Leaving a Legacy

Over the last couple of weeks, I have been talking about leaving a legacy. You can check out the two posts, “Always on Your Lips-Leaving a Legacy,” & “How to Teach Obedience to God,” to catch up.

Obviously, anything I share is not a comprehensive list, but rather a tool to help get us focused on God’s working more than our own… to focus on His perspective, His will, & His commands, more than we trust our own.

Easily Distracted

It’s so easy for me to get swept up in life. Trust me, it is WAY too easy for me.

I have the attention span of a goldfish, it seems, when it comes to being intentional for Jesus Christ.

He is worth my everything, I know that, but one distraction or another all too easily gets me forgetting all about Him until a situation or thought snaps me back to reality.

This is why I am so persistent in talking about this topic. It’s not just for you—it’s for me. I need the reminders just as much as anyone else.

Satan would like us all so distracted, so busy, so bogged down with everything around us, that we completely & forever forget to consider God’s kingdom. Satan wants us all lulled into complacent, ineffective, non-glorifying followers of Jesus.

Well, I don’t want to be okay with that. I want to WAKE UP.

Intentional Conversation, Intentionally Focused

I want to live like this is my temporary home (because it is) & like I have but a short time to invite everyone along (because I do) & like it is the most important thing in all of my life (because it is).

Hence, this line of conversation. I want His Truth always on my lips. I want to leave a legacy that points to Him in EVERYTHING… as our HOPE… our ONE & ONLY true hope.

I want to, with everything in me, teach others to be obedient to Him. Because His command for our obedience is not meant to have us lose out nor be to our detriment… it’s what we were created for & is our design & will bring us the only true contentment, peace, & fulfillment that we seek for fruitlessly in anything else.

And so, in an effort to have this Truth be always on our lips, I thought it would be helpful to get our minds honing in & focusing on Him in all things, by jotting down some conversation starter topics to talk about with your kids, your husband, your friend, your parents or siblings, etc…. to turn our minds & hearts to Christ.

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart & with all your soul & with all your strength. These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts. Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home & when you walk along the road, when you lie down & when you get up. Tie them as symbols on your hands & bind them on your foreheads. Write them on the doorframes of your houses & on your gates.” (Deuteronomy 6:5-9)

Be STILL & Know That HE Is God.

And Satan has been throwing so much at me this last week to discourage me & shut me up & get me to slump in defeat. I am writing this aching to quit, wishing to just throw in the towel for a nap & some video games… Satan wants me to forget about God being able to help me through it, relying on my own draining strength & just saying, “I quit!”

But I won’t. Because I know the game-changing Truth. God is Enough for us both. HE can bring victory when everything I have to offer promises a sure defeat.

So, Satan, step aside because GOD is in control & God WILL be glorified. AMEN.

16 Questions

Let’s get started with some conversation starters. I have provided just 16 Questions to get us started. Feel free to copy/paste/print these to leave in the car to discuss after church or Bible Study. Maybe start by just asking one question each time, to help ease into that pattern of intentional conversation, leading to being intentionally focused on Jesus Christ in all parts of life… & ask more questions as it becomes more comfortable & natural.

1. What is the most important/valuable thing you learned in [church, Bible Study, etc.] today?
2. From what you learned today, what does it teach you about Who God is or what matters to Him?
3. Did you learn about any commands God gives to us? Is it good to trust & do His command? Why? (God made everything, knows everything, understands everything, & has authority over everything & everything He does is designed for our good.)
4. Do you remember a Bible verse you talked about today? What was it or what was it about? What did it teach you?
5. Did God use anything in that lesson to point out something you’re not doing right (ie a conviction in your heart about sin)? Did you ask God to forgive you & help you change it? How can you change in this area or what can you do to help you remember not to do that in the future? (ie. Memorize Truth of God’s Word about it, etc.)
6. What are you thankful to God for?
7. How has God helped you this week?
8. Do you have any doubts about God or the Bible? Have you asked God to help you work through them since He knows how best to & wants to help you?
9. Today, what is one way that you could tell that God loves you?
10. Is there anyone that you need to forgive today? What does God say about forgiveness? (Forgive 70 x 7 times, forgive others as God, through Jesus, forgives us, pray for our enemies & bear with one another, in love.)
11. What is one way that you can show God that you love Him today?
12. What is one of your favorite creations that God made? Have you thanked Him for it today?
13. What is your favorite worship song right now? Can you sing part of it?
14. What area of your life do you feel Satan is bullying you in lately? Have you turned to God & asked for His help with it?
15. Is there anything you feel you’re not good enough at? Anything that makes you insecure? Have you asked God to show you your worth through His eyes? Because He made you.
16. Do you know Who Jesus is? Do you know how much He loves you & what He did to show you He loves you?

Let Him Lead

As I mentioned above, this is by no means a comprehensive list, but my hope is that it gets our gears turning in the right direction, focusing our thoughts & heart on Him in everything every day.

Also, feel free to modify this list, depending on the age. Maybe look up online Bible discussion questions for kids, if needed. And add to the list, too, if you think of a good question. (Feel free to share your question suggestions in the comments for this post!)

And ultimately, shine HOPE, by putting your mind on Christ, seeking first His kingdom, even by turning to Him for help doing it every step along the way.

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 THREE 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, 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!!

Silver Medallion Necklace

This textured silver-tone chain from India can be worn separately or layered with other necklaces from our One World Collection. The uniquely textured pendant adds the perfect artistic touch. Three length options allow you to choose your comfort & style. Every purchase provides fair-trade jobs in areas of extreme poverty in India.

In India, poverty often leads to exploitation of vulnerable Artisans in sweatshops. Every purchase provides these Artisans with fair wages, access to healthcare, education for their children, & care for elderly family members.

Purchase this necklace & empower an Artisan 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!

Being Intentional in How We Represent God

So, last week we talked about “Always on Your Lips-Leaving a Legacy,” & this week, I would like to talk about some more specifics on how to make that happen, in practice. In other words-how to teach obedience to God.

Growing up, I never really understood the importance of obeying God, but as I have been highlighting lately, obedience to God is life-changing & brings into our lives a hope we can’t even begin to imagine.

Because of this, how we represent God to the next generation (& even to our peers & elders) is of UTMOST importance. We need to be intentional in how we represent God to others.

And when God commands us to obey Him, it is NOT something requested of us as a “power move” by God. It is NOT arrogance. Quite the opposite!

Why God Commands Our Obedience

He commands our obedience because:

1. He made the world & everything in it, including us.

2. He has authority over literally everything.

3. He knows literally everything.

4. He knows how everything fits together & has perfect understanding/wisdom.

5. Everything He does is meant to bring about our good.

6. Even in our sin/disobedience, HE made a way possible to redeem us by sending Lord Jesus, His Son, to pay our debts.

And this is where we start in leaving a legacy of HOPE… sharing these points about who God is & why we obey Him.

He Alone Is Perfect in All Things

He has:

1. Perfect Authority—which is why we should tremble before Him, determining to do only His will & no one else’s if it contradicts His.
2. Perfect in Knowledge, Understanding, & Wisdom—so we know we can trust Him in everything HE says!
3. Perfect Love—displayed through His extravagant, beyond-practical design of this earth He created for us to steward… & especially through His Son, Jesus Christ, come to earth (Emmanuel-God with us) to set an example, express His love in person, & ultimately pay our debt, rising again after death as victorious over both sin & death.
4. Perfect Holiness–He cannot do wrong, He is completely pure & perfect in all things.

