Like a Lady: Becoming a Kindred Spirit

“A bosom friend–an intimate friend, you know–a really kindred spirit to whom I can confide my inmost soul" -- L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables

Kindred Spirits — what are they? And who are they? 

I feel so honored and immensely blessed to know such friends. But if there is one thing I have learned in having meaningful, sisterhood relationships — a really kindred spirit, it’s that you have to be a kindred spirt before you can attract one.

As Anne Shirley is one of our all-time favorite fictional inspirations, and is the heroine where the theme of “kindred spirits” originated, we’re going to discover what she has to say about being a kindred spirit. It’s important to know that anyone can be a kindred spirit, and Anne would be delighted to show you how.

1. Be on the lookout for new friends, and especially, kindred spirits. 

Whether it be an instant connection like that of Anne and Matthew, “I felt that [Matthew] was a kindred spirit as soon as I ever saw him,”

or having to dig a little deeper, like with Miss Barry, “Miss Barry was a kindred spirit after all…you wouldn’t think so to look at her, but she is. You don’t find it right out at first, as in Matthew’s case, but after a while you come to see it,” — Anne

always have an open mind, open heart, and walk out intentionality with friends and strangers alike - even with the prickly ones. Because many times, kindred spirits come from the most unexpected places.

2. Give of yourself; even when it requires sacrifice.

“I can give Diana half [my chocolate], can’t I? The other half will taste twice as sweet to me if I give some to her. It’s delightful to think I have something to give her” — Anne

Have a generous heart towards people. This is not just with things, but with your time, words, and love. Dote on your friends, because they deserve it! Show them you care in the best ways you know how.

3. Always opt for honesty.

The character Miss Stacey put it perfectly to Anne, "the truth will set you free” — Miss Stacey

The truth will set you free from, really, anything that threatens to divide friendships. In some cases, the words that go unsaid hurt the most. That’s why the Bible instructs us to “speak the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15). Use your words to bring life, speak truth, and to build up. Honesty builds a foundation for trust, and a relationship rich in trust is an unwavering one.

4. Look for the best in others; give your best to them.

“If we have friends we should look only for the best in them and give them the best that is in us, don’t you think?” — Anne

We should always be the loudest voice of encouragement in our friends lives - elevating their strengths and capitalizing their accomplishments. In so doing, we need to offer them the best version of ourselves. They deserve you at your best! I’m not suggesting for you to be fake, but rather to follow the example of Christ of putting others (emotions, feelings, needs) above your own - because people matter to God.

5. Be authentically you.

“Anne never stooped to the petty practices of so many of the Avonlea girls–the small jealousies, the little deceits and rivalries, the palpable bids for favor”

Don’t be anything you’re not, and don’t wish for anything you’re not, for that will certainly stunt a kindred spirit. As the saying goes, you are the best you in the world, and no one can be you - er than you! Just think - if you are not being true to you, then you are depriving someone else of having a kindred spirit.

6. Add value to others. 

“When you look at me in a certain way…I long to be better and wiser and stronger"

Ask yourself this question: when people leave your presence, do they feel better about themselves or about you? Inspire people to become all that God has created them to be. Not because of how great you are, but because of the person and potential you draw out of them.

7. Comparison crushes the soul.

“Anne, there’s one thing in particular I like about you – you’re so ungrudging. There isn’t a particle of envy in you”

Don’t give in to envy - it will eat away at who you are and will always leave you feeling empty and defeated. Instead, empower your sister in Christ to be the best “her” that she can be. Issues of jealously will only bring you both down, so choose to be a women with a genuine spirit, who validates others gifts, callings, and opportunities.

8. Loyalty breeds longevity. 

“Oh, Diana, will you promise faithfully never to forget me, the friend of your youth, no matter what?” — Anne

There is nothing like a faithful friend  - especially amidst adversity. When faced with different seasons of life, and circumstances threaten to dissolve the relationship, such as, a move across the country, going separate ways, the tierney of the time, and even the actions of others, always, always fight for your friendships. 

I’m inspired by my older sister and the friendship she continues to cultivate from one coast to the other. Destiny constantly finds crafty ways to snail-mail music, quotes, art, and thoughtful letters. So be creative, be innovative, and conquer all odds to be that loyal and faithful friend.

