Tenacity

I found myself still treading in deep water and waiting for my youngest to jump off the diving board on a Sunday evening this past month. I just kept treading and hoping she would find her bravery and strength. She had jumped off a twenty-five foot cliff a couple of summers ago.

I knew she was capable and able, but I couldn’t understand why she couldn’t jump this time. I have thought about this off and on since that day. My mother-in-law told me that I treaded water for over forty-five minutes straight. I had no clue it had been that long.

Would I have been able to do it that long if I had set out to do so or realized how long I’d been doing it? It’s a great example to bring up the how and why we do things. If you find yourself quitting or drowning, you may need reminded how and why you are doing something now. Keeping the answers in your heart and mind could change whether you keep at it or decide enough is enough. 

Your how and why do matter. When we aimlessly walk through life, struggles pile up and paralysis can keep us from feeling like we matter. You can end up like my daughter, frozen on the diving board while forgetting your abilities and strengths. 

Each of us brings gifts and a purpose to this life. If we focus on the wrong things, we lose our direction and miss our mark in fulfilling our purpose. I remember hearing that if we don’t belief in something or have a plan in mind, we will fall for anything or end up somewhere else that’s far away from our purpose.

How long can you tread water when it matters? Are you treading, swimming, or drowning? Are you frozen, stuck, or defeated? Why are you doing what you are doing every day? Do you feel complacent, insignificant, or motivated? How is your mind, body, and spirit handling your current situations?

After years of grieving for Lilian and others, I’m proud of who God has shaped me. He battles for me daily. Treading over forty-five minutes would have been a stretch for a storytelling session. I love that I could have gone longer, because God’s been training me. He hasn’t let me quit. I’ve wanted to stop countless times, yet He allowed my trials to bring me gifts of determination, perseverance, purpose, growth, and forward motion.

Publishing my first book and stepping out of my comfort zone to reach out to people for book signings and speaking events has gotten me to leave my protective circle. It’s been hard and energy zapping at times. My body has gone through battles. I have scars from surgeries, stress, and sickness. People don’t get back to me. I get worn out. Yet, all of it is worth hearing about a reader getting to see God in all things; knowing they are never alone; and how He makes good of every bad thing. 

What skills are you gaining from your current trial? Look up and keep treading! God is building your strength and skills while renewing you. His tenacity will become yours. Let Him hold you up and tread water or move you from your frozen state!

“You will not have to fight this battle. Take up your positions; stand firm and see the deliverance the Lord will give you, Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged. Go out to face them tomorrow, and the Lord will be with you’ ” (2 Chronicles 20:17).

God has continued to open and close doors for me. The old me would have taken silence as someone not wanting me. God has turned the silence and rejection into closed doors where He doesn’t need me to go! It’s not about me, but the divine appointments. When I told Him that I would go into the deep waters with Him, I meant every part of it. He is taking my obedience and helping me go into deeper waters than what I planned.

Is God opening or closing doors in your life? Remember God loves you. You are enough. God’s tenacity and timing will guide you to your chosen path! Hang in there and trust the process! I’ve gone from silence and empty calendar to the following:

• Tuttle Author Connection (July 17th)
• Cushing Author Connection (August 21st)
• Guest speaker for a podcast (Coming Soon)
• Opportunity to become a member of The Heart Community Connection (In process)
• Guest speaking at my first church since publishing (Coming soon)
• Blanchard Author Connection (Coming Soon)

I have more possibilities in the early stages of communication and planning with people in multiple cities. I do believe God gives us small things first. When we are faithful in the small, bigger things will come our way. Praying for your journey as God leads you into deeper waters, fights for you, and brings your purpose to light.