God Can Handle Our Doubts

We also need to teach that God understands when we don’t understand. He is infinite in all things & we are not. He is patient & gentle with us when we don’t understand–so lean into Him for answers & Truth!

Anyone can come to Him for help with a doubt or worry, when something in the world clashes with what He says in His Word, making us tempted to doubt God. He understands & when you come to Him, He will either clear up the doubt or will show Himself worthy of your trust even if you continue to lack understanding.

He is a Good, Good Father.

(See my previous post on “How to Handles Doubts & Still Honor God.”)

Want “More” Faith? Obey Him

We need to teach that to grow our faith, we need to obey first.

LORD Jesus, God’s Son, tells us we need only faith like a mustard seed (very small), because it is not dependent on how big our faith it, but how big our GOD is. (Luke 17:5-6)

This is why the Bible repeats the command to “Fear God” SO many times (Proverbs 1:7; Proverbs 9:10, etc.), because there will be countless times where His Word doesn’t seem to make sense to us, being finite in wisdom, knowledge, & understanding. But, His judgments are always made in perfect & complete knowledge, wisdom & understanding.

(See my previous post about “Fearing God Is the Beginning of Wisdom.”)

God has perfect authority & say-so, so always defer to HIS judgment, respecting HIS authority in EVERY matter. Because He NEVER gets it wrong or miscalculates.

His judgments are ALWAYS perfect.

And when we live with that understanding, with a willingness to obey first to grow our faith (or, rather… TRUST) in Him… a wonderful thing happens… we always see Him proven right & as a result, we begin to trust Him more & more.

(See my previous post on “Want to Trust God? Obey Him.”)

Pray Without Ceasing

We need to teach how to pray… how to talk to God.

A good starting point is Jesus’ model prayer, in Matthew 6:9-15, meant to show us what we should ask for & how to talk to God.

Another good reference are the Psalms. Raw, real, holding nothing back, but also always remembering that God has a plan, God is in control & asking God to help trust Him in it, come what may.

We should pray for our worries & doubts, we can give thanks when we see Him work or when we acknowledge His beautiful creation around us.

We should pray for peace, knowing His peace doesn’t rely on a bad situation turning good, but that His peace can exist in your heart right as the war is waging.

We should pray for a changed perspective & a changed heart.

We should pray for direction, guidance, or wisdom.

We should pray for comfort & healing in the midst of hurts & long-time heart scars.

We should pray for the words to say when in a tough situation.

We should pray for boldness in sharing God’s GRACE, through Jesus.

We should pray for our leaders.

We should pray for our enemies.

We should pray for the hearts of those who are lost.

We should pray for forgiveness, as we repent over wrongs we’ve done or times where we have grieved the Holy Spirit (done what we knew we shouldn’t) or when we have quenched the Holy Spirit (NOT done or tuned out what we knew we SHOULD do).

We should pray for redemption, a only once needed prayer, recognizing you can’t save yourself & that you need the forgiveness & redemption offered by Jesus’ free gift of His life for ours.

We should pray when we’re anxious or afraid or angry or hurt or worried or lost or alone or sad or overwhelmed or tired or happy or excited or grateful or at peace.

We can & should pray & talk to God about anything & everything… we can turn our inner self-musings to silent conversations with God.

Teach God’s Word

We need to teach Bible reading & Bible study as the most valuable & important endeavor.

(If you’re a woman wanting to learn easy baby steps to studying your Bible, I highly recommend katieorr.me. She has helped me learn so much so that I now have significantly more confidence (starting with little to none) in studying the Bible myself.)

God tells us, in 2 Timothy 3:16-17, that “All Scripture is God-breathed & is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting & training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

In other words, God’s Word-the Bible- is good for telling us what is right, what is wrong, how to get right, & how to stay right.

We NEED it!

PLUS, it is a window into God’s Almighty-ness & His great & awesome love for us (a theme constantly woven throughout it). It helps us see Who God is & what He cares about & how He asks us to live in His perfect wisdom & understanding.

Read It, Think on It, Talk about It, Post It, Study It, Memorize It!

God’s Word is worthy of & should be thought on day & night… something we teach our kids… something we talk about in our sitting, standing, going about the way, & our laying down… something we post on our gates & doorposts & even our own foreheads! EVERYWHERE! Because if we study & live according to His Word, then we will know the Truth, & the Truth shall set us FREE. (Deuteronomy 6:6-9; John 8:31-32)

And, last, but not least… we need to teach the importance of memorizing God’s Word. God tells us that part of the armor He provides to us to protect us is “the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God.” (Ephesians 6:17)

He also tells us that when we struggle, even if the hurt or frustration is with a human being… that really, it is Satan threading lies & misunderstandings & strife, exploiting our weaknesses & insecurities to create division & isolation. (Ephesians 6:12-13) (We’re easier to pick off & lie to when we’re separated from others, especially other believers in Christ. BE CAUTIOUS!) (John 10:10)

Because of this, when we face arguments or disagreements or insecurities or worries/anxieties, we NEED to have that Truth floating across our minds to set us FREE from those chains trying to latch on to us.

We NEED to know God’s Word because God’s Word—the Bible—is TRUTH… And God tells us plainly that the Truth WILL set us FREE. ( John 8:31-32 )

So, teach His Word & teach the importance of memorizing it & reading it & studying it & dwelling on it day & night. True HOPE is found in those words from God.

How to Teach Obedience to God

So, as much as someone who doesn’t have kids (but has seen through the eyes of friends who are mothers) can know, I know parenthood is hard & sometimes seems all-consuming.

I know there are so many things that are wrapped up in all it takes to parent a child, from feeding to clothing to cleaning up after to teaching manners & obedience & respect to parents, etc. etc. etc., but I promise you that THE most important thing you can pass on to your children is to know & love God MORE & how to live a life of obedience to Him.

Because they won’t always make the right choices. They will mess up. They will have scars on their hearts, no matter how much you want to protect them. They will do things in secret. And, you won’t always be around.

And one day, they will have to answer to God for THEIR choices… & a pass from Mom won’t count.

So teach them, live an example & a legacy to them… teach them how to obey God.

Shine 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 THREE 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, 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!!

Bold Link Necklace (India)

Make a bold ethical fashion statement with this gold-tone linked-chain design from India. Its “chunkier” look & feel will keep your personal style on-trend, whether you wear it alone or layered with other necklaces from our One World Collection. Completely adjustable, you can customize the length to fit your desired comfort & style. Every necklace has variations as a part of the Artisan-made charm!

In India, poverty often leads to exploitation of vulnerable women in sweatshops. Every purchase provides these Artisans with fair wages, access to healthcare, education for their children, & care for elderly family members.

Purchase this necklace & empower an Artisan 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!

A Time for Celebration

This week will mark NINE years of marriage to my loving husband, Jamie.

To celebrate, we had a lovely weekend visit to Morioka, Japan over this past weekend, complete with a trip to the zoo, a stroll through a beautifully landscaped castle ruins park, Mario Kart face offs at a giant arcade, enjoying (twice!) the best brunch I have had in Japan (@ Brunch Morioka), & lots of shopping.