9. Be in good practice of vulnerability.

“I thought you liked me of course, but I never hoped you loved me. Why, Diana, I didn’t think anyone could love me. Nobody ever has loved me since I can remember” — Anne

It takes a good measure of bravery to be vulnerable. Admitting to fears, insecurities, and jealousies can be uncomfortable and extremely awkward. It requires vulnerability to expose them and an even greater amount of courage to face what you find. But vulnerability generates honesty, and honesty, trust, and trust…a true confidant.

10. Love with all your heart — and at all times.

“I love you devotedly, Anne…and I always will, you be sure of that” — Diana

The best and final most effective way to cultivate a kindred spirit is to keep the golden rule: love. Loving your neighbor as 

yourself. The book of Proverbs tells us that “a friend loves at all times” (Proverbs 17:17). But Jesus, the ultimate Kindred 

Spirit, took this a step further; He was willing to lay down His life for his friends. After all, that is how Jesus changed the 

world - by living a life of love with twelve very close friends. I want to be that kind of friend. I want to change the world with 

the way I love and befriend others. 

We all want to change the world, make our mark, and leave a legacy in some significant way, so why don’t we do as Jesus 

did and start with our friendships? 

“Kindred spirits are not so scarce as I used to think. It's splendid to find out there are so many of them in the world" 

Sincerely His,

Brianna Jenelle

As a side note, one of our girls, an absolute kindred spirit, just recently got engaged! So, let’s all celebrate Sammie Madison and the God who is faithful to His daughters! We look forward to witnessing all the happiness that awaits what will be the beginnings of a new life and her dream of becoming a wife!

Like A Lady: Choosing to Smile.

About a year ago, maybe less, I stood hand in hand in a circle full of people who held their heads down. Though this was our normal routine at our 8:30am staff prayer time, on this particular morning, we all held our heads down for more reasons than in prayer. We faced discouragement, tiredness, and… boredom. If I had looked in the mirror, I would have probably seen a similar reflection. It was not a “season,” a trial, or a heartache that kept us from joy. I think it was simple: I think it was just the mundane.

I realized in this moment that simple problems require simple solutions. So I boldly prayed outloud, “As we close our eyes in prayer, can we all smile?” At first, some chuckled. I know, it was an unexpected prayer.  Smiling doesn’t seem like anything “spiritual,” right?

Or, does it?

 1. Smiling is good for the soul.

I think that God knew that His ladies would need an example of a woman who demonstrates joy.  Proverbs 31:25, “she can laugh at the days to come.” Women often struggle with pressures, anxiety, stress, and… hormones. But in the midst of unknowing what our week will hold, or the hours in the day will bring, we can deflate those pressures by smiling.

Psychologists, doctors, and scientists have performed studies and tests that prove that smiling improves the mood. And well it does, we know as Christians that it is the joy of the Lord that renews our strength. Which means, we do not need antidepressants or other medication for our happiness or sanity. Proverbs 17:22 reads,  “A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.” The joy of the Lord is enough to change our perspectives, lift our burdens, and delight our hearts. When you choose to smile, you’re choosing joy.

2. Smiling is good for the body.

Proverbs 15:30  “A cheerful look brings joy to the heart”

By smiling for up to 60 seconds (no matter if it is forced or not) studies show that it boosts the immune system, decreases stress hormones, and relaxes physical tension. Smiling can also relax the body’s muscles, resulting in more circulation of  blood flow. When you choose smiling, you’re choosing wellness.

3. Smiling is contagious.

Think about the last time someone smiled at you. Could you resist smiling back? Neither could I. I read this brilliant poem, by an unknown author, and it convinced me that smiling is indeed very contagious.

“Smiling is infectious,

you catch it like the flu,

When someone smiled at me today,

I started smiling too.

I passed around the corner

and someone saw my grin.

When he smiled I realized

I'd passed it on to him.

I thought about that smile,

then I realized its worth.

A single smile, just like mine

could travel round the earth. 

So, if you feel a smile begin,

don't leave it undetected.

Let's start an epidemic quick,

and get the world infected!”

When you choose to smile, you’re choosing influence.

If you’re having trouble finding a reason to smile, I encourage you to think positively! Remember to count your blessings. Choose to spend your time with life-giving people. And, laugh at yourself.

"A smile is a curve that sets everything straight." -- Phyllis Dyer

If you need to smile (or laugh!) today, then watch this video that my friend, Rachel Grant, produced. Rachel is the one person who can always make me laugh. She is currently studying Film/Media in Sydney, Australia at Hillsong College.

