“Oh, worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness!
Tremble before Him, all the earth.” (Psalm 96:9)

Holiness Really Is Beautiful

I came across this verse last night & thought, “I like that: “the beauty of holiness.”

When I try to live in a way that pleases & honors God, it really does make life seem to blossom. Even in the hard times, there is a ray of hope seeming to always shine. Life becomes richer & fuller & more meaningful.

How can this be? Because God’s ways are perfect because He is perfect. He knows everything & has perfect wisdom, so He can’t even make mistakes. I can count on His Word & His way, every time, to be best. Living His way really is beautiful.

Some Days in My Life I Just Feel Like the Definition of a Struggle Bus

I feel like I suffer/struggle a lot. I zone out, feel numb, struggle to do the simplest tasks some days because my brain just doesn’t want to cooperate. I’m emotional. I can get hurt very deeply when someone lashes out at me or misunderstands me & doesn’t seem to care for clarification. I take it too personally because I try so hard to be the best I can be & to be a friend to everyone I meet & to be respectful & kind. I care a lot, so when others don’t seem to… it hurts a lot.

Some days I’m just like, “Why does everything always seem to feel so hard for me sometimes?”

Plus, add in just everyday hardships, struggles, & trials. (AKA I feel like I am given A LOT of opportunities to lean into God for help.)

Can anyone else relate? Maybe my suffering seems trivial or pathetic to you. Maybe you get it completely because you feel the exact same way (or worse). Either way, this verse [Psalm 96:9] really is true–when I strive to live to please & honor God, it is a surprisingly great beauty in my life. It’s worth it.

We Tremble Because His Greatness Overwhelms Us

Every time I see something magnificent & so incredibly unbelievable, I literally begin to shake with awe & wonder, as tears burn the sides of my eyes. My throat tightens & I get overwhelmed with what I am witnessing in that moment.

For example, I once had the great opportunity to have a maybe 15′ long manta ray “fly” about 10′ above my head while I was scuba diving, blocking out the sun above me with its magnificent size & I actually cried from the overwhelming awe & excitement I was feeling in that moment because it felt so surreal. It was breathtaking. I will hopefully never forget how that felt.

The same can be true after I have been rebellious because I didn’t want God’s way in a specific situation or had a really bad attitude about something rather than trusting God with it… & then I witness His great patience, forgiveness, & help & I just get overwhelmed. I don’t deserve His love for me, nor will I ever deserve it–but He gives it anyway all the same. And sometimes that overwhelms me–in a good way.

Not Contradictory at All

Consider the second part of this Psalm 96:9 verse, trembling before God. Seems to sort of contradict any idea of beauty in holiness, doesn’t it? Like coercion… like you HAVE to, OR ELSE… like you’re doing it because you’re scared not to… like you’re considering God’s way as beautiful because you feel that’s how you’re SUPPOSED to feel.

When I read through Psalm 119 for the first few times, all about praising God’s way & God’s Word… that’s how it felt to me… that those many believers were just saying those sorts of things because it’s “what a good Christian ought to say about the Bible & God’s ways.”

But, no. That’s not it at all.

An Overwhelming Gratitude in Praise to God for His Steadfast Love!

That “trembling before God” bit is more the idea that you GET it… you SEE it… God is DESERVING… God is GOD & I am NOT.

But it goes even beyond that, because if you really think about it… even that can sound like obligatory praise of God, His Word, His ways, & living holy.

It’s realizing that God’s deserving is not “JUST” because He created everything, sustains everything, is the Beginning & the End, Alpha & Omega, All-powerful GOD… not “JUST” all that… but that He also calls Himself our Friend… our Father… & He gave His all, through Jesus, to rescue us from our own deserved ruin because of our sin against Him.

He’s not just deserving because He holds all power in Heaven & Earth, but because He has an all-encompassing, all-consuming, unrelenting, unconditional love for us every moment of every day, independent of our underserving, & because everything He does or tells us to do is filtered through that very deep, rich, REAL love for each & every one of us.

Deserving INDEED!

The Surprisingly Great Beauty of Holiness

That trembling in verse 6 is a response of “OH, WOW. I STAND BEFORE A HOLY, ALMIGHTY GOD WHO LOVES ME SO MUCH MORE THAN I COULD EVER, EVER BEGIN TO DESERVE!!! PRAISE GOD!!!”

And because of that understanding, I can look to the concept of holiness & think to myself, “HOW BEAUTIFUL IT IS!”

When I strive to live for Jesus, to please Him & honor Him with how I live my life… it transcends whatever hardship I am facing.

It means no struggle is EVER wasted, because my response in it (even if because I had to pray & ask God for help with a right response) is a “rare, beautiful opportunity” to point to the GRACE of GOD. No struggle is ever wasted! (Read more about that in last week’s post: “Rare, Beautiful Opportunities… in the Midst of Our Deepest Hurts & Struggles.”)

ALL for HIS GLORY!

I don’t feel coerced… I feel honored to represent Him. Come what may.

Let me suffer… as long as I get to point to Him as my hope IN the suffering.

I don’t need strength… I WANT it. What I NEED… is Him AS my strength.

I don’t need to know/understand it all… I WANT it. What I NEED is a reliance on HIM.

I don’t need everything to be easy & comfortable again… I WANT it. What I NEED is to remember that He is my Enough even when it stays hard.

I don’t NEED everyone to like me… I WANT it. What I NEED is His love… & I have it, even when I least deserve it.

Choose to Listen to & Follow God’s Way

Are you trying to dance the fence? “Have your cake & eat it, too” as the saying goes? In other words, have your “faith in Him,” but live your way at the same time? Deep down you feel the ick in that, don’t you?

Trust me, it’s not the culture or your church or parents “making you feel bad about it.” It’s God’s Spirit telling you that you can never be truly satisfied until you humbly hand that over to Him & say, “God, if You choose to take this from me… I would rather have You.”

“For whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.” (Matthew 16:25)

It’s not worth it trying to have both. Holiness, the striving to express love to God by being pleasing & honoring to Him in all things is ALWAYS worth it.

He Is Worth It

I mess up every day, all the time. But I have to bow that down, ask for forgiveness right away, & let the Holy Spirit take the reins when I just feel like letting my natural flesh win.

Obedience is not only right, it’s worth it. Living for Him is worth it. Living through prayer for His help is worth it. Living with Him as your only strength through hard times is worth it.

HE is worth it.

Holiness is beautiful because it’s a laying down of our broken, flesh-driven responses, attitudes, thinking, habits, & actions… either led by our deceitful heart, our rebellious flesh, or our limited human understanding… trading all of that to let God’s perfect & perfectly love-filled Word & way lead the narrative of your life instead.

We tremble, not because God is vicious, but because we understand we can never deserve Him, but are in complete awe & reverence because He offers Himself & His love to us all the same.

Deserving indeed!!!

What Are You Holding Back?

What are you making excuses for?

Where are you trying to dance the fence of “having faith” while still doing things your way in a certain area of your life?

What does God not have full control of in your life right now?

We will ALWAYS be a work in progress—until heaven—but let’s not wait. If God’s Spirit nudges us in an area, let us say, “God, letting You have this area scares me because I want it my way or this way. But remind me that You know better. Remind me You have full control & power to overcome anything I can’t. You know everything & You love me more than anyone else. Help me be willing to let You take that control in my life. I don’t deserve You, but You give Your all to me anyway. THANK YOU. In Jesus’ saving name, AMEN.”

SHINE HOPE by determining to strive to live a holy pleasing-to-God life, with His help of course!

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 FIVE 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!!

Gingerbread House Set (INDIA)

HOLIDAY EDITION – While supplies last! Display the darling Gingerbread House Set along with all your favorite holiday decor! This set of three, unique hand-painted mango wood houses will create a beautifully cozy feel when placed on your mantel or in a tablescape display. These eco-friendly, decorative houses are made from fast-growing mango wood, a sustainable byproduct of India’s mango fruit industry. Each house features unique natural wood grains and hand-painted gorgeous designs. Every purchase supports families in areas of extreme poverty in India.

In addition to being eco-friendly with fast-growing mango wood, our Artisans use up ALL parts of the wood! Nothing is wasted. This leads to many variations in the set, showing off its natural beauty.

Every gingerbread house set has variations as a part of the Artisan-made charm!

How You Can Help the Artisans & Support My Website:

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!

So Many Opinions

I get a lot of differing responses to the fact that I run a blog & my own website.