It was a great trip made even greater by the company I shared with my best friend AKA my husband.

Not a Façade, But We’re Not Perfect

Many people have told me that me & my husband seem like newlyweds at times, laughing & teasing each other, being flirtatious, & just being good friends with one another.

But we’re not perfect. Neither one of us is.

We have our days in the grumps, we argue sometimes when we disagree, & we don’t always agree on everything.

But we have a secret weapon. We know the Truth… We know the Way-Maker.

Every Relationship… We Are All Imperfect

Satan would have married couples believe that one disagreement or fight (or maybe many) means your marriage is a sham… that “maybe you’re not meant for each other after all.”

But isn’t difficulty & challenge present with every close friendship? Even every family relationship (aka sister cat fight, haha)?

When one imperfect person marries another imperfect person, it is only logical that you will imperfectly relate to one another.

That doesn’t make your marriage broken… just human. And Satan likes to twist that to cause even more damage, sorrow, & anxiety.

Growing Up with a Sister

One of my sisters is just two years younger than me, so we grew up together. And there were days where we would “hate” each other so much that we would yell as much while running to our room, followed by a door slam that echoed throughout the house.

Of course, typically, my mom would FORCE us to hug it out & tell each other, “I’m sorry” & “I love you” (but made us repeat those words until we said it “like we mean it”).

It was the WORST. But I am super grateful for it now.

What I once had to say to her with a rolled eye & a squeaked out “I love you” (full of disdain), has ended up developing a bond in us that cannot be easily broken.

My mom always said to us, “She is your sister. She is your lifelong friend. Where other friends come & go, you will always have your sister. So, make it work!”

Such wise words & ones I have clung to throughout my life.

And the same goes for marriage.

We’re not perfect. But he is my lifelong friend. And where other friends may come & go from my life, I will always have him.

A Husband Can’t Replace God

Early on in our marriage, I put a lot more pressure on my husband than I should have. He was working long hours & came home ready to be a vegetable for a while, but I was lonely & put that weight on his shoulders.

This created a lot of strain on our friendship because he wanted to help but couldn’t & I felt unloved if he didn’t.

(I hesitate to say, “it put strain on our marriage” vs “on our friendship” because God says two become one flesh (Mark 10:8-9) when you commit yourself to marriage (just as my mom mentioned about sisters… my sister & I will always be sisters, even if we were to stop associating with one another), so we’re in it regardless… but that doesn’t mean it’s always easy.)

In other words, I was looking to the wrong one to fulfill me. My husband was never meant to be that missing piece. He is meant to be my partner in this life… my friend… the other half of a marriage meant to give God glory.

And through my tearful prayers, God revealed Himself as our Way-Maker.

God Is Our Way-Maker

When I felt alone & depression threatened to flood my heart, putting full weight of it on my husband’s already tired back, God encouraged the both of us to turn to HIM instead of pressuring or pushing away each other.

Instead of being pit against each other, debating against each other for our right solution or even growing numb & giving up on the solution altogether, God encouraged us to rejoin as ONE team, turning to GOD for the solution against the problem.

God reminded me that we do not wrestle against flesh & blood. That yes, we may have disagreements or misunderstandings, but that God can bring a solution… while Satan wants to twist & aggravate the situation until the relationship is “damaged beyond repair.”

God brought us back to the same side so we could fight the problem (vs each other) together under God’s direction, wisdom, & peace.

God was our glue… our bridge… our Way-Maker.

God Always Knows How

And through our prayers, tensions waned & our friendship grew.

God helped fulfill me & see the little ways that my husband expressed his “I love yous” & He helped me to be a better support to the stress my husband faced with his long hours.

And over the years, this has become our pattern: have a human moment of grumpiness or disagreement, maybe not handle it right at first, but remember & turn to God for wisdom, peace, & a solution.

This has helped us cultivate TEAM HYDE.

We are not impervious to Satan’s jabs & attacks. We fall for them sometimes.

But we know the way back.

We have to turn to God & stick together, unified against the threats of Satan’s attempts to attack our marriage & friendship.

Pray Over Close Relationships with Family & Friends–You Better Believe Satan Wants Them OVER

And the same goes for other family members or even friends.

Anything that has potential to give God glory is for sure a target Satan will attack.

Remember that fact when faced with disagreements & arguments… especially for those relationships that encourage you to look to God as your hope & source of solution. Those who edify & encourage you… or those for whom you edify & encourage.

Turn to God. Ask Him to help you cut through any lies or misunderstandings.

Ask God

Ask Him to put a hedge of protection around your close friendships.

Ask Him to keep you alert to Satan’s tricks, schemes, & lies when it comes to those close relationships.

Ask Him for His wisdom, peace, & help.

And always turn to God in all things big or small….

Because GOD is our WAY-MAKER.

Shine Hope by always turning to Him as the Bridge back together, the Glue to keep you together, & the Way-Maker when things seem impossible.

Because God is in the business of doing the impossible EVERY DAY.

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 almost THREE 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!!

Andean Earrings (Peru)

Handcrafted by our newest Artisan partners in Peru, these unique statement earrings are showstoppers with 24k gold-plated oval studs & framed teardrop chrysocolla stones. Designed to pair with our Andean Ring, hammered metal & natural variations of swirling green chrysocolla add “Old World” charm to these ethically made earrings.

Every purchase provides safe jobs with fair wages in areas of extreme poverty in Peru.

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!

Our Preset

Have you ever stopped to realize that we are all dying? And there’s only one cure?

Because of our sin, without this cure, the preset destination for every one of us is hell.

And there’s only one cure to what ails us.

And whether or not you believe you need the cure, you do.

And whether or not your neighbor or co-worker or friend or family member believes they need the cure… they do, too.

There’s Only One Cure

I term it this way, as a cure, because we can often go through this life, poisoned by our wrong choices, destined to eventually be called to pay a price we can’t pay, clueless to this fact that our sin has written our death sentence for us… It has written our destiny in Hell.

You can deny it, reject it, or ignore it… but it won’t change the fact that you desperately need the cure.

And Jesus is the cure. He paid our debts for us already… but we have to take the cure aka ACCEPT Jesus’ payment… or eventually we will be called to pay a price we could never fully pay.

So, there’s only One cure that will actually save us… JESUS.

Set My People Free

I was listening to a song this morning by Dara Maclean, called “Set My People Free” where the singer talks about how Jesus pursued her heart & set her free, paying her debts & in exchange, she says, “I will be your hands & feet, follow where You lead, as You say, “Set My people free.”

While it’s not us setting His people free, but the grace of God, through Jesus Christ… the message in the song urges us to recognize the reality of how many others are trapped in their sins, destined to pay the price they could never pay, chained & lost in living the lies Satan feeds them throughout life.

And maybe we’ve taken the cure of Jesus that God offers us… but they still need it.

Go & Make Disciples of Every Nation

The Great Commission, in Matthew 28, urges the same determined battle cry to go set His people free, by proclaiming the Truth that can break their chains & pay their debts… & SET THEM FREE.

It’s not just a recommendation… it’s a command.

It’s not just for pastors or missionaries… it’s for us.

It’s not just on missions trips or service projects… but AS we go.

