For every person on this earth, there will likely come a time, if it hasn’t already happened, when you will come face to face with a devastating life event.
When that time comes, you will make a choice. You will either lie down and quit, or you will stand up and overcome. How you choose to respond will determine where your future finds you.
Most of you already know that my husband of 22 years died almost a year ago (April 17, 2018) from brain cancer. This was the second time in my life when I’ve had to choose between quitting and overcoming. The other time was when we came very close to divorce, but chose to fight for our marriage. That which was intended to harm us, God used to increase our faith, love and commitment to each other. The breakdown in our marriage became the foot stool for the BUILD-UP and LEVEL-UP. We overcame together and were stronger because of it.
His death has been the most devastating thing I’ve ever had to face. Nevertheless, I’ve chosen to overcome. However, this time it’s just me and God. My CEMO isn’t here to help me through this one.
Overcoming requires both GRIEVING and GROWING.
THE GRIEF PROCESS
The grief process is a deeply personal journey that must take place if we are to find ourselves healthy and whole on the other side. It’s an unpredictable roller coaster that affects each person differently in both expression and timing.
On the other hand, one thing that is the same for everyone, is the fact that it must be endured. There are no shortcuts in grief. One may try to avoid it, hide from it, or put if off. However, in the end, it will find you, and demand its course.
THE GROWTH PROCESS
In the meantime, while grief is being embraced, the second part of overcoming is being manifested simultaneously, which is growth. God doesn’t allow us to go through anything in life without placing before us an opportunity for growth. Once you embrace the grief, healing begins and growth becomes attainable.
Having said that, as I move through this process of grieving and growing, God has made it clear (through an unbelievable chain of events) that I am to SPEAK. He is calling me to do the one thing that has always evoked heart pounding, knee-knocking, hand trembling fear. Nevertheless, my immutable faith will not allow me to ignore the call. Through obedience, His message of hope will shine through, as I stand before His people and open my mouth for His glory. He’s the potter and I’m the clay, surrendered to be moulded into His instrument of encouragement to women. I’m the vessel and He’s given me a voice. I must SPEAK! Pray for me!
I was invited to visit a local Toastmasters meeting in January. After three visits, I decided to become a member in order to learn, practice and improve my speaking skills.
Each new member is required to deliver an Ice Breaker Speech, which brings me to today’s DIY outfit. I wanted to look the part for my speech, so of course I had to make something to wear. I made this Straight Skirt & Pussy Bow Blouse for the occasion. Looking good helps me to feel better and I felt GREAT that day!!!
STRAIGHT SKIRT & PUSSY BOW BLOUSE
For the skirt I chose Butterick 5466 and this beautiful brocade that I purchased from a vendor at the Sew Much Talent Sewing Retreat last year. Here are options for BROCADE FABRIC from Joann Fabrics.
The Pussy Bow Blouse is Vogue 8772 with a gold, slinky knit that’s been in my fabric collection for a very long time. I don’t remember where I purchased it from but here are options for similar SLINKY KNIT FABRIC from Michael Levine Fabrics.
I love both pieces and look forward to lots of wear mixed in with other DIY separates, like the gold turtleneck sweater I made this winter. Also, the blouse would look so cute with a pair of jeans, which I plan to start working on soon. WooHoo!!! I’m finally adding more separates to my DIY wardrobe.
The Ice Breaker Speech went very well. Although I was nervous in the beginning, I actually did an amazing job. My agenda was to capture the attention of the audience, draw them into my story, and move them to action . I showed up looking smart in my DIY outfit, and spoke from the heart. They LOVED it!
May I encourage you today? Life happens to all of us and we have no control over some of the things that will come upon us. Here’s the truth. You are resilient! You’re a survivor! But you will have to make a choice when faced with life’s trials. You can choose to lie down and quit on life, believing it’s over for you. Or, you can STAND UP, in the midst of your circumstances, choose to OVERCOME, and thrive in life. I urge you to choose the latter.
I’m Anita Morris, and I’m an OVERCOMER!!!
Thanks for stopping by!