Some have expressed that I (just by the very fact that I write a weekly blog) seem smug or as if my reasoning behind doing so is because I think I am somehow better than everyone else. (Ha! As if.) Some seem to think I have NO business doing this because of how obvious a mess I am. Some put me on a pedestal I don’t deserve to be on. Some think I do this because I am a “good person.” Some think I just want the spotlight all on me. Some seem to physically be struggling to hold back an eye roll to my face.

I don’t know what your opinion is, & honestly, to risk being rude, it really shouldn’t matter at all... because NONE of that should determine why I do this.

What Motivates Me?

In fact, if it were completely my choice, I probably would NOT be doing this. I don’t think my writing is good enough. I oftentimes don’t think my post has anything “inspirational” to say. I feel weak & inadequate & honestly, it really highlights so many areas of weakness in me that I would much rather sugarcoat, brush over, & move on from in private.

I really needed to establish early on what exactly motivates me on this blog journey. The opinion of others? Or honoring what God has put in front of me to do–to consistently be a presence that points repeatedly to God, through Jesus Christ, as my only true hope–good mood, bad mood, good attitude, bad one… whatever. All to Him. All for Him. All through Him. To God be the glory, Amen.

ALL struggles, pain, & weaknesses have the potential to point someone else who is struggling similarly to the only place I have found true hope—God, through Jesus Christ.

Keeping My Dignity or Letting Everything Shine for Christ?

I used to wonder why I struggle with emotions so much. Why it can be so easy for me to get so low out of nowhere.

If you have not personally experienced a situation or depression symptoms or a particular flaw/weakness, it can be quite easy to raise an eyebrow, roll your eyes, & think to yourself, “Well isn’t she begging for attention at every turn?” or, “How has she not figured this out yet?”

Trust me, I am sometimes tempted to keep my mouth shut because SOMEtimes negative reactions from people are more common than prayerful, patient, gracious responses. And, let’s be honest… I want to keep some form of dignity intact.

God Has Me… No Matter the “Even If”

I used to cry & ask God, “WHY?!” Why do I have to drop so low out of seemingly nowhere sometimes? Why do things that seem normal to so many people have to feel like an all-out battle for me? Why does the darkness keep trying to take me under it?

And guess what, sometimes I still feel that way when going through a dark day. Truly.

But, as I was reading one of Paul’s letters, inspired of God in God’s Word (the Bible), he was talking about prison & going places where he was wanted as dead… & yet he faced them with joy & hope, because He knew God NEVER wastes our pain. He ALWAYS has a plan. He’s completely sufficient IN them. And in those places, Paul KNEW he could have a rare & beautiful opportunity to shine HOPE to people who would otherwise never come near him or bother to listen. He could share the hope of Jesus where few dared to go… & come what may, because of Jesus… he had Heaven to look forward to, knowing God had him no matter the “even if.”

And it dawned on me. When we go through hard things in life that bring us incredibly low, we have that same rare, beautiful opportunity to shine HOPE to people who would otherwise never care to listen about Jesus.

Even Here, God CAN… Even Here… There Is HOPE in JESUS

When you are brought to low places, other people in those same low places can get a glimpse that “EVEN HERE” God CAN. Even HERE, there is HOPE in Jesus.

Do I like having all of these hard situations, emotions, failures, weaknesses? Definitely no. But I can glory in the LORD & PRAISE Him for them because they take me to places where people can relate & can clearly see that EVEN IF… God is enough… JESUS’ sacrifice offers HOPE… REAL, I-CAN-COUNT-ON-IT HOPE.

Is it more comfortable to save face? Oh, yes. But is it worth it to save face? No, not at all. I don’t ever want to waste one of those rare, beautiful opportunities.

No matter what I face, even if it’s where I got to myself… I want everything to point back to Him.

Sometimes I Have to Pray for the Right Mindset to Bring God Glory Versus My Natural Wanting to Crawl in a Hole & Hide

I do not always have a good attitude about it right away, either. Sometimes, I’m like, “NOPE, this one is being kept to myself…” but then I realize: then what is the point of the hard experience if God won’t be glorified in it? I don’t want to waste it! Because, no matter how HARD something may be, He is ALWAYS sufficient in it. And not a just enough sufficient, but an overflowing sufficient.

Listen. I have been in some dark places. I’m sure many have been through way worse than me, though.

But in those darkest of places, even if mine seem trivial in comparison to your own… let my life be a constant reminder that you can look to Him & you can find HOPE there & only there.

Where Does My Hope Come From… from the Lord, the Maker of Heaven & Earth!

Sure, it may feel that hope is accessible in many different places & forms… but LASTING, no-strings-attached, covers ALL… HOPE… is ONLY found in Jesus. Periodt.

And no matter how weak it may make me look, or how pathetic, or whiney, or sad, or annoying, or “show-off-y.” I don’t care. I want everything in my life to remind you that HE IS WHERE YOUR HOPE COMES FROM.

Verse Reminders AKA Truth Reminders

“I will lift up my eyes to the hills—
From whence comes my help?
My help comes from the Lord,
Who made heaven and earth.” (Psalm 121:1-2)

“My soul, wait silently for God alone,
For my expectation is from Him.
He only is my rock and my salvation;
He is my defense;
I shall not be moved.
In God is my salvation and my glory;
The rock of my strength,
And my refuge, is in God.

Trust in Him at all times, you people;
Pour out your heart before Him;
God is a refuge for us. Selah (Psalm 62:5-8)

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son [Jesus}, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.” (John 3:16-17)

“Therefore, whether you eat or drink, [or face suffering/trials], or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31) (brackets added)

My Prayer

 “God, I know I have the tendency to want to be what people want… to save face… to be liked… to appear strong & put together… to not make a scene & to stay in the shadows when I feel less-than… to not seem whiney… to not put all of my less-than”ness” on display. Forgive me for wanting to make it only about me… about my comfort… about my reputation… about people accepting/liking me. Please continue to remind me that my pain, my failures, my weaknesses, my struggles are all rare, beautiful opportunities to be brought low so that I can point to You as my only true HOPE in ANY & every situation in life. Use my weaknesses & failures to glorify Your name. THANK YOU for sending Jesus for us. We don’t deserve You. We don’t deserve our wrongs against You living for ourselves & by our own way, to be covered by & through Jesus. THANK YOU for not leaving our forgiveness up to us. THANK YOU for MAKING a way, through Jesus. HELP ME to be a light for You NO MATTER the circumstances. You are beyond worth it. BE my strength. BE my comfort. BE my refuge…. COME WHAT MAY. In Jesus’ Almighty name, AMEN.”

Rare, Beautiful Opportunities… In the Midst of Our Deepest Hurts & Struggles

What are you struggling with right now?

What weakness seems to creep up on you too many times to comfortably admit?

What hurts you?

Where do you feel alone?

What brings you low?

And how can those areas become rare, beautiful opportunities to rely on & point to hope in Jesus?

Will you let those hurts/struggles be wasted? Or will you use them to point to God as your truest sufficiency come what may?

Where can you use those areas to shine a light of hope in Jesus to the world watching around you?

SHINE HOPE by determining to not let your human struggle to go wasted… to use it all as rare, beautiful opportunities to give God 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 FIVE 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!!

Hand-Carved Acorn Set (INDIA)

LIMITED EDITION – while supplies last! This adorable set of three wooden acorns is meticulously hand-carved in India by women earning fair wages for their work. Each acorn features a hand-carved tag tied with satin ribbons that say: “gather,” “grateful,” and “blessed”. Made of eco-friendly mango wood, a fast-growing, sustainable byproduct of India’s mango fruit industry and the acorn stem at the top is made from antiqued aluminum.

*****Every purchase supports families in areas of extreme poverty in India.*****

How You Can Help the Artisans & Support My Website:

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!

Is It Really That Bad?

It’s easy to look at someone else’s situation & think to yourself, “Is it really as bad as they make it out to be, though?” Have you ever thought that?

Regretfully, I have.

Have you ever had someone judge you in that way? Maybe with a chronic illness or migraines or something where others may think you’re exaggerating? Regretfully, it’s a yes for me to this as well.

And to those of you who make conscious effort to give people the benefit of the doubt when you don’t understand or don’t see the validity of someone’s struggle… BLESS YOU.

(Note: If you are a friend who has confided in me, having context & backstory, as friends, makes it less likely I will doubt what you say… but I don’t have that context with people I don’t know very well–& that should make no difference.)

