When A Heart Breaks

Photography by Madi Flournoy Henderson || Top: Madewell

When I noticed this shirt at Madewell (shocking I was there, right?!), I really tried to talk myself out of buying it. But how can one resist an oversized white collared shirt that is also extremely comfortable? I sure can’t! The interesting thing about this shirt is that it also has a business-like feel. But, lucky for me, it doesn’t require that you pull on a pair of black slacks to go with it.  I will never be a 9-5 business women who wears a suit to work each day.  That just sounds painful.
 
In the business of life, we often feel the need to save face and put on the impression that all is right in our world. However, if we are being honest, not all days are great and some days feel just down right crappy. But we usually don’t share our struggles because we recognize that there are so many other people whose struggles seem FAR greater than our own. But like my new friend Christa Black Gifford says, “a hammer feels like a hammer no matter where the blow comes from.”

 When your heart feels broken and tears fall at unexpected times, it’s okay to not be okay. You are allowed to feel sad and have moments of grief... Even if it is over things that feel somewhat “silly” to be heartbroken about. It’s not silly. If it hurts, it’s important to take time to process it.

God tells us that we will encounter trouble. He doesn’t say “if,” He says “when.” And that trouble will come in all different shapes, sizes, heartbreaks, and moments. It is easy to wrap yourself in the pain because at some point the pain starts to feel like the norm. Escaping that norm can become scary in and of itself.
 
But y’all. I don’t want you to stay in that place. It is through the pain that we sometimes find our greatest passion for God. And in turn, we see the passion He has for our lives. It is like my friend once told me, “we are inwardly fashioned for faith, not fear.”
 
Now, I am NOT saying that it will be easy. In fact, it will be very hard to walk away from that heartbreak and come out on the other side. But one day you will come out on the other side holding the hand of your Father and embracing His big heart that beats for you. 

"I am the Lord your God, who holds your right hand and says 'Do not fear. I will help you'" - Isaiah 41:13

The Baseline

Photography by Madi Flournoy Henderson || Dress: Nordstorm

The color red—especially the perfect shade of burnt red—just screams fall to me. It reminds me of the changing of the leaves and the color of the sunset. It is the baseline color to represent the season. When I first saw this dress, I knew it was one that I HAD to own and one that I would probably wear over and over again. Bring on the earthly colored fall clothing. My pumpkin spiced lattes and I are ready for this season. 

While this color (and dress) is a good baseline (or starting point) for a fall wardrobe, we also have our baselines in life. And, of course, when I refer to your “baselines,” I am not talking about the lines that box you onto the tennis court. I am talking about the things that you race towards to get your life back on track. They are the places, activities, and PEOPLE we turn to when we feel a little out of whack. It is a place that provides comfort and truth. It is the place you go to tell yourself what you WANT to hear… and also to tell yourself what you NEED to hear.

I tend to place too much emphasis on my baseline and not enough on my FAITH in Jesus. Your baseline is a good place. It is a blessing to have one, but it can become a hindrance when you rely on it more than you should.

Your baseline is not a steady spot. Your baselines will change. Your areas of reset will slowly become your areas of defeat. Eventually, you will find yourself searching for a new one.

If you are searching for a reset, you should look no further. Call off the search. The war is already won. Your rock and your savior, Jesus Christ, is always right beside you.  He is willing and able to help you reset your focus and guide you through life. Sure, He is going to bring people into your life who will help you, too; but, ultimately, it will be just you and Him. And with Him, all things are possible. 

That Added Bonus

Photography by Madi Flournoy Henderson || Top: Hadley Rae Boutique

Let me be totally honest. When I first looked at this top (I actually thought it was a dress), I wasn’t super in love. BUT, y’all, when I put this outfit on, it became one of my favorite looks that I recently shot for Hadley Rae Boutique. I LOVE where it hits in the front and how it is longer in the back. The lace adds just enough sass that you can wear it for a night out on the town while still feeling… my favorite way to feel… comfortable. Oh, and the price. You guys, I am telling you, Hadley Rae has figured this part out. You can’t beat it. And now, I will admit that I judged something before actually giving it a chance. Sound familiar? I do it all too often. Do you?

Most days, we get presented with situations that we are not too excited about.  No, I do not want to walk into this meeting. No, I do not want to go to this event. These are the “you have to go because you are supposed to go, but you really don’t want to go” kind of situations. You complain, roll your eyes, and do whatever you were supposed to do with only half the effort.  You DO NOT want to be there, but you go anyway.

henever I am presented with moments like that, they ALWAYS turn out to be the best thing for me that day. Suddenly my HAVE TOs become my NEEDED to without me even realizing it. I call these my “Added Bonus(es)” because I am always left learning something that I never saw coming. When I walk away from those situations and can see why God brought me there, it is the best type of bonus that could be added to my day. There is no greater gift (well, in my humble opinion) than seeing exactly what you think God is wanting you to see. It’s as if His guiding steps present you with a feeling of peace. 

What “added bonus” has God brought into your life lately? Has it made you look at other situations differently? Today, if you are presented with an added bonus, I pray that you see God’s hand in the moment. He is always speaking to you. Somehow, some way, He is letting you know His plan for you. I pray you see that. And I hope you find an outfit that surprises you, too; because, let’s be honest, who doesn’t love finding that outfit that just works for you?

“Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love Him.” - 1 Corinthians 2:9