There is going to be an "after this" in your life! You just have to find a way to hang on! This is how. Instead of caving to fear in that unexpected moment in life, this is how you can instead cling to faith and as I like to say #GetYourBraveOn.
I believe each of us have ONE MOMENT in between fear and shutting down, that we can turn into bravery. It's that moment that takes your breath away when the unexpected happens.
That moment when your car gets rear ended, when you get called into the boss's office and they let you go, that moment when he comes home and said "I'm leaving you." In that moment you have a choice. You can allow the crash ending to derail your life, OR you can cling to "After This" and choose bravery.
I remember for weeks after I heard "I'm leaving you." I was curled up in a ball in my bed that night by myself, unable to sleep while listening to the breath of my 3 Sunshines (4, 2, and 8 weeks old) fast asleep in their beds. "How would I buy groceries? How could I afford the house? Should I move back home? and God, WHY!!!" were the questions I was screaming in my head.
After This.
I finally fell asleep, and when my alarm went off at 4:30am to get ready to do my morning radio show I decided to move forward. I went to my studio, said a prayer, and pulled off the show. It was not my best performance on the radio, but it was the best decision for my future. I didn't call in sick. I didn't give up. I moved forward, knowing there WILL BE an " After This."
So often when we face loss we feel unable to move forward, not understanding that there will be life again. It will look different, but you will get through it. It likely will be even better. Your brave story ends in victory my friend. If you choose to rise after the fall. It doesn't matter if it's the next day, the next month, or the next year after that crash. Just choose NOW.
You might now know the story of Job in the Bible. He's a man that lost everything. His business, his family, and almost his faith. At the end of Job in the Bible there's a very simple verse that gets overlooked.
"After this, Job lived 140 years and saw his sons and his son's sons, even to four generations."
Job's struggle was 9 MONTHS long. But, AFTER he lived a long full life.
My friends, trouble is temporary. This "crash" is not stopping what God has planned for you. In fact, it could be just the thing that propels you forward In my case, it was actually the catalyst. I was content to just work a part time job and raise my kids in suburban D.C. in 2010. But, then. I was forced to take my career off the back burner, and pursue God's call on my life to provide for my 3 Sunshines. I chose bravery, and was willing to pack up all of our belongings to chase down a dream job for the national network, K-LOVE, radio. I moved across the country from D.C. to California and rented a house off of Craig's List that I had never even seen! It was the best decision ever! I still serve God on the radio, in my writing, and speaking, and it's all because of that moment. Most importantly, I'm raising my 3 Sunshines, and have been able to purchase a home for us and give them a "normal" childhood. They are 14, 12, and 10 now.
I was saved from an abusive marriage, I got a dream job, created a platform with my name, which I now use to share about God's command on our lives, to live a strong and courageous life. (Joshua 1:9).
God provided me the opportunity, and the moment. All I had to do was say NO to fear and HELLO to courage. My friend, you will have an "After This." This present trouble will not last. You are on the verge of a breakthrough. Choose Bravery. Wear it like it's your favorite outfit. #GetYourBraveOn
If you want more inspiration to #GetYourBraveOn subscribe to my DAILY podcast.