Uninvited

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

It may be July, but a little black dress is always in style… Especially one that has fringe (which adds a little something extra to those twirls on the dance floor). My friend Lacey, who is the best person to be with when you are in need of a night of belly-aching laughs, would call this dress, “Fringe Benefits.” And I would say that the fringe is a perfect addition to this little black dress. 

The best part about buying a new dress is having the perfect event to showcase it. The worst part is buying a new dress and not being invited to wear it anywhere (cue the ugly crying)

I was recently given the opportunity to promote Lysa TerKeurst’s latest book, Uninvited. I like to pretend that I was HAND SELECTED for this very important role but that really wasn’t the case.  (A girl can dream, right?).  I eagerly signed up (yes, just basically gave them my email) to help because it meant that I could get my hands on the first 3 chapters of the book before it is released in August. With a title like Uninvited how can you not be excited. Yes, Lysa, I have felt rejected.  Yes, I have felt uninvited! Help me understand how to work through these feelings!   

I couldn’t even get through the first page, let alone the first chapter, without writing down passages.  I had so many “THAT’S SO TRUE” moments while reading. She doesn’t sugar coat anything. Lysa dives right into that feeling of not being worthy. Even with a strong faith in the Lord, she admits that “spiritual maturity doesn’t shield from rejection.” 

n this life, it is a well known and understood truth that we will face rejection at some point. We might even at times be overcome with the fear of being rejected (which, by the way, is a fear that I am battling INTENSELY right now). However, “we must tie our identities to our unchanging, unflinching, unyielding, undeniably good, and unquestionably loving God.” 

She goes on to write, “No person’s rejection can ever exempt me from God’s love for me. Period. No question mark. The most beautiful love story ever written is the one you were made to live with God.”

Of course, I realize that my quick blurb from her book isn’t going to solve all those feelings of rejection, but I hope it will provide you with a little sliver of comfort. But, isn’t it so true? Our love story is written with God, by God, and for God. He will always carry you through those moments of feeling unworthy.

I pray today that whenever you are faced with a moment of rejection, you will remember that you are ALWAYS accepted by the one who loves you the most. And His love is powerful enough to heal the most broken of hearts.

PS: I think we should all read this book. 

This Beautiful World

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

I am beginning to realize that I have somewhat of an obsession with Greek-style clothing.  And this shirt couldn’t be more Grecian. The colors of this top capture the colors from the flag that we recently saw flying all over the city of Athens. There is something about the softness of this particular shade of blue and the pureness of the white that pulls me in every time. I’m so glad that Fab’rik loves the style as much as I do. 

As I write this post, I am nearing the end of a 10-hour flight back to Nashville from Athens, Greece. We spent the last week cruising the Mediterranean Sea on the Celebrity Equinox, which, as I’m sure you could imagine, was absolutely fabulous (and I’ve never really considered myself a big fan of cruises, but this one certainly passed the test). After starting in Barcelona, the cruise stopped in France, Italy and Greece. Each city brought new forms of beauty – beauty that you often see in pictures but can’t appreciate until you witness it in person.

I found myself talking to God more often than normal this week. There was something about being in unfamiliar settings that caused me to lean on him much more. I prayed for the expected things like our safety, of course; but, mostly, I sang His praises at this beautiful world He created for us to live in. I wish my pictures adequately captured the true color of the sky. No words could do it justice. It just seemed “bluer” this week.

While exploring a new place, we are more likely to point out the beauty of our surroundings. But, how often do we take the time to appreciate the beauty that surrounds us everyday at home? While the tiny cobblestone streets of Portofino, Italy, left me in complete awe, I am sure they are just streets to the locals. They walk them everyday… no big deal. And while these Italian streets have seen thousands of years of history, the streets we travel everyday are just as much a part of our history.  As such, they should be valued. 

How amazing is that? Just think that with each step, we are walking on a piece of our history. And these steps lead to your beautiful future that you are directed towards each and every day.

What part of your surroundings should you stop to really appreciate today? It could be as simple as looking up to see the beauty in the sky – even if it is a cloudy day. Or, maybe it is stopping to appreciate the beauty of the people who surround you. Whatever it is, I hope that when you recognize it, you take a moment to thank this good, good Father who has given us a beautiful world to live in.

"He has made everything beautiful in its time." - Ecclesiastes 3:11

Step in the Water

Photography by Madi Flournoy Henderson

PSA: this is not a fashion post. I have already covered this dress. Actually, I wasn’t even planning to use these pictures on the blog, but they are the perfect compliment to the message I want to share with you.

While sitting in church this past Sunday, I had a clear “ah ha” moment.  It was during one of those messages where I couldn’t take notes fast enough. I kept looking for a remote to pause the sermon in order to write down each word. It was as if the clouds were parting and the sky was opening.  I wanted to bust out, “I am hearing you LOUD AND CLEAR, dear Jesus!” 

Justin Davis kicked off a new summer series with a message about how people are the narrators of God’s story.  For a little background, Justin is a former pastor at Cross Point Church. He left last year to start Hope City in Indianapolis.  As Justin explained, this was a real ego check: moving from an established church of 10,000 members to a new church of just 60 (on its best days… which includes his family of 5). Justin’s story gave new meaning to the phrase, “Respect the Process.”

As I sat there listening to Justin, I thought about how far Cross Point has come in just the last couple of years.  At one point, Cross Point was just like Hope City. And as Justin worked through the story of Joshua, where God led the Israelites across the Jordan River, I was reminded about how God worked on His own time frame thousands of years ago, just as He does now.

Justin explained that when God places an idea or plan on our heart, it is there for a reason.  God will give us the tools to make this idea a reality – maybe not our way, but some way. He said “you are not responsible for the outcome; you are responsible for your obedience.” It is your job to trust in Him. “Deeper trust will always lead to greater faith.”

I hope you, too, will find comfort knowing that great things take time. And if you need a little push, I highly recommend listening to this message. I pray it gives you just as much reassurance too keep following your dreams as it did for me.

“The water wont part until you step in.” – Justin Davis