Always Extend Grace

A friend recently said in our conversation that assumptions are never a good idea & that (as I have posted about on here before), even if someone is hurtful to me one day, it could have been a very bad, off day for them & I was just the recipient of outpoured stress. Still not kind or okay, but it may not be their all-the-time view of me. It may just be that they’re stressed & I got in their path.

That’s one reason I believe that God stresses the importance of extending grace to others. You just don’t know what they’re going through. Was it right? No. But I can ask God to help me take my personal feelings out of the equation, have compassion for whatever is causing them to lash out this way, & I can pray for them. Always extend grace.

I’m Not Even 4o Yet… How Can My Body Hurt This Much?

Look, I’m not even 40 yet (although November is coming quickly!) & I already feel like I have the body of an 80-year-old woman.

I get it. I’m aging. The stereotypical jokes after 30 start focusing a lot more on the whole sore &/or creaking back you can get just from standing up from sitting. It doesn’t take much.

But this seems worse to me somehow. Like, commonly I can lean over to wipe a child’s short desk (I am an aide for a class with littles) with a cleaning wipe or PICK UP A PIECE OF PAPER & my back reacts like that “WOAH” wide-eyed shocked emoji. It seizes up with sharp pain & I almost feel as if I’ve gone & thrown my back out from PICKING UP A PIECE OF PAPER. Like, WHAT?!

Trying to Explain Something to Someone That Doesn’t Even Make Sense to Me…

And just like my sudden overwhelm of emotions that send me into sobs for absolutely no reason when hormones are going crazy before a certain time of the month… I have no legitimate cause to offer anyone for these pains.

Like, “Well, I don’t know. I picked up a piece of paper & my back stopped working.”

This is about where I get the slow eyebrow raise like, “you… what now?” And I want to just shrug & say, “Yeah, a piece of paper did this to me. I can’t even pick up a piece of paper that’s lower than table height or my back may decide to stop working. Not a ream of paper or a crate of paper. Just a single sheet. It’s really the leaning down motion that does it.”

Sounds legit.

And lately, when I turn (not even that quickly or forcefully), sometimes my back ribs will pop out of place for a minute, creating a sharp pain & being frozen in place until I can ease it back into place.

My body is falling apart on me, guys.

It’s Like… “I Promise It Hurts?”

And none of it seems legitimate enough to warrant how much pain it can cause me. And it’s also not at all consistent, so that really helps when I am trying to get someone to believe me. Thanks, body. Thanks a lot.

I get it when people don’t get it… when they respond insensitively. I wish I could say I didn’t, but I do. I have made similar assumptions about others based on my own observations & experiences.

Shame on me.

It IS Up to Me to PRAY

It’s NOT up to me to decide whether or not someone deserves my compassion. It IS up to me to PRAY for them regardless of my opinion.

I have been in seasons of my life, like last year, that were unbelievably hard (moving from a place I loved back to a place I opposite-of-loved, with all the preparations & planning falling out from under us each step of the way & just living on a prayer, literally… to then a tumultuous, displaced beginning here where we could not find a home in our budget)... And to some people, I probably looked like a weak person for struggling so much. It probably seemed dramatic & exaggerative… I get it.

And to top it off, my back issues.

I was desperate for a sense of HOME, to feel settled & I really needed compassion. I was a whole lot more vulnerable than is typical. I felt displaced & hurting (physically & emotionally).

I need to look past my view of a situation & be ready to pray. Not judge it’s deserving… just PRAY. God knows their need. God is able to help them. So, I need to pray.

Just PRAY Anyway

Sometimes it really is about-attention seeking for people. Maybe they just really are feeling alone in this world, rejected by someone they love & trust, displaced, a chronic illness, a diagnosis… their world feels like it is spinning out of control. Maybe they put on a brave face so they don’t have to explain their pain to everyone who asks… If someone such as this chooses to share with me their struggle… I ought to pray for them… even if from an outsider’s view it seems “not so bad” because of how hard they fight to hide the weight of their true inner struggle. Just PRAY anyway.

Sometimes they do cry & it seems like all they ever do is cry. Maybe it’s hormones. Maybe it’s depression eating at their sanity… maybe it’s a trial in their life they don’t let known for shame or embarrassment. Maybe they really are just weak-hearted. I don’t know. But it’s not my job to know. It’s my job to care & to pray anyway.

Sometimes pain is obvious & consistent. Sometimes it’s sporadic & hard to see. Sometimes people try to play tough, so when they share, they don’t seem all too shaken up about it. Some don’t bother hiding it. Doesn’t matter. I ought to pray.

Give Others the Benefit of the Doubt… & Pray

The loving, God-honoring choice is to give others the benefit of the doubt… & pray.

“Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy; love does not parade itself, is not puffed up; does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil; does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.” (1 Corinthians 13:4-7) (emphasis added)

It doesn’t have to appear legitimate for it to be legitimate.

It doesn’t have to appear legitimate for me to show compassion.

It doesn’t have to appear legitimate for me to give it over to God & pray for them.

Shine HOPE by choosing to be kind, caring, & compassionate, even when their hurt doesn’t make much sense to you… & pray for them… always pray for them.

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 FIVE 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!!

Girls’ Education Necklace-Silver (East Asia/Haiti)

Girls’ education is the key to a brighter future! This dainty feminine, necklace features a little key charm plated in Sterling Silver and made by women rescued from brothels in East Asia. Ten dollars from every Girls’ Education Necklace purchase is given directly to L’École Royale in Haiti. We understand the importance of children’s education to truly end poverty cycles in areas of extreme poverty.

*****Every purchase sends girls to school and helps support a sex-trafficking survivor 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:

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!

When Trials in Life Hit Hard

I posted about this on social media last night, but I’ve been having a rough time. I’m not sure if it’s my depression playing tricks on my mind, hormones, lack of restful sleep this week, or even spiritual warfare (or maybe a combination of any of those), but I’ve been experiencing pockets of deep sadness… the kind of sadness that sticks in your throat like a lump… the kind of sadness that feels too heavy & makes me want to slump to the floor in tears from the weight of it.

AND I have been having anxiety pretty frequently—not worrying anxiety, but more like overstimulation causing my brain & body to sort of short circuit, like the room gets hot & feels like it’s closing in on me & my breathing & heartrate quicken & I feel jittery & numb & it just feels very weird & unsettling when it happens. My guess is all the quarantine & social distancing rewired my brain to where now it can’t handle stimulation like it used to & just gets overwhelmed far too easily.

And on top of all that, I am battling a huge migraine right now & sort of feel like throwing up.

So, that’s my reality at the moment—glamorous, I know.

I Have Heaven to Look Forward to, But I Have Work to Do While I’m Still Here on Earth

But even though I feel weak on so many levels right now, I have also seen God show up in my lacking. I have determined to stay faithful to my responsibilities today despite it all & have felt God helping me make it happen. I may not feel good, but I feel sustained.

Sometimes the inconvenience of my anxiety (aka stop everything & head to the nearest dressing room or bathroom stall at the mall so I can take a moment to take some deep breaths) & the deep pockets of sadness that hit me & other things like this impossibly annoying migraine I’m currently experiencing… & it makes me cry & say, “God, can I just go to heaven now? I’m so over this,” because I don’t like suffering.

But I have to be so careful not to let despair creep in & take over. If I am still here, it’s because there’s work left to do to bring God glory… & because God knows that He is more than enough for me… even on my worst days.

I have to be intentional in clinging to truth & clinging to Him.

Jesus Gave It All, And God Continues to Offer Me His All–He Is the Vine & I am the Branch

Yes, it’s true, because of what Jesus did for me—condescending Himself as God become man, dying the death I deserve for my wrongs against God, & being raised again, conquering both death & my debt to God, my sin against God—because of that, because I have put my trust in that grace that saved me, in Jesus—I can count on Heaven. I have that assurance to rest in when things feel so hard. Not because I’m enough, but because He is.

But God has work for me to do while I am here, to serve & love others, to be an encouragement, to edify & build up others by pointing to Him as my source of HOPE & reminding others where to run in every life situation—Him… To share JESUS.

“I am the Vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5)

My Purpose (& Yours) Is to Bring God Glory

As long as He has me here, it’s because He has good works He has planned in advance for me to do. My life has a purpose—to glorify Him, to make Him known.