God’s love sets us free. He paid our price through the sacrifice & victory or our risen-again JESUS. And people need to KNOW about it!

It’s Not a Suggestion, But a Necessity!

That’s why we NEED to pray without ceasing, learning to lean on God for every decision, every attitude adjustment, every time emotions threaten to call the shots… to love a relentless, STUBBORN type of love that refuses NOT to love others, even if we have to lay down what we think we deserve to trust Jesus to fill in where we’re lacking & to LET HIM LOVE THROUGH US.

We NEED to know His Word, to have Truth flowing through our veins, pushing out the lies we’re spoon-fed from all around us.

We NEED to obey Him! Don’t deceive yourself by just knowing what God says… it won’t do anyone any good unless you DO what it says.

We NEED Him.

There Are People Out There Who Still Need the Cure

Picture that everyone is dying of a venom that flows through their bodies. They don’t know it’s killing them, but it still is all the same.

And you know the cure… the ONLY cure… the anti-venom that will allow them LIFE.

They may not know they need it, but they DO. DESPERATELY.

The world may deny, until they are blue in the face, their need for hope, but they need it all the same.

They NEED JESUS.

We Need Jesus

We each owe a debt we could never pay & it’s killing us.

But Jesus paid that debt & offers us LIFE.

He’s the cure. He’s the ONLY cure. And we ALL need Him.

So, share your faith. Pray for the boldness to love when it’s hard. Determine to know His Word & to talk to Him through every life situation or feeling or rejection or loss or insecurity or insufficiency.

He. Is. Enough.

So, Share Hope by Sharing JESUS.

If You Don’t Know Jesus

If you don’t know Jesus & you’re reading this, then you know you need the cure, too.

And the Gospel, meaning news-so-good-can-it-possibly-be-real, is that even though we have wronged God (every one of us), God loved us so much that He made a plan to pay our price, through Jesus dying on the cross & taking our payment upon Himself & then rising again after death (Easter) having victory over both sin & death.

And to accept His payment on your behalf, all you have to do is recognize your sin for what it is–SIN… confess it to God, ask for forgiveness & ask Him to take over as LORD over your life… letting His GOD-wisdom call the shots from now on (even though you will mess up because we all do) & letting His love & mercy & GRACE wash away every wrong, giving you a clean slate & fulfilling LOVE in its place.

That’s all there is to it. It won’t make you perfect, but God will begin to work on you from the inside out as you begin to submit more of your heart, past, & future to His perfect love, wisdom, & care.

So, what are you waiting for? Take the cure & accept Jesus as your Savior & 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 almost THREE years now! THANK YOU for your continued support & encouragement. <3

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

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

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!!

Luminous Studs (Asia)

These 14k gold-plated mask-friendly studs are mesmerizing, as they sparkle in the light, creating iridescent shades that change with your every move.

Every purchase helps support a sex trafficking survivor in North Asia with safe housing, health care, trauma counseling, job skills training, & dignified income.

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!

Forgiveness Is Important to God

Forgiveness is a pretty big deal to God. So much so that He set the ultimate example in that “while we were still sinners, Jesus Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8)

But it’s something that is very challenging for me.

It’s not that I hold grudges or get pouty, but if someone is intentionally spiteful or if I see a Christian, who represents Jesus Christ, misrepresenting Him, I can feel an immediate wall go up between me & that person.

I understand that we can sharpen one another as iron sharpen iron (Proverbs 27:17) & that certain circumstances require loving confrontation to correct the wrong (2 Timothy 4:1-5) (Ephesians 4:15), but in the case of someone who is unrepentant or uncaring, we are called to forgive anyway. (Matthew 18:21-22)

Not Understanding

Learning to forgive is something I have been praying over for the last couple of years or so.

… Not that I mean to be unforgiving, but I struggle even understanding what it means TO forgive.

Some people describe forgiveness as a “forgive & forget,” while others say “forgive but be smart & never forget.” Still others act like forgiveness means completely excusing the wrongs committed.

Apologies Go a LONG WAY

In my past, I have often had people say very hurtful things to me that caused a lot of emotional scarring on my heart, only to have that person brush it off after their emotions calmed down, implying to me that their hot emotions justified their hurtful words.

This sort of behavior can be quite harmful, as it makes the victim feel to blame.

That is why it is so important, if you emotionally lash out at someone, whether they be your child, spouse, parent, friend, or stranger—to apologize—to take responsibility for it & express remorse to the person wronged.

Taking the Burden on Myself

On my end, I cultivated an even more dangerous habit in response… I began holding on to their wrongs myself, as if me deciding to let them go justified those wrongs somehow. In my opinion, those wrongs needed to be seen as wrong & if the person wouldn’t acknowledge it, my heart wouldn’t let it go.

I wanted that wrong to be treated as a wrong versus being swept away as if justified.

But that’s not my job. I don’t need to bear that burden or responsibility.

Jesus paid for those wrongs. God is the Judge.

Not me.

My Journey with Forgiveness

And that’s what God has been teaching me in my quest to understand the meaning & practical application of forgiveness.

I don’t have to hold on to those wrongs.

God knows those wrongs are wrong. God is the Righteous & Perfect Judge. HE can & will handle it, even if that means it being covered on the cross when Jesus paid our debt before God.

And then the Holy Spirit brought a passage in Matthew 18 to mind. (In other words, God brought in “the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God” (Ephesians 6:17) aka RHEMA, where He seems to highlight a section of Scripture meant to deal directly with what you have been seeking God for help with.)

The Unforgiving Servant

This passage in Matthew 18 contains a parable (story told in the Bible to illustrate a specific Truth from God) about the Unforgiving Servant. Read about him below:

“Then Peter came to Him [Jesus] & said, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, & I forgive him? Up to seven times?”

Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven. Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. And when he had begun to settle accounts, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents. But as he was not able to pay, his master commanded that he be sold, with his wife & children & all that he had, & that payment be made. The servant therefore fell down before him, saying, ‘Master, have patience with me, & I will pay you all.’ Then the master of that servant was moved with compassion, released him, & forgave him the debt.

“But that servant went out & found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii; & he laid hands on him & took him by the throat, saying, ‘Pay me what you owe!’ So, his fellow servant fell down at his feet & begged him, saying, ‘Have patience with me, & I will pay you all.’ And he would not, but went & threw him into prison till he should pay the debt. So, when his fellow servants saw what had been done, they were very grieved, & came & told their master all that had been done. Then his master, after he had called him, said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you begged me. Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you?’ And his master was angry, & delivered him to the torturers until he should pay all that was due to him.

“So, My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses.” (Matthew 18:21-35)

A Truth from the Parable

As you can see from this parable, unforgiveness is no joking matter to God. He takes it very seriously.

And in His seemingly harsh reaction to it, we can be tempted to forget that the punishment threatened here is exactly what we deserve.

Actually, we deserve Hell because of our “infractions” aka SIN against God, but instead of demanding we suffer or pay, He covered our debt through His compassion for us.

But then for us, having been forgiven SO MUCH by HIM, to go & NOT forgive so much LESS from others… well, in God’s eyes, it is deserving of the wrath we had been spared.

We need to be careful not to hold what others owe us over their heads.

Because God surely doesn’t do that to us, & if He did, we would surely be crushed under the weight of all we would owe Him.