Confidently His,

Whitney

Like a Lady: Health and Fitness

Over the past year, I have started to take my health and fitness a bit more seriously. When I was in high school, I was in great shape (so many of us can say that...) I played field hockey and softball, and I had a generally active lifestyle. When I graduated and spent a year living the college dorm life, I quickly got out of shape. I could not run as long or as fast as I could in high school, and I had lost a lot of the overall tone and agility I had at 17 and 18 years old. 

I recently decided I wanted to live that active, healthy life again. In November I ran my first half marathon, and this month I completed the two-month exercise program Insanity. A passion for health and fitness has been developing in me, because I want everyone to feel the way I do after I make fitness accomplishments! It’s a truly amazing feeling when your body grows stronger and faster, and when you push yourself to the limit. 

Something I have kept at the forefront of my mind on this health and fitness journey is that it’s all about treating your body right. You’ve probably heard it said that “if you love your body, it will love you back.” That is 100% true. When we love our bodies with regular exercise, whole foods that give us the fuel we need, and adequate amounts of rest, our bodies will respond well and we will feel strong! Though our culture will tell you otherwise, fitness is not about being skinny. Health and fitness is truly all about being strong and glorifying God by taking care of these bodies He has given us. 

With that being said, here are a few ways us ladies can prioritize health and fitness in our busy lives!

1.Baby Steps.

The fastest way to get discouraged and fail is to set your fitness goals too high. If you have not exercised in a very long time, don’t start off by going to a high-impact spin class or running 5 miles. Take small steps. The important thing is to just get moving. Start off by taking long afternoon walks instead of watching that hour of TV. Do this regularly, then moving to jogging, and then running. This goes for nutrition, too. It’s a lot easier to transition to a healthier diet if you start by slowly substituting better options for your not-so-healthy ones, rather than quitting cold turkey from all of your favorite foods. 

2.Prioritize

In our busy lives, I know that our health can sometimes be put on the back-burner. It’s important to get out of this mindset. Start by making it a point to put some kind of physical activity into your daily routine. Make it a habit, and soon you will be doing it naturally. I definitely know the feeling of coming home from work or class exhausted, and the last thing I want to do is workout. However, on those days I like to think of my workout as my “me time.” I use my workout to unwind, clear my mind, and sometimes pray. I always end up being so glad I did it. I’ve never regretted spending some time to invest in my health! Here are some workout’s I love that are ideal for those busy days:

Yoga with Adriene is super relaxing. She has a nice voice, but I like to put on some soft music during my workout, it helps me focus. Don’t be fooled-this may be relaxing, but it is not easy! This yoga session is low-impact, but focuses on strengthening the core. You will feel it in your abs!

This is from the Insanity exercise program. It’s one of my favorite cardio sequences to do on a busy day. It’s only 35 minutes long, and leaves me feeling like I was able to squeeze in a great workout!

3. Balance

Keep in mind that living a healthy, active lifestyle is not about depriving yourself from foods you love or beating yourself up when you don’t fit your work out in. You will have those days when life hits, but part of living a healthy lifestyle is loving yourself through those times and having the strength to get back up and try again. Remember that there is nothing wrong with treating yourself, too! In fact, you should reward yourself for working hard! So have that extra cookie and don’t punish your body for it. 

The key to this is balance and moderation. A good rule of thumb to follow is the 80/20 rule. Try to make 80% of your diet food that have high nutritional value: fruits and veggies, proteins, and complex carbs (whole grain bread, oatmeal, brown rice, or quinoa, to name a few.) The remaining 20% of your diet can be more indulgent foods that you love. I love this principle because it’s all about building a lifestyle and not a diet.   After all, if you’re going to workout so hard, you should be able to enjoy yummy treats, too! :) 

Once I started using the 80/20 rule in my life, it made me want to eat healthier. I realized that my body is actually craving the nutritious foods I was giving it. Because I’ve made having a healthier diet a part of my lifestyle, when I do splurge on a “treat meal” I definitely notice and can’t wait to go back to my healthy foods. I know this sounds like a stretch, but trust me. You will get so used feeling the energy that your healthy meals supply along with your workouts, you’ll never want to go back!

“You were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.” -1 Corinthians 6:20

Let’s treat our bodies like the temples that they are, ladies. You're worth it!

