful & wise Guide.
3. The misunderstandings are just that—misunderstandings. Does it hurt not to be sought to be understood? Sure. Does it define who I am based on their opinion of me? No, it doesn’t. I am still the same me, even if someone doesn’t see it or want to see it.

What am I Supposed to Do?

I am responsible to just try my best, one step at a time.

1. Where I see personal weaknesses as a wife, I will pray about it & let God grow & guide me to improve. Giving grace.
2. Where I see weaknesses or convictions in how my faith is lived out, I will pray about it & let God grow & guide me to improve. Giving grace.
3. Where others misunderstand me & refuse to change their view, I am just responsible to still be kind, to pray for them, & to still be a help to them, not holding their possible opinion of me against them. Giving grace.

Jesus Is Enough… When Sometimes I Think about Dying

And when that little thought washes in over me: “I wish I was just dead already. I am too weak to handle this hurt. I just want to be done with it & go to heaven already so I don’t have to feel this ever again,” I need to remember not to let any of that wash out what I know to be true:

I AM weak. I DON’T have it all together. I DON’T do everything perfectly. I DO make mistakes. I STILL have TONS more growing to do. I WILL be misunderstood sometimes.

But NONE of that changes the fact that JESUS covers ALL of it. GOD is strong when I am not. GOD has it all together. GOD is perfection & can help me every step of the way. GOD grows & shapes me as I surrender more of myself to Him for pruning. GOD knows ME & gave His Son, JESUS to die on my behalf so that I can be His daughter—a daughter of the true & holy & perfect KING.

No matter what anyone may think of me—the TRUTH remains–I am HIS.

Let yourself be imperfect. Give grace. Trust in Jesus to wash out the lies you let slip in & assault you. Believe in Truth. And SHINE HOPE.

Coming Next Week

Join me every Monday morning, EST, for more encouragement right here on my blog/website @ www.MichelleHydeOnline.com.

Share with friends & family… & SUBSCRIBE by “Joining My Tribe,” so you never miss a week!

As God grows me, may it encourage you to seek Him & know Him & love Him more every day.

A Note from Michelle:

(***Check out my FREE Journal Printable Resources: “Accountability Partner Guide + Question Prompts” & “Bible Study Question Prompts ,” as well as “Prayers of Surrender” prayer guides!***)

This blog/website has been running for SIX years now! THANK YOU for your continued support & encouragement. <3

If you would like to learn more of my story, check out the “About Me” tab. And if you would like to hear how I found my lasting source of HOPE, read the “Hope Is Found” tab, 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 (make sure to check your other inbox folders), along with the link to each week’s new post! I can’t wait to do this journey together!!

Fashion as a Force for GOOD:

Each week, I feature an item that is changing lives for women around the world. These hand-crafted pieces are offering job creation opportunities for women artisans in impoverished nations all around the world! Consider these pieces when shopping for friends, family, or yourself. Check out this week’s featured beauty!!

Silver Bow Necklace (INDIA)

The Silver Bow Necklace creates safe jobs for women ending poverty cycles in India and creating the opportunity for them to earn a dignified income. This elegant necklace features a dainty silver bow on a simple chain. The Silver Bow Necklace is perfect for daily wear or paired with other ethical styles for a layered look.

***Purchase this necklace using the Shop Here” link below to help empower women in India out of poverty!!***

How You Can Help the Artisans & Help Financially Support My Website:

#1 is PRAY. Financial help is great & helps pay my website fees & helps support these women artisans… but God’s help is always needed most… both for encouragement & for spiritual hope, through Jesus, for the women we support through our ethical fashion purchases. Always PRAY first.

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

Your purchases not only help these women, but my commissions help me in continuing this website/blog, encouraging women all around the world with the HOPE we have in Jesus. Win-win-win!

Love ya lots! Have a wonderful week living for His glory in all that you do!

Will You Compromise Truth for Comfort?

Truth offends people.

Why? Because we often want to believe our own version to be the truth… squirming at the idea of submitting to someone else’s ideas of truth when it conflicts with what we believe (or want to believe) to be true. Or am I the only one?

And I’m pretty sure that has always been the case. I mean, look at how a lot of the authors of the Bible died… I’ll give you a hint—not old age nor medical issues/natural causes.

Truth rocks the boat. Truth challenges personal beliefs. Truth demands objectivity to replace subjectivity. Truth is singular & clear, versus muddied & varied. Truth can make you feel very much uncomfortable.

But we need it, don’t we?

Where Do We Draw the Line on Which Truth Is “Worth It”?

If a friend, for instance, knew from personal experience, that a café uses expired products that frequently make people sick for days & that friend just sat quietly, sipping on their untainted tea while they watched you consume said dangerous food or beverage—all in the name of letting you “have your truth” because you didn’t want to believe her— versus slapping that drink out of your hand… knowing you may have to be hospitalized for believing awry… would you consider that to be a good friend? I certainly wouldn’t.

The truth was still the truth. That drink would certainly make you incredibly ill, whether it seemed likely to you or not… whether or not it was a convenient truth. Truth is truth.

That is why we must share the truth. Because God knows everything, has perfect wisdom to use that knowledge perfectly… & we do not. And because we DO care about the people around us, whether they believe it or not… we must be willing to smack that dangerous “drink” out of their hand, if needed.

