Recognizing an Awakening
What’s one of the greatest R & B Albums of all time?
For me, that winner goes to Lauren Hill’s ‘The Miseducation of Lauren Hill’. Talk about an awakening.
The year that album came out I was headed to High School. I quickly managed to learn every single word and to sing it as if her life was my own.
I loved so many things about that album but mostly I loved the progression it showed. Back then a music album told a story and it allowed the fans to get inside the mind of the artist. See what they see. Experience life from their perspective. Kind of sounds a lot like social media today.
This album was a coming of age. It was a woman coming into her own. Seeing the world around her. Managing all the hats she wears and ultimately embracing exactly where she is in that moment. Flaws and all.
I think every woman has a moment or two like that. A moment where, for some reason the naïve veil that has been over her eyes for years begins to lift.
She sees the world from fresh eyes. She realizes her value. She’s no longer satisfied with the status quo.
She has an awakening.
Usually something sparks this awakening; a bad break up, giving birth, accomplishing a long term goal, seeing a friend struggle or just reaching your limit in a stressful situation. I’ve been there before and have seen it even more times.
Something just clicks and she snaps out of complacency and is ready to change her life.
She wants more than just titles and endless repetitive days. She wants more than a dead end job that doesn’t value her worth. She’s tired of feeling unfulfilled. She wants more than rote faith and fleeting religious acts. She craves that good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over kind of overflow in her life. I am she and she is me. Can you relate?
I believe that these are God moments. In the midst of an awakening we get to reeducate our minds with God’s word and reintroduce ourselves to a world who THINKS they know us.
I believe that these are DO or DIE, make you or break you moments to take back your power and to live the way God intended.
The real question is how do we recognize an awakening and take action?
I’d love to hear your thoughts on this. Have you ever experienced an awakening?
8 Comments
Shannon
Definitely yes and 2 times in particular. In the last year, I grew tired of being afraid to go after God given goals because they just seemed to big for me. As I looked around and saw so many others “going for it,” I decided to just do it scared. So, here I am! Sitting in my own salon space and it feels soooo good!!! Is it plenty of work? Yes. But (if God says the same) I do not want to work a 9-5 any longer. I’m at peace and more business ideas have bombarded my mind. I’m ready. All praises to God!
Kelly A. Foster
I love this! Thanks for sharing Shannon. You are so right! When we take the small step in faith God meets us where we are then takes it to the next level. Business ideas on top of ideas! I am loving watching you spread your wings and can’t wait to hear all the testimonies of what God will do.
Janelle
I have been in an “awakening” for the last year, maybe 2. I hear the Lord saying, even now, “dream bigger,” and to be honest, that scares me and it also shows me how closed-minded and limited I am. My prayer this morning was for Him to “take the limits off”, I want to come outside and break past the glass ceiling and see the expansive sky (the possibilities truly are endless). What has limited my dreams in the past is the logic behind accomplishing them. I don’t want to just dream them, I want to go after them, and if I can’t see the path I’m discouraged that I can’t do it and pretty much shut it down. Prayers and encouragement in this area are much appreciated.
Kelly A. Foster
Thank you so much for sharing! You are not alone. I’ve felt so stuck, so paralyzed by fear that I was accomplishing nothing. I am praying with you for the release. God is big enough for you to dream freely AND catch you IF you fall. No matter what happens we still don’t lose. Be encouraged, you can do ALL things through Christ! I’d love for you to check out my book, I think it would really be a blessing to you and provide that push. You got this!
Arris Charles
Yes a few, and I expect more as I grow with God. I left my corporate career to seek my purpose and people thought I was wrong to walk away from my education and salary. But my heart was drawn to something else and I knew it. I started a business while raising young kids and it was meant to be, but I also learned about trusting God’s timing and not to rush ahead, which can cause issues. I’ve also learned to let go and let God work in loved ones lives when I can’t influence them–so that I can have peace within myself and to keep peace in relationships. I awaken to more of who God made me to be, and in the process of exploring that, I awaken to more of His wisdom and I grow. I’m not who I used to be, but becoming more of who I’m meant to be. Thank you for this unique and thought provoking article.
Kelly A. Foster
I love these Arris! So much wisdom here. It’s so beneficial when we’re able to see our growth and anticipate the new growth God is growing inside of us. Thank you for sharing.
Tina
I am in the middle of my own awakening. My marriage crumbled despite my years of trying to save it. God has carried me out of the storm, I’m in school, learning to juggle multiple responsibilities, adjusting my outlook, and dreaming of a future I never imagined – the one God had marked out for me all along –
Kelly A. Foster
Tina thank you for your transparency. God is so faithful to restore! Look at all you are doing growing, healing, and dreaming again. Praise God for what he is doing in your life. I know this road all too well and it does get better, God is with you friend. Blessings!