Where God's Word Meets Our Mess
I do believe God has called me to write—at least in this season of my life—but the burnout is agonizing. It’s also agonizing to not know when I’ll stop feeling this way. But honestly, that’s why I wrote this post—to remind you (and myself) of a few important things if you're experiencing burnout and don’t know how to move forward.
As Type A girls, we often sacrifice the health of our bodies, hearts, minds, and souls for the accomplishment of our goals. But God clearly cares about rest, which means we should, too. Here are five reminders (and corresponding Bible verses/passages) that will hopefully encourage you as you set aside time to rest.
This wasn't an easy post for me to prepare because it describes the death of a young woman due to a severe eating disorder. But her mom, Dr. Lisa L. Billings, demonstrates great courage in transparently discussing her daughter's eating disorder and the sadness that she's experienced as a result of it. This interview may not be easy to read, but it encompasses the weight of human grief—the grief that can be carried by Christ and Christ alone.
We prayed for healing. We anointed with oil. We believed. We waited and waited…and waited some more. Have you been there? Have you done that? I should probably back up a bit so you can get the whole picture.
Friends, God doesn't just see you at your highest moments; He sees you at your lowest moments, too. I encourage you to read Psalm 69 in its entirety, but I included part of it at the end of this poem. Feel God's peace as you read it and rest in His presence.
Perhaps you feel like a heavy burden is weighing down your heart and your mind. Maybe you feel like a dark cloud is looming over your head or your home. Perhaps you feel like a huge question mark is staring you in the face because the future is so unknown. Thank you, COVID-19.
Those scenarios are fictional, but perhaps they feel familiar to you. You could be facing a variety of unexpected situations this Christmas—a breakup, difficult family situation, death of a loved one, financial burden, medical issue, church dispute, challenging move, betrayal by a friend, doubts and depression, tension at school, or something else. Christmastime is supposed to be a joyous season, but you don't have any joy right now.
I realize that most people hate the Christmas rush, but I think that it can be a great thing. You know—the rush to buy presents for family members and friends, the rush to watch every Christmas movie possible, the rush to decorate with cute Christmas décor, and the rush to make cards and cookies. The rush to get it all over with. I love the Christmas rush because it helps me escape…but only for so long.
But before the semester ends, I have to survive—and thrive, if possible. Because I have to get through my final papers, presentations, and exams. Yay.
Tizzie's Tidbits of Truth 