Forgiveness Even When Found Guilty

In that story, the fellow servant owed the original servant. It’s not that the servant was innocent & “deserving” of forgiveness. The servant owed money & deserved repercussions for not paying what was owed.

But that first servant was called to forgive anyway… because he had been forgiven a debt far greater.

Dealing with Unforgiveness

Forgiveness seems impossible when I am only looking at what others owe me or at the wrongs they have done against me… when I see their lack of innocence as glaringly obvious….

… But then, when I compare their debt to myself & my forgiven debt to God….

… And ask God to help me let go & let Him take His seat as Redeemer & Judge…

… Then it’s a lot harder for me to keep holding on to that unforgiveness against their wrongs.

Because I deserve GOD’s wrath, but He forgave me & covered my debt when I asked Him to cover me. He had compassion on me.

Let Go, Let God, Pray & Forgive

I need to remember that when I am wronged. I need to pray for them who persecute me & love those who make themselves my enemy (Matthew 5:44) & consider their payment as also coverable by Jesus’ blood, just as mine was covered.

And I need to forgive, let go, & let God.

Shine Hope by letting God sit in the Judge’s seat & by trusting Him to handle it… because that’s not your burden to bear anymore or ever.

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 over TWO years now! THANK YOU for your continued support & encouragement. <3

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

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

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!!

Long Chain Necklace-Silver (India)

This silver-tone link-chain design is handcrafted in India & is totally on-trend! Wear alone, double up, or layer together with other chain necklaces from our One World Collection, like our Long Chain Necklace – Gold. Every purchase provides fair trade jobs in areas of extreme poverty in India.

Artisan Story

Vishnu’s Story of Hope:

“When I was 19 years old my friend introduced me to this work. Then I started work with a factory. When I was in the first factory, the boss & working environment were not friendly. I also faced issues with my colleagues. I was not liking the work much.

But now, I enjoy my work. I like making & setting stones with the silver & brass jewelry, mostly setting earrings & rings. I’m educating my children & my work is helping me to achieve my family goals. I’m still facing hardships in my life, but I like being an Artisan. I hope to earn more for my family & fulfill their dreams, so they can enjoy a good life in the future.”

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!

The Chains of Lust

Last week, I talked about lust… the silent, secret destroyer.

I mentioned my own battle with it, my justifications of it, & the damage I saw it cause in my own relationship with my husband… & why we really should trust God when He says to avoid it.

It’s easy for me to find the “loophole” of good moral behavior on the outside, with good intentions on the inside, while still seeking to please myself, my way… & thus hurting myself.

When we try to find “loopholes” in God’s laws, we’re not just hurting Him, but ourselves AND others, even if we’ve convinced ourselves, &/or others, of our innocence.

Let’s Talk About Sex

But let’s be clear… God made sex.

God designed sex to be ENJOYED between a husband AND wife (aka it’s not just for the man).

God even had a whole chapter in the Bible written about sex.

In other words, God cares about sex.

Sex Is Also Meant for the Wife

Through my journey with temptation to lust or fantasize, I have noticed also the cry/lie that sex is not meant for women, but to keep the husband happy.

This often leads women to seek satisfaction from other means, like erotica, pornography, romance novels, fantasizing, or stuffing down their desires, leaving them bitter & cold to their husband’s desires.

But what if we, as women, stopped turning to our own “solutions” as seen above, & started trusting that if God made it for husband & wife to enjoy together, that God can help repair & restore that design the way He meant it to be?

What if we stopped settling for sin &/or accepting our own dissatisfaction?

What if we trusted God’s design instead?

A Treasured Joy between Man & His Wife

Media & culture often presents sex as careless, reckless, meaningless, passionate, too-perfect, easy, empty pleasure.

God designed sex to bring a husband & wife close with intimacy, enjoyment, oneness, as meaningful, connected, & fulfilling pleasure.

I used to believe the presentation of sex in movies, that it didn’t mean much & that if you felt off or yucky or cheap or used or dirty afterwards, that was the exception, not the rule.

But sex was never meant to be carelessly thrown about. It was meant to be a treasured joy for a husband & wife to share.

Not Meant to Leave You Feeling “Icky”

I didn’t have sex before marriage, but even with the “messing around” that I did, I was left feeling icky. I felt used & cheap, even though I encouraged it to happen.

I kept thinking that if I just toughed up, I would finally achieve the joy from it that everyone else seemed to have, but I was always left feeling empty & gross.

God’s Design Vs Our Design for Desires

A friend of mine did not wait until marriage to have sex & she shared this with me to share with you:

“On sex before marriage—my experience—I didn’t understand sex. My view of sex was distorted & perverted [from God’s design for it]. I did not know what God’s design for sex really looked like. On top of that, I was rebellious & I gave in to all of my lusts & desires. In the end, all I was left with was heartbreak & an emptiness. The culture wants you to believe—Satan wants you to believe—sex before marriage, casual sex, is more satisfying, but Satan is a liar & he wants to deceive us.”

Sin Never Delivers What It Promises Us

Sin NEVER delivers what it promises. It NEVER satisfies truly. It leaves you feeling empty & gross, because it’s sin.

That’s why God tells us to avoid it, because He made us & knows exactly how we’re wired, no matter what culture (or Satan) tries to tell you that contradicts God’s Word.

God knows what will bless us & what will hurt us.

We need to fear God in the sense that He is SO FAR ABOVE us & MADE us & KNOWS literally EVERYTHING… & His Word should be trusted & obeyed, even if we’ve convinced ourselves that the world’s way (or our way) is better.

Because the world’s way will always leave you wanting… empty… searching… looking for more….

But God’s way satisfies completely.

Not Without Temptations

That doesn’t mean we won’t be tempted. It doesn’t mean our flesh won’t scream for instant gratification & beg us to believe the world’s view on sex because it seems easier to access… but knowing it won’t actually fulfill us & thus turning it away to ask for ONLY God’s way is the first step to finding healing & TRUE satisfaction.

I have been fighting this fight for two plus years now (against the temptation of turning to fantasies) & struggled with it for years before I realized how much damage it was causing me… & when I look back at myself, then addicted to fantasies & lust, always going to that versus my husband, how empty & unsatisfied & even bitter I felt… to now seeing breakthroughs of healing, trust, satisfaction & contentment…. I would never want to go back to my old views because they left me so bitter & empty.

God Made Sex

Again, God made sex.

God designed sex to be enjoyed between husband AND wife.

God even had a whole chapter in the Bible written about sex.

In other words, God cares about sex!

Only God’s Way Truly Satisfies

If you are unmarried & seeking satisfaction via sex or fantasies or lust or erotica or pornography or romance novels, etc., I will tell you right now that the longer you seek to find satisfaction there, the emptier you will feel over time.

If you are married & feel unsatisfied in the bedroom & therefore seek pleasure via sex elsewhere, or fantasies or lust or erotica or pornography or romance novels, etc., I will tell you right now that the longer you seek to find satisfaction there, the emptier you will feel over time.

Ask for Mercy… Receive Mercy… Do It God’s Way

Turn to God. Surrender your chains. Ask forgiveness of your sin.

God is slow to anger & quick to mercy.

God’s mercies are new every morning.

God is quick to forgive us our sins.

God is able to do immeasurably more than you can ask or even imagine.