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10)

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)

When Life Is Hard-Cling to Truth & Cling to God

And that’s why I must choose in the darkest of moments, whether it be a truly difficult circumstance or whether Satan is exploiting a situation to make me focus on how big the problem is & forget how much bigger my God is… when life is hard, I must choose to cling to truth & cling to God.

I must choose to trust that God is enough for me even when I am not enough for myself.

I must choose to let Him be my strength even if He doesn’t give me any of my strength back.

I must accept my frailty & cling to His almighty-ness.

I must let Him be GOD in my life.

Hard Doesn’t Have to Equal Bad Because You Can Rest It in God’s Almighty Hands

So, yes, days have felt pockets of hard times this past week, made worse today with my migraine… but God is enough for me in it & I will choose to cling to that truth & cling to Him.

I will choose to still live to give Him glory… because He deserves it… no matter what happens, good or bad. May it all lead back to His glory.

Maybe you’re feeling similarly. Maybe not. Maybe even worse than me. Choose to cling to truth, GOD’s truth. Choose to serve & live for Him anyway. Choose to cling to Him as your sufficiency & hope in all things. Choose to give God the glory.

Shine HOPE, even on your darker, harder days. Always.

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 FIVE 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!!

Celestial Blue Handbag Strap (India)

This genuine leather Celestial Blue Handbag Strap has a stunning twisted design and is reversible, featuring cobalt blue on one side with white stitching and black on the other. Perfect to pair with the Eclipse Handbag and our Raven Belt Bag! This comfortable strap can be worn as a shoulder strap or could be worn as a crossbody.

*****Every purchase provides safe jobs with fair wages for women in areas of extreme poverty in India.*****

How You Can Help the Artisans & Support My Website:

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!

The Never-Ending Quest to Feel Good

God never promised life would be easy. Sometimes that is a hard truth to swallow.

I think it’s easy to get the truth twisted on that point because our fleshly humanness is ever-seeking pleasures & comforts, while God asks us to find our satisfaction in Him & to seek Him as our Comforter.

I want things to be easy. I want to not have to struggle, feel tired (sometimes beat up because I feel so tired), feel anxiety (not worry, but overwhelmed easily—maybe an after-effect of all the many months of quarantine/social distancing/avoiding being around people?)… I want it to feel easy.

But God never promised easy.

Satan Plays off of Our Natural Desires

And in that, Satan likes to play. He knows we are humanly bent toward seeking satisfaction our way, in ways that seem right to us… so, because that’s natural for us to feel, he aptly chooses to play into it, convincing me at times that God must not care about me because I can’t seem to find that satisfaction I seek, though I try so hard to find it.

But the reason I don’t find it during those times is because I get under the wrong impression that “how can a quick prayer be more effective than ______________???” & end up looking to what “makes more sense” or seems “more likely to work.”

The Who Is What Really Counts

Seems nonsensical & “overly spiritual” sometimes to imply that a simple prayer is what will really help. But, we have talked about this before, haven’t we? God’s impossible peace? How He can wash over me with reassuring, confident, comforting peace just from counting on it to come from Him ALONE versus anywhere else. It’s crazy, but it’s so real. (Read my previous blog post about “How You Can Have Impossible Peace.”)

When we consider Who the prayer is directed to, it changes the whole narrative. The Who is what makes prayer so powerful, not the words you say or rituals you try with it. It’s not a “repeat these words & all will be well,” but rather a, “trust in HIM & He will be your all through it.” (Read more about that in: “Do You Trust in Prayer or in God?”)

Why Don’t I Pray More Instantly?

Satan doesn’t want me trying that. He doesn’t want us to discover that the greatest satisfaction, comfort, healing, peace, LOVE comes from a God we can’t even physically SEE with our own two eyes… That God’s power is SO powerful & mighty that He doesn’t have to show a huge, grand display to show Himself awesome & almighty... That even a PRAYER holds more power than any effort we can make or any solution we can try because in it we are turning to the One Who holds ALL power in heaven & earth!

Satan doesn’t want us realizing that God is the only real, true answer in all that we seek.

You see, God is always sufficient… & not just a “good enough” sufficient, but an all-fulfilling, all-you-need, always reliable SUFFICIENT.

Easily Sidetracked, Easily Fooled

I believe Satan TOO OFTEN. I am like the stereotypical, “la-di-da… BUTTERFLY!” type of easily-distracted-by-shiny-things person.

Like, DEEP DOWN, I KNOW God has MORE THAN sufficiently proven Himself to be enough for me… & yet, little fleshly humanness inner me thinks, “yeah, but it would feel really satisfying, I bet, if I just [binged tv, tried to numb over, avoid, anything-other-than-prayed, etc.] instead.”

Dumb. Dumb, dumb, DUMB.

It’s no wonder God frequently likens humans to SHEEP. I just wander right off & have to have God AGAIN show Himself my Rescuer… my Enough. I’d be surprised if He doesn’t roll His eyes at me every time at this point, like, “well, here she goes again, trusting something other than Me to satisfy her…. She’ll get there. Give her a minute.”

When God Doesn’t Give Me What I Want When I Want It

Oh, & then there’s the fact that when things are really, REALLY hard & they in fact STAY hard, oh boy am I gullible to Satan’s lies.

I so easily can go from, “God, You are AMAZING. I will NEVER doubt You again because You have ONCE AGAIN PROVEN Yourself to me! Praise You from Whom ALL blessings flow!!!” to, “This is hard & You’re not stopping the hard, so maybe You forgot about me.”

[insert face palm here]

Easy does not always equal good & hard does not have to equal bad.

Hard Does Not Have to Equal Bad

Hard can lead us into the arms of God, where our soul longs to be in the first place.

Hard can force us to recognize that the only true source of hope that works is God Himself.

Hard can make the power of God so incredibly clear to us when we find ourselves so completely in lack.

Hard can offer a clear display to OTHERS how great God really is, in stark contrast to their recognizing how weak you actually are.

Hard can offer a clear testimony to the fact that God can offer peace IN the hard & does not have to rely on REMOVING the hard.

Hard is often a very good place to be.

But it is hard.

God Never Promises an Easy Life-But He Is Always Sufficient

God never promises us an easy life-but He is always sufficient. He promises a fulfilling life, one defined by the fruit He grows in us as we learn to lean into Him in every circumstance &/or feeling.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control.” (Galatians 5:22-23)

He promises to be our ENOUGH IN the hard.

Learn to have an “Even If” mindset. “Lord, Even IF it DOES stay hard… remind me that You are sufficiently all I will need through it every step.”

Shine HOPE by pointing to Him as your hope, especially when life isn’t easy.

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 FIVE 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!!

Aro Earrings (EAST ASIA)

These modern silver-tone, double-drop hoops from East Asia are stunning and make a big impact! Each earring is handcrafted by a woman leaving the brothels of East Asia to create a better life for herself. Make a fair-trade fashion statement every time you style your Aro Earrings!

*****Every purchase helps provide income, counseling, education, and jobs for women who’ve been rescued from the brothels of East Asia.*****

How You Can Help the Artisans & Support My Website:

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!

A New Year, A New Monster to Face

Starting this new school year, working as an aide, I will tell you that I started with trickles of anxiety that quickly began to form a swirling haze of oppression that never seemed to let up.

It’s not a difficult job, being an aide, but for certain reasons, my year last year was less than great & because of that, I now feel fear associated with starting my job.

Now, at first, this was just manifested in feeling a little off, a little apprehensive about the coming year… but soon, as I had been stuffing all of those feelings down or away, they began to press into me like a heavy blanket over me that just kept getting heavier.

… Until Tuesday night.

I’m Glad I Didn’t Sleep

On Tuesday, I was feeling so oppressed by it, so weighed down & anxious & afraid… I had let it linger too long & now it was getting out of control.

My husband & I spend some time praying over it that night, recognizing that Satan was having a field day in my heart & mind. Then Jamie (my hubs) went to sleep… & I didn’t.

No, I didn’t get any sleep Tuesday night. None at all. But for once, I’m glad for it.

You see, I started that night feeling so down & pressed in & like my mind was swirling angsty tormenting feelings I wanted to swat away &/or numb over for any sort of relief.

So, after my husband fell asleep & my torment didn’t stop… I decided it was time to journal it out & pray over it so I could actually address each piece of it, bit by bit, rather than having this faceless, nameless swirl of anxieties raging war on my mind.

Prayer Journaling Your Anxieties WORKS–Handing Every Part to God, Piece by Piece

I began to write them all out–all the nagging little thoughts–trying to be as specific as I possibly could, so that I could really dig in & get to the root of the lie my heart must be holding onto, so I could then exchange it for truth & the help of God’s strength to kick it in the face.

