The In-Between Times
When we are between here and there...
What Inside?
The In-Between Times (March’s BLOG)
*NEW ANNOUNCEMENT* with Focus on the Family
TV show Interview Broadcast with LEGACY MAKERS (special link to view my story)
On the Hunt for some Postcasts…
The In-Between Times
Life often brings unwanted circumstances that create changes in and around us. They might be due to an illness, broken relationship, moving into a new neighborhood, church conflict, workplace issue, elderly parents, rebelling kids, or unimaginable losses, etc. These times seem to stir up unexpected feelings for all of us: anxiety, loss, fear, discouragement, and more – uncovering many deep longings we didn’t realize we had simmering just below the surface.
In such destabilizing moments we can search for safe places to land – yet sometimes we don’t. Instead we may withdraw from the prying eyes, well-meaning questions, and hunker down into bouts of hiding and lamenting the past that is gone forever – hoping the struggles will soon come to an end.
In the moments of overwhelm, if you are anything like me, we can forget that it’s possible our impressions of the situation are subjective, may be inaccurate, or amplified from our lived-experiences and perspectives filled with judgment or unresolved past experiences leaving us triggered, floundering, and lamenting the losses. We can feel like we are no longer the “me” we once knew ourselves to be leaving us feeling off kilter, misunderstood, not seen or heard, or feeling like we are of less value often questioning if we even fit anymore.
Ever feel like that?
I think most of us do at some time or another in our lives. For some of us it can occur more than once.
Those in-between stages can be tough, where we can’t imagine the future and can’t go back to the past. We are in-between – something. And when we are in that in-between place where we feel raw and vulnerable sometimes we forget how God has been faithful in the past. In-between is where we sit with the overwhelming feelings, feeling alone or stuck before the future comes.
Not surprisingly, it’s when we are in this uncomfortable place, a waiting place, where we might uncover some of our own neglected needs or habits where we tend to ignore or dismiss our own thoughts, feelings pretending we are okay when we are not.
It is in those very times we need to remember to remember!
Remember we are human and ask “What do I need?” and “Where can I find help?”
Remember that our experience and our responses are valid and need to be tended to with gentleness, compassion, love, insight if we want to heal.
Remember that sometimes going alone isn’t enough and we might need help. Asking for help doesn’t mean we are weak or failures. It means we are human.
Remember where our strength comes from and ask “What has helped in the past?”
Remember that we can take our thoughts, feelings, and challenges to God through prayer and ask “What insight and understanding can God bring to me in this journey that will soothe my heart and bring healing?”
Remember we are not alone and ask “How has God shown up for me in the past?”
Remember the good, remember God is good despite the circumstances and ask “What promises of God apply to my situation?”
Remember God is good during the good times; He is good during the difficult times “Who does God say I am?”
As we take that time to breathe, let’s step back a bit, pray, remember, and reflect on all the times in the past where we saw God faithfully show up teaching us what we need to know, equipping us with strength and resilience, and reminding us that He is a good God and a God with great promises.
As we practice quietly meditating on those very promises, let’s simultaneously care for our soul, lamenting and grieving the losses, and reaching out for the help we need, we can begin to shift our view to look forward and anticipate the promises that will be fulfilled in the future and open our hands with deeper trust to embrace the hope that is available for us with every next step we take.
A blessing in the process...
May we all:
learn to acknowledge our humanity and needs and grieve the impact of the challenges and welcome emotions, and needs in the journey;
find rest in the in-between places with open hands and a welcoming heart;
remember we are not alone and can reach out and up for help - one or the other - sometimes both;
remember God’s goodness and His promises;
reflect and cultivate gratitude for the promises;
anticipate with trust and hope in the fulfilled-promises to come.
AMEN
What’s New
Focus on the Family has written a great review for my book “Embrace Life, Embrace Hope: Cultivating Wholeness and Resilience through the Unexpected” and is now selling it on their website here in Canada!
Here’s a quick link to check the reviews and quick links to stores where to order a copy of Embrace Life, Embrace Hope.
Do you know any…??
Next month, I’m going to begin looking for some new podcasts. Do you know of any podcasters that would be interested in sharing my story or some of the topics I speak on: Cancer Survivors, Resilience, Uncovering Wholeness in Adversity, and Soul Care.
Do you know any great podcasts that might be interested in interviewing me? What are some of your favorites? Networking is the best routes to find good connections and what better place to start than with you?! If you know of any - please add them to the comments below!
Sharing a Legacy on Legacy Makers!
I was recently interviewed on “LEGACY MAKERS” a Canadian talk-show hosted by Jacqueline Clements and Darrel Janz and thought you might like to watch it.
LEGACY MAKERS episodes are now available with VOD for FREE with
https://intothecastle.com/
Even though the show was taped in October it was aired last month. Just last week, I received word that my interview is now available online - VOD - through the “Intothecastle".
It’s a free to subscribe and available to view 24/7 for free.
Visit this link to create your free account:
Create an account (its free)
Once you have created an account, you’ll need to search for: "Legacy Makers"
Their interview with me is in Season 1: Episode 22
Great reminders - thank you!
So many good things can happen in the "in between," but it's so tough to see that sometimes! Great reflections and encouragement!