"I tied God’s goodness to a location, and I had allowed my blind allegiance to an institution to keep me from the deep work God wanted to do in my heart and for my family."
I wish I had the words to say how deeply this resonated with my soul. I mean, I feel like this whole essay was FOR ME! Thank you! 🥺
This was amazing and so relatable! I was let go from a job I loved after 6 weeks due to budget cuts and I too think I tied God’s kingdom work to my job.
I can’t really explain how stunningly timed this essay found me. Down to the second, this is what I needed to read today. Thank you, Tabitha and Kimberley for the work that you do.
This resonated deeply. At one point, I too, had an experience of having to let go of something that I thought God had called me to. I was fully immersed, all-in, drank-the-koolaid kind of committed to this path. And then my body told me it was too much. I had ignored all the more subtle warning signs and had repressed the 'negative emotions' about all of it. I pasted on the happy smile and the brave front, and soldiered on... until I couldn't any longer. Physically and mentally, I was spent.
I couldn't do what I needed to do. It was the worst experience of my life. And yet...
God was tenderly and gently prying my clenched fingertips from what had become something else, something more akin to an idol, perhaps. At the time, I believed it to be a 'spiritual attack' preventing me from doing God's will for my life. Now, with many more years and maturity and growth behind me I see it far differently. God freed me.
God is so kind. In times when we feel like the floor is slipping out from underneath us, and the way ahead is shrouded in darkness and uncertainty, Jesus holds out his hand. Like Peter, if we can just grab the outstretched hand, we will find light, hope and new ways forward. Just in the same way out of darkness, pain and uncertainty, something so beautiful has been birthed out of it, Kimberly!
Such a powerful story I can relate to deeply after being forced to leave my job 6 years ago because of my health. I thought my life was ruined at the time but God was doing something beautiful that I now see. Thank you for sharing more of your story, Kimberly.
Oh, yes... God looks upon the heart. I only pray, very humbly, to offer Him a heart like David. I only pray, humbly, to offer something worthwhile - despite all my many flaws and failures. I so enjoyed this read. God bless you
As one who had to let my identity in a career of 30 years go, I am now coming for air and experiencing so much of what you write here. How freeing it is to let go and give all to God. Bless you Kimberly for your beautiful essay.
Oh this is beautiful, Kimberly. Even though I have not suffered such dangerous, chronic illness, I relate to your story b/c I often got caught up in "Should I do this or do that?" And I was a proud member of the English department at a Christian school as well--until I had to "let it all go."
Such a beautiful essay! Thank you for making this space Tabitha, and for these heartfelt words, Kimberly. This really convicted my heart as I'm wrestling with some identity issues and realizing there are a few things I need to really let go and trust God. Thank you for the encouragement!
Hi, sweet friend. I see you. I’m so glad it connected with you. I understand this struggling so much, and I know that God sees you as completely worthy and precious to him wherever you find yourself. ♥️
I always love reading your story, Kimberly. Your faithful witness to God’s good (painful) work in you. I’m so glad you are willing to share it over and over and over. PS I just wrote a song about Jonah that, for now, I’m calling “Running.” I’ll send it to ya sometime.
It was such a blessing to write this devotional essay and work with you. Beautiful Discipleship is a beautiful place. Thank you.
I'm honored to have you share your wisdom here, Kimberly.
You helped to make it shine. Thank you. 🙏🏼
"I tied God’s goodness to a location, and I had allowed my blind allegiance to an institution to keep me from the deep work God wanted to do in my heart and for my family."
I wish I had the words to say how deeply this resonated with my soul. I mean, I feel like this whole essay was FOR ME! Thank you! 🥺
Oh, then it was for you! Thank you, Marlice. This was my very prayer. 🙏🏼
This was amazing and so relatable! I was let go from a job I loved after 6 weeks due to budget cuts and I too think I tied God’s kingdom work to my job.