So, I named names (in my personal journal)… or, I attempted to:

-So & so didn’t believe me, as if they don’t trust me.

-So & so said ___________, so they clearly misunderstood me & didn’t care to let me clarify.

-So & so talked about me behind my back, & I overheard, so now I feel insecure.

-So & so doesn’t trust me & because I care so much about my integrity & reputation, that really hurt me.

-So & so doesn’t seem to like me, even though I try to be intentionally friendly with them.

-I feel alone & misunderstood & out of sync with everyone around me & I just want to withdraw & stop trying.

–Why does there seem to be so much disconnect between me trying to put my best foot forward & others seeming to think I don’t care & just want to get away with doing the least possible. How could they even begin to think that about me when I care so much about doing a good job & having integrity in all I do!?

Writer’s Block on my Prayer Journaling?!

Those were just a fraction of my list that I WANTED to write. (I say, “wanted to write,” because every time I tried to begin my list, I froze & my mind went blank, as if something was physically blocking my brain from being able to type the thoughts in my own head.)

So, frustrated, I prayed about that, too. Like, “come ON, God! What is the deal!? I need to get this jumbled mess OUT of my head! I need You to help me deal with it! Why can’t I write about this (in my personal journal)??? Why are you stopping me? What is happening? Help me! I need You!”

And, as I prayed, a single word began to form above all else in that jumbled mess: SATAN.

Not one of the “so & so” people… not one problem over another as the “main problem”… but SATAN. Satan was behind all of it & all of a sudden, that became so abundantly clear to me that everything else began to suddenly make much more sense.

“For We Wrestle Not Against Flesh & Blood…”

I mean, think about it, God even TELLS us:

“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:12)

Sure, maybe someone had an off day & said something careless or unkind.

Sure, maybe someone didn’t pray but just reacted in their own humanness.

Sure, maybe someone DID make a big mistake.

Sure, maybe someone DOESN’T believe me for whatever reason.

Sure, maybe someone IS holding onto a misperception of me for whatever reason.

But, Satan. Satan is the one using all of those things to torment me, to feed my insecurities & to tell me not to bother trying anymore, to isolate myself & to just quit trying to make friends… to just resign with being an outsider who is miserable & alone as if that’s all I can or will ever be.

Satan.

What Does GOD Say?

God says I am part of the BODY of the church, with Jesus as the Head. That we are all meant to work together & love one another & support one another. (1 Corinthians 12:14-27)

God says to love those who aren’t great to us. (Luke 6:27-36) In other words, even if someone chooses wrong, I have an opportunity (& a responsibility) to still choose right.

He doesn’t just say to love those who love you. So, even if the aforementioned DID all actually HATE me (if going to the absolute extreme scenario), my response ought to be to love them still, to participate & contribute still, to pray for them still… to be a PART of the BODY of Christ still.

What Does Satan Want? What Does GOD Want?

Satan wants me constantly second-guessing myself, staying timid with my God-given gifting unused & my God-given opportunities ignored or forgotten. (2 Timothy 1:7)

God wants my confidence to be in God, even if I DO mess up. God wants me to make the right choice, even if it were true that others would refuse to do the same.

Satan wants me isolated & alone, withdrawn from community & fellowship & accountability.

God wants me plugged in as a member of His body, the church… & actively loving those around me.

Don’t listen to Satan, my friend. Don’t do it.

People will mess up, sure. I mess up, you mess up… we all mess up.

But don’t let Satan spin that into anything more.

Claim truth. Cling to God. Stand firm against the devil. Don’t give him an INCH (because he will take it & RUN with it, of that you can be SURE).

Facing the Anxiety Monster

You’re not alone. You’re not less than anyone else… even when you’re facing the “anxiety monster.”

And even if someone does misjudge you or mistreat you, peace can be found in the arms of God, entrusting that hurt to Him for His peace, His comfort, His healing, & His way forward to love anyway.

Shine HOPE by taking that anxiety to the CROSS of Jesus & asking God to help you have discernment to see where Satan is deceiving you & holding you captive, so you can find the freedom we are offered in Jesus. (John 8:36)

… So yeah, not sleeping is BLEH, but this time… I’m pretty glad I didn’t sleep.

*Remember TRUTH*

“IN the multitude of my anxieties within me,
Your comforts delight my soul.” (Psalm 94:19, emphasis added)

“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:28)

“Therefore, humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” (1 Peter 5:6-7)

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)

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 FIVE 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 2023 Hope Mail (GUATEMALA & INDIA)

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

Who do you know who would love a beautiful package filled with hope in their mailbox? This exclusive August Hope Mail package makes a great gift for any occasion! Why not treat yourself to a little inspiration? Enjoy free shipping on this August Hope Mail package that includes our Buna Earrings from India, a Coffee Sample from Guatemala, and an adorable sticker mailed in a stylish Fashion as a Force for Good Envelope.

*****Every purchase provides safe jobs with fair wages for women in areas of extreme poverty in India and Guatemala where vulnerable women are often exploited by sweatshops and human traffickers.*****

How You Can Help the Artisans & Support My Website:

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!

The Hurt That Bleeds Out

We all have been hurt at some point in our lives—I feel pretty confident in that claim—but have you ever recognized ways that those hurts effect your reactions to others?

Does your insecurity rear up? Do you feel immediately offended? Do you withdraw? Do you go on the offensive?

I think for me, it sometimes depends how my hormones/sleep is going, but I have felt & reacted in all of the above for sure.

My Way or God’s Will?

But the more time I spend getting to know God & His heart through His Word & spending time talking with Him, the Holy Spirit convicts my heart about those things… that those reactions don’t line up with how God instructs us to react… no matter how natural those responses may feel in the moment.

So, if they feel so natural yet don’t line up with God’s instructions… which is wrong–I ask that rhetorically of course, because anything that contradicts God’s Word is, by default, wrong.

And yet, it feels so “it’s just how it is” & “well, I can’t help it—that’s just my personality.”

Nope. Cop out alert right there. If a pattern in my heart contradicts God’s instruction, I should not so easily accept the contradiction… I should seek to correct it through prayer with God, time in His Word (the Bible), & counsel from mature believers in Jesus to help me get to the root of the disconnect & cooperate with the Holy Spirit in His weeding it OUT of my natural patterns.

A surrender to His will versus my wrong patterns. God’s will over my way.

Trading My Learned Path for His

I think a lot of my wrong reactions stem from my brokenness in this sin-torn world.

It’s easy to learn patterns that maybe help me protect myself, put up walls, save face, act like “who cares about you anyway?” But a more Jesus-like response would be staying soft, with tenderness, grace, kindness, & patient, longsuffering love toward one another come what may.

Strength coming from HIM & NOT my learned defense mechanisms.

I may be tempted to start up with, “But they…..!!!”

But then I remember: “But, He….”

Keeping My Mouth Shut Is Not the Same as Having a Right Reaction

It is quite true that God has worked a number on this area of my life already, in that I usually can at least keep my mouth shut, but He hears my thoughts & my real heart about things… & He cares about that, too.

So, how do I take my natural, gut reactions & turn them over to allow the Holy Spirit to produce in me His fruit? (Galatians 5:22-23) How do I learn to respond only in a way that honors, pleases, & gives God the glory?

Well, it goes back to my favorite little word—surrender.

It Takes Surrender

I have to be willing to yield my way that feels so right… for His help to do it His way.

To say, “God, ooooh how I hate the way they said that just now & boy do I want to be snarky right now….! But… please forgive me. Jesus died for that, too. Help me to have Your patient, GRACIOUS (by definition: undeserving) LOVE toward them. (1 Corinthians 13:4-7; 1 John 4:16; John 3:16-17) Help me to pray for them (Matthew 5:43-44) versus rehearsing their words or behavior all day. Help me entrust my hurt to You. Be my comfort & heal my heart & help me to forgive & let You handle it. In Jesus’ name, AMEN.”

The Triggers Come in Many Forms

Sometimes it’s just an unexpected, raised eyebrow from someone (like: “really, Michelle? That was dumb.”). Sometimes it’s criticism when you expected praise. Sometimes it’s an unkind word that felt like a complete slap to your face. Sometimes it’s rudeness in exchange for your intended kindness. Sometimes it’s a careless response to a sensitive topic. Sometimes it’s a lack of understanding or a misunderstanding or a total unwillingness to even try to be understanding.

