lean in Archives - Laurie Hopkins

March 9 2023

The Light Wins Again

Once again, it has been some time since we sat together at the table and chatted. For those of you who missed our last chat in December, you may want to take a minute to go back and read it.

We spoke about my Thanksgiving/Christmas/Easter Cactus (I never know when it is going to bloom) and its desire to bloom when in the direct light.

Well, this morning, I noticed it is ready to bloom again. I counted 7 tiny buds on it and I noticed that all the greenery has turned itself completely towards the window side (I had to turn it around to get a picture of the buds).

It got me thinking about the light again.

It has been a dark winter here.

Physically there have been many cloudy days with not even a peak of the sun. Even the cat has noticed the lack of sun beams to sleep in – often wandering around the house several times a day looking for a prime napping spot, to no avail.

Emotionally, there have been more days requiring an umbrella to shield from the tears than there have been requiring glasses to shield from the brightness.

Spiritually, it has been a winter where I continue to experience and learn from the various facets of the “dark night of the soul” and the “valley of the shadow of death”, facets that I had not even considered before.

And so, this morning, when I looked at my cactus and saw all these new little buds, I thought, “Ah, the light wins again.” Because although the days have been dark on the outside and on the inside, that little cactus leaned towards the window and stretched to receive the little bit of light that it knew was beyond those clouds. And in doing so, grew little buds of life that will once again bloom into beautiful flowers.

The word of God tells us, “Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.” Ephesians 6:13

It also tells us that, “the LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?” Psalm 27:1

If I were to be completely honest, there are days when I feel too weary, worn out and discouraged to put on the armour and days when, even though I believe that the Lord is my light and my salvation, I fear many things.

On those days, I just call out the name of Jesus- His Spirit that lives within me, my Advocate, cries out on my behalf, when I have no strength and no words, only tears and travail.

In Psalm 105:39, the Psalmist reminds the people about the time when they wandered in the wilderness and God “spread a cloud for a covering, and fire to give light in the night”.

In this very dark winter, I have seen that fire that provides the light.

That fire that appears in the morning when I have to get up and face another day of the unknown, still weary from the day before.

That fire that appears in the midst of the hospital room when nothing seems to be going right.

That fire that surrounds us both, when my husband cries out “how long oh Lord” in his suffering.

That fire that is familiar and warm when daily life is turned upside down, day after day.

That fire that goes ahead but also wraps around, when despite the amazing support of those around me, I feel isolated and alone.

Just as that cactus plant knows to lean in and stretch toward the light that is there, even when it isn’t obvious, I know to lean in and stretch toward the light that gives me life, strength, and hope.

Jesus tells us, “I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in Me should not abide in darkness.” John 12:46

So, even though the winter has seemed physically, emotionally and spiritually dark, I know not to abide in that darkness. I am not unrealistic. I do not deny the darkness I see and feel. But, as a Child of God, a Child of the light, I know that I cannot burrow in deep, covered securely by the weight of the darkness and its ability to obscure how and what I see. As we talked about the last day, there is, oddly enough, a comfort in the dark, in the weight of it. But that is not where I am to find my comfort.

I am to find my comfort in the light; THE LIGHT.

If that requires me to lean in and stretch towards Him because I know He is there, even when I don’t see Him, then that is what I must do.

Sometimes I need a reminder:

My soul, wait silently for God alone, for my expectation is from Him. He only is my rock and my salvation; He is my defense; I shall not be moved. In God is my salvation and my glory; The rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God. Trust in Him at all times, you people; Pour out your heart before Him; God is a refuge for us. Selah (Psalm 62:5-8).

I also like how the passion translation says it:

I am standing in absolute stillness, silent before the one I love, waiting as long as it takes for him to rescue me. Only God is my Savior, and he will not fail me. For he alone is my safe place. His wraparound presence always protects me as my champion defender. There’s no risk of failure with God! So why would I let worry paralyze me, even when troubles multiply around me? God’s glory is all around me! His wraparound presence is all I need, for the Lord is my Savior, my hero, and my life-giving strength. Trust only in God every moment! Tell him all your troubles and pour out your heart-longings to him. Believe me when I tell you—he will help you! Pause in his presence. Psalm 62:5-8 TPT

And on those days when I can’t even lean in or stretch towards Him, I need not worry, He is only ever a breath away – and reaches for me.

I’m so happy that the Light always wins. I’m also happy that the Lord speaks to us in so many simple but beautiful ways, like through the 7 tiny buds on my cactus.

It has been so nice to sit at the table and chat with you once again.

Be well, be blessed, stay in the light.

Category: Moments | 4 Comments

September 2 2019

Why You Need To Take Courage When You Know The Shift Is Coming

There are days when we know that we know that we know that things are on the cusp of changing. In my experience, those can be the longest, most trying days. Today, let’s spend some time and chat about why you need to take courage when you know the shift is coming.