Oh, I’m so sorry to hear this, Sakari. I pray this held you a little. God bless you. 🙏🏼
I can’t really explain how stunningly timed this essay found me. Down to the second, this is what I needed to read today. Thank you, Tabitha and Kimberley for the work that you do.
I love when words find the hearts that need them.
Amen! 🙏🏼
😭😭😭 What a blessing to hear. Our very prayer. I’m so glad we’ve connected. God bless you, Christina.
This resonated deeply. At one point, I too, had an experience of having to let go of something that I thought God had called me to. I was fully immersed, all-in, drank-the-koolaid kind of committed to this path. And then my body told me it was too much. I had ignored all the more subtle warning signs and had repressed the 'negative emotions' about all of it. I pasted on the happy smile and the brave front, and soldiered on... until I couldn't any longer. Physically and mentally, I was spent.
I couldn't do what I needed to do. It was the worst experience of my life. And yet...
God was tenderly and gently prying my clenched fingertips from what had become something else, something more akin to an idol, perhaps. At the time, I believed it to be a 'spiritual attack' preventing me from doing God's will for my life. Now, with many more years and maturity and growth behind me I see it far differently. God freed me.
God is so kind. In times when we feel like the floor is slipping out from underneath us, and the way ahead is shrouded in darkness and uncertainty, Jesus holds out his hand. Like Peter, if we can just grab the outstretched hand, we will find light, hope and new ways forward. Just in the same way out of darkness, pain and uncertainty, something so beautiful has been birthed out of it, Kimberly!
Kristen, thank you for sharing this vulnerable journey. I 100% resonate with what you shared. I pray for more healing and meaning in your life. 🙏🏼
Such a powerful story I can relate to deeply after being forced to leave my job 6 years ago because of my health. I thought my life was ruined at the time but God was doing something beautiful that I now see. Thank you for sharing more of your story, Kimberly.
I’m so glad you feel seen. We have so much in common on this faithful, chronic illness journey. ♥️
Well done Kimberly . Thanks for you transparency and testify to our good sovereign God!!
Hi, Eric. Thank you and bless you. I so appreciate you read and shared.
Oh, yes... God looks upon the heart. I only pray, very humbly, to offer Him a heart like David. I only pray, humbly, to offer something worthwhile - despite all my many flaws and failures. I so enjoyed this read. God bless you
Amen!! Thank you for reading and sharing, Regina. 🙏🏼
As one who had to let my identity in a career of 30 years go, I am now coming for air and experiencing so much of what you write here. How freeing it is to let go and give all to God. Bless you Kimberly for your beautiful essay.
Yes, friend. We relate deeply. You are a blessing and an inspiration! Sending you lots of love!
Oh this is beautiful, Kimberly. Even though I have not suffered such dangerous, chronic illness, I relate to your story b/c I often got caught up in "Should I do this or do that?" And I was a proud member of the English department at a Christian school as well--until I had to "let it all go."
Oh, my. Such similar paths. I am so glad it resonated with you, Shell. Thank you for reading and sharing your heart. 🙏🏼
Such a beautiful essay! Thank you for making this space Tabitha, and for these heartfelt words, Kimberly. This really convicted my heart as I'm wrestling with some identity issues and realizing there are a few things I need to really let go and trust God. Thank you for the encouragement!
Hi, sweet friend. I see you. I’m so glad it connected with you. I understand this struggling so much, and I know that God sees you as completely worthy and precious to him wherever you find yourself. ♥️
Thank you for your care - through your presence and words. And thank you for saying that - needing that reminder of truth!
Love you, friend.
Very timely message, Kimberly. Thank you for writing it and for being here.
Hi, Michelle. Thank you, so graciously. Look forward to connecting soon.
I always love reading your story, Kimberly. Your faithful witness to God’s good (painful) work in you. I’m so glad you are willing to share it over and over and over. PS I just wrote a song about Jonah that, for now, I’m calling “Running.” I’ll send it to ya sometime.
Thank you for being my steady friend and confidante. I am so grateful to have you in my life.