All for His Royal Kingdom,

Sammie-Marie

Hands Together: being the hands and feet of Jesus

Just two weekends ago, His Ladyship, along with the community of Williamsburg and Crosswalk Church, had the incredible opportunity to serve our community; to give back and be Jesus with skin. We hosted an event called “Hands Together” out of the historical triangle, an event designed to touch the lives of our neighbors in need in a tangible way. We offered them a tremendous amount of services ranging from housing, photography, medical, food vouchers, and even a commissary to pick up some basic necessities. All around, it was a great experience and a means by which we were able to live out our hospitality - the biblical way. Remember, biblical hospitality is a position of heart, putting others needs above your own, and loving them with the sacrificial love of Christ.

Here are a few of our personal experiences we want to share with our His Ladyship community! 

Whitney~

Hands Together was hours of time well spent. It was a chance to lend a helping hand, a listening ear, and an encouraging word to someone in need. At first I was a bit nervous to be guiding a complete stranger around the premises of the countless local businesses, non-profit organizations, and government agencies.   Then I met Judy. All worry subsided over a cup of coffee and orange juice when I heard her story. I learned that her disability and severe health complications prohibited her from finding work. As a result, she lived in a single room motel without a car, insurance, this month’s rent, or a family member or friend. Desperation is not just when your hands are left empty, but when your heart is empty, too. So why was I the one that was worried? As I asked her more questions, I silently prayed that God would restore in me a new heart, a heart of compassion for His daughter sitting in front of me.  Somehow, I believe that He did. What amazed me about Judy was her selflessness. Though she was  a penniless widow, she was more concerned about the needs of her grandchildren than the needs of her own. She explained that her daughter and son-in-law were both working full time jobs and yet were still struggling to provide for their family. So, she chose to spend her donated money from the event on diapers instead of canned food items for herself. She skipped over the clothes in her size to pick out the nicest pair of footed pajamas for her one year-old grandson. Now that is love - selfless and sacrificial. As it turned out, I learned a great deal from this wise woman, and I think we, as a community, could do the same.

Judy and I had the best time in those short four hours. Judy found aid from organizations like The Salvation Army and many others, but she also found laughter. I could tell it had been missing for quite some time. And I, I found new perspective. 


Sammie~

My experience at Hands Together was unforgettable and rewarding in more ways than I can count. I had the privilege of working in child care for the day, which was different for me. I love kids, but I am normally drawn toward working with the adults for outreaches like this. My task was to get all of the children checked in properly - name tags, wristbands, and a pager for the parent so we could contact them if we needed to. After I checked them in, I got to spend the rest of the time playing with the little ones, and even more time rocking sleeping babies (which I was totally okay with!)

Caring for these children was different than any other kids ministry I’ve been involved with. Many of them were left in that room with us for over 5 hours. Many of them were sick. Many of them, I could tell, were longing for attention and affection, and I was so glad I got to offer that to them for a few hours. There was one precious little boy, who was in that room with us for close to 4 hours. Immediately when he arrived and I checked him in, he seemed very curious but timid. He had a few cuts on his face that I couldn’t explain, a full head of curly hair, and he was wearing what seemed to be pajamas that he’d been in for too long. I brought him over a few toys to try to engage him, and he just stood there with a shy smile and big eyes of wonder. It was clear to me that he doesn’t play with toys often. I watched him for a while as he wandered around the room, not really playing with anyone or anything. In fact, the only thing this little boy did was lock himself inside the little gated area we had for the small babies. After a while, he visibly let go of his reservations and began excitedly picking up things and running them over to me or another child care volunteer. He was amazed by everything in that little room...he’d pick up a puzzle piece and open his eyes and mouth wide gazing at it. I’d kneel down to his level, and share his excitement with him. Then he’d hand me the object and go find something else that amazed him. He was the only boy who didn’t really play with the other kids. He was the only boy who actually finished his whole snack and juice. But what I’ll remember most is this: when his Mom came to pick him up, he was the only one who turned from her and ran to my arms. 

She walked in and I said “Look, Mommy’s here!” He jumped into my arms and I carried him over to her, but he hugged my neck tight as I tried to hand him to her. That’s never happened to me before. Whenever I work in kid’s ministry, the moment Mommy comes back is a joyful one, not a dreaded one. I was sad when he left because I didn’t know what he was going home to, but I was glad in my heart because maybe I and the other volunteers got to show him a few hours of joy. Maybe we got to show him genuine freedom to explore and interact. Maybe we got to give him a few hours to forget about the worries that home may hold, that no child should know of so early. 

