Beauty in the ashes.

if i'm honest

i've put off this post for a LONG time

2 months to be exact.

 

sometimes life doesn't go the way we want it to

but we live in a society where we are all guilty of only

posting the beauty among the ashes.

We post about the fun times we've had, the cute outfit we wore

or how wonderful and perfect our friends are.

 

but why is it that we fail to just be real?

since when was it a crime to have a messy house, dirty dishes

and a life that isn't all together.

we are NEVER going to have it all together.

 

I, too fell victim to this horror of our 21st century society.

but im here to tell you, my life is so much more than my facebook status,

that cute picture of my friends and that really nice encouraging tweet I posted.

 

friends, there is such freedom in authenticity.

I don't know about you- but I don't want friends who pretend to be perfect.

there is so much growth and deep rooted love in friendships when

they go beneath the surface. When we link arms and get down

and dirty and are willing to really expose our mess- that

is where true friendship starts.

 

this has been THE hardest season of my life

I never in a million years would've wished this season

upon myself.

but it has been a season where I had to crush

my pride, quit trying to be the good girl who has it all together

and just GET REAL.

and let me tell you first-hand

I have never felt more free, and more accepted.

Jesus is so good like that.

 

In a season where I thought for sure I was bound for destruction,

He blessed my socks off.

He brought the greatest support system alongside me, amazing friendships,

incredible acceptance, grace, love, truth and his children-

just willing to get down and in the trenches with me. Ready to fight.

Jesus has taken all my expectations and blown them out of the water.

Just like it says in Ephesians 3:20- he is capable of SO much more

than we could ever ask for or imagine.

He takes our mess, and makes a masterpiece.

 

people have asked, if I could do it all again- would I want it differently?

absolutely not.

it was worth it.

 

Every tear, every prayer, every sleepless night,

every meltdown, every moment of raised voices, and raised fists at God.

it was All worth it.

 

Why you ask?

because in my weakest moments, HE is strongest.

in my valleys, when I choose to rest in Him- He shines.

He gets the credit, He is glorified.

 

I have never in my entire life experienced Him like I have in the last two months.

His grace, His faithfulness, His love, His ability to bind my broken heart,

to set the captives free, His word so alive and active, His presence so close

I could taste it, fellowship and friendship like I have never experienced before.

 

Don't get me wrong, the last two months were extremely hard.

hell on earth some days, but not a single day went by

where He wasn't working for my good.

 

I cannot even put into words my feelings towards the last few months

but I can without a doubt tell you it was worth it

He is worth it. and He has been so faithful every step of the way.

 

Friends, may we crush every thing raised up against us

holding us back from being full and free in Christ.

 

If you're going through a rough patch-

Dig your heels into Him,

Jump into community with other believers,

Submerge yourself in truth from His word,

bible studies, support groups or whatever you can find

do NOT be afraid to ask for Help and accountability

and just be real with the Lord, yourself and others.

 

Open those fists friend- get ready to receive.

He has got a good thing coming for you!

 

Until next time,

Austyn