Today was a stormy day for me, in more ways than one. Literal, figurative, emotional, mental, physical, spiritual… lots of storms.

I spent the afternoon in a waiting room, surrounded by severe thunderstorm watches and warnings. In an effort to be prepared, I was completely panicked instead.

And so, I began to fix my eyes on Jesus and pursue Peace. I messaged some dear friends, asking for prayer. I put in an earbud and cranked up my “quiet” worship playlist. And I began to write. For you. For me. Reminders for the middle of our storms.

I’m currently reading Let’s All Be Brave by Annie Downs. I’m not sure why I didn’t read it sooner; it’s been on my kindle app for almost 4 years. But I love the timeliness of it. I just started a chapter about how she is 33 and how Jesus was 33 and guess what? I’m 33. I’m a numbers girl so I’m glad I waited til now to read it. It carries that extra bit of meaning.

In a previous chapter Annie was talking about singleness and loneliness, and she shared Jesus’ words from Matthew 28:20. “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” God is WITH us. Surely. Always. No matter what. The enemy would love to sow seeds of doubt and fear into our hearts, but we can fix our eyes on Jesus and hold tightly to this promise. We are never alone. Ever.

Surely He is with us always.

This is my anchor right now. One of the truths keeping me rooted. He’s here with me.

Annie ends the chapter with Isaiah 41:10 from the Message… “Don’t panic. I’m with you. There’s no need to fear for I’m your God. I’ll give you strength. I’ll help you. I’ll hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you.”

Guess what verse one of my amazing friends sent me this morning, as my panic escalated and fear was rolling in like fog? Isaiah 41:10 (and 13) in the Message.

“Don’t panic I AM with you. There is not need to fear… I will give you strength. I will help you. I, your GOD have a firm grip on you and I AM not letting go.”

Peace over panic.

I am not alone.

You are not alone. (Cue the song from Michael Jackson.)

In every kind of storm, in every season of life, in the midst of every mess and every miracle, He’s beside us. He’s right there with us. He’s not stressed or worried; He’s victorious. He’s not disappointed with us when we waver. His love covers and His grace overflows.

💗

I call to mind what I spoke to a room full of women on Sunday afternoon (also during stormy weather)…

We are all daughters of the Most High God. In Him, we belong. In Him, we are loved. No matter what.

It is my hope and prayer today that you know and believe that you are precious to your Heavenly Father. There is no one else like you. He delights to be with you. He sees you, He hears you, He knows you, and He cares. God has a great plan and purpose for you; it’s wrapped up in Him, and it’s tied to the people in your life.

We are each unique, but we are also united. We are created individually by God, but we are also connected because of Jesus. We are designed to live in community, in relationship. As women, we need those who have gone before us, those who are in a similar season of life, and those we can encourage and help raise up.

“Guide older women into lives of reverence so they end up as neither gossips nor drunks, but models of goodness. By looking at them, the younger women will know how to love their husbands and children, be virtuous and pure, keep a good house, be good wives.” – Titus 2:3-5 (MSG)

We need all three groups of women in our lives – older women, peers, and younger women.

Part of blooming where God has planted you, part of growing through what you go through involves being brave and sharing your story with the people God has placed in your life. The people around you need it – they need your truth, your heart, your life. They need you.

The ones you’re following, who have gone before you, the ones in front? They need the encouragement of your fruit in their lives. To know that their teaching and mentoring and the seeds they’ve planted are making a difference.

The ones beside you, in a similar season of life – they need to be able to relate to you. To know your struggle is real, but to see that your God is bigger.

The ones behind you, the younger ones, the ones you’re teaching by example (whether you realize it or not)? They will be in your shoes one day; they are watching, taking notes, learning from your walk.

“Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” – Hebrews 12:1

Run your race with perseverance. Keep going in the lane God has marked for you! Don’t compare to these 3 groups of ladies, but do stay connected to them. They need you, and you need them. Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus.

Find your cadence – your stride. Discover your God-appointed pace, your rhythm of grace, so that you can run with endurance and joy. So that you can believe in the depths of your soul that you are loved and that He made you beautiful and that you’re destined to bloom.

💗

In her book, Annie also talks about “your people”… this is something that has been stirring in my heart for quite some time. When we lived in Sunny Sequim, God taught us to love again. We had just come out of a season of isolation and broken friendships. Churches had split and doors had closed, and our “people” were scattered. But God. He showed us how to make new friends. I had difficult conversations (thanks Margaret!) and we started a Supper Club (thanks for the idea, Jen!). I found best friends, forever friends. Plus I was blessed with not one but two mentors.

And then we moved 3000 miles east. I wasn’t sure if I would find friends again. Those real, deep, forever friends. After all, this was our 10th move to our 5th town in 12 years.

But He’s showing me that it can happen again. There are people here, in this place, that love Him and love me. Our stories are being connected as we grow together and encourage each other.

I am not alone. And I am overwhelmed with gratitude.

Don’t stop looking for your people. Even if you’re weary, don’t give up the search. You need friends that are older, some that are close to your age, and ones that are younger.

💗

And just like that… we’re home safe. The storms are over; they went around us. For now.

They might come back later. But I can choose peace over panic. I can spend time worshiping instead of worrying. I can run to His arms and stand firm with my friends.

Here are a few of my people, half in Pennsylvania and half in Washington. I am so grateful for each one of them and their friendship!

Song Suggestions for this week!

• Another in the Fire by Hillsong United
• Peace Be Still by The Belonging Co
• Eye of the Storm by Ryan Stevenson
• Rescue by Lauren Daigle