Brianna~
I was overwhelmed at the chance to serve with one of my greatest passions: hair. A couple of girls from various salons joined me to set up shop in the girls locker room. No fancy-shmancy shampoo bowls or a throne of a chair to sit - just a couple of girls with some scissors, combs, and a whole lot of heart. In my opinion, we got the best end of the deal! We got to touch our guests on a more personal level, literally. And for some of these people, this was the only mindless conversation they could have about sports, kids, and catholic schools in an environment that added value to them.

I’ll never forget an older lady I met in my chair that day. I didn’t know her story. I didn’t know what life situations brought her to my chair in these circumstances. But I knew that I could give her a meaningful haircut and that I could possibly alter the way she looked and felt about herself. She was so proud to tell me about her daughter she supports in Africa through the Compassion organization. She preceded to tell me that as soon as she saved enough money, she was headed over there to see her little girl. This touched me so. She was more than excited to tell me that after her hair do, she was going to get her picture professionally taken from another booth at the Hands Together event to send to adopted daughter overseas. It’s funny, really, they tell you that when you reach out, the ones you’re reaching actually bless you more than you bless them. And that was certainly the case for Miss Elizabeth.

Here at His Ladyship, we hope to build a community of compassion - allowing His heart to change ours. It’s more than us in the world, and we pray that God would open up our eyes to see His global heart. Hands Together was just one outreach where we could practice biblical hospitality, but the world is bursting with needs that go unnoticed and unmet! So we encourage you, be engaged, get involved, and let hospitality be your lifestyle.

Sincerely His,

Brianna Jenelle

Hospitality: No Home Required

When I have a some extra time on my hands, I love to slip into the local Barnes and Noble, grab a few homemaking and recipe books, and sit in the little café. I thumb through the pages filled with trendy and chic, yet warm and homey decor. I read of lovely dinner and tea parties, hospitable guest rooms. In my head I imagine bright, welcoming entry ways, I hear laughter pouring from the dining room packed with dear friends, I see relaxation and ease over endless cups of coffee. I leave inspired, and I think “I can’t wait to have my own home.” 

It’s true, I am absolutely looking forward to having my own home someday and welcoming others in with open arms and an open heart. I’m drawn to homemaking and hospitality, and using it to provide for others an environment that invites them to sit down and stay a while. But what I sometimes forget is that hospitality is not just something you do- it’s something you can exude from your inner-most being. Hospitality does not mean dinner parties and a well-decorated home. Hospitality is a lifestyle that is dedicated to placing the needs of others before our own. 

The Lord calls us to live a hospitable lifestyle- 

“Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.” Romans 12:13

“Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.” 1 Peter 4:9

“Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.” Romans 12:10

I love the picture of hospitality that Jesus paints when he tells the Pharisees the parable of the great banquet:

“When you give a dinner or a banquet, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or rich neighbors, lest they also invite you in return and you be repaid. But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the just.” Luke 14:12-14

Jesus makes an important point here- biblical hospitality is meant to be shown to more people than our family and friends. Yes, it is gracious and wonderful to show hospitality to them- but biblical hospitality takes the poor, the lame, the blind, the crippled, and places them in the seat of honor. 

It’s no surprise that Jesus himself was the greatest example of hospitality. Yet, Jesus did not display his hospitable spirit by inviting people to dinners and parties. Instead, He showed gracious hospitality when he fed the multitudes (Mark 6:30-44). He examplified hospitality through provision, meeting the basic needs of others. 

I began taking an interest in biblical hospitality when I heard an interview with Francis Chan a few years ago. After stepping down as head pastor from a mega church he’d been with for 17 years, he sold his home and gave away 90% of his income. He moved into a much smaller home, and opened his doors to other in need. Sometimes, as many as 7 houseguests take shelter under his family’s roof. On this topic Chan says, “The concept of downsizing so that others might upgrade is biblical, beautiful...and nearly unheard of. We either close the gap or don't take the words of the Bible literally.” 

 I was, and still am, so inspired by Chan’s incredible example of biblical hospitality and humility. When I read the scriptures and hear examples like this, I am reminded of the true meaning of hospitality. 

It’s easy to get caught up in the glamorous kind of hospitality the world displays: big homes with the most beautiful furnishings and decor, dinner parties and backyard barbecues. This brand of hospitality is focused on ourselves and what we have...that is called entertaining.

