“Slow Down & Breathe.” This has been my mantra for the last few weeks. “Breathe. Just breathe, Mary.” So many times in life, words aren’t enough. Prayers seem lost. Encouragement just empty words meant for someone else. And knowing the truth between the lie in our mind is helpful, though it doesn’t take away the sting of anxiety. 

Lately, though, I have found a little trick to get me through the day in difficult seasons like this…. DEEP BREATH IN, SLOW BREATH OUT…. over and over again until my brain is clear, my heart is calm and I can wrap my arms around what’s in front of me. My very BEST days are the ones I slow down enough to enjoy. Enjoy the laughter and curiosity of my babies, enjoy the fresh air and delicious food I have to eat, wrap up in a cozy blanket during nap time and thank God my home is safe and warm and lacking nothing. 

I’m learning so much in this season of discomfort. Learning about what it takes to call myself strong, call myself enough, and call myself blessed. I’m learning what faith really looks like and that it’s not what I wanted or imagined. This season, I’m realizing that the best that’s in me has yet to come out, and that my Father has great plans to prosper me, not harm me, but to give me hope and a future. 

I share my heart with you in hopes that you find comfort in knowing that you’re not alone in your suffering. So, don’t worry about your finances, your job, your marriage or your social media presence for a moment. Just BREATHE DEEP in and out… over and over… and allow the reckless love of our Father to consume you for as long as it takes to bring you back to life. YOU, dear friend, are a warrior. #warriorsaremadenotborn