God made you. Turn to Him. Trust His design & turn away from your own.

Only Jesus can satisfy you & everything else is but a cheap imitation… a mirage of false hope.

Shine HOPE by taking any sexual sin to God & by no longer conceding to give in to seeking out satisfaction your own way.

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 over TWO years now! THANK YOU for your continued support & encouragement. <3

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

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

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!!

Northern Lights Studs (from India)

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

Artisan Information:

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

Purchase this piece & empower a woman in India!

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!

Growing & Learning Together

I always try to consider you, the reader, as a friend sitting across from me in the living room, sharing how God is working in our lives.

Not me as the “expert” & you as the “learner,” but as both of us growing & learning together on this journey called LIFE.

The Conversation Starter

There’s a friend of mine from college who used to lead conversation in such a life-changing way almost every time we’d hang out. (If you’re that friend—Thank you! It really encouraged me.)

Every time we would get lunch or meet for games or hang out in any way, he would always ask, “What has God been teaching you lately?”

Such a simple question, that undoubtedly sent me into a nervous frenzy of feeling put on the spot with nothing prepared… but over time, I came to pay more attention, intentionally, about where God was growing me, how He was leading/guiding me, & what He was teaching me… so I would be prepared when I was asked again next time.

Growing Encouraging Awareness

Because of this simple conversation starter, I grew in my AWARENESS of God’s working in my life, making it easier & easier to answer that question each time we met up, & almost always leading to an uplifting & encouraging conversation that led to constant reminders about how big & great & loving God really is.

So, I want to ask you today: “What has God been teaching YOU lately?”

(Maybe this should become a new weekly social media prompt…?)

Growing Your Faith Muscles Together

I really recommend meeting weekly with either a younger woman you would like to mentor (ie. go alongside in life, encouraging her & pointing her to God in all the highs & lows of life, praying together) or meeting with an older woman you feel would be a great mentor for YOU in the same way (or BOTH!).

Both have the potential to encourage you in many great & unseen ways!

It’s also a great idea to agree on an accountability partner with a woman who is more of a peer, encouraging one another to pray, seek God, learn the Bible, & so much more to grow your faith muscles together.

Accountability Questions

Here is the list of Accountability Questions my friend & I aim to ask each other & then discuss together each week:

(There is no magical set of questions & there are so many other options, but not knowing where to start, I prayed over how to be intentional in our conversation & these are what came to my mind personally, as a result.)

1. What is something you are grateful to God for this week?
2. What has God been teaching you over the last couple weeks?
3. What have you been reading in the Bible recently & did you learn anything specific from it?
4. What is one area you want to be growing in spiritually?
5. Is there something you would like me to help you stay accountable in?
6. What would you like me to be praying for?
7. (Then we take turns praying for each other.)

Let’s Grow Together!

Imagine a world where we all lifted each other up INTENTIONALLY & REGULARLY, by helping each other to remember to always seek God’s help, comfort, wisdom, strength, courage, peace, love, assurance, stability, guidance, etc. in every area of life!

Considering the pandemic, restrictions, isolation, sickness, death, political tensions, & everything else going on in this world right now, what I find myself longing for most is more friendships that always remind me to lean into God’s strength, comfort, peace, & Truth.

It’s easy to complain & try to ignore it, but how beautiful it is when we can come together, lift each other up, support each other, & always be pointing to our one & only TRUE source of HOPE—God Almighty, through the support & guidance of the Holy Spirit & the clean slate forgiveness, mercy, & grace offered freely to us by Jesus Christ’s sacrifice on our behalf.

Always Point to HIM

Let’s be intentional, through this stormy season in life, to lift each other up by remembering to always point to Him.

Have a chat with friends & ask questions that remind them to be AWARE of God’s love & power… & let’s keep that on the forefront of our minds through every storm we face together.

God’s got us! Let’s shine HOPE by intentionally & always pointing our friends to Him as our always-answer in everything big & small.

Please consider passing on some encouragement to me &/or anyone else who may read this, by answering one or all of the Accountability Questions in the comments below… or maybe ask a question of your own that will help us remember to seek Him right now! (Or, feel free to send me an email so we can chat!)

RESOURCE SUGGESTION:

My friend & I are currently working through the tiny but impactful book, “Sit, Walk, Stand,” by Watchman Nee.

This book walks through the Christian life.

“Sit” starts us off by helping us remember God’s DONE: God (Creation-God made it all), Jesus Christ (Redemption-Jesus paid it all), & the Holy Spirit (Sanctification-gives us all we need to live for God with strength, comfort, peace, wisdom, etc.!) “Walk” then moves into how our position with “SIT” affects our Christian life & “Stand” shows how this same Truth affects our ability to stand against the enemy (Satan).

Check it out & consider going through it with a friend who wants to grow their faith muscles!

Find it on Amazon.com, here, or Thriftbooks.com, here.

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 over TWO years now! THANK YOU for your continued support & encouragement. <3

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

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

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!!

Nairobi Necklace from Kenya

Small hammered ovals & ethically sourced bone shapes adorn this golden necklace that shimmers in the light. Crafted in Kenya.

Artisan Information:

In Kenya, where many people struggle with starvation & poverty, the women we partner with are defying the odds! Your purchase empowers these women to earn an income, overcome physical disabilities, & become important parts of their communities!

Purchase this piece & empower a woman in Kenya!

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 allow me to continue this website/blog, encouraging women all around the world with the HOPE we have in Jesus. Win win!

Let’s Talk about Us

Today, I want to talk about us.

Not literally you reading this & me writing this, but us as a community. We need each other.

As people, we were made to need community… with God… & with each other.

So many of God’s commands revolve around us loving one another, because God first loved us, so should we love one another.

The Church

And that is a big design element when God established The Church… not just as a crowd of people sitting in pews, listening to a pastor preach from God’s Word, the Bible… although that is a very important part of our lives as The Church.

And it’s not a building where we go to sit… WE are The Church.

Not a building, but a family.

Not a biological family, but a family made family by accepting God as our loving, heavenly PERFECT Father, heirs together with Jesus Christ, who gave His life on our behalf, in obedience to God & because of His great love for us… to pay our penalty so we could be reunited as family under God.

WE are the family. WE are The Church.

We Need Each Other

I want to take a moment to express how valuable it is to meet together & praise & worship God together, while also hearing teaching from God’s Word, as we do when we “go to church,” but us as The Church FAMILY does not end beyond those walls.

I will say it again, we were MADE to NEED each other.

We were MADE to NEED GOD.

We were NOT made to be self-sufficient or self-reliant.

Trauma Leads Us to Isolate

I will be the first to admit to you that this concept was not always easy for me. Trauma of having someone you trust betray you can leave you feeling very much like you were MADE to NEED to be self-sufficient… that you can’t rely on someone else… that you can only truly rely on yourself.

But that is trauma… & that is Satan taking your trauma & instead of encouraging you into the loving arms of our great, capable Healer (God), it is Satan instead convincing us to isolate & try endlessly & exhaustively to try to manage on our own… a way that was never meant to be as a part of God’s original design of US.

If You Really Had Faith…

Many of us have grown up in the church (aka GOING to church), hearing how we should be for God “if we truly have faith.” Many of us have grown up seeing displayed for us the “necessity” to be good enough for God because we “have faith” & therefore “should be able to handle it just fine.”

