refocus and delight

TAKING A BRAVE STEP FOR FELLOWSHIP IN GOD'S KINGDOM: SOUL CARE SATURDAY. I am content with my inner circle. I feel comfortable in my relationships with close friends who belong to my inner circle. Some of you are in my inner circle. To you, I am grateful. I feel blessed having you in my life.

On the other hand, conversations with acquaintances outside of my inner circle have profoundly affected my sense of comfort and contentment regarding fellowship and having community. I heard stories of loneliness, isolation, distractedness, attachment to devices, busyness, loss of identity and self-esteem, hopelessness, broken relationships, and feeling overwhelmed. I felt compelled to share my spiritual gifts to those in need of focus, faith, rest, friends, and fun.

I felt the directive to open my home for a women's small group gatherings last year. I resisted. I was afraid of getting sick. Masked up at all times in public places, limited engagements, weekly trips to the grocery store, and occasional travel were the norm for the past three years. Then, the wall of resistance crumbled when I got sick at the beginning of this year. It was then I realized that God saved me from having asthma when I was infected with the coronavirus. As I reflected on all those years when I had severe asthma attacks twice a year, I felt grateful that the Lord gave me a break for three years without getting sick from a viral infection. The severity of my recent illness was less than my experiences in the past. I declare that God can save me again.

As I was experiencing prolonged symptoms of the viral infection, I was deeply engrossed in reading the book "100 Days to Brave - Devotions for Unlocking Your Most Courageous Self" by Annie Downs. Slowly but surely, I found myself becoming braver each and every day. I notice fears, doubts, and worries fading away. I made steps to face some fears and eventually overcoming those fears (will need to write another blog entry to elaborate on this). I describe it like peeling an onion one layer at a time, unfolding until the bravest version of myself comes out.

On day 30 in the devotional, the key verse is Hebrews 10:24-25 NIV: And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another-and all the more as you see the Day approaching. This verse was highlighted to me for two consecutive days, the other time while I was reading the YouVersion app. It was a sign for me to be brave and to finally open my home for fellowship.

For those who don't live in my area and can't attend an in-person fellowship, I am encouraging you to write me a note if you are interested in having a virtual fellowship. I am currently scheduled to join an online craft day with my small group next week. I can definitely schedule another virtual event sometime this month if there is interest.

To those who live in my area, I am inviting you to a monthly event- Soul Care Saturday: a time of fellowship and fun with crafts. You're welcome to bring your WIPs (Work In Progress), craft supplies, and project tools. Wear your most comfortable outfit if you feel like doing some stretch exercises in my home gym. If you're interested, send me an email or text if you would like to attend. Also, let me know if you have allergies and dietary restrictions. See you then!