The Perfectly Imperfect Me

Photography by Madi Flournoy Henderson || Top: Fab'rik

In a normal season of fall, this sweater would be the perfect staple for any wardrobe. It has just the right amount of warmth, with just the right amount of comfort. But since the temperature today is expected to reach 87 DEGREES, the sweater suddenly feels far from perfect. At 87 degrees, I should be sitting by the pool or walking around in shorts and a tank top. Of course, as a teacher, I am not complaining about this unusual weather (recess is a dream); but, once the temps start to drop, this outfit combo will quickly return to being the perfect look.
 
The funny thing about being perfect is that while it isn’t possible, it often feels expected. You always have to say the right thing, look the right way, have the correct opinion, and so on... But that’s not what life’s all about. That isn’t what being human is all about. I know that I am not perfect. My faith isn’t perfect. My words aren’t perfect. My thoughts aren’t perfect. As a human, I am prone to saying the wrong thing, handling things the wrong way, judging others, etc. I am as imperfect as the person next to me.

For a long time, being imperfect would have caused me a lot of stress and anxiety. And I would be lying if I told you that there still aren’t those days where the concern about being perfect sends me down a dark twisting spiral of fear and hopelessness. But over time, I have learned that I will never be perfect to all, and that’s okay because I am perfect in the eyes of the one who truly matters. Yes, you guessed it… Jesus made us each perfect in His eyes despite knowing that we would often appear imperfect in the eyes of those around us. We are going to mess up. Yet, because of these perfectly imperfect moments, Jesus also teaches us to forgive.
 
So, today, when you encounter your own perfectly imperfect moments, whether with yourself or with those around you, I pray that you remember God’s grace. I pray that you forgive yourself. I pray that you forgive your neighbor. But most importantly, I pray that you remember that in His eyes, no matter what, you will always be perfect. 

God is within her, she will not fall. - Psalm 46:5

Behind Each Layer

Photography by Madi Flournoy Henderson || Vest & Skirt: Fab'rik

Nothing says fall more like when the air gets a little chilly, and it is time to start adding layers to your look. I love that the days have arrived where I get to throw on a sweater in the mornings and be the right amount of warm as I step out the door. To me, one of the best layering pieces will always be a fur vest. And this one from Fab’rik will be the perfect addition to your fall and winter wardrobe.
 
Adding and removing layers is not only something that we do when the seasons change. It is also something we do in our relationships. Now, now, I am not talking about clothing, I am talking about layers of YOURSELF. You know, the ones you reveal to people as you grow closer to and feel more comfortable with them. When you are connected on a deep trusting level, you are able to take away the very protective layers and show a more vulnerable side of you. When the relationship is fresh, you are probably not comfortable with sharing your truest self. You might keep a guard up for a while until it feels safe enough to let them in. We tend to hold on to that layer that protects us from feeling hurt. Don't worry, it's totally normal. 

But what about our relationship with Jesus? Are we peeling back all the layers there? We know that Jesus knows exactly who we are, but we so often try to hide even our truest self from Him. We push away the feelings because admitting THOSE feelings to HIM might make it all seem way too real. So instead of talking to Him about it, we ignore it and attempt to deal with those feelings on our own.

It is hard for me to remember that I need to talk to Jesus about those deep hidden away feelings. Feelings that I try to ignore because the very thought of them makes my heart beat faster than I prefer. But how am I supposed to get the answers and find peace if I don’t ask Him about it? If I can’t pray about it with him, how will it ever change? I want to be able to share my whole heart with Him just like I long to share my heart with those I love.
 
Today I pray (really, I talked to Jesus about it) that you will be able to peel back those protective layers not just in your relationships, but with Him. Talk to Him. Tell Him what it is that you are really feeling. Once you do, I have a feeling you might begin the process of truly receiving the peace that only a deep relationship with Him can provide. So go ahead and peel back the layers in your relationship Jesus, while you layer up in a gorgeous fur vest for fall. 

And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. - Colossians 3:15

Praise Worthy Wednesday

Photo by Madi Flournoy Henderson

On Wednesdays, we wear pink... and sing praise. Right? Oh who am I kidding. Wednesdays can sometimes feel like the longest day of the week. But despite the weekend still feeling so far away, we have lots to be thankful for. So, I am starting Praise Worthy Wednesdays. Each week, I will post a couple of things that I feel are praise worthy. My hope is that you, too, will stop and think about your praise worthy moments. Of course, my biggest PRAISE is for all of you who take time out of your busy days to come to this sweet little blog of mine. It means the absolute world to me! So, here we go! Let the praises begin. 

- Praise for an amazing Sunday in the Shed this past weekend. Loved hearing Steven Furtick's message on relationships -

- Praise for free Garth Brooks concert with the greatest of friends -

- Praise for the cutest pair of jeans that only cost $30 from Vinnie Louise -

- and Praise for this verse for getting me through the week. -