If We Water Down Truth & People Come Looking for Truth… They Won’t Find It

When I started my blog journey SIX years ago (how has it already been that long?!), I tried to write palatable stuff. I wanted to be “approachable” or “relatable” or not come off as some know-it-all, self-righteous person who says, “MY WAY OR THE HIGHWAY.” I wanted to be likeable. I wanted to be liked. I “wanted more readers so I could help more people.”

But God got my attention pretty quickly with a truth bomb that washed over my heart on more than one occasion: “If you aren’t clear in telling the truth… what is the point of your blog? Those looking for the truth won’t find it & those who don’t care still won’t care.”

The message was received loud & clear—the truth may offend people, but people who are seeking the truth won’t find it here if I am not willing to be bold enough to share it.

Do You Believe God Means What He Says?

If we really believe God’s Word is TRUTH, we ought to want to share it. When culture & trends & everything around us is constantly shifting & changing, we crave wanting to feel like something in our life is steady & sure... that there is something out there that we KNOW we can always count on & be sure of. We want to know what really is true.

Bible teaching should not be watered down. We must not sugarcoat theology.

People killed truth-speakers talked about in the Bible, but said truth-speakers still found it worthy enough to share God’s Truth for the sake of anyone willing to accept it–even if their sharing it meant their DEATH.

Paul Was Ready to Die for the Sake of TRUTH

In fact, we even hear in the story told of Paul, that Paul understood that if God was calling him to it, God had a reason & that death was a small price to pay to share the truth of Jesus.

“Now when we heard these things, both we and those from that place pleaded with him not to go up to Jerusalem. Then Paul answered, “What do you mean by weeping and breaking my heart? For I am ready not only to be bound, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” (Acts 21:12-13)

Do we try to market God’s Word in a palatable way? Do we try to sugarcoat it to make it more appealing & relatable to the masses? Do we compromise the power of truth by trying to make more people want it?

God doesn’t need our help better marketing His Word. His Truth is sufficient as is.

Will it offend people? Yes, probably so. Will it make them mad? Quite possibly, yes. But is it worth sharing the Word of God (Truth) AS IS, trusting in the power of the TRUTH? YES, SO MUCH YES.

We Must Always Include Grace

Now, let’s take a step back & consider that the HOW is still very much important… but NOT in the sense of trying to make it more appealing.

Truth mixed with a healthy dose of GRACE is very much necessary. Truth as TRUTH, but with a healthy dose of JESUS thrown in there.

I understand it is a delicate balance. Lean too much on truth & you have legalistic, ever-beating-themselves-up Christians who struggle with self-righteousness. Lean too much on GRACE & you have those who brush off truth like it’s just a little extra flavor “if you want it.”

How Would You Respond?

I like to think of it like this:

Imagine living in a town where perfection is the only way to survive. But no one is perfect. So, people try to hide it… they try to pretend… they try to be as “good” as they can… but whenever they come before the King, He seems to see straight through you… & one by one, people fail & are faced with the death penalty for their crimes. But then, the King does something quite strange. He offers up His Son to take on the punishment for YOUR crimes. And the Son ACCEPTS this WILLINGLY, despite how severely agonizing & painful the due punishment is expected to be. And there, you watch, as this Son suffers on your behalf & dies to cover the debt that YOU owed the King. You drop to the floor in sobs. You just watched someone die for you to pay your debt so that you could live. And now the King says ALL your wrongs are forgiven you: past, present, AND future… “go & sin no more.” Do you go on living how you want? Or do you live every day in remembrance of this Son Who gave everything so that you could live shame-free?

How would you choose to live in response to His sacrifice on your behalf? Guess what? That’s what Jesus did for us. (Isaiah 53)

Trust God More Than You Trust Yourself

Knowing that God sees what you don’t see… that God is God & you are not… & understanding that this reality is the BEGINNING of wisdom. (Proverbs 9:10)

You are paid in full, once you accept Jesus’ payment on your behalf, but now with the clear realization that the paid debt came with a cost—And shame on us if we ever disregard or minimize this cost that Jesus paid so that we can live it up however we want, in opposition to &/or in disregard for living GOD’s TRUTH.

When God tells us TRUTH, it is not to just lord over us like some dictator sick with power, wanting you to submit so that He can feel “powerful.” He already knows He IS powerful & sent Jesus to pay for where you didn’t measure up… so clearly it isn’t for such reasons.

No. God knows about that “beverage in your hand that will make you incredibly ill” that is ready to hurt you beyond what you believe or understand… & with His TRUTH, He is willing to slap that cup right out of your hand. God sees what we can’t. God knows what we don’t know.

His TRUTH is not opinion or “His side.” It’s all based on His GOD-ness. He doesn’t have to guess. He doesn’t have to hope He’s right—He knows.

Truth Unashamed

And shame on us if we ever think we need to “better market” the Word of God FOR Him.

If people came to you looking for life-giving truth… would they find it?

Or would you craving to be palatable leave them still searching & further placated to live as they please, ever-numbing their desire to know actual, real TRUTH?

Or do you unashamedly share truth, but forget to mention that Jesus already paid in full for their inability to ever measure up to complete perfection? GRACE.

TRUTH plus GRACE. Don’t ever neglect or water-down one to promote the other.

Dilute truth & the weight of grace (& Jesus’ sacrifice) is minimized.