Checking In

How are things with you? I wish we were closer so we sit and have a cup of tea together and have a chat. But since we are not, why don’t you grab a cup of something warm and comfortable in your favorite mug, and we can chat this way. Go ahead; take a few minutes for you. I’ll wait right here for you! You’ll feel refreshed and ready to go again when we are done!

Change vs Shift

Sometimes you just know there is a change coming. It may be a change you are excited for; or perhaps a change that you are not really looking forward to. Regardless of your disposition toward it, change can be challenging. One Merriam Webster definition of change is: to make a shift from one to another. (Merriam-Webster, 2019, retrieved from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/change). I like that word, shift. It is, to me, a more active and dynamic word than change. When I think of change I think of something that is happening to me, with or without my agreement and/or effort. A shift, however, leads me to think of something that is going to require effort on my part and, ultimately, is going to lead to growth. It generally requires digging deep for and/or developing a whole new set of skills. Shifts take us out of our comfort zone. They require that we move and think in a different way. And if we lean into the shift, we will meet the possibility of revolutionary change in our lives. We can decide if those things that are moving in our lives are changes or shifts. Will we let it happen to us or will we be playing an active role? Change vs. Shift!

How long, O LORD?!

Sometimes we know we are on the cusp of a shift. We can sense it. We can see it coming. But the time has been long and although we know it is near, we can’t determine exactly when or how it will come. We grow weary and a bit frustrated in the waiting; the going through. David in Psalm 13:1 cries out, “How long, O LORD?” He knows he has been anointed King, but he is still running from his enemies. He knows the shift is coming. How often have you cried out, “How long, O LORD?” as you see the shift in the distance?

The Courage Of Waiting For The Shift

So what happens when we are on the cusp of the shift, crying out “how long?”

What happens when the weariness and the frustration kick in and threaten to distract us and throw us off track? That is the time for courage. Merriam-Webster defines courage as mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty (Merriam-Webster, 2019, retrieved from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/courage).

Courage Defined

Courage, like shift, is an active word. It requires us to “venture” which means to proceed especially in the face of danger. (Merriam-Webster, 2019, retrieved from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/venture#h1).

It requires that we dig in and find our mental and moral strength and then push ahead towards the shift, even in the midst of the danger, fear or difficulty we are encountering.

Courage requires that we make a decision to stay the course. We know the shift is coming. We know that we know that we know. Now we need to commit to staying the course.

Final Push Courage

There is courage and then there is “final push” courage. Courage is what allows you to stay the course through the change and through the shift. “Final push” courage is that courage that allows you to lean in, lean forward and give it your all at that point when you feel like you have nothing left to give. When you have been moving toward the shift for some time and you know you are on the cusp, but you can’t quite see it because of the weariness that clouds your vision and you can’t hear it coming through your own cries of “How long, O LORD?”. But, you know that you know that you know, without a shadow of a doubt that you have come this far and you are going to go the distance. This is “final push” courage. It is the courage that mothers have as they are about to deliver their baby. Long-distance runners and athletes dig in and find this kind of courage when the finish line is close enough to almost touch. And we, every day we, find this courage when we are weary and frustrated but know that we have come too far to give up now and miss out on the shift.

What I Know

Are you on the cusp of a shift today? Can you see it, wavy like a mirage in the heat of the desert sun? I can’t tell you how to make it come more quickly. And I can’t tell you how to make it easier. But I can tell you that you’ve got this. You are full of courage. You’ve come this far, engaged in the change and moved toward this shift. You have been practicing your courage. And that tells me that you have “push courage” deep down inside of you. Now, you just have to reach in, a little deeper, a little deeper still, and pull it out. Make up your mind on this one – you have come too far and you are not going to stop now. I believe in you!

Until Next Time

Well, it is that time again. My cup is empty and I know you have to get back to the things you were doing. I’m so glad you sat with me for a bit and that we had this little chat! I so enjoy our times together.

This week, dig a little deeper. I know it is hard. I understand that you are weary and frustrated. I also know that the shift is coming and when it comes it will take you to levels and places that you never dreamed of! I’ll be your cheerleading squad on this end, pointing you toward that finish line and reminding you of the importance of finishing strong. “Push courage” is not for the faint of heart. It is for those who have chosen to shift rather than just change.

I Would Love To Hear From You!

Drop a note in the comments section below. I would love to hear from you! Be in touch and share your experience with change and shifting. Let’s take this space and make it a place to share and encourage one another to lean in and find our “push courage”!

If you are interested in more Devotional reading, head over to my Facebook Page where you will find a Weekly Devotion early every Monday morning. Click here to go directly to Weekly Devotions with Laurie.

Until next time,

From my heart to yours!

Laurie

Category: Uncategorized | 2 Comments