Shauna Niequist, author of Bread and Wine, wrote: "The heart of hospitality is when people leave your home they should feel better about themselves, not better about you." 

Authentic, biblical hospitality is a position of the heart. It is motivated by love that shows itself through selflessness and humility. It seeks to bring honor to others. It pursues the less fortunate and invites them in- not only into a home, but into a warm heart ready to minister the sweet words of the Gospel.

As I mentioned earlier, many of us are not homeowners and cannot invite others to take shelter at this point in our lives. But what can you do to show hospitality without a home?

You can be hospitable when you stay and linger to pray and talk with that person who needs a listening ear- even when the tasks are piling up.

You can work with organizations who provide hospitality: rescue missions, homeless shelters, soup kitchens, battered women’s shelters. Even your church’s welcoming committee. A genuine smile goes a long way!

You can bring packages and dinners to families you know are in need. 

Having an open heart is the most effective way to show hospitality to others. 

Biblical hospitality requires no home, friends. 

All for His Royal Kingdom, 

Sammie Marie

P.S If you live in the Hampton Roads Area, Monday, February 24th there will be a great event for you to practice your hospitality at: Hands Together. 

“Hands Together is a one-day, one-stop access to resources available in the community to help out neighbors in need. The event is designed to not only help our neighbors in need, but also educate our community and build a community of compassion.”

I worked at the Hands Together last year, and it is one of the purest examples of the gospel I have seen.  I encourage you to make it out to this important event for our community! You can find further information here: http://www.williamsburgcc.com/ht2/ Hope to see you there!

Image Via: What Katie Ate

May I Have This Dance? [A Return to Fairytales]

Hello, lovely!

I can’t tell you how much I’ve enjoyed this series, “A Return to Fairytales.” I’ve learned countless valuable lessons from all of our writers, and I hope you have too! I believe that God often teaches us truths through different avenues-and storytelling is definitely one of them.

I’ve been thinking about this series lately, about the message that I hope and pray you take away from it. I know it is so much fun to reminisce and daydream about the princesses we all adored as children (and still do!) and read about how their lives reflect beautiful character and love. It’s all so wonderfully lighthearted! However, I am also aware that at the end of the day, fairytales are not real life, and I never want to emphasize fairytales so much that it minimizes the pain and struggle that so many of you have inevitably encountered in your lives. This “return to fairy tales” was not meant to gloss over or sprinkle glitter upon your pain as if it is unnecessary or trivial. His Ladyship is not about naivety, nor denying the realities of this sinful world we live in. LINK As I described in my first post, I too have endured pain. I understand with everything I have in me what it means to battle with this life that is so unimaginably unjust. But, I also find some hope in the story, in the tale. And that’s what this whole thing is truly about. Hope.

It’s about the source of blessed hope. Hope that has open arms for you to fall into. Hope that keeps track of all of your tears. Hope that is deep and rich and comes in endless amounts. Hope that withstands when the very foundations begin to crumble. Hope that endures and believes when you don’t. 

Truthfully, fairytales can’t give you the depth of hope that your soul is crying out for. No amount of optimism, cheery outlooks or inspiring quotes can fill you with the kind of Hope that won’t falter. That is the kind of Hope you need.

This Blessed Hope is found only in Jesus. He is inviting you to be the princess of your very own fairy tale. He does not promise that your life will be filled with happy endings, Prince Charmings, grand ballrooms or glass slippers. In fact, He actually promises that in this world we will encounter trouble (Jn. 16:33). But a fairytale, a story, a journey walked with Jesus is the best kind, because He is the most wonderful creator...the author of your story. Life walked hand in hand with Jesus is a magnificent adventure.

J.R.R Tolkien, in his discourse on fairy stories, wrote: “The Gospels contain a fairy story, or a story of a larger kind which embraces all the essence of fairy-stories. They contain many marvels—peculiarly artistic, beautiful, and moving: “mythical” in their perfect, self-contained significance...This story begins and ends in joy. There is no tale ever told that men would rather find was true, and none which so many skeptical men have accepted as true on its own merits. For the Art of it has the supremely convincing tone of Primary Art, that is, of Creation.”

You are a part of that story. Jesus is always standing before you in His glorious light, beaming from His countenance. His gentle gaze on you is always warm and tender, and He extends a hand out toward you. He offers you His leadership, His guidance, His love, His promise, His kindness, and His very life.

