My mind is just way too over-active.
I’m a 6 on the enneagram, which means I have a lot of unproductive thinking going on… aka… over-thinking, over-analyzing, over-fretting, over, over, OVER!
And frankly,
I’m over it!
Hah!
But, really…
All these years I thought I was such a deep thinker, but in reality, I’m thinking about all the wrong things so much of the time. My thinking easily turns to worry.
No wonder faith has been such a struggle for me.
Faith is believing and taking the next step, even when our thoughts would dictate otherwise.
I’m learning!
That’s why I write so much about taking the next step. It’s an honest to goodness daily battle for me to keep going and not overthink all that could go wrong.
A few years ago, I had another small surgery for a confusing recurrence of cancer. Talk about fighting to control my thoughts against discouragement and gloom and doom! It became this pursuit of how do I walk in faith to overcome a foreboding sense of hopelessness?
How can I go through this well? And by well, I mean, how can I walk with Jesus, leaving the results to him?
A dear friend called me one morning during this unknown journey, and said she had been praying for me, and God had given her a picture of how to pray. She said when she prays for me, she envisions a comforting picture of me walking with Jesus, like a child holding her dad’s hand.
THAT has stuck with me.
I rely on that mental image to manage my thoughts toward faith, replacing anxiety-filled thinking with thoughts of walking with Jesus.
Holding the hand of Jesus!
As a kid, when I held my dad’s hand, I felt safe and secure. I just needed to hold on to him as he led the way.
And he always enjoyed being with me.
Isn’t that a beautiful picture?
As we hold on to Jesus, he leads the way. He brings security and protection.
And…
He enjoys being with us!
Jesus loves us,
AND…
He even likes us!
As I am finishing writing this, I’m seated in the back of a classroom where Olivia is taking a homeschool class. One of our friends is watching her little sister right outside the door, and I as I look up, this is what I see—
Maybe this is a more accurate picture of how we walk with Jesus— holding on, stepping where he steps, and enjoying the ride.
Isaiah 42:6 (TPT) says it this way:
“I, Yahweh, have commissioned you in righteousness to succeed.
I will take your hand in love and watch over you.”
I’m praying for you! Praying you enjoy the presence of God as you walk through the hard things of life.
This is soo good! I’m just thinking about all you are walking through right now and how hard I know this is. Saying it, knowing it in our minds and doing it, tough stuff! Thank you for the encouragement! You are amazing!! Everyday I thank God for you and your friendship and the incredible gifts he has given you! YOU are a GIFT to me Lori Margo! ❤️ I’m thankful for your life!! 🙏🏻
Oh Wendy! Now I’m crying! Thanks for always reading my posts and taking the time to comment. It means so much! Here’s to another adventure, holding tight to the hand of Jesus. 😘😘
Lori Margo!! You always hit the nail on the head! So so good! I 2nd what Wendy says – YOU are a gift to me as well! Always reminding us to walk CLOSER to Jesus! Good stuff!
Janet, You are so cute!! I’m so blessed to have a friend like you! ❤️
What a great reminder! You are his precious little girl and that never changes!
And I’m SO grateful that never changes!! And… I’m SO grateful for you, Kelly!💕
What another beautiful testament to your faith and journey. Lately, I am I feeling completely consumed by worry. I love this image you have given. Thank you Lori. I will lean into this. What a precious gift you are!
April,
You continue to be on my mind, and I am praying! I pray you hold on to Jesus, walking in the confidence of how much he loves you!
Lori, this was so powerful. I love the description and I needed it today. I struggle with fear and worry all the time. I’m growing as I grow spiritually but I have a long way to go. Standing on Jesus’s feet and letting Him lead me is a beautiful picture….a picture of where I want to be. Thank you.
Isn’t that image just what we need to picture? Jesus is with us, holding our hand, leading us through everything. Much love to you Deanna❤️
Sweet Lori,
You always lead me to trust and choose faith instead of fear. Your writing and work for God’s Kingdom is so uplifting and encouraging. As I watch you in real time, real life, I am lead to trust God more and make Him central to my everyday.
I thank Hod for bringing us together as friends and ministry partners. YOU are the real, authentic deal. Keep writing and encouraging. We need to hear from you. Much love ❤️
Awwww! You are such a dear mentor and friend to me, Susan! I appreciate the way you model leadership and how to love people well. Blessings!😘
Lori you are such a gem! Your authentic faithfulness in hard seasons is a powerful testimony to so many of us. I’m truly grateful for you!
Jenise!
Thank you for following my blog.😊 I am truly grateful for YOU.