There are many triggers that can catch me off guard & cause my walls SPRING UP, where I feel attacked & on the defense & I’m insecure & hurt & I think, “how can they even THINK that way!”

But, I come back to that prayer of… surrender.

How Does God Respond to ME?

Oh, how many times have I offended God? How many times has He tried to communicate a truth to me & I did the opposite because His way didn’t make me feel good? How many times have I dared question the Almighty God who sent Jesus to die for my debt to Him? (Romans 5:8; John 3:16-17)

And yet, how does He respond to me? With tenderness. With grace. With patience. With love. With forgiveness. With hope.

Responding from a heart of brokenness versus God’s grace is the most natural thing I can do. But boy does it spit on all God offers me in exchange for all of my deep unworthiness.

Responding from a Heart of Brokenness Versus God’s Grace

Take some time to do a mental assessment next time you rear up in response to something, or want to hit back with your words, or think nasty thoughts toward someone else because of what they said or did or how they acted toward you.

Accept responsibility if your response may not exactly line up with God’s response to you & take a minute to confess that to God right away. Jesus paid for that stray thought or outburst of anger & hurt. Confess it to God & ask His forgiveness. He will forgive. (1 John 1:9)

And be willing to surrender that very real gut feeling to God’s gracious way instead.

Pray for God’s perspective to grow in your heart… a perspective of His grace… when all you may want to do is respond from your heart of brokenness.

Shine HOPE by letting God’s grace trump how you feel when you are wronged &/or hurt by someone else & by praying for them versus attacking, withdrawing, or slandering their name to others for validation. Shine HOPE, through Him & for Him.

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 FIVE 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!!

Soleil Earrings (INDIA)

Make a fair-trade fashion statement with the Soleil Earrings! These gorgeous earrings feature a rectangle chalcedony stud with a hammered brass rectangle accent and colorful beaded fringe in shades of blue, gold, teal, and light pink. These unique artisanal earrings are handcrafted in a workshop in India that’s committed to fighting child marriage and helping women become financially independent as fair-trade Artisans.

How You Can Help the Artisans & Support My Website:

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!

Such Feelings

If you know me, or have been following my blog any time over the last 5 years (how has it been 5 years?!), then you probably have gathered that I have big feelings. For good or for bad, whether people enjoy it or hate it… I have big feelings.

Sometimes I love it, because it infuses my good days with so much zest, but the bad days are rough because I feel things so deeply it seems to sometimes affect me in a physical way with overwhelm & zoning out & feeling crushed beneath the weight of them.

And of course then you add in the depression. Now, this isn’t wallowing in despair depression—feeling depressed is not the same as having depression… although, if I allow it to consume me, it can very well lead to feeling & BEING depressed. But, on its own, it’s just a general sense of feeling numb & checked out of life… like everything just feels like a meaningless blur. And when I say, “I just don’t care,” it’s not in an obstinate, rolling my eyes type of thing, but rather just literally not caring about much of anything because I just feel numb as if I am just existing through my day.

But whether it’s my depression symptoms dragging me down to the dust, like a ball & chain clasped to my ankles as I try to walk through mud & haze… or whether it’s an emotional high where I just want to live life with fullness & vibrancy feeling free from the haze… or whether some thing or another knocks me to the ground with unexpected hurt or overwhelm that halts me in my tracks… no matter what it is that my feelings are feeling… it should not affect my obedience to God.

Chasing Happy Highs

Not allowing feelings to affect my obedience to God is a hard one for me. Our bodies are meant to release “happy hormones” when we accomplish tasks… there is a natural reward system built into our brains… & when that malfunctions & life feels empty & numb & void of feeling… well, I want to zone out & avoid at all costs how trapped & stuck that makes me feel. I want to chase “happy highs” however possible—tv, food, games, shopping trip, etc.

And what I DON’T feel like doing is to buckle down & DO IT ANYWAY.

I heard a quote today from the pastor at church this morning from Augustine maybe? The quote went something like: “God made us for Himself & we will remain restless until we seek our rest in Him.” Something like that. And isn’t that so true?

I can chase “happy highs” all I want, but until I seek my rest in Him, I will always be restless. I NEED Him.

Obeying God Is for My Good

Part of resting in God is realizing that I NEED to obey HIM rather than my feelings, recognizing that obedience to God is for my own good because all of what God commands is for my good.

I mean, think about it… just even looking at the basic 10 Commandments given to Moses for the people, by God, you can see it. (Genesis 20:1-17) Don’t steal, don’t commit adultery, love your neighbor as yourself, etc. His commands are basically—treat each other WELL! (Luke 6:31; Matthew 7:12) God even goes so far as to say that all the commands can be summed up under “love God with your all & the second being like it to love your neighbor as yourself.” (Paraphrase) (Matthew 22:36-40)

We were made to love God. We are designed to worship, honor, & glorify Him… & to love others.

Of course, we can’t be SAVED from our SIN against God by obeying these very good God-given commands (they are given as law to reveal our need for Him) (Romans 3:20; Romans 7:7) … because we will never ever get it spot on 24/7–that’s why God sent Jesus to pay our debt so if we repent or turn from our sin, ask for forgiveness, & turn to God, through Jesus, as your hope… you are saved… through your faith in Him. (Romans 3:23-24; Romans 10:9-11)

BUT, those 10 commandments, although they can’t save our souls, are still commands worthy of obedience… as are all of God’s teaching in the Bible… because it honors Him & it’s for our good.

We NEED to Obey… We NEED His Truth & Way of Life because It’s What We Were MADE to NEED

Obedience to God, though, is not just avoiding doing the “thou shalt nots” of the Bible… it’s a living out a life of seeking to know & love Him more… bowing how I want to respond for what honors & glorifies HIM (through asking for His wisdom & help doing it)… a determining to represent Him well & intentionally in your interactions with others & in how you express love for others. Obedience, at its core, means a life lived for HIM, through Him.

God knows we need it. We NEED Him. We NEED prayer (a plugging into HIM & HIS resources) (Proverbs 3:5-6; 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18), We NEED to feed our souls on His Word (the Bible). God tells us to even CRAVE His Word as newborn babies crave milk & NEED it to survive. (1 Peter 2:2-3)

Obedience isn’t some super religious thing we do to prove how religious we are.

Obedience is NECESSARY for a full & abundant & victorious LIFE. (John 10:9-10) Obedience is necessary to please, honor, & glorify God—for which purpose we were created! (Isaiah 43:7; 1 Corinthians 10:31; Revelation 4:11; Romans 11:36)

Checking My Motivations in My Obedience to God—Time in His Word, the Bible

We read our Bibles, not because we feel like a “terrible Christian” if we don’t, guilted into keeping up with it & shame-building as we miss day after day throughout the year…. We read our Bibles because 1. It honors God to seek to know & love Him better/more, & 2. We are influenced & impacted by the world every moment of our life & we NEED to be INTENTIONAL in feeding our soul with TRUTH to ground us in this crazy world we live in.

God isn’t keeping track with hand on hip & a raised, judgy eyebrow, making note of: “still waiting to see if they prove their love for me ENOUGH.” Jesus paid for that missed day, week, year, or even lifetime—it’s in the past & if you have repented of it, God has forgiven it. God isn’t expecting a “read through the Bible in a year” OR ELSE:  “BAM—Bad Christian alert!”

But God is honored every time we DO pick up our Bibles & commit to reading it, thinking on it, dwelling on it, & referring back to it when we face circumstances that come up in life, preparing ourselves with His Word that He made sure we would have access to because He made sure it was written all those many years ago.

Why Do I Pray?

We pray, not just before meals & before bed “because it’s what a good Christian person does.” We don’t do it to seem pious or religious. We do it because we NEED HIM EVERY SECOND OF EVERY DAY.

It’s not about repeating special words or making sure we say, “Father” enough times in our prayer. It’s not about praying “enough times” to get God to act. It’s not about getting God to give you everything you want your way as if He’s your personal enforcer while you sit in the seat of authority.

Prayer is about submission to an Almighty God Who is HOLY & deserving of all & holds ALL authority in heaven AND earth & yet keeps His throne-room door open at all times for all requests & pleas.

Prayer is about recognizing it’s all about Him, all FOR Him, all THROUGH Him. Prayer is about recognizing that God is GOD, & I am NOT.