Minimize grace & truth seems an unbearable burden.

You must have them together—ALWAYS.

Shine HOPE by living truth unashamed… by trusting God above yourself… & by never forgetting to pour it all over with an abundance of grace that Jesus gave His life (& rose victorious over it) to provide for us. Truth unashamed.

Coming Next Week

Join me every Monday morning, EST, for more encouragement right here on my blog/website @ www.MichelleHydeOnline.com.

Share with friends & family… & SUBSCRIBE by “Joining My Tribe,” so you never miss a week!

As God grows me, may it encourage you to seek Him & know Him & love Him more every day.

A Note from Michelle:

(***Check out my FREE Journal Printable Resources: “Accountability Partner Guide + Question Prompts” & “Bible Study Question Prompts ,” as well as “Prayers of Surrender” prayer guides!***)

This blog/website has been running for SIX years now! THANK YOU for your continued support & encouragement. <3

If you would like to learn more of my story, check out the “About Me” tab. And if you would like to hear how I found my lasting source of HOPE, read the “Hope Is Found” tab, 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 (make sure to check your other inbox folders), along with the link to each week’s new post! I can’t wait to do this journey together!!

Fashion as a Force for GOOD:

Each week, I feature an item that is changing lives for women around the world. These hand-crafted pieces are offering job creation opportunities for women artisans in impoverished nations all around the world! Consider these pieces when shopping for friends, family, or yourself. Check out this week’s featured beauty!!

The Elva Rose Bracelet (EAST ASIA)

The Elva Rose Bracelet is helping women leave brothels in East Asia! The multicolored jasper stone beaded bracelet includes square 18k gold-plated accent beads and one round gold bead for a stunning look! Easy to dress up or down for daily wear, the Elva Rose Bracelet is the perfect autumn-toned bracelet to add to your bracelet stack.

***Purchase the Elva Rose Bracelet, using the “Shop Here” link below, to create jobs supporting sex-trafficking survivors in East Asia with safe housing, health care, trauma counseling, job skills training, and dignified income.***

How You Can Help the Artisans & Support My Website:

#1 is PRAY. Financial help is great & helps pay my website fees & helps support these women artisans… but God’s help is always needed most… both for encouragement & for spiritual hope, through Jesus, for the women we support through our ethical fashion purchases. Always PRAY first.

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

Your purchases not only help these women, but my commissions help me in continuing this website/blog, encouraging women all around the world with the HOPE we have in Jesus. Win-win-win!

Love ya lots! Have a wonderful week living for His glory in all that you do!

Who Is It Directed To?

An easy way to take Bible truths out of context is to miss considering the audience to whom it was written… & I don’t mean just which people group/what they were directly dealing with NOR whether it was written to those who have accepted Jesus’ payment on behalf of their sin versus those who don’t know Jesus, even though those are also QUITE important to note when considering Biblical context.

What I want to encourage us to look at is oftentimes a lot more subtle.

Sometimes there can seem to be contradictions in the Bible, like:

-“It’s better not to get married!” while also saying that marriage is blessed by God, (Matthew 19:3-10), or….

-“Don’t work? You don’t eat,” (2 Thessalonians 3:10) while also saying to be generous to others (Matthew 25:34-12), or….

-“Don’t forget all God has done & all of His promises when in times of distress,” (Psalm 119:50; Psalm 9:9-10; Psalm 34:18; John 16:33; Deuteronomy 31:6; Ephesians 6:10) but also saying to be comforting to those in distress (1 Thessalonians 5:14).

How can those contradictions exist in a Bible wholly TRUE? Audience. Audience matters.

1. Better Not to Get Married? Or Better TO Get Married?

For example, God is the One Who designed marriage, but then there’s a little verse that says, “it is better that man not marry.” (Matthew 25:34-12) How can these 2 contradictions exist in one Bible if they’re both true?

Well, we must consider that the audience in this passage is that of people who don’t want to have to endure marriage when times get tough… & marriage does get tough at times, doesn’t it? So, with God’s strong opinion about “2 becoming one flesh” & “what God brings together, let no man separate,” God is essentially saying to this audience: “well, then, it’s better that YOU not marry, then, because marriage is designed to be forever, not done away with when inconvenient or uncomfortable.”

Basically, don’t take marriage union lightly as something to just improve your life & when it doesn’t, bail out. But rather a, “this is meant to be a forever lasting thing, even when it really seems impossible.”

This is why we really ought to be prayerful & reluctant to let feelings (no matter how magical they may seem) lead us into marriage. It is a decision that should never be taken lightly.

You may need to separate yourself from a bad situation, for sure, but this is not for people already married, but for those considering marriage—to take that weighty decision very seriously. Also remember that God, through Jesus + repentance, forgives….

2. Don’t Eat or Feed Them?

The next example is one I have heard quoted to me in regard to being generous to the intentionally homeless: “if a man does not work, he shall not eat,” (2 Thessalonians 3:10) seeming to be contradicting God’s several commands to be generous to those who lack, like in Matthew 25:34-12. How do the 2 coexist? Audience.

To the one trying to get away with living off the backs of others, God is pretty straightforward in rebuking that selfishness, so when the verse says, essentially, “if you don’t work, you don’t eat,” God is speaking to the one trying to get away with using others.

