Well it’s that time again…
What is Frankly Friday?
Let’s define Frankly shall we…
frankly |ˈfra ng klē|adverbin an open, honest, and direct manner
. . .
I want this to be a way for all of us to be open, raw, and transparent with not only each other…but with ourselves. I think we put a lot of stock into the “fear” of what others may think of us…into the “fear” of really putting what’s on your heart out there in case someone decides to tear you down.
I’m over the fear & you should be too.
So let’s write…whether it’s about a situation you’re struggling through, a victory you’ve made, a memory that you can’t let go of…anything as long as it’s honest.
. . .
Praise God too.
This time last year my life was in a bit of an upset.
To be personal for a minute {isn’t that what frankly friday is about…getting personal}.
This time last year i started the process of finding a new church since we closed the one i has been a part of for four years. This time last year i laid my heart on the table only to have it cut in half, twice. This time last year i was in a very weird place emotionally.
. . .
This year…this year while i still struggle, i still fail, i still have my moments of shear frustration—i’m better. All of the garbage i’ve been through has been worth it even if its only because i can say “hey, i know it gets better!”
I guess i’m piggy-backing off of last weeks post, i want to be an encouragement. The truth is we’re all going to have, are in the midst of, or are about to walk right into another situation where we’re struggling.
I recently read in a devotional that said we are not built for the mountain tops, we’re built for the valleys.
Think about that for a minute.
That doesn’t mean that we’re not built to be happy, i’m not saying that at all; i’m just saying we’re not built for our lives to be 100% awesome at all times. We’re built to weather out the storm and build resilient thick skin. We’re built for the barren land, for the pain, to get through it all.
We’re meant to encourage others to move through the valley, to help carry each others burdens and push each other towards the next mountain.
What’s the point then?
I find myself asking that question sometimes. Well, the point is when I’ve gained thicker skin I’ve become less cynical, and I’ve started to see the world differently. That might sound counterintuitive, but the truth is–the older i’ve gotten, the more life i’ve walked through, the more i feel as if my heart might shatter i’ve realized that bitterness gets me absolutely no where. The more i’ve allowed myself to build a resentment toward situations and people the more i’ve realize how much i’ve buried myself in chains, and how truly restricted i was.
There is something so absolutely freeing in taking a step back and realizing that why yes, this moment may be completely craptastic, and i will have many more just like it…it’s making me stronger, it’s allowing me to become a better person, a more relatable person.
I can not tell you the number of times i’ve had people say “you wouldn’t understand” and i’m able to respond, “actually i do, let me tell you…”
There is beautiful in the valley.
There is freedom in realizing that your’e not alone.
There is peace in knowing that the one who gave you breathe is holding out His hand and offering you comfort and guidance.
I am not the Amy i was on October 19th, 2011.
I am different.
I’ve gone through some serious storms, i’ve gained confidence, i’ve had trying times, i’ve made a fool of myself, i’ve made mistakes, i’ve fallen down, i have jumped for joy.
I am constantly changing, growing, falling, laughing, and crying. {Ok, not all at once}
I’m on a journey through life, and i will embrace the valleys as much as i embrace the mountain tops.
There is peace in knowing that the one who gave you breathe is holding out His hand and offering you comfort and guidance.
I am not the Amy i was on October 19th, 2011.
I am different.
I’ve gone through some serious storms, i’ve gained confidence, i’ve had trying times, i’ve made a fool of myself, i’ve made mistakes, i’ve fallen down, i have jumped for joy.
I am constantly changing, growing, falling, laughing, and crying. {Ok, not all at once}
I’m on a journey through life, and i will embrace the valleys as much as i embrace the mountain tops.
. . .
I’m honestly not sure if this is making any sense.
It is late {yes i’m writing this thursday night}, and i’ve got a wicked headache.
I hope it is making since…i guess i should consolidate my thoughts.
While mountain top experiences in life (great moments) are present, and sometimes last a while, we will all enter back into the valley (a trying time). I’m encouraging you to embrace the valley, recognize that you can grow and learn so much while you’re on that journey.
More importantly you don’t have to do it alone.
Don’t forget to sing in the lifeboats.
Great post again… but I have to say that I am currently tired of the valley. I could use just a day of mountaintop haha. This year has been spent trudging through the valley trying to keep perspective. I'm worn out. The only way I'm still going is by the grace of God. I just want to breath easily for a day and feel refreshed.
Oooh… that was all a bit sad and downer haha. Just being frank. 🙂 Maybe I'll be able to embrace my valley one more day today… because I know I am growing. I know that I am maturing as a christian (count it all joy… soooo hard!). I know I am learning new things about God. But I just wish that sometimes there was an easier way ha!
Love this post, Amy. Such an encouragement to me. Actually it just confirms what God has been speaking to me about my journey trying to conceive. It's so tough but He is allowing this for a season b/c he wants to set me free of some things…and He will also let me be an encouragement to those going through the same things.
BEHOLD – I may actually finally get to participate in Frankly Friday! Don't have to get ready for work for 45 minutes. Going in late today. Keep your fingers crossed! 😉 Haha!
i love that life boat print. such an encouraging reminder to not let our hard times sink us, but to learn from them and grow and press on.
Okay two quotes and a question.
Question, did John Piper write that devotion you mentioned? I know I have read that before just can't put a name with it.
Quote one is from Trip Lee "It may get better or it may not, but Lord I just gotta cling to you,"
Quote two is (I think) from KB "We don't pray for a lighter cross but a stronger back."
Thanks for the reminder Amy! Compared to this time last year I am in a valley in some areas and on amountain top in others.
Wherever we are,there is God working to proclaim His glory by making us more like Jesus. It's alllllll for my good.
Wow, food for thought! what an inspiring blog!
I just begun blogging and love this kind of blogs.
would be awesome if you follow me back
http://www.abi-asaturdaymorning.blogspot.com
Abi K
praise God that I am definitely not the same person I was last year, all growth and change is attributed entirely to Him, all the change is His doing
I nominated you for a Liebster Award Today! Here is the post with all the information!
http://tarabelle-adropofink.blogspot.com/2012/10/liebster.html
I've never heard that quote at the bottom, but I love love love it!
I like that quote in the last picture!
Love that Voltaire quote!
The mountaintop/ valley thing keeps coming up… a recurring theme lately! Recently heard a pastor speaking about how it's impossible to step from one mountaintop straight to another. 2 Corinthians 1:9-10 gives us reassurance that the calleys come for a reason, so we can grow stronger in the Lord's presence and so that we can be an encouragement to others, and He will deliver us!
The mountaintop/ valley thing keeps coming up… a recurring theme lately! Recently heard a pastor speaking about how it's impossible to step from one mountaintop straight to another. 2 Corinthians 1:9-10 gives us reassurance that the calleys come for a reason, so we can grow stronger in the Lord's presence and so that we can be an encouragement to others, and He will deliver us!