I’m back in Georgia as of Sunday and have since been getting into the swing of things once again. Greeted by my wonderful roomate and cold weather, it was clear that I was back where I needed to be. It just felt right. I enjoyed my time in Florida so much but what I learned was that I had made the right decision to move and it felt great. It was great to see friends and family but what I realized was that I am not the same person anymore.
Leaving Georgia and heading to Florida I had many emotions. I was excited, anxious and for the first time…I didn’t know what to expect. It’s a funny feeling really, not knowing what to expect when going to the most familar place for you. I had changed. It was evident to me and has been made clear from the Lord over the last 3 months. But what did that mean when I went home? This hasn’t just some mountain top camp experience that has been going on over the last few months…this has been my life. Without realizing it, I have been redefining myself and who I am and thinking about how this self fits into the Brandon, FL life was a hard concept to grasp.
So what is this “self” that I am referring to? This redefined, new, different person? It’s a self that knows more about who I am and what my passions are. It’s a self that walks more boldly in the life of freedom that God has called me too. A self that doesn’t accept lies and self condemnation.
More than anything I’m not that person anymore.
I have come to a huge revelation since being in Georgia. I have put so much pressure on myself to keep friendships in tact. To make everything turn out right….to not fail at things.
No more. I’m done.
I can’t fix people. I can’t be everyone’s everything. It takes the life from me and there’s nothing’s left. This has been a hard lesson learned as I tend to take the feelings and concerns of those around me on my shoulders. People matter so much to me and I haven’t been able to have the healthy line of friendships that allows me to be a support and a friend rather than a fixer and a counseler.
God by His Holy Spirit does the ultimate conviction and change in a person.
So I’m letting go and as I went home this time around, I could see it happening! I wasn’t allowing people to lean so much on me that felt empty, I was speaking truth over their lives. I was recognizing the lies that they were living in and pointing them out. Letting them know who they are in Christ, who Christ says they are as His own. I learned however, that people are not always receptive. They don’t readily see the truth of who they are and it’s in His word! It was a hard, sad thing. But in that sadness, God has burdened me about prayer. I will pray for those at home who need it and in general remember those at home in prayer.
I’m thankful for these things I’ve seen and changes I’ve made and I’m excited for more! Has it really only been 3 months?!
Teresa you are inspiring – and I know that while you have seen growth in yourself these past three months I predict there is a lot more to come. God has a purpose and plan for you that will continue to emerge as you continue to give yourself to Him and His plans for you. There is so much quality and strength in you coming out – it will continue to be a blessing to people around you.
I am glad you are here!
by far your best blog yet.
i’m so glad to hear your heart and to know your reflections on the past few months.
yes, my friend, you truly are a different person and i love that declaration that “you are not that person anymore!”
stand strong it that girl. you’re going places and really, you’re going to blaze the trail for those at home too…even though it doesn’t look or feel like it right now.
keep going forward. really…there’s only one way to go, right?? 🙂 love you and am proud of you!
I’m glad you’re here. : )
Girlie – I love you so much – It has been amazing to watch how God is working in your life, and how you are embracing everything God sets in front of you! You inspire me! I miss having you around so much, but you are where you are supposed to be – and God is smiling down on you for it! You are an awesome friend and I can’t even begin to say how much you truly mean to me… Can’t wait to see you in a few weeks! HUGS! – Joy
I love to hear about all the change God is doing in you. I pray that you continue to be open to all that He has for you this year.
On this journey together,
Heather Mustain
Like Mary, you have chosen the better thing!
“Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, for as much as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58)
God is in control; let Him be in control!
“Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6)
Praying for you…