But to those with opportunity to GIVE… He is not asking us to judge one way or another… but to entrust the outcome to God & GIVE ANYWAY.

Basically—we can’t know a person’s whole story & entirety of circumstances, & even if we did, we don’t know how God may use our unwarranted generosity to reach into the heart of that person for the gospel—using your generosity to help them realize their need of Jesus in their life.

Their job—don’t neglect working to receive. Our job—give anyway…. And… leave the rest up to God.

3. Buck Up? Or Comfort Them?

The third example that I see others misunderstanding, sometimes quite often, is huge for me personally since I struggle intermittently with seasons of depression.

Yes, the Bible has SO MANY verses on “be strong in the Lord,” “wait on the Lord,” “God is my refuge,” & so, so many more. (Examples: Psalm 119:50; Psalm 9:9-10; Psalm 34:18; John 16:33; Deuteronomy 31:6; Ephesians 6:10) And YES, those are all TRUTHS that bring LIFE. We should DEFINITELY be sharing them when we see others in distress.

BUT… not as an end-all-be-all solution to their problems, as if, “Heeelllloooo… I told you the truth, now it’s up to you to receive it & move on.” Essentially telling them to “buck up.”

That quite frankly reeks more of, “your pain is making me SO uncomfortable right now & is really killing my mood here, so can you please accept this truth I have so kindly reminded you of so we can move on here?” Ruh-roh.

And even if you’re not CONSCIOUSLY thinking that… that is kind of how it comes off sometimes, isn’t it?

How Does God Tell Us to Deal with Others’ Emotions/Weaknesses?

And then is the sweet little verse that directly tells us how to act with people in similar circumstances: “Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all.” (1 Thessalonians 5:14)

Personally, we ought to remember & trust God’s promises in times of distress… but, if in our humanness, we forget or can’t see it… the other person ought to also remember to be gentle, patient, bearing one another’s burdens, living kindness.

“Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.” (Colossians 3:12-13)

Bear with One Another in Love

Don’t get annoyed because someone won’t “snap out of it.” Bear with one another in longsuffering kindness that is willing to say, “It is okay to not be okay, friend. I am not going anywhere.”

Sit with others in their pain. Love them anyway. Be gentle. Be forbearing, allowing them space to not have it all together all the time. Be how you would wish someone would be for you in your dark, hidden moments of heartache & pain.

Some things in life just hurt. I mean, even Jesus cried & sweat blood from the weight of what He would bear on the cross for us (Luke 22:44). Would you have considered telling Him to cheer up because “God has a plan, even in this”? Of course not! … So let us please not do that to other people who are NOT God-in-flesh.

In the Bible–Audience Matters

So, as we read the Bible, let’s consider carefully who the text was meant to address, because that really is so important.

We ought to consider the weight of marriage as we desire it & before we commit to it… but God still blesses marriage.

We ought to work for our food… but we ought to be generous still to those who don’t.

We ought to remember God’s faithfulness & promises in times of hurt… but we ought to be gentle, kind, & loving when someone struggles to remember.

It’s all about the “audience” context. Which side of the situation is God addressing in that context? Because, in the Bible–audience matters.

Can you think of other examples worth noting in the Bible?

Shine HOPE by remembering how gracious & loving & faithful God is, even when we aren’t… & by striving to live pleasing to Him, even when it’s so hard… knowing God will help you every step of it, if you’re willing to lean into Him & to ask for His help as your guide.

Coming Next Week

Join me every Monday morning, EST, for more encouragement right here on my blog/website @ www.MichelleHydeOnline.com.

Share with friends & family… & SUBSCRIBE by “Joining My Tribe,” so you never miss a week!

As God grows me, may it encourage you to seek Him & know Him & love Him more every day.

A Note from Michelle:

(***Check out my FREE Journal Printable Resources: “Accountability Partner Guide + Question Prompts” & “Bible Study Question Prompts ,” as well as “Prayers of Surrender” prayer guides!***)

This blog/website has been running for SIX years now! THANK YOU for your continued support & encouragement. <3

If you would like to learn more of my story, check out the “About Me” tab. And if you would like to hear how I found my lasting source of HOPE, read the “Hope Is Found” tab, 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 (make sure to check your other inbox folders), along with the link to each week’s new post! I can’t wait to do this journey together!!

Fashion as a Force for GOOD:

Each week, I feature an item that is changing lives for women around the world. These hand-crafted pieces are offering job creation opportunities for women artisans in impoverished nations all around the world! Consider these pieces when shopping for friends, family, or yourself. Check out this week’s featured beauty!!

Agate Charming Necklace (INDIA)

The Agate Charming Necklace features beautiful round agate stone beads varying in color and a front toggle ring, perfect for adding charms to create a custom look! Each necklace comes with a hammered circle charm attached!

***Purchase the Agate Charming Necklace, using the “Shop Here” link below, to create safe jobs for women ending poverty cycles in India and have the opportunity to earn a dignified income.***

How You Can Help the Artisans & Support My Website:

#1 is PRAY. Financial help is great & helps pay my website fees & helps support these women artisans… but God’s help is always needed most… both for encouragement & for spiritual hope, through Jesus, for the women we support through our ethical fashion purchases. Always PRAY first.

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

Your purchases not only help these women, but my commissions help me in continuing this website/blog, encouraging women all around the world with the HOPE we have in Jesus. Win-win-win!

