I just didn’t know I could change. I thought I was just me. When it’s all you know, it’s simply all you know. This is why speaking life is so important along with Sisterhood, Mentorships, personal development and community.
Born into the Cradle Roll at our church by a military Dad and Friend-to-Everyone Mom, “going above and beyond and doing the right thing" was basically my DNA. You add in my shy, insecure personality and there ya have your official Shy Girl, Holy Rolly, Goodie Two Shoes, always trying to be perfect and pure, not causing any issues, church girl.
I accepted my Less-Than-Ness, fueled in the comparison game of observing the brilliance and beauty of everyone else seemingly living the perfect life. While my mindset was completely wrong, my heart was pure, desiring to be better and live "right" before God, family and others. It would be many, many years later I learned to live a life of Grace and honor rather than perfection and perception.
You don’t have to go very far online or out in the world to discover the next newest thing you don’t have and why you (apparently) need it now!
You can't help but wonder if it could be true. Those of us who struggle with insecurity are the perfect customer for these commercials. We are willing to try any and every thing out there in the quest for becoming better.
After years of self-doubt and constant fear of judgement, I collapsed under the pressure falling prostrate into a pit. Thankfully God knew I was heading that way, and He had already lined it with grace.
Grace softened my fall. It bruised me, and scared me, but it didn't kill me.
Grace caught me.
Grace said Just be you. Grace said Life is short. Grace said Worship, not worry. Grace said Fear not! Grace said I am capable and you are in My hands. Grace said Follow Me, not them. Grace said My grace is sufficient enough for you! Grace said It’s Time! Get up and go!
This is one of the things in my life I wish I would have learned sooner. I wish I would have understood Grace and more important God’s love for me. I wish I would have learned about His heart sooner rather than in my 30’s. I am forever grateful for the season in the pit, as painful as it was, I was refined and chiseled as I tumbled about.
Friend, know God loves you so much and He is near. Be courageous and confident in His Love and live in this Gift of Grace. Take time to be still and know, asking and seeking His heart for you.
By grace, you are saved and held. By grace, you are brave. By grace, you are whole! Yo are fearfully and wonderfully made with a Divine purpose meant only for YOU!! You are YOU for this very reason! He has equipped you for such a time as this!! Rise up and Go in Grace!
"But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me."
2 Corinthians 12:9 ESV
If today's encouragement hugged your HEART today, let me know in the comments or meet me over
in my Facebook Sisterhood Community! Feel free to share this blog with a friend who needs a heart hug too!
This is how YOU get to hug my HEART back!
Heart Hugs and Blessings,
Michele
Most High. This two simple words, Most High, almost escaped me of their power and meaning. I am so glad God didn't allow that.
Over the past year, I have been studying the Psalms for the names of God. Each time I came across a description of Who He was, I'd write it down. What a beautiful page to read at the end of my study time.
After writing them close to a hundred times in my journal, I was becoming numb to them..."Here they are again...(writing)...Most....H-i-g-h. My brain read “yada yada.”
God
LORD
Maker
Almighty
God of Jacob
my Refuge
my Portion
God of heaven
Lord of lords
God of gods
Mighty One
The Lord is God
God of my salvation
Holy One
God my King
Father of the fatherless
Protector of widows
God...Most...High
Most...High
While I didn't want to write it down, I couldn't not write it down. It didn't make sense to me why I needed to write the same one sooooo many times, until now. I get it. God clearly wanted me to know Who was Most High. So, I looked up the definitions.
According to Webster's Dictionary:
most: greatest in amount or degree; to the greatest extent; extremely; very
high: far above ground, sea level, or another point of reference; extending above the normal or average level; great, or greater than normal, in quantity, size or intensity; morally or culturally superior
Wow. The God I seek to know is the God, Most-High. He is far above my point of reference, greater in quantity and intensity than all else, and He is superior. He is extremely God. He is superior to the greatest extent! This is my God! He is above all!
May we remember Who we are seeking after and Who we call LORD our God. He is High above our circumstances. He is Higher than the battle we are fighting. He is Most capable. God, is Most High.
Two simple words to describe the Greatest Power and Authority over all the heavens and the earth. No one and no thing is above Him. He's the Highest. He's the Most.
God, thank You for pressing these words into my spirit. When I feel strong, I praise You for giving me the Most power to conquer what comes against me.
When I feel weak, I praise You for rescuing me from the pit and taking me Higher.
Forgive me for the times I minimize Your Greatness, You are God Most High, my Salvation, my Refuge and my Strength.
God, You are Higher than any other. I trust You to protect and provide for me all that I need. Who else is as great as You!
I praise Your name and am thankful for Your intense Love. I know You Love me More.
Help me love You back the same.
Help Your children remember to never become numb to You.
Forgive us for making You too familiar, common, or small, bringing You down to our human point of reference, for You are to the greatest extent, Most High. Amen.
"Clap your hands, all peoples! Shout to God with loud songs of joy!
For the LORD, the Most High, is to be feared, a great king over all the earth.
Psalm 47
If today's encouragement hugged your HEART today, let me know in the comments or meet me over
in my Facebook Sisterhood Community! Feel free to share this blog with a friend who needs a heart hug too!
This is how YOU get to hug my HEART back!
Heart Hugs and Blessings,
Michele
After failing at my attempts to be the perfect Proverbs 31 Woman, God stepped in and put a stop to all the nonsense.
I had to learn:
you can’t be all things to all people
you have to prioritize all the to-dos and don’t set unachievable expectations on yourself 
it’s better to function in community rather than control
no one is perfectly handling life
to find moments of grace breaths throughout the day
to stop overthinking
that the world is not watching every step for me to fail
my family and dearest friends love me right where I am and God Loves me more!Grace upon Grace. We are hardest on ourselves and believe we have the ability to be all things. Recognize and Release that pressure before the pressure crushes you. And yes, there will be people in your life who demand more of you than you feel able, or desire to give, even there in those moments, your inner dialogue with God and self are important to keep in peace. Your strength and energy are found within the spirit living inside you. No one can choose that for you. This is where YOU shine, for the Glory of God! Not perfection. Not others.
When you feel empty, remember Who fills you. It's easy to fill ourselves with temporary satisfaction, and meaningless tasks and distractions. This is where the enemy depletes you one decision at a time.
Whatever you’re facing, remember Who is for you. Remember this Audience of One. He’s the most important person you can serve and spend time with each day. Your identity, purpose, strength, peace, restoration and joy are found in HIM!
In every hour, we need Him, every valley and mountaintop, every edge and every pit....Seek Him first and always. Friend, you are loved, seen and heard. Stay strong, keep peace, walk by faith.
Hugs & Blessings, 
Michele
If today's encouragement hugged your HEART today, let me know in the comments or meet me over
in my Facebook Sisterhood Community! Feel free to share this blog with a friend who needs a heart hug too!
This is how YOU get to hug my HEART back!
Heart Hugs and Blessings,
Michele
