October 26, 2020

Sharing from the congregation – Ashlyn Beal

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. – Isaiah 41:10

This verse illustrates that you are not alone, that God is with you always. He will be there to pick up the broken pieces. He will be there to push you. He will be there to help you make the right decision. He stands with you through everything. These past few months I have had trouble remembering this. I‘ve felt alone at times even when I had my biggest supporters there to ask me how I was or just tell me they loved me. I also have hidden my emotions thinking if I ignored them they would go away. If I didn’t give it attention then those thoughts, feelings, and situations would all just go away over time. Boy was I wrong, ignoring only makes it worse. I was surrounded by my own feelings which made me feel trapped. I wanted to ignore them and be happy. I’m the type of person who likes to be happy, full of smiles, and brighten others people’s days. I was quick to learn that didn’t make me happy but made me feel alone and sad.

Love yourself.

That’s another thing I’ve struggled with. God made us to be unique and beautiful in our own way. Each of God’s creations are beautiful and has value to this life. It’s what’s on the inside that counts. These days people only care about what’s on the outside. Body shape, face, and skin tone are things that everyone is judged on every day. We have all been guilty of it and if you say you haven’t, you are not human. We all take for granted the beauty of God’s creations every day. As people we need to be grateful, kind, loving. That what God wants. He loves us all and we are never alone. Remember that!

Gracefully Submitted,
Ashlyn Beal