Love ya lots! Have a wonderful week living for His glory in all that you do!

Avoiding the Pendulum Swing

I understand why it’s done… we don’t want to encourage Christians to become complacent or lazy or prone to inaction, believing that it’s up to God, so why bother….

But like most everything else, we need to be careful not to let the pendulum swing to the complete opposite, to the equally harmful & damaging side… “it’s all up to us.”

It makes sense where these conclusions can be drawn… the 10 commandments, for example… or basically any command you may read in the Bible, for that matter. On the surface, this very much looks like God is clearly saying, “it is all up to you—do better.”

BUT… upon closer inspection, we see that EVEN with the 10 commandments… God knew we still needed Him to step in… We needed JESUS.

You see, a really truly awesome thing about God is, that while He sends us forth & gives us commands to follow & obey… He ALSO does the empowering to make it happen–He doesn’t leave that part up to us.

Not Just DO… Pray

Now, this is not an “I’ll just sit back & wait for God to make it happen,” type situation, nor is it a, “well, God has already given me all I need so I ought to be able to do it just fine without help.”

Consider all of the MANY verses that urge us to pray… pray without ceasing even (1 Thessalonians 5:17). (Read more about how to pray without ceasing, here: “Pray Continually-What Does Prayer Actually Accomplish?”) Even the armor of God that we talked about over the last 2 weeks (Part 1 & Part 2) mentions this at the end of the armor piece descriptions: “praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit,” (Ephesians 6:10-18).

It is a bowing to that power. It is a recognizing the availability of that power. It is an acknowledging that if God leads me to it, HE WILL lead me through it.

I don’t have to “be a better Christian.” I have to be a more-surrendered-to-His-power Christian.

Urge a Surrendered-to-His-Power DOING

When we urge Christians to do better or be better or live better or desire better or “whatever” better… we CANNOT neglect the power of God in that equation.

It ought to be taught as a “do this! … AND trust God through prayer to help make it happen.”

I understand that if you grew up in the church or you went to seminary, that could possibly seem too elementarily “duh” to you, but please be careful not to place the burdensome weight of that DOING on fellow Christians. Urge a surrendered-to-His-power-IN-the-DOING type of walk with God. A surrendered life… not just to do, but to will.

“… for it is GOD who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.” (Philippians 2:13) (emphasis mine)

It’s a trusting in His power as the empowerment behind our actions that makes it possible for us to carry them through as we ought.

Teach hearts to trust HIS power, NOT theirs. HIS work… NOT theirs.

God Can Work Amazing Things with Willing Hearts

I literally can’t help but cringe when I hear someone urging others to get involved while also neglecting to teach them HOW… & I don’t mean “how” as in WHERE, but that they don’t have to know all of what they’re doing, feel comfortable, feel capable, feel they have the time–NOTHING.

They LITERALLY JUST HAVE TO BE WILLING. God can do AMAZING things with WILLING hearts. Don’t have time? God will help give you time. Don’t have the energy? God will supply that. Don’t have the capacity? God will increase your capacity or show you something that works where you’re at. You LITERALLY just have to be WILLING & rely on HIM. That’s it.

The POWER of Prayer

A great example of this is something I learned from Andrew Murray through his book on PRAYER. He emphasizes that Christians get burnt out so often because they try & try & fail & try & fail… but that we ought to teach Christians to instead depend on & turn to God for help in the doing so that we may continue in the doing. (Find more information on this book within my website Recommendations tab, in the “BOOKS” section, here.)

This led to a whole game changer with Bible reading for me. Distractions, unexpected things, headaches, tiredness, boredom, rebelliousness… so many things kept swerving me off the path of consistent Bible reading… but after I read Andrew Murray’s book, everything changed….

It became instead, not a “try to do it better this time” but rather a, “God, I can’t do this. It’s too hard. I need Your help. I know that this honors You, so I want to do it & because it honors You, I know I can count on Your power to help me through it, so please help me now.”

WOW. I didn’t pray that determining to come back later when I “felt the prayer kick in.” No, I would pray & then immediately read, trusting God’s power WOULD INDEED help me where I lacked. And it did. EVERY time.

Don’t Neglect the Power of God

So, whether it be armoring up, as we have been talking about recently, or following the 10 commandments out of respect & trust in God’s ways above our own… or in anything God calls us to do…. DON’T NEGLECT THE POWER OF GOD.

Don’t willpower your way through it.

Don’t beat yourself through shame to get yourself to do it.

Don’t run away from it, avoid it, or give up altogether.

PRAY & trust that God supplies where you lack. God can where you can’t. God is able where you are insufficient. GOD CAN. So lean into Him & ask for Him to help… & trust that if it honors Him, pleases Him, & gives Him glory—He WILL indeed help.

Shine HOPE by living a leaning-on-Him lifestyle of obedience to Him… letting everything you do be for the glory of God… by the power of God.

Coming Next Week

Join me every Monday morning, EST, for more encouragement right here on my blog/website @ www.MichelleHydeOnline.com.

Share with friends & family… & SUBSCRIBE by “Joining My Tribe,” so you never miss a week!

As God grows me, may it encourage you to seek Him & know Him & love Him more every day.

