Striped Out

Photography by Madi Flournoy Henderson

Dress: Vici || Similar styles here, here and here || Shoes: Toms 

Y’all know how much I love a good striped anything; and these days, I could live in this striped dress from VICI. Not only does it fit my growing bump (which is a very big deal), it is also incredibly comfortable. It’s the perfect length for work but can also be dressed up for a night out with the girls. Regardless of the size of my bump, this dress will be a go-to for a long time to come. I will never give up on a good striped outfit.

I try very hard to live a life like Jesus. But, as you might expect, it is not easy. I constantly find myself coming up short. This is especially true when I feel like I have been hurt by someone else. We all know the feeling of being completely let down. It’s a feeling I wouldn’t want anyone to experience. But it’s going to happen – even when we are convinced we did everything right. We are still going to be let down.

When someone brings you that kind of hurt, it is very easy to walk away. You are totally justified to be upset and cut them off. But is that what you are supposed to do?

I have struggled with this situation a time or two. And I’d be lying if I said there weren’t times when I was in the wrong (okay, a lot of times). But, hey, I am not perfect by any stretch of the imagination. I struggle with the “now what” part that comes after a heart is broken. I don’t like to just give up on someone. It isn’t in my nature to walk away and not fight for a relationship. But what I am learning isn’t to give up… it’s just to take a step back.

Taking a step back for time to heal and process for both parties is sometimes all you can do. This doesn’t mean you are giving up. It means you are making a healthy choice for YOU. Which can, in turn, allow you to forgive in the way Jesus might need you to forgive. It is beyond important to recognize the difference in giving up and stepping aside.

God doesn’t walk away from us. He doesn’t even take a step back. But He shapes our lives in a way that allows us to see what we really need. And sometimes what we need is some space – a moment to heal and catch our breath. He knows when we need it, which is always long before we realize it ourselves. When it is time—when we can truly forgive and be ready to listen—He will direct us back where we need to go. Trusting Him in our current situation is what we need to focus on more than anything.

What situation do you need to take a step back from today? Where do you need to trust God? Who do you need to forgive? Whatever you are looking for, I pray that you are able to trust in God’s direction and timing. 

Tied Up

Photography by Madi Flournoy Henderson || Dress: VICI

The dresses with the little “tie-up” in the front will be everywhere this fall. Well, at least everywhere in my closet. Give VICI a visit because they have this look figured out. I’m sure Adam is loving the packages that regularly show up on our doorstep from their store in California. #sorrynotsorry

While this little tie-up makes a great addition to the VICI dress, there are some tie-ups that should be avoided… like being tied up in stress rather than tied up in trust. I’ll be the first to admit that I am by far the worst person to travel with – unless, of course, you enjoy being at least three hours early to the airport… Then I am great. But if we get behind, off schedule, or delayed, I DO NOT handle it well. Adam witnesses this often. He has to love me, though, so he has learned to deal with it. But a handful of family and friends have witnessed several travel-related emotional breakdowns, and I am thankful they still choose to travel with me. 

I am currently sitting on the airplane we almost missed because of the SLOWEST ECONOMY PARKING BUS ever. Apologies to all on that bus… I now realize that my dramatic run from the bus to the security line was the most UNNECESSARY thing ever. But it happened.
 
As I sit here in seat 10A, I am pretty disappointed in myself for not calling on Jesus in that time of stress. I mean, I thought about it; but, if there was a lesson on patience that He was trying to teach me, I totally missed it. Again. While traveling is such a small example, you would think that by now I would realize that he is ALWAYS in control.

Do you ever feel like you keep missing the same lesson? Like God is clearly trying to tell you something, but it still isn’t getting through to you? What is it? I want you to think about it. Pray about it. And maybe finally pick up what He is putting down.
 
My travel through the airport would have been a lot more enjoyable for myself (and Adam… and everyone that I came in contact with) if I had just handed all that worry and stress over to Him. I pray that you can today. I pray that you fight through whatever is holding you back. And I pray that you will only be tied up in dresses – not stresses.