He’s asking you, “May I have this dance?” 

Will you accept and allow your Blessed Hope to dance you through this life and into eternity? 

All for His Royal Kingdom,

Sammie-Marie

Pocahontas: Bold & Brave

Hello, my name is Katelyn. I like to sing, worship, write and speak. I feel so honored to share on my best friends’ blog! This ministry is such a needed reminder to us women of our value, destiny, and beauty in the Lord, and I am so excited to write to you all!

 I also have a soft spot for fairy tales and princesses, so let me tell you about one of the bravest in all of history. 

She was independent, beautiful, playful, and extremely curious. Did anyone else feel swept away when they watched this exotic princess sing "Colors of the Wind" with her long black strands blowing perfectly in the breeze? I certainly did!

This lovely, indigenous heroine was captured from history and put on a platform for fairy tale audiences to marvel over. However, Disney's glamorously painted picture of her life was not exactly the case. Her life was not at all glamorous or flashy. The legacy she obtains today is not something that was rehearsed for a moving story and for screen writers to embellish. Instead, this young Native American girl probably felt as though she was hidden - hidden amongst her tribe, a sea trees, and nature that kept her company. Let's take a step back in history and get a little reality check...

Pocahontas was the daughter of chief Powhatan. She was born during a pivotal point in history when the British started setting up new colonies on American soil. As we all know, this wasn't the most peaceful transition between these two cultures and distinctive worlds. As if that wasn’t hard enough, her family members were the fiercest of warriors always craving to fight.

In fact, Pocahontas' brother captured the British captain, John Smith, and their tribe was planning to execute him brutally. But, Pocahontas’ ties to her family did not shake her drive for justice and peace. Just as the captain was about to be killed, Her bravery rose up within her, and she flung her tender head over his in order to plead for his life. Take note that she was only 14! What an epic, beautiful picture of sacrifice and mercy. 

What we have to know about this bold lady is that she was called her Father's favorite. Her gentle feminine essence and simply being her daddy's only girl, gave her favor and softened his combatant heart. This relationship and her Father’s compassion that not only saved the life of John Smith, but also the lives of those from a distant world. 

After this astonishing rescue, the tribe adopted John Smith to be one of their own and considered him as a fellow son of the chief. The colonies even started receiving help and supplies from this tribe, and in so doing, spared even more lives - all because Chief Powhatan had a special place in his heart for his beloved daughter.

But it wasn't the way she could fight or keep up with her fierce brothers that kept the land from complete chaos. It was the way she loved and understood others. She was not trying to outshine her tribal leaders with a masculine courage, but the essence of her gentle bravery in a womanly manner was what brought about peace when it was needed.

The story continues with more up and downs, but this once hidden princess with her humble lifestyle would soon experience a love story of her own with a Christian man who introduced her to a new adventure - a consuming rebirth found in Jesus. Yes, our Pocahontas became a believer and sailed with her husband, John Rolfe, to England where she would be baptized and renamed "Rebecca." She even found favor in the sight of the King and Queen!

Maybe you are wondering how this timeless tale can relate to you and I. Well, it has more to do with you than you think. If there is anything I want you to take away from reading this blog, it is that God has a much bigger destiny for you than you could ever imagine for yourself (Ephesians 3:20). Your realm of leadership and influence is broader than you think. Those simple acts of kindness, those constant steady prayers, those times when you smile in the face of discouragement, go much farther than one can see. Your Heavenly Father remembers each one, and sees the lovely fruit that is coming of it. You are His most treasured possession.

Sisters, know that you do not have to promote yourself nor hide yourself away. You are covered with the favor and grace of God simply because you are His. You don't have to fight like a boy, be afraid of being forgotten, or feel unqualified. Do not ever let the enemy tell you that your presence is not needed or that your life is not leaving a vital mark for the Kingdom of God.

God has said that you are perfect. You are spoken for. You are His beloved. You are more than enough. So in the seasons of doubts and feeling unnoticed, trust that your Heavenly Prince is in active pursuit. He can't get you off His mind and He is weaving together a stunning plan for your life. Let Him unveil you. Let Him promote you in due time. His story for you is much more thrilling and fullfilling than you would dare to think possible. 

Your gifts and your voice are chosen for such a time as this, so use it! Let your light shine and do not grow weary in being devoted to the One who has redeemed you. Get excited for the impossible to happen through you!

Love you ladies!

~Kate