A Note from Michelle:

(***Check out my FREE Journal Printable Resources: “Accountability Partner Guide + Question Prompts” & “Bible Study Question Prompts ,” as well as “Prayers of Surrender” prayer guides!***)

This blog/website has been running for SIX years now! THANK YOU for your continued support & encouragement. <3

If you would like to learn more of my story, check out the “About Me” tab. And if you would like to hear how I found my lasting source of HOPE, read the “Hope Is Found” tab, 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 (make sure to check your other inbox folders), along with the link to each week’s new post! I can’t wait to do this journey together!!

Fashion as a Force for GOOD:

Each week, I feature an item that is changing lives for women around the world. These hand-crafted pieces are offering job creation opportunities for women artisans in impoverished nations all around the world! Consider these pieces when shopping for friends, family, or yourself. Check out this week’s featured beauty!!

Capiz Leaf Earrings (PHILIPPINES)

The Capiz Leaf Earrings create safe jobs with fair wages for women in areas of extreme poverty in the Philippines. These elegant eco-friendly earrings feature ethically sourced, sustainable, capiz shells that local families harvest from the bottom of the sea surrounding the Philippine islands. Artisans handcraft these natural capiz shells into toasted champagne-colored leaf shapes.

***Purchase these handcrafted Capiz Leaf Earrings, using the “SHOP HERE” link below, to empower women in the Philippines out of poverty!***

How You Can Help the Artisans & Support My Website:

#1 is PRAY. Financial help is great & helps pay my website fees & helps support these women artisans… but God’s help is always needed most… both for encouragement & for spiritual hope, through Jesus, for the women we support through our ethical fashion purchases. Always PRAY first.

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

Your purchases not only help these women, but my commissions help me in continuing this website/blog, encouraging women all around the world with the HOPE we have in Jesus. Win-win-win!

Love ya lots! Have a wonderful week living for His glory in all that you do!

Recap Review

Last week, I introduced the topic of reviewing the “armor of God,” as outlined in Ephesians 6…. How this isn’t just some “Christian-y” thing we say or quote… it is actual armor that is actually useful in protecting us & keeping us standing firm when life turns to chaos around us.

We NEED it. To review last week’s pieces: the belt of truth (growing your knowledge base of Truth from the only One Who truly has the right to determine what Truth is—the God Who made us all, by getting to know His Word to us—the Bible), the breastplate of righteousness (doing what His truth says, even when it doesn’t make sense to us, protecting ourselves from the destruction that comes naturally as a result of doing it our way instead), & the shoes of the gospel (good news) of peace (not living in anxiety-driven thought control, but moving forward with the understanding of all God gave through His power, Jesus’ sacrifice for our sins, & the Holy Spirit’s wisdom, guidance, & strength)….

To catch up fully, read last week’s post: “What Good Is the Armor of God? (Part 1/2).”

Let’s continue with the remaining pieces of this armor that God empowers & supplies.

Blocking Attacks by Trusting God Can Where I Can’t

“…above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.” (Ephesians 6:16)

This shield of faith is amazing, because it’s not how big your faith is, but how big your God is. Figuratively holding up this shield to protect you, as if saying internally, “My God is bigger than this! My God is stronger than this! My God is ABLE!”

Remember, when the disciples asked Jesus to increase their faith, He reminded them that even the teensiest amount of faith can make miracles happen… because it is not reliant on how strongly you believe, but rather how WHOLLY you believe. (Luke 17:5-6)

Are you trusting Him + _____________________? Or do you put your whole stock wholly in Him as your true & only source? GOD ALMIGHTY?

Shaking & All… Hold Up That Shield!

It’s a faith that even says, “God, I don’t understand! God, this hurts! God, I want this to stop! But I know You are GOD & I am NOT, so help me to trust YOU more than what I SEE or FEEL.”

HOLD UP THAT SHIELD! Block those fiery arrows that satan tries to attack & hurt you with. HOLD UP THAT SHIELD!

“God, I don’t understand this, but I know You DO!” “God, this hurts, but I KNOW You have me!” “God, this is hard, but I know You will help me!” “God, I don’t know what to do next, but I know YOU do!”

Hold up that shield.

Remember That Heaven Awaits

“… And take the helmet of salvation…” (Ephesians 6:17a)

And sister, when the battle just seems to be going south FAST, like ALL HOPE IS GONE… you remember your helmet of salvation to protect your thoughts from despair… remembering that even if the world collapses… even if evil seems to win… HEAVEN awaits you if you have put your trust in JESUS CHRIST to pay for your sins. (Read previous posts: “The Gospel Changes Everything” & “Why the Gospel Is Such a Big Deal.”)

Whom He sets free is free indeed! (John 8:36)

We are no longer slaves to sin. We are no longer at the mercy of this sinful world. We have JESUS Who paid our debts! Heaven awaits!

No matter how hard life may seem to get on this earth… heaven awaits.

The Spirit Helps Us Fight Back!

“… and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;…” (Ephesians 6:17b)

I can’t tell you how many times I have prayed about something & immediately a random verse from the Bible just floats across my mind in direct answer to my question… or when answering someone else’s questions directed at me.

I have been a Christian for a pretty long time—35 years… & while I will always have a lot left to learn, I have been studying & learning from & reading my Bible for a very long time, so my sword is pretty strong & ready (while it can always improve).

But, if you are a new Christian, it is not too late to learn (even if you’re not new!). And the time to learn is now… so that when life throws something at you out of left field, you can hold that sword up & the truth will be at the ready to combat it.

