Black and White

Photography by Madi Flournoy Henderson 

Cardigan: Fab'rik || Similar Cardigans Here, Here & Here || Jeans: Madewell || Similar jeans Here || Watch: Nixon || Boots: BP

During the winter, you can just about always find me in an oversized cardigan. The extra warmth feels like a big hug that will last throughout the day. This particular cardigan from Fab’rik is one that I have been rocking for several weeks. I especially love the black and white pattern, which can be dressed up or down. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love dressing in black and white?

You know what isn’t always black and white? Life. In fact, most of the time, our decisions and everyday events are very grey. No real answer. No true understanding of the situation. Just grey area that fills our head with confusion and frustration. Most of the time, the grey areas come in situations where the answer should be black and white. You should have a clear understanding; but, all too often, life doesn’t work like that.
 
I feel like I am "living in the grey” with a couple areas of my life. Unsure of how to “fix” things. Unsure of what situations mean. As I sit there trying to come up with a logical answer as to why life goes a certain way, I am left with answers that still keep me in the grey. I get frustrated, sad, and sometimes angry. 
 
Jesus didn’t create this life for us and promise that things will always be black and white. Rather, he created this life for us to trust when things are far from black and white. And the foundation for this trust lies in the Bible. That is where the answers to our questions are written in black and white. It may not be the answer you want to hear. But it will be an answer that reminds you to keep going. To trust in His almighty power. To see that He will carry you through the grey — even when the grey seems to last longer than you originally planned.
 
When we immerse ourselves in the Bible, we are almost always better equipped to face the grey. So, today, I pray that those of you who are swimming in the grey will pick up the Bible and read the words written for us. He loves you. He cares for you. He will carry you through. He will fight for you. Be still and know that He is God, and He is working through you in more ways than you will ever know.

The LORD is on my side; I will not fear. - Psalm 118:6

The Cold Shoulder

Photography by Madi Flournoy Henderson

In case you haven’t picked up on it yet, it’s all about the off-the-shoulder look these days.  Like any new trend, I had a hard time embracing it at first; but, now that I have, the more off-the-shoulder, the better. Add in the fact that this off-the-shoulder look is also a JUMPSUIT, and I’m sold. It’s my two favorite trends all wrapped into one comfy, sassy, vacation-ready look. Fab’rik for the win…again.

Last Saturday, I spent some time on the lake celebrating the birthdays of two dear friends… and by “spending some time,” I mean like the whole day. It was a blast. The sun was hot, the water felt amazing, and the laughter was plentiful. But, right now, I’m still paying the price. My shoulders are burnt to a crisp. In fact, my daily text messages with Katie have turned into a complaining session about our fried body parts. Aloe has quickly become my new best friend.

Lesson learned. The sun in Tennessee is just as powerful as the sun at the beach. 

While my shoulders do not feel too cold at the moment, I’m ready to give the “cold shoulder” to something I have been feeling for a while.  And that something is worrying about time. Yes, time. Even though I am on summer vacation and shouldn’t have a worry in the world, the clock still ticks away at me everyday. I’ve noticed that I am not really living in the moment.  Instead, I am planning and worrying about events in the future that I have ZERO control over.

While on the lake this weekend, I had no control over ANYTHING. I couldn’t drive the boat. I couldn’t decide how long we would stay on the lake. I couldn’t control the sun (obviously). It was the first day in a long time that I realized it was okay to not be in control – to not have to watch the clock. In fact, it was almost relaxing.

So, I am giving the cold shoulder to the clock. I need to do a better job of giving my “time worries” to God. Let Him decide when everything needs to get done. I am going to touch more on this topic later this week, but I just want to leave you with something I heard from Justin Davis on Sunday. He said, “Just because you are not where you think you should be doesn’t mean you are not going to get there.” AMEN.

What do you need to give the cold shoulder to? What worry can you hand over to the Big Guy upstairs? How will handing it over allow you to become a better you?

"When my heart is overwhelmed, lead me to the rock that is higher than I." - Psalm 51:2

Gladiators in Rompers

Photography by Madi Flournoy Henderson Shoes & Romper: Fab'rik

I recently teamed up with Fab’rik for a shoot and am excited to bring you many of those looks over the next couple weeks. One outfit that I immediately fell in love with was this black romper. It’s perfect for summer because you can dress it up or down – it all depends on the shoes.

Lately I’ve had this weird obsession with gladiator shoes. It’s probably because we are heading to Europe next week and are ending the trip with a two-day stop in Greece.  So, naturally, I feel like I need to wear all things Grecian – blue, white, gladiator.  Totally look the part, right? Since gladiator shoes make such a big statement, pairing them with something simple—like this romper—totally works for me. 

Of course, when I think of gladiator shoes, I think of an army. Clearly, I am on a whole “God is our shield” kick this week.  It’s almost as if He is trying to prepare my heart for an upcoming battle. He seems to constantly be reminding me that He has my back. Do you ever feel that way? Like God is trying to get across to you, but you aren’t listening close enough?

The song, “Break Every Chain,” a popular tune at our church, has been on repeat in my brain for the last several days. Whenever this song is played, I always find myself singing louder than normal (apologies to anyone sitting next to me at Cross Point – I am WELL aware that my voice isn’t the most pleasant!). Particularly, the part that takes my voice to the next level starts with, “There’s an army rising up.”  This line is repeated several times, with each time getting stronger and stronger.

There is an army rising up with you. An army of people who want to walk with you. This army will help you push through the battles of life while reminding you of the strength that comes when you allow God to lead the way. So, let me ask you, are you allowing those people to fight with you? Who is in your army? Have you stood with them during their battles? Have you reminded them that God’s in control?

No matter what you are dealing with, it’s always comforting to know that God is in your corner… Gladiator shoes and all. He’s ready. Are you?

“For everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world. And this is the victory that has overcome the world – our faith” – 1 John 5:4