Beginning Anew

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come; the old is gone, the new is here!“ 2Corinthians 5:17

In beginning anew, many times we need to rethink our old thought patterns, behaviors and habits, to turn it over a new leaf, to head and a new direction. We may be carrying around some luggage that seems really great – it’s super cute, trendy, fits our stylish lifestyle- but in truth, it is really dang heavy and weighing us down. We all have it, that thing that we need to off-load. That thing that is a goal buster, a time waster, an unhealthy addiction, that’s interrupting our storyboard for a better life and deep down we really know it. Likely, it is derailing our progress from the direction we see ourselves going in… our vision of better days ahead towards living our one, beautiful, fruitful life. What do we need to stop completely, as it does not complement our best lives?

Is there an addiction to social media, unhealthy food choices, alcohol, career goals, approval of others, status, shopping that we truly need to address? Turning loose of the heavy baggage on our own journey will lighten our load for us as begin to walk into our new lives. We can set free our hearts, minds and bodies when we walk in the way we know we need to go. “Repenting“ means to turn around and stop heading in the direction that takes you away from God‘s plan for your life – His plan, His path. Now is a really great time for us to let go of those things that may have caused us more harm than good, thus far. What burden can we shed to feel better? What things need to stay behind in our old life? Remember, we truly want to heal, like the paralytic by the water’s edge.

“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a Great cloud of witnesses, let us throw of everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, The pioneer and perfector of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning it’s shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Hebrews 12:1-3

In October 2019, I decided to kick my nightly habit of that seemingly soothing glass of wine. It is such a slippery slope, that crutch to lean on when your nerves are frazzled. I looked forward to coming home after a hard days’ work, cracking open a cold, crisp bottle of white wine, pouring a glass and heading out to the patio, just to “take the edge off” from an unnerving day. Sometimes one turns to two and I found that the more I did that, the more I depended upon it to relax. But what I found instead, was a terrible night of sleep, a puffy face and sugar cravings the next day, along with a foggy brain. I came across Sober Sis on Instagram, who spoke of “gray area” drinking. It struck a chord with me, that really made me rethink my relationship with that nightly ritual. I never had a drinking problem or anything earth- shattering happen that made me think my drinking was out of control, but I just didn’t like the way it made me feel anymore. I didn’t like my thoughts that I was reliant upon it to bring my stress level down. It also made me question what example I was setting for my children in my actions, because they are watching you, mama. So, alcohol and I parted ways and I just stopped. I didn’t bargain with myself or say that I deserved it because I had had a hard day. I just quit it and I’ve never looked back. I feel better, I sleep better, I look better. Maybe you too are reliant upon that to take the edge off, sweet friend. But I can assure you, that in the big picture, mommy does not need a sippy cup to handle her life. If you feel like it’s a problem for you, I urge you to look up Sober Sis on IG. Although I never took part in any of the programs that she offers, I think what she’s doing is terrific, most especially if you’re on a slippery slope downhill. Maybe this is not your issue, but you have a different one you need to address. I urge you to think deeply and pray on it, repenting of anything that’s hindering you. It’s refreshing. You with me?

“Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times are refreshing may come from the Lord, and that he may send the Messiah, who has been appointed for you – even Jesus“ Acts 3:19-20