Make sure your sword is sharp & ready to swing.

Armor OF God–Prayer & Dependence on Him Is Necessary

Keep in mind… this is the armor OF God… Not of me… Not of you… of HIM. He is the power behind it. Knowing HIS Truth… Living as HE says… Resting in HIM… Trusting in HIM… Remembering HIS gift of grace… Relying on HIS Truth. HE IS THE POWER BEHIND THE ARMOR OF GOD… NOT YOU.

Just as Priscilla Shirer repeatedly emphasizes the role that prayer has on empowering all parts of God’s armor supplied for us… so we ought to pray. (Find the link to the referenced “Armor of God” study by Priscilla Shirer, along with other recommendations that have greatly impacted my life on my Recommendations tab.)

“… praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—” (Ephesians 6:18)

We need God through all of these pieces. He is the One Who gives each of these pieces their strength & power—not us. So—PRAY.

I Need Your Prayers

And, just as this letter to the Ephesian churches ends, I urge you with the same plea….

“… and [pray] for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.” (Ephesians 6:19-20)

I may not be in physical chains, but if I am not careful, fleshly chains are quick to try to hold me down… discouragement… feeling alone… apathy… distractions… hurts….

Pray for me as God brings me to your mind. Whenever a person chooses to step forward in faith, proclaiming Truth & pointing to Jesus as our hope… Satan comes at the ready to knock down & keep silent.

So, PRAY… please.

And Shine HOPE by knowing Him more… obeying Him more… resting in Him more… trusting Him more… remembering His gift of salvation more… letting His Truth fight for you more… & by praying more, putting on that Armor of GOD!

Coming Next Week

Join me every Monday morning, EST, for more encouragement right here on my blog/website @ www.MichelleHydeOnline.com.

Share with friends & family… & SUBSCRIBE by “Joining My Tribe,” so you never miss a week!

As God grows me, may it encourage you to seek Him & know Him & love Him more every day.

A Note from Michelle:

(***Check out my FREE Journal Printable Resources: “Accountability Partner Guide + Question Prompts” & “Bible Study Question Prompts ,” as well as “Prayers of Surrender” prayer guides!***)

This blog/website has been running for SIX years now! THANK YOU for your continued support & encouragement. <3

If you would like to learn more of my story, check out the “About Me” tab. And if you would like to hear how I found my lasting source of HOPE, read the “Hope Is Found” tab, 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 (make sure to check your other inbox folders), along with the link to each week’s new post! I can’t wait to do this journey together!!

Fashion as a Force for GOOD:

Each week, I feature an item that is changing lives for women around the world. These hand-crafted pieces are offering job creation opportunities for women artisans in impoverished nations all around the world! Consider these pieces when shopping for friends, family, or yourself. Check out this week’s featured beauty!!

Elva Scarf (INDIA)

This rust colored Elva Scarf includes a screen-printed leaf design on cotton fabric. Each lightweight flowing scarf is finished on each end with a light, feminine fringe. This Artisan-made scarf is a classic wardrobe favorite with a modern design.

***Purchase this beautifully handcrafted Elva Scarf with the “shop here” link below to help create safe jobs with fair wages in areas of extreme poverty in India!***

How You Can Help the Artisans & Support My Website:

#1 is PRAY. Financial help is great & helps pay my website fees & helps support these women artisans… but God’s help is always needed most… both for encouragement & for spiritual hope, through Jesus, for the women we support through our ethical fashion purchases. Always PRAY first.

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

Your purchases not only help these women, but my commissions help me in continuing this website/blog, encouraging women all around the world with the HOPE we have in Jesus. Win-win-win!

Love ya lots! Have a wonderful week living for His glory in all that you do!

Go & Make Disciples… But How?

If you have grown up in church, you have probably heard the gospel call/command from Jesus that goes as follows:

“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. (Matthew 28:18-19) (emphasis mine)

But, then you may have wondered… how? I think the majority of us over-complicate this a ton, so let’s take a closer look.

AS You Go

Well, first of all, that little word “Go” that starts off this command is in a tense signifying an “AS you go” feeling, which means, wherever God has you… follow this command. In other words, He is not saying, “pack your bags & move to a remote village somewhere in order to be obedient to me,” but rather more of a, “wherever I send you, wherever you are… AS you go… do this.”

Right where God has you is your mission field. Right where He has you, you are strategically placed to be a light in that place… a light able & willing to point to HOPE in Him (through His power, His wisdom, & His help). (Colossians 1:28-29)

We’re Not Perfect… So How Can We Possibly Disciple Someone Else?

Then, you might consider, okay, still… HOW am I supposed to disciple someone else?

If you have even a smidge of self-awareness, you most likely recognize that you have flaws & weaknesses. You may even recognize, as in my case, that you are indeed NOT a theology major nor a pastor. Isn’t discipleship reserved for people in those categories? Nope.

God calls us to this task all the same, “ready” or not. And I think, for maybe a lot of us, the inaction & possible anxiety on this topic is more because it was not modeled to us growing up, so we don’t know what it means to disciple someone else. It’s definitely & unfortunately a weak spot in a lot of western churches that I have witnessed.

I want to help remove the barriers between the desire to follow this command & a complete lack of knowledge as to the HOW.