Prayer is about plugging in to our Vine. (John 15:1-17) What can a branch bring forth without being connected to its life-giving Vine? What can we produce of worth without plugging into Him as our life-giving source? He is the source of our being. He is our nourishment. He is our peace. He is our enabling strength, even when we ourselves are depleted.

Prayer is about both recognizing & expressing our need, as well as turning to the One where our need may be met, even beyond what we imagine Him capable. (Ephesians 3:20-21; Luke 1:37)

To Feel Like a “Good Person” or to Honor, Please, & Glorify God?

And living for God isn’t about getting in “enough” service hours each week to prove how dedicated we are to serving God. It’s not about proving to or earning anything from God. It’s not about “being a good person.” (Romans 3:10-12; Ephesians 2:8-10)

Living in obedience to serve Him & love others, seeking to honor & please & glorify Him in every thought, reaction, & interaction is simply for that reason—to honor, please, & glorify HIM—because He is deserving of it. Not because I feel like it, & neither should I avoid it because I DON’T feel like it.

Feelings & Obedience Shouldn’t Affect Each Other

So, yes, sometimes my depression symptoms mean that I am zoned out, feel nothing, get no “happy hormone” reward for doing it… & yet I say a little prayer:  “God, please forgive me for how badly I want to avoid this right now because I DO NOT FEEL LIKE IT… please forgive me & help me do it anyway, because I want to honor You & I know I need You whether or not I feel like it will help at all right now. Please forgive my attitude & help me to honor You anyway. In Jesus’ name, I pray—AMEN.” And then I open my Bible & my current study, turn to the right page, click on my pen & begin my study each morning… whether I FEEL like it or not.

Feelings & obedience shouldn’t affect each other. Bad feelings too bad? Good feelings too distracting? Numbness clouding over any desire to do anything? Do it anyway—with God’s help.

We’re Meant to Need & Ask for His Help to Obey

Through Andrew Murray’s book on Prayer, a compilation of his works, I learned that so many Christians burn out either by guilt-driven obedience or self-driven obedience… or they just give up because they feel they just can’t (both were me at different points in my life)—too busy, too distracted, too numb, too tired, too sick, etc.—but that so many of commands given in the Bible are either followed by or preceded by “by God, through God, by faith, or through faith.” In other words? We’re not meant to be ABLE to obey Him… ON OUR OWN WITHOUT HIS HELP. We are MEANT to need His help & to turn to Him for that help in our walk of obedience.

So, if you feel you can’t obey Him for WHATEVER reason, you’re in good company! Take that to God & be honest with Him & ask for His help: “God, please forgive me for my lack… help me know when to fit it in & help me to LISTEN when You give the nudge in that time… help me to focus… help me to concentrate… help my WANT.” RELY ON & COUNT ON His help.

And when emotions are running wild or feel non-existent… remember that feelings & obedience shouldn’t affect each other. God can help if you are willing to let Him. Let Him help.

Shine HOPE by determining to honor, please, & glorify God through obedience, whether you feel like it or not… by making sure to turn to Him diligently & consistently for His help.

Coming Next Week

Join me every Monday morning, EST, for more encouragement.

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

Share with friends & Subscribe by Joining My Tribe, so you never miss a week.

A Note from Michelle:

This blog/website has been running for FIVE 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” page. And if you would like to hear how I found my lasting source of HOPE, read the “Hope Is Found” page, on this site. I hope they are an encouragement to you! <3

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

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! Check out this week’s featured beauty!!

Tranquility Ring Set (India)

This set of 2 adjustable rings can be worn stacked together or separately! A silver-toned plated brass ring with a simple twist perfectly complements the gorgeous chalcedony ring.  This small oval-shaped, faceted chalcedony stone is set in silver-toned plated brass featuring a design on the silver band.

***Every purchase empowers women to earn fair wages for their work and to end cycles of poverty for her family.***

How You Can Help:

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 to continue supporting them as well as continuing this website/blog, encouraging women all around the world with the HOPE we have in Jesus. Win win!

Learning to Lean on God in Suffering

I haven’t been feeling well, so this will probably be a short post this week, but I wanted to still get on here & hopefully pass on some encouragement to you.

Sometimes God gives you exactly what you ask of Him when you’re in need, to show you that He is able to provide your every need, but sometimes He doesn’t, because He wants you to recognize that He is your true & only need.

God’s Impossible Peace

Being sick recently has only been a reminder of living through both the super typhoon on Guam, as well as the 2 months of sleeplessness I endured months ago. In my crying out to Him for help—for the end of my struggling—He didn’t remove the struggle, which frustrated me for sure, but it taught me that when the suffering didn’t end, He was right there in the suffering to comfort me & give me strength.

It’s a strange thing to both recognize how miserable & weak you are & still feel a sense of okay-ness about it—like God’s got you even if things don’t get any easier.

I guess it all goes back to His impossible peace, (read about that, here: “How You Can Have Impossible Peace”) which He supplies when we learn to rest in Him. It’s “impossible peace” because it makes no sense & shouldn’t be able to exist in the midst of your current circumstances—& yet somehow, there it is to carry you through.

“do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)

Having “Even If” Type Faith

I will be the first to admit that I hate suffering. I want my comfort zone like my life depends on it… which is why I have gone through some pretty bad pits of spiralling despair—like in Hokkaido when I begged for an easier time & God did not supply that relief. I didn’t understand then that God wanted me to learn to find my hope in Him rather than in the end of my struggling.

Having an “Even If” type of faith is not easy (read more about what it means to have “even if” faith, here: “Even If…”), because sometimes it means accepting that the hard will just keep on coming… that you will continue to feel weak & incapable & at the end of yourself… but the truth is that we cannot control our circumstances, that hard will come whether we like it or not, & that God never promises easy… so you have a choice in that—to turn to our source of HOPE or turn away from Him & struggle without His comfort, love, strength, & care to see you through it with His peace.

A Quick Encouragement on Finding Hope When Suffering Doesn’t Seem to Stop

Even knowing all of this, I still struggle choosing Him. I want the hard to just stop & feel frustrated, hurt & sometimes even angry when He doesn’t make it so.

But every new hard is an opportunity for me to practice turning to Him instead, even if I don’t understand why He allows the suffering… so I can see that while I hate the suffering, He is always sufficient in it.

What will you choose next time? Or maybe you’re facing suffering right now?

Choosing to Turn to God When the Hard Doesn’t Stop

My sore throat has made it hard to swallow with the swelling & painful irritation… so sleep has eluded me for most of 2 nights now, plus continued pain & discomfort & trust me… I am so over it! I just want the constant pain, discomfort, & sleeplessness (& nighttime sobs) to end so I can feel like myself again—I’m even visiting family for the only time this year!

But I am going to make conscious effort to say, “God, I may hate feeling this way, but over the last 2 days, in my suffering, discomfort, inconvenient sickness, & pain… I have seen You show up & help me maintain an attitude that allowed me to still make happy memories with the family we are visiting rather than wallowing in despair from the constant pain. You have given me strength & have comforted me when I felt comfort was going to be absolutely impossible. You have given me peace when the pain annoyingly persisted. I would love for you to end this pain right now, & ask You now to that end—please take away my pain—but if not, help me to remember that You really are truly sufficient when the suffering continues on. Thank You for looking out for me, even when I am so tempted to write You off in my sometimes overwhelming frustration & temptation to turn away from You or demand my way. Please forgive me for my obstinate desire to depend on myself alone. Thank You for always being quick to be there for me & with me through the hardest times in life, even when my attitude sometimes proves less than deserving. You are faithful, even when I am not. You are a Good God. Thank You. Please continue to care for me & help me through this sickness & PLEASE heal me or point me to relief somehow. In Jesus’ name, AMEN.

Shine HOPE by determining to turn to God as your hope rather than solely seeking the end of your struggles & suffering as your source of hope.

Coming Next Week

Join me every Monday morning, EST, for more encouragement.

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

Share with friends & Subscribe by Joining My Tribe, so you never miss a week.

A Note from Michelle:

This blog/website has been running for FIVE 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” page. And if you would like to hear how I found my lasting source of HOPE, read the “Hope Is Found” page, on this site. I hope they are an encouragement to you! <3

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

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! Check out this week’s featured beauty!!

July 2023 Hope Mail (India)

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

Who do you know who would love a beautiful package filled with hope in their mailbox? This exclusive July Hope Mail package makes a great gift for any occasion! Why not treat yourself to a little inspiration? Enjoy free shipping on this July Hope Mail package that includes our Kalina Earrings from India, Orange Sun Kissed Lip Balm from India, and an encouraging sticker mailed in a stylish Fashion as a Force for Good Envelope.

