” Due Season is God’s season, not ours. We are in a hurry, God isn’t. He may take time to do things right, He lays a solid foundation before he attempts to build a building. We are God’s building under construction. He is the mast builder. God’s timing seems to be his own little secret. The Bible promises us that He will never be late, but I have learned that He is usually never early. It seems that He takes every available opportunity to develop the fruit of patience in us. Patience is a fruit of the Spirit that grows under trial.
Developed potential without character does not glorify God. If we were to become a huge success and yet be harsh with others- that would not be pleasing to the Lord. Therefore, if we get ahead of ourselves in one area, He gently but firmly blocks our progress in that area until the other catches up.” -Joyce Myer
“Empathy: : the action of understanding, being aware of, being sensitive to, and vicariously experiencing the feelings, thoughts, and experience of another of either the past or present without having the feelings, thoughts, and experience fully communicated in an objectively explicit manner.” – Merriam Webster
This past weekend I had a friend ask me if I was used to all the stares I received as I walked through a room. He said, ” I just felt uncomfortable walking beside you as I felt everyone’s head turn and they all watched you walk across the room.” I answered, that at times it bothers me, but for the most part that I had gotten used to it. Later that evening I watched a young woman point at me and tell two of her male friends that “that girl on the left is definitely a man, there is no way that is a woman!”
We were at a karaoke bar, I had originally planned to sing the song, “Jolene,” yet I suddenly felt insecure, sad and lacked the desire to get on stage in front of people. In that moment, I prayed. I prayed for patience. I prayed for the ability to forgive the woman who said it. I prayed to love myself, and I prayed to have the courage to shine my light and happiness despite the sorrows I felt once the evil remark was made concerning my body. After praying, I began observing the men and women on stage more closely. I began to feel empathy for those around me. I stopped looking at what was on the outside and felt a connection to them as I started reminding myself that there is so much more to a person than what we see.
I then began feeling sadness for the woman who said these things about me. Those who know me closely, know that in anger I quickly turn into a fighter. Yet this time it was different. Because I turned to God in prayer and sought his guidance, I was able to learn a valuable lesson and walk away with a different perspective. The world will continue to be evil, people will continue to hurt others, to say cruel things, and bring others down. I don’t want to be like the rest of the world. I am aware that I look different than others. I am aware that people stare at my physic, question my gender, question my sexual preference, and question my character all based on what they see at first glance. I want others to know that it is OK to be different. It is OK to be yourself in a society that wants us all to be alike. I know that God is working in my heart and because of Him, I hope to continue to shine light into a dark world and encourage others to find the goodness in their hearts as well.
CrossFit is a passion of mine, it has helped me become the woman that I am today, but it is not ALL that I am. I am a woman of God, soon to be a wife, a sister, a coach, and then I am an athlete. There are times when I am impatience with God’s plan, and I want to reach my goals and dreams when I want to reach them. Maybe I will, maybe I won’t, but I will continue to develop, grow, learn and help others do the same everyday. I want to remind all the ambitious individuals reading this, that it is OK to be where your feet are. Just know that God is working in you, and He loves you. He is taking you on a journey that He has had planned since you were in the womb. He is developing your character, so that when His timing is ready, you will be too.
I am so thankful for the trials he is placing in my life. I am so thankful for the people that are entering my life, the good and the bad. I am so thankful for the patience that I am developing and for the many changes that are happening in my heart. I am so thankful that God gave me the courage to get on stage and sing “Jolene!”
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