A How-To Guide on Discipleship

The biggest thing that God has taught me about discipleship in my 20 years or so of leading Bible studies, sessions as a camp counselor, Sunday school classes, accountability, prayer group in college, & my blog, is that the heart of discipleship is honestly as simple as just coming alongside another person, consistently pointing them back to prayer & God’s Word through all of life’s circumstances.

You don’t have to be a theology major or a pastor or in any sort of church leadership position to do that. You literally just have to consciously & consistently come alongside someone, pointing them always back to Christ in all things.

That is literally it. Go to the Bible. Go to God in prayer. Teach them & remind them to do all for the glory of God & all through the power of God & all by the wisdom of God. For Him, by Him, through Him. That’s really it.

(*If you are interested in meeting with another lady for coffee/tea, to hold each other accountable & consistently point each other to God in all things in life, but don’t know exactly where to start, I have designed an in-depth guide that includes both instructions to get you started, as well as question prompts to discuss, to make getting started less complicated &/or intimidating. Go check it out, along with other free printable downloads made available to you on my Resources/Recommendations tab @ michellehydeonline.com/abiding-in-Him/ *)

Discipleship Also Keeps ME Accountable

Did you know that one of the major reasons that I LOVE being a part of discipleship is because it also keeps ME accountable?

I see how easily my heart wants to stray. I can imagine that I am not the only one.

I NEED people in my life saying, “let’s pray about this right now.”

I NEED people in my life asking, “so, what has God been teaching you lately?”

I NEED my compass reset on the regular!

Oh, How Often I Need Reminding!

Do you realize how often we dishonor & disrespect & displease God on the DAILY? Some days, it is every MINUTE for me because God hears our THOUGHTS & knows even when we have our bad attitudes. We never fool Him & we can’t hide anything from Him.

Even our anxiety shows we’re trusting what we see more than we trust Him.

Even our stress shows we’re trusting what we think we can handle more than we trust Him.

Even our complaining shows we’re looking around more than we’re bowing down to Him.

A roll of the eyes. A BLEH attitude. Fear, doubt, worry, unwillingness, the grumpies…. God knows. God sees.

I talk a lot about “quick repentance” because some days it’s like a constant roll of me thinking something like the above, realizing right after that my heart is looking around versus bowing down & looking up, apologizing to God, & asking Him to help me do better. And some days I feel like a broken record in that cycle! Anyone else?

(Check out my blog post on “quick repentance” here: “The Great Power of Daily Repentance.”)

Invest in Each Other… Point Each Other to Christ through It ALL… THAT Is Discipleship

So, don’t get intimidated. Don’t feel overwhelmed. Don’t let Satan convince you that you are too ill-equipped. Pray over the who, get together consistently, & do life alongside her, ever pointing her to hope & answers & help in our LORD Jesus. THAT is discipleship at its heart, dear friend.

When I talked a few weeks ago about needing each other, in my blog post: “We Need Each Other–the Desperate Need for Discipleship,” I meant it. It’s a desperate need for discipleship. An epidemic of lacking in this area even.

But it doesn’t have to be. Let us change that.

Shine HOPE by pouring into the lives of other women, consistently ever-pointing to God as their help, strength, wisdom, love, & HOPE–to give Him the glory in all that they do, big or small.

Coming Next Week

Join me every Monday morning, EST, for more encouragement right here on my blog/website @ www.MichelleHydeOnline.com.

Share with friends & family… & SUBSCRIBE by “Joining My Tribe,” so you never miss a week!

As God grows me, may it encourage you to seek Him & know Him & love Him more every day.

A Note from Michelle:

(***Check out my FREE Journal Printable Resources: “Accountability Partner Guide + Question Prompts” & “Bible Study Question Prompts ,” as well as “Prayers of Surrender” prayer guides!***)

This blog/website has been running for SIX years now! THANK YOU for your continued support & encouragement. <3

If you would like to learn more of my story, check out the “About Me” tab. And if you would like to hear how I found my lasting source of HOPE, read the “Hope Is Found” tab, 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 (make sure to check your other inbox folders), along with the link to each week’s new post! I can’t wait to do this journey together!!

Fashion as a Force for GOOD:

Each week, I feature an item that is changing lives for women around the world. These hand-crafted pieces are offering job creation opportunities for women artisans in impoverished nations all around the world! Consider these pieces when shopping for friends, family, or yourself. Check out this week’s featured beauty!!

August 2024 Hope Mail (GUATEMALA & INDIA)

FOR A LIMITED TIME – Only available during the month of August!           

This exclusive August Hope Mail package makes a great gift for any occasion! Receive free shipping on this August Hope Mail package that includes our Lavender Shower Earrings handmade in India, Huipil Wristlet from Guatemala, and our adorable Rainboot Sticker!

(*Order below today to partner with, support, & empower women in Guatemala & India out of poverty–woohoo!)

How You Can Help the Artisans & Support My Website:

#1 is PRAY. Financial help is great & helps pay my website fees & helps support these women artisans… but God’s help is always needed most… both for encouragement & for spiritual hope, through Jesus, for the women we support through our ethical fashion purchases. Always PRAY first.

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

Your purchases not only help these women, but my commissions help me in continuing this website/blog, encouraging women all around the world with the HOPE we have in Jesus. Win-win-win!

Love ya lots! Have a wonderful week!