Imagine the joy of opening this July Hope Mail package and discovering these eco-friendly fair-trade earrings! Artisans in India handcraft these vibrant, cheerful Kalina Earrings. Each statement earring features a gold-tone hammered triangle with a hand-beaded, color-block pattern in turquoise, bright coral, and yellow. Every pair of Kalina Earrings helps to end child marriage and keep families out of the slums of India!

Add a touch of artisanal style to your skincare routine with the Sun Kissed Orange Lip Balm while creating fair jobs for women ending poverty cycles in India. Handmade from sustainably harvested beeswax with a sweet and fruity orange scent, this moisturizing lip balm helps naturally heal dry skin.

Inspire yourself or someone you love with this exclusive, vinyl, Trades of Hope Lotus Sticker with the encouraging message, “That dream was planted in your heart for a reason.”

***Every purchase provides safe jobs with fair wages for women in areas of extreme poverty in India where vulnerable women are often exploited by sweatshops and human traffickers.***

How You Can Help:

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 to continue supporting them as well as continuing this website/blog, encouraging women all around the world with the HOPE we have in Jesus. Win win!

As a Child…

Thank You, Lord, for never leaving me… for never giving up on me. Thank You for the family You gave me who took me to church & taught me about Your Son, Jesus. Thank You for the children’s Bible I was given that helped in my curiosity of learning about You & for helping me connect the dots that my bad attitude toward my parents or even my sister was counted as sin in Your eyes & helping me realize I needed saving even at such a young age.

Thank You for not giving up on me when I entered middle school & heard all about differing religious ideas… when I began to doubt You… when I wondered if maybe You weren’t real, I could be living MY way instead of worrying about Your law. Thank You for not just crushing me then in my stubborn self-will to live MY way over Your Good way.

Through My Depression…

Thank You for my spiral of depression for two years in early high school once my doubting & questions & desires to live my way began to numb & empty me of life… thank You for stripping so much from me: my reputation, my good academic standing, many of my friendships, much of my bond with my sisters, my confidence… thank You for the suffering I felt… the emptiness & despair… thank You that it showed me that NO MATTER what I tried to fill it with that wasn’t You just made it all the worse in the end… that I couldn’t fully rely on ANYTHING at ALL times… except for You. Thank You that You took away every crutch or stronghold I was counting on so I could see that YOU were the ONLY One Who could not & would not ever fail.

Thank You for squashing every doubt I had through that pain, showing me that if I had nothing, but I had You… I had EVERYTHING.

In My Growing… & in My Failing…

Thank You that You didn’t stop there. Thank You for continuing to weed things from my life & my behavior & my thought patterns, shaping me to better honor You. Thank You for the confidence You instilled in me through that, beginning to understand that it wasn’t about me being enough, but that You will always be my Enough. Thank You for Your gentle, wise, never-giving-up-on-me pruning.

In My Withouts…

Thank You for teaching me through singleness into my late twenties & then now childlessness that Your plan is always better than mine, no matter how much I think I want something. Thank You that Your timing is always perfect. Thank You that You love me enough to not settle for my less-than timeline &/or plan.

Thank You for the comfortable times of rest. Thank You for the difficult hard times that teach me that YOU can BE my rest. Thank You for when I have plenty, reminding me of Your provision. Thank You for times of little, reminding me that You are my provision.

Thank You for Your peace that when I ask for it fills me even as the world crashes around me. It’s indescribable & impossible peace—& yet, it is. Thank You that You are so much bigger & greater than I can even imagine. And that impossible is never impossible for You.

In My Questions… In My Lacking…

Thank You that You love me enough to let me doubt & wonder & question… that You don’t turn me away, but that as I seek Your wisdom to better trust & live by You, You are a patient & gentle Leader & Father to me. You don’t rush or hurry. You are kind even when I’m rude & impatient & complaining. You are too loving to let me have my way, even if it would be easier to just give in… You lovingly determine only what is best for me. Thank You.

Thank You that I can always come back to You… that even if I give into the blistering disease that is bitterness & stop praying because I am too hurt to have You not answer my way AGAIN—rather than trusting You IN the hard, always only complaining for the end of the hard—You always are quick to forgive, patient, kind, loving, long-suffering… Thank You that You = LOVE.

In All of Creation…

Thank You God, for it all. Thank You for life. Thank You for all of the beautiful & cuddly & awe-inspiring animals You have made in all the diversity of colors, shapes, sizes. Thank You for all the shades of green when passing a highway surrounded by trees & trees. Thank You for the dancing of the wind through the trees & the grass & even my hair. Thank You for all of the beautiful plants & flowers. Thank You for the cool of water & it’s ability to refresh or soothe. Thank You for the sounds of rushing or babbling water. Thank You for the smell of fresh, crisp air & the warmth of sunshine glow. Thank You for hills & valleys & mountains & oceans. Thank You for mountain trails & beach chill. Thank You for Your ever-new paintings in the skies.

Thank You for laughter & dancing & the ability to praise You for all that You are.

For Who You Are…

Thank You for Your kindness. Thank You for Your love & Your grace & mercy & for HOPE. Thank You that I can always count on You… always come to You… always talk to You. Thank You that You are faithful… even if I am not. Thank You that You are kind… even when I am rude. Thank You that You never give up on me. Thank You that You care so much for me even though I don’t deserve it. Thank You that when I fail, You forgive. Thank You that You are KING of ALL & yet have time for me. Thank You for Your vast POWER & authority in both heaven & on earth, but yet Your gentle disposition toward Your rebellious creation. Thank You for Your GRACE.

For Jesus… For Forgiveness… For Your Grace…

Thank You for Jesus. Thank You Jesus for being willing to condescend Yourself from Your throne in Heaven to become a man in flesh, with all of the same human struggles, but living a sinless life so that You could become our once-and-for-all spotless lamb sacrifice to God for our sins. Thank You that no matter WHAT wrong we’ve done, no matter how terrible & undeserving we know we are… that if we confess to You those things & turn from those things to life in You, asking Your forgiveness, that You FORGIVE.

Thank You for new life, for a fresh start, for Your patience & love & pursuit of us no matter how many times we may figuratively spit at Your face. You wait willingly & ever so patiently, not wanting ANY of us to go without Your grace, forgiveness, hope, life, & LOVE. THANK YOU.

Thank You that You don’t make us jump through hoops, “prove” it, do “enough” good, earn it, or anything else… we just have to recognize our need of You… confess our wrongs against You… ask Your forgiveness for those wrongs… & accept You as Savior for our sins against God. THANK YOU.

Thank You, LORD.

Thank You for sending us the Holy Spirit once we have turned our lives to Jesus. That we then ALWAYS have Him as our Guide, a Comforter, a giver of Wisdom, a Companion Who never leaves us nor forsakes us.

Thank You God for all of the things I take for granted every single day: kitty snuggles, hugs, a laugh, a yummy bite of food, the ability to heat or chill food, laundry capability, a dry home, a job, friends, a family who introduced me to You, a husband, Your sacrifice & the blessings You offer me every day. Your peace. Your love. Your never-giving-up-on-me grace. Thank YOU. Thank You. THANK YOU!

Praise be to God, the Maker of Heaven & Earth! AMEN!

Shine HOPE by determining to look for all the reasons you have to PRAISE God for everything big & small, in the good times & the bad. Because no matter what the circumstances or your feelings may be—He is worthy to be praised! Thank You, LORD!

Coming Next Week

Join me every Monday morning, EST, for more encouragement.

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

Share with friends & Subscribe by Joining My Tribe, so you never miss a week.

A Note from Michelle:

This blog/website has been running for FIVE 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” page. And if you would like to hear how I found my lasting source of HOPE, read the “Hope Is Found” page, on this site. I hope they are an encouragement to you! <3

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

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! Check out this week’s featured beauty!!

Lotus Coasters (India)

Create a beautiful tablescape with nature-inspired decor that empowers families in India out of poverty. This set of four eco-friendly Lotus Coasters are made from sustainable natural mango wood with carved whitewashed accents. Complete your summer look with our Lotus Trivet.

***Every purchase provides safe jobs with fair wages for women in areas of extreme poverty in India.***

How You Can Help:

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 to continue supporting them as well as continuing this website/blog, encouraging women all around the world with the HOPE we have in Jesus. Win win!