Beauty is Pain.

There's a sort of beauty upon the emotion that is sadness, I believe. Tears carry more than just a simple feeling, there is a story behind them; a person who lives, breaths, and walks just like you, but is experiencing something that moved them in such a way to bring them to said tears. Whether this emotion is brought forth by something as simple as a movie, or even something going on on a larger scale in their life, tears roll and they roll with a purpose.

People are faced with hardships and trials throughout their time on earth, that's life, but many face tougher one's that resonate with them harder much earlier than other people. Not to say anyone's trials are "lesser" than someone else's, some people struggle with different things in different ways and Satan attacks the certain things we appreciate and care for most in life in order to hinder what good can be prospered out of our appreciation for them. For example, I flourish through relationships and friendships. I need a good community around me in order to thrive and feel secured, but Satan has been attacking that part of my life a lot recently, and I've been having to learn to compensate for that fact and go to the Lord a lot through this low season. I'm just going to be honest, it has been tough to even want to come to Him lately, but in that I think I am growing stronger mentally, and I am learning that Satan is attacking all of this in my life so harshly for a reason only God knows of, one that I may never even know. However, I do rely on knowing that God has good that will spring up out of this somewhere, or else, why would doing the right thing be so hard and so attacked for such a temporary amount of time?

Satan attacks all, but I believe through those attacks great connections can be made. Through my low season, I have met so many wonderful people and connected with many who are going through trials just the same or even worse. I believe people with depth to their persona have a lovely crafted story to tell, and I can see beauty in their pain. Those who are happy and joyful all the time and coast through life can be great too! I'm glad you are in a high season of life and I cheer you on through that, however, I think people who have gone through the wringer on certain matters and are more empathetic rather than sympathetic have a grace and forgiveness about them like no other. Appreciate your pain. Not to make light of a tough spot you may be in, but just know it is all for a purpose, whether to grow you or grow others.

Surround yourself with those solid people who will uproot you and encourage you through your low points because they have been there before too. Bubbly personalities are great to have, but in my opinion, hanging out with those who will ask, "Are you okay? What's up talk to me." once you grow quiet in the backseat mean more than the one's who say, "Why are you being so quiet? You're being so negative it's making me feel sad." whether it's spoken or unspoken.

Be yourself. Do NOT be afraid to show your emotions around your people, and if they turn you down or treat you as a burden for showing them, then newsflash, THEY'RE NOT YOUR PEOPLE. You need to vibe with who you vibe with. Let God orchestrate who stays and who leaves. God's closing a door but you're jamming your foot against the threshold... Take a step back. Breathe. Cry a little (or a lot), and reevaluate the situation and seek for that new door to open. Find the beauty in your pain, I promise, give it time and in that time, the trials you see now will be so miniscule in the grand scheme of life. He has so much more coming out of your pain. You're doing great. Just let this storm water your garden for the future.

Stay Encouraging. Be Strong.

mw