Uncovered Faith

Photography by Madi Flournoy Henderson

Kimono: Pink Martini || Similar styles here and here || Jeans: Pea in a Pod || Non Maternity styles Here & Here || Shoe styles here, here and here || Maternity white tee: ASOS || Non Maternity style here 

I recently teamed up with Pink Martini, a wonderful store based in Canada. I love the simplicity and style of this boutique, but I especially love this kimono! If you’re like me, you are suddenly experiencing a need for all things kimono. I feel like they add so much extra to an otherwise simple outfit. And, of course, they fit my number one rule of being comfortable. Whether you wear them to cover up at the pool or with a white tee, you will undoubtedly have yourself quite the look. 

While it is fun to add a cover up to your outfit, covering up how we feel about our faith is a totally different story. As Christians, we know we are supposed to share our love for Jesus wherever we go. But sometimes it is hard to know just how to uncover that love in our everyday conversations.

When I am talking with a friend, co-worker, or someone I’ve just met, I sometimes feel the urge to steer the conversation in a faith-based direction. Sometimes that means to turn the conversation towards Him, while other times it means to tell the person I will pray for them. But I often hesitate because I’m worried about how they will think of me. Obviously, that thought is ridiculous and should be the least of my worries when it comes to spreading the Word. But, at the same time, I don’t want to be “that” Christian.

Nevertheless, something I’ve learned throughout the years is that it is okay to throw in a, “I’m praying for you,” when the time feels right. It is not like you have to give the whole “Jesus saves” speech in order to show your faith. In the right context, offering a simple word of encouragement or understanding can impact someone much more than merely reciting a passage from the Bible. In fact, sometimes you don’t have to say anything at all. Just being there for the person and taking the time to listen can make all the difference. It’s through your actions AND words that you can uncover your faith in Him.

Do not be afraid to share what is on your heart. Do not be afraid to share your prayers.  Indeed, it is your words and love for others that provide the greatest potential for displaying Christ’s love.

"Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation" - Mark 16:15 

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. 

Just Peachy

Photography by Madi Flournoy Henderson 

Dress: Tobi || Shoes: Halogen || Similar shoes here & here

The color pink has taken on a whole new meaning for me these last few weeks after finding out about the arrival of our little GIRL this August. And this delicate shade of pink is one of my favorites. I've teamed up with Tobi to share this adorable babydoll dress with you. This dress will be worn as long as my belly can handle it. But the shade of pink is truly my favorite part of the look.

Speaking of shades of pink, we've all heard the phrase, "just peachy." It's something we might use to describe our current feeling or situation. For the most part these days, life has been just that. Peachy. And I'm thankful. 
 
I was recently talking with a friend, who I consider a mentor for this whole "life advice" thing.  She has an amazing gift of explaining things like His plan and His love so eloquently. In these conversations, I'm often reminded how He holds us in the palm of His hand. And this particular conversation involved our relationship with Jesus. 
 
Your relationship with the Lord is something you always have to work on. And when I say work, I mean always talking to him, which can be hard no matter what life looks like right now. When life is good, it's easy to forget to give thanks to God for those happy moments. When life is hard, it's easy to forget to turn to Him for help in the healing process. But no matter where we are in our day-to-day feelings, we have to keep a constant conversation with Him. Thanking Him, asking Him, needing Him each and every day. 
 
So, if life is peachy, pink, full of rainbows or shades of blue, I pray you remember to turn to Him for moments big, small and somewhere in between. He is always there and ready to grow with you. 

"So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness." - Colossians 2:6-7