Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. -Hebrews 11:1
Walk(er): [a person that] advances or travels on foot at a moderate speed or pace; proceed bysteps; move by advancing the feet alternately so that there is always one foot on the ground in bipedal locomotion and two or more feet on the ground in quadrupedal locomotion.
March 21st was the day I put on my shoes and tied the strings as tight as I possibly could. I became a faith-walker. It was my last day working in an office that I had been part of for about ten years. I had walked away from a director level position and interrupted the dream and story that others wanted to tell. Don’t get me wrong I enjoyed what I was doing (and was really good at it) but I didn’t totally feel fulfilled. Was I perfect? Not at all. Did I make mistakes along the way? Absolutely. But I had gotten to a point where I said enough is enough and I was absolutely confident that God had something greater for me.
At times I could see myself looking in the distance. I could see the authentic Lauren; the whole, complete, bright, vibrant and overall happy with life Lauren. But yet I couldn’t reach her. Every time I felt like I was getting closer to her she was getting further away and it became an exhausting chase of getting to the real me. There were times when I would get so close to her but yet things came along and obstructed the path. There were blows to my self-esteem, confidence, and worth. I know what you’re thinking… “that’s life, Lauren. You’re going to have distractions” but here’s where I stop you. It was necessary that I stopped to get my asthma inhaler while on this life journey. It was literally knocking the wind out of me. I really needed to take a pause in my life to put me first — it was necessary. I needed time to figure out where exactly God would get the best return on investment from me. And yall he most certainly couldn’t get that from a broken down, breathless Lauren.
So, here I am about a month into the beginning of an exciting journey of discovery, growth, and faith-walking! It was hard for people to grasp (and I’m sure it still is to some) that I would leave a job with nothing lined up. But honestly y’all, I’ve never been more excited and determined in my life! You hear it all the time and recite it in church almost every week “If He did it before He can do it again” and here I am giving God space and opportunity to show up and show out just as he’s always done! I should have titled this post FAITH ON FIRE because surely that’s how I’m feeling right now. Haha! When people ask me where I’m working I really want to shout “I’m working for Jesus!” Haha! So churchy right?! But that’s honestly how I feel. This time is really for Him and if I waste it I may never get this time again.
So if you’re reading this, I charge you to let God be God and allow him to fully and completely take control of your life. I’m not saying to quit your job or make a decision without carefully thinking about it but truly carve out time and allow yourself to listen to His voice and figure out where God wants you to be and what He wants you to do. Choose something in your life that requires CRAZY faith and stand firm on it. And when you do, be sure to run far away from the naysayers and into the arms of encouragers, supporters and prayer partners. God never said it would be easy but ohhhh when He’s finished with you your testimony will be magnificent.
So here I am walking it out…one foot in front of the other. Progressing steadily, attentively and carefully so that I do not miss His next instruction. I invite you to walk along this journey with me through prayer, sacrifice, and discipline. We’re going to need to pack light so leave your worry and cares behind. Be sure to grab your word (and your water) because we will certainly be thirsting after Him and let’s enjoy this journey together!
Until next time!
-Signed a Heart put in Check ❤️