How damaging an ideal that is!

God tells us “faith like a mustard seed can move mountains.” A mustard seed is itty bitty. In other words, it’s not at all about having ENOUGH faith, but rather about WHO your faith is IN that matters.

We Were Not Made to Be Self-Sufficient

But I am getting sidetracked… my point in mentioning that little nugget of truth that I need to constantly remind myself—that it’s not about what YOU can do FOR God, but what GOD can do if you are trusting Him MORE than you trust YOURSELF—is that we were NOT made to be self-sufficient.

We were made to NEED help.

And the toxic, false (non-Biblical) lessons we feed ourselves of our call to be holy meaning specifically that we can NEVER show or reveal imperfection/weakness/vulnerability to one another is SO DAMAGING.

We were MADE to NEED HELP.

… Help from God & from others… that we are to lift up, encourage, edify, build up, sharpen, correct-in-loving-concern-not-in-self-righteous-judgement, & LOVE one another!

No One Is Perfect… Especially Not ME

And get this… because we ALL (literally, ALL) of us make mistakes, are imperfect, are limited, get it wrong sometimes, don’t know everything, & need HELP… we can learn to let our guard down & just be HONEST with others about our own flaws.

Because, listen up to this… we are not supposed to be displaying to the world how WE’VE got it all together… but how GOD holds it all together.

We are to accept our own frail human condition & our great need for our even greater God… showing our weaknesses & trading that for God’s HELP & GRACE with every step.

Come Together in Humility & Grace

And we are meant to come together in that type of humility & grace & love for one another, constantly reminding each other that God is always waiting & able to help… that He cares SO MUCH for us that even when we ignored His perfect, designed ways, as spelled out to us in the Bible & even when we live our way as if we know better than this all-knowing eternal God… EVEN WHEN… His plan all along, from before time, was to rescue us through the willing, loving sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

And that because of Jesus Christ, we can find forgiveness… we can find healing… we can find restoration & GRACE in the arms of our great, awesome, & loving God.

Not That You’re Enough… But That HE IS

Allow yourself the grace to admit your own human frailty & to admit you were MADE TO NEED GOD & each other… & instead of working hard to prove you’re enough… work to prove that HE IS.

Seek community in The Church FAMILY. Seek to build each other up. Be on the lookout for weak spots in others & seek how you can help… whether it be encouraging a single mother with meals… or cleaning your church building… or offering to mow someone’s lawn after surgery… or being a shoulder to cry on in grief….

Or, even in just saying, “Hey, I don’t have all the answers & you don’t have to beat yourself up for not having them either. We weren’t made to be self-sufficient… we were made to need God & each other, so let’s ask God for help. Can we talk to God about it real quick & let Him know how you’re feeling/hurting & ask for His help right now? I know He can help much better than I ever could. And I will ask Him to help me know where I can help you, too.”

Not Just Well-Meaning Words…

That statement of offering to pray about ideas of how you can help one another is not something you say to get out of helping… to sound pious & spiritual… but out of humility & TRUST that God REALLY DOES KNOW how to help best.

And when God nudges your heart to act on their behalf & lend them a hand, be ready to turn your anxieties about lack of time, lack of ability, or lack of resources back to your own prayers of request to Him, “Hey God, I don’t know how to do that thing you’re nudging my heart to help with, though, & it makes me nervous & I want to avoid it even though I feel guilty feeling that way…. Can You help me overcome my apprehensions & give me the courage & wisdom to know how to help them in a way that gives you glory & honor & displays Your great love for them? Please don’t let me give in to fear & allow Satan to pull me away because I don’t know how on my own… because I know You are MORE than capable of helping where I lack… & because I know I was MADE to NEED YOU. So, please… help me.”

Strive Toward Community

We Need Each Other. Strive toward community with others & always SHINE HOPE by pointing out our need for our great & loving need-Provider. And not the “needs” we have already decided or determined we need… & thus judging His level & care based on OUR limited-perspective solutions… but trusting that God sees the WHOLE picture & has 100% PERFECT knowledge & wisdom to handle it way better than you ever could.

Shine hope by acknowledging your need of God, through Christ, with the leading & help of the Holy Spirit & POINTING to Him in ALL things… & striving to come together with others in humility & love & GRACE.

Vulnerability isn’t a weakness. It’s a reality.

But He’s got you, babe.

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 TWO years now! THANK YOU for your continued support & encouragement. <3

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

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

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!!

Nairobi Necklace

Small hammered ovals & ethically sourced bone shapes adorn this golden necklace that shimmers in the light. Crafted in Kenya.

Artisan Information:

In Kenya, where many people struggle with starvation & poverty, the women we partner with are defying the odds! Your purchase empowers these women to earn an income, overcome physical disabilities, & become important parts of their communities!

Purchase this piece & empower a woman in Kenya!

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!

Have You Ever…?

Have you ever felt like no one cares about you?

Have you ever complained that no one ever offers you help?

Have you ever turned away a helping hand?

Picture Perfect Perception

In this life, in this social media-saturated world, it’s so easy to present our best selves, while omitting our weaknesses.

It’s not to be proud or arrogant or fake. It’s to keep up with the world that seems so much more capable than we feel we are.

I know I struggle showing others where I lack. I know I struggle to show fear or weakness or insufficiency.

I want to seem like I can handle anything, because can’t everyone else take care of their own just fine?

A Lie We Tell Ourselves

It’s an insecurity maintaining a perception of perfection, I know. And yet knowing that does not make it much easier to show it as such.

I want the world to see me as doing just fine, not needing anything outside of me.

But the closer I come to Jesus, the more I realize the truth that none of us, not one of us is without flaws, faults, & failures.

We are human, every one of us, & that comes naturally with weakness, despite our ongoing efforts to hide it.

The Beauty of Seeing Imperfection

But there’s a beauty in seeing that the world’s just as broken as you feel… And that we all could use a helping hand.

It makes such a difference to offer a smile of encouragement. To offer a helping hand in someone’s time of need.

But it starts with us, a change in us, a willingness to show our vulnerability… to let the world see just how in need we are.

Let Our Needs Show, Ask for & Allow Help

It starts with not only offering to help others, but in allowing others to help US.

It’s easy to judge others who don’t seem to want to help. It’s easy to hold a grudge for the care not offered us.

But are we willing to lay our hearts on the line & not only offer that help to others, but accept it ourselves?

Accepting help allows others to see where we lack. It’s vulnerable & uncomfortable & it’s sometimes easier to just shrug them away & deny their help.

We’re All in This Together!

We must realize that we could all use the help.

We must realize that no one else is perfect either.

We must be willing to not shrug help away & allow them in when they offer a hand.

And we must bow our hearts to help others in need, as well.

Can I Help You? “Yes & Thank You”

I find myself so easily saying, “No, I’m fine. I’ve got this.” And rarely do I say the words, “Yes & thank you.”

I think it’s become so easy to claim we’ve got it all together, thinking of vulnerability as a thing to avoid & because of that, it’s easy to feel like offering help to others can be seen as an insult or offense of their inability to do it themselves.

But offer anyway! And if offered, accept with gratitude & humility!

Better Together

Let us all accept that we have frailties & limitations & that every one of us could use a helping hand.

