10 Years Since My Brain Surgery

Today marks 10 years since I had my brainsurgery for my chiari malformation.

It's been a journey, and there are MANY things I have learned since 2009. But the few things I want to share today that I've really embraced over the years is that 1) the healing process is not as linear as I expected it to be, and that's ok. I'm always going to be exposed to new things- food, environments, tasks, etc. and as I get older and my body changes, I know that how my Chiari and other conditions show up can change too. I don't fight it anymore.

But friends, you know what?!

I GOT TO go to some parties...I GOT TO coach some amazing women this week, and not only did I get to sing and lead worship today, but I actually GOT TO belt the song I led at the last service, where before, singing just one song would flare me up, and I am also not a natural belter!

Yes, I couldn't do as much. Yes, I have been in more pain after church and resting all day today. But I got to LIVE.

If you are struggling with chronic conditions and you may not be here yet, that's ok.

Acknowledging how you feel is IMPORTANT. The work I did and the work I share with my clients is not about wishful thinking or just thinking happy and positive thoughts...no.

It's about honoring your thoughts.

Honoring your emotions.

Honoring your desires.

Honoring your symptoms.

Honoring your dreams and goals.

And seeing the connections of it all and being more aware and intentional of what to do about them.

The more you do this, the more you will get to LIVE despite whatever chronic condition you experience...and sister, it is worth doing the work to feel alive!

Your Third Day Is Coming

He cares for ALL your needs and prayers, the small ones and the big ones.

I know it's easy to believe He doesn't when you pray for physical healing...mental healing...emotional healing...and it feels like all you hear are crickets.

Sister, remember the world thought all was lost and defeat and disappointment were probably some of the strongest emotions that filled the air the day that Jesus died.

Some probably thought the same things as you, "I thought He was our answered prayer; the healing we were promised."

Little did they know what would happen in 3 days: not just healing, but an EVERLASTING one that surpasses any physical healing we can ever receive on this Earth.

I don't know what your "3 days" looks like...nor when or how God is going to answer your prayers.

But girl, I know in my deep core that He loves and cares for you, even when it seems like He doesn't...and your doubts of Him don't change that love NOT ONE BIT!

So pray my friend! Pray like you already know your third day is coming!!!

Drop a 💜in the comments if you want to start believing in your third day today!

Letting Go Of What People Think

What you think others are thinking of you can't be any worse than what you already tell yourself.

You know what I'm taking about.

We say "yes" to things we don't want to because we're afraid of what people may think.

We don't take risks or step out in faith because we are afraid of what people will say or think if we fail.

But guess what? You're already doing that to yourself over and over as you worry and think of these thoughts!

You being afraid of what they will think can't be worse than what you're already thinking about yourself.

So my friend, you have nothing to lose...

But what could you gain if you let what they think of you AND that part of what you think about yourself, go?

I guarantee you, it will probably look and feel like a lot more freedom, joy, goal-crushing and dream-achieving!

The option is TOTALLY available to you 24/7 my friend.

Choose to start letting go today!