Beauty for Ashes - The Series
all things can become new, if you want them to.
Hey everyone! hope you’re all having a lovely week so far. Today’s newsletter is the starter of a new series! I hope you enjoy it!
🗞️ Roundup of Lessons in Seasons
💌 Rhieme Recommends:
🎥 ‘How Long Will You Mourn?’ by Dr Esther Longe: I listened to this video last month, and it was so profound. If you’ve been struggling lately with moving forward from disappointing situations this is for you.
Now let’s get into today’s newsletter!
👑 Unpacking with Lessons In Seasons:
⏰ Catch up with my on the clock app! I’ve been sharing more fun bits over there. Watch my latest vlog here.
Now let’s get into today’s newsletter!
Navigating contradictions can be tough. Incredibly tough. Especially when your vision, what drives you everyday, is based on promises from God. What happens when your reality couldn’t look further from any of the promises that are yours? It can be very difficult coming terms with this and quiet often it’s easy to fall into a pit of despair. As someone who has navigated this before and coming out on the other side, this series is so dear to me, and I hope it’s a source of encouragement to anyone who may be going through what appears to be a contradiction. Welcome to the beauty for ashes series. From next week, I’ll be diving into this series more, but today this newsletter is dedicated to anyone, who is tired of staying stuck, being stagnant and ready to move into a new place.
Navigating Stagnancy & Feeling Stuck
We often hear the phrase ‘just do it’, but is it really easy to just get up and move? What about having unanswered questions? Unaswered prayers? Where the gap between not having an answer and the reality of your situation is glaring, is it truly that easy to move on? I don’t believe it is and actually, for one to truly move forward in the midst of questions, there is a place for acceptance and processing fully, what has occurred. This processing could take a day to a year, but what matters is, there is a place for remembering the sovereignty of God, even in the middle of confusing times. With this in mind, we confront our situations with the truth — Romans 8:28
“ we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.”
— On the note on unanswered prayers, today’s newsletter isn’t on this, but this is a fantastic episode on it:
Coming Out of The Pit
Often times when we are disappointed, it’s because we had an expectation and the results didn’t quiet pan out as we wanted it to. It’s okay for us to have excpectations and admit that we are disappointed. But, it’s important we don’t stay in that place for too long. When I’ve passed through situations like this, I have to go back to the drawing board and allow there be a reconciliation between my circumstance and what God is saying. in times like this, it’s the perfect point to evaluate where the cracks in our relationship with God lie, and understanding His nature and character through the Bible. When we’re committed to this journey, as it’s not an overnight process, in spite of the circumstances we face, we’re able to come through on the other side, with renewed faith and our relationship with God is strengthened. How? Because we let Him into the process of navigating that disappointment, and gained his perspective.
That being said, what is your heart posture during trying times? I shared in a newsletter previously the story of David when he was in Adullam after being chased by Saul, who wanted to kill him. In Adullam, though he was in a cave, he didn’t allow his circumstance deter him from pouring into those around him. Joseph as well, even when he was in prison, he was still faithful in interpreting the dreams of those around him. In such environments — a cave and prison, it can be very easy to moan and simply allow time to pass by. But our circumstances shouldn’t deter us from honouring the seasons we are in. Going through trying times is also part of the process.
If you find yourself in the middle, I want you to please hold on and don’t throw in the towel. There are situations we may pass through that may make us think, surely this is the end. Is there really bouncing back when x has happened? And honestly, these feelings are valid and let’s be honest, some of the experiences we pass through can be very painful! However, I have learnt that it is so important we don’t allow our pain take deep roots to the point where we begin to morphe into people who we really are not. Seeds of disappointment can be sown deeper than we think and the fruit they bear can include: distrust, doubt, despair etc. These seeds can affect our vision. Our vitality, our ability to cease each day with zest for life and believe everyday we spend is worth living. But guess what, in spite of the pain, the questioning, what seems to be breaking you, there’s a fourth man in the fire — God, and with Him, there is always a bouncing back and second chances. There’s the ability to go again even when you are the one who wrote yourself off from opportunities, new relationships and even dreaming again. Again I’m reminding you — you can go again, with God there is always a bouncing back. With Him, we can come out of situations that we thought had seen the end of us, and rely on Him to give us strength and perspective that we need.
In All of this We Are Not Alone
Leaning on community, is something we also have to become more comfortable with. It’s really easy to fall into the trap of thinking we can do it all alone, but we’re not built that way. It’s okay to be honest about where we’re out and let our walls down, with the right people. Take a moment to think — who are the key voices of counsel that speak into your life? Who are those who can guide you when you need perspective?
Moving Forward
But we ourselves need to be willing to unpartner with the past, and step into the arena in front of us. Sometimes we’re the ones who need to not allow seasons of darkness and despondency lay a caste over us and paralyse us. But my question is — how long will we grieve over situations for? Are we ready to step into new beginnings? What does unpartnering with the past look like for you? Praying more on areas of hurt you are still struggling with and asking God to heal your heart? Going to therapy to talk through unresolved trauma? Having counselling sessions? Only you know what you truly need, but if you’ve been stuck in a place of despondency for a while, I want you to take this is as your sign, that your season has changed, but are you willing to experience newness and new beginnings?
I’d leave you with this question to ponder on and we’ll be back next week to go into a deeper dive on relationships. I hope today’s newsletter, serves as a reminder that God can turn what looks like a mess into a beautiful testimony. What was previously a source of pain and shame, can become a source of healing and restoration for others.
And if you’re in the middle, I pray this verse will become your reality:
Psalm 40:2 ‘ He lifted me out of the slimy pit, out of the mud and mire; he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand.’
As always, my messages are open if you want to speak further
And I’d love to hear your thoughts, share below!
I’d see you next week (Wednesday) our new posting day.
Lots of love,
Rhieme ♥️
This met me where I am. I need to find me some community because a girl is struggling. Thank you for sharing 🤍
Lovely Rhieme 🥰. I've read this piece for a second time and its been such a source of encouragement. I'm so excited for this series. You are truly uplifting souls through who you are and the work you do.