Let us be free to encourage & offer up support. Let us be honest with ourselves & the world.

We need each other.

God’s Reminders & Wisdom

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” (Galatians 6:2) (emphasis mine)

“Therefore encourage one another & build each other up….” (1 Thessalonians 5:11) (emphasis mine)

“”Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” (1 Peter 4:10) (emphasis mine)

“Therefore confess your sins to each other & pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful & effective.” (James 5:16) (emphasis mine)

Ask God for Help Being Vulnerable & Serving

Take a moment to ask God to help you to be willing to show you need help. Ask Him for courage to share your needs & awareness & willingness to help others. Ask Him for help with humility-a willingness to show your insufficiencies.

And be the “hands & feet” of Jesus as you seek to live a life of love for others & ultimately for Almighty God, through the hope we have in Jesus Christ.

Shine Hope by offering AND accepting 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:

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

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

Weekly Special Spotlight:

Each week, I 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!!

Northern Lights Studs

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

Artisan Information:

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

Purchase this piece & empower a woman in India!

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

Crushed Confidence

Have you ever done your best to live for God & then just had your confidence crushed because someone doesn’t like you?

I like to be liked. Who doesn’t. But sometimes, that can become an idol in my life that I desire to put above God.

We have to be careful with this sort of crushed confidence because it can come from people we respect as well, people who mean well, & even our leaders or mentors.

It hurts when it happens. We feel misunderstood.

We Don’t Always Get It Right–Failing Forward

I, through many mistakes & failures, have been seeking to follow God most of my life (with definite detours where I thought I knew better—spoiler alert: I didn’t actually know better than God, ever).

This doesn’t mean I always get it right or that I am always good or focused at it.

BUT, it is something I have failed forward in seeking to let God change me from the inside out so I can better live for Him.

And still, this being a core desire of mine—to live for God—I have been met with others who seemed to just not like me (even Christians) or those who seemed unable to avoid pointing out the many ways I was lacking… the many ways I was human.

God Is Patient, God Is Kind–The Perfect Teacher

I have heard the phrase used, “Do not expect someone to grow overnight in an area that took you years to learn.”

The gist behind that phrase is that while all of us who have surrendered to Christ as their Savior for their wrongs, to make them right before God through Jesus’ sacrifice on our behalf, WANT to live for Him, we are all learning different things at different times.

God is a patient Teacher. He guides us so gently. He is so wise & kind.

God knows EVERY area where we lack or have a hang up. He sees it all, even the inner battles against temptations to sin & rebel that we either successfully or unsuccessfully resist (success comes in leaning full weight into Him for help until the temptation stops).

And even though He knows all of this more specifically than even we ourselves, He is still patient & loving & gentle as He guides us & when we fail Him.

Graciously Patient & Praying Together for Each Other & Ourselves

But we are not always so patient, especially when it grates our nerves to see a specific lacking in someone else.

We can easily step into the role never intended for us to hold—being the other person’s judge & jury.

And while we are called to help bring attention to each other’s sin to pray over it & help them to weed it out & overcome it by seeking God’s help together… we are NOT called to be hurtful or mocking of them in their failings.

Is It a Sin or Non-Sin Issue We Are Pointing Out?

We are also not called to nitpick people in areas that are not sin-related. That is between them & God.

And even if you have a personal weakness or trouble in that area, it does not mean that they do. We need to trust non-sin issues to God & follow His guidance personally, without inflicting those personal boundaries on others.

We are not their Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit can handle Himself just fine.

Just Not Their Cup of Tea–And That’s Okay

But sometimes, we can follow God with the best intentions, doing our best to love others & confident in how He created us & living out what He has called us to, & we can STILL rub people the wrong way.

Sometimes it’s jealousy & sometimes it’s insecurity. Sometimes it’s sin. Sometimes you made a mistake (you are human, after all). Sometimes conviction is at work in their heart. Sometimes personalities clash.

We are still called to love them.

Comparison Can be the Thief of Joy… Differences Strengthen Us

When someone else is confident & receiving praise, while we are struggling in that area, it can make us feel inadequate or it can make us feel small.

We need to learn to admire someone’s strengths, while not holding the strengths against that person just because their strengths are our weaknesses.

In fact, it is FANTASTIC that we all hold different strengths because together we can lift each other up & we become even stronger together.

Seek to Live for Him… Not for Praise

I get easily hurt when someone doesn’t like me. I don’t always get to find out WHY they don’t like me either.

But God has taught me that it is okay if I am not “everyone’s cup of tea,” as the saying goes.

If I am not living a sinful/rebellious-to-God lifestyle & if I am seeking to LIVE for Him, but someone doesn’t like it… that is okay.

So Many Maybes & That’s Okay

Maybe they have a sin in that area that they are struggling with & are feeling convicted by you.

Maybe they have a blind spot in that area that is being brought to light & it makes them uncomfortable. (That has happened to me!)

Maybe your confidence makes their lack of it even more obvious to them.

Maybe they’re used to having the spotlight & feel threatened by your confidence.

Maybe they’re just having a bad day & it will pass.

Whatever the reason, if you are a human being, you are bound to meet someone who doesn’t find that you’re their “cup of tea” & that, my friend, is okay.

Not a People Please, But a God Pleaser

You are not called or created to please every person on this planet & that is a very good thing because we are oftentimes polar opposites.

We are simply called to keep our eyes on Jesus.

Ask God who HE MADE YOU to be.

Ask God how HE WANTS you to live & follow the Bible’s Truth in trusting obedience, seeking Him for clarification.

Ask God when & to whom you should speak up in truth & love.

Ask God for the right words.

Ask God for courage & confidence, with an undercurrent of humility in understanding that your ability & wisdom is God-made.

Ask God to help your focus stay on pleasing Him with your life—not everyone else.

Talk to Him.

My Prayer in My Hurt

My prayer from last year during a struggle of feeling hurt by this:

“God, please help me. Lately I feel attacked from every angle & it’s distracting & maddening & it hurts. God, help center my mind on You & what You want me to see or do, not on everyone else’s differing opinions about who I should be or how I should act or what I should be doing. Only You. Clear the rest out so I can clearly see only You. Your will. Your patience. Your perspective. Your majesty. Your vastness. Your power. Your love. Your design. Your plan. Your will. Let the flaming arrow attacks swish right by me, while I keep walking Your will & way. Lift the burden of trying to be perfect in everyone’s eyes. Help me be gracious to others who are hard on me & express their will on me. Help me to love them in Your power. Help me to see & trust Your direction. Only You. Wash the rest away. Amen.”

Ask Him, Trust Him, Love Others, & Leave the Rest Up to Him

Live for Him & love others regardless of how they feel about you.

Graciousness is hard, especially when you don’t understand why others may not like you, but God loves you despite your flaws… so be willing to love others, too.

Shine Hope by keeping your eyes fixed on Him as your guide & as the One you live to please with your life.

Leave the rest up to Him.

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:

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

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

Weekly Special Spotlight:

Each week, I 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!!

Chelsie Necklace

This curved bar necklace features gold & rose gold tones. Hanging from a gold colored chain.

This piece was named after one of our co-founders because of her golden & modern style, along with her passion for using sustainable business to end poverty.

Artisan Information:

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

Purchase this piece & empower a woman in India!

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