Reflections on the journey so far
This month I’m celebrating my 2-year Blog Anniversary. When I first started toying with the idea to start a blog – it was more of a challenge to myself. I had just become a new mom, and shifted from being constantly on the go, volunteering, working, etc.… to staying at home.
Throughout my career, from overseas missions to mental health and special education, I always found a way to incorporate art. I don’t think I fully understood the significance of art in my life till later. Initially, it was just something I thoroughly enjoyed.
But with the busyness of taking care of a newborn, I was easily losing that creative side of me. So I thought if I created a blog that would keep me accountable. If I set a goal to post certain times a month, it will motivate me to keep creating. Thus the blog Ree Creations was formed.
My first blog attempt
However, it did not last for very long (maybe a few months). For in the process of creating God revealed more to me than I was ready to share in public. With more alone time to reflect on my life and journey, God was asking me to step out in faith. He was compelling me to share that art was more than just something I enjoyed. It also helped me cope and manage my depression and anxiety. In addition to visual art, I was also using poetry to express this part of my story. And it was this struggle and vulnerability that God wanted me to put out there, which was terrifying, so of course, I was hesitant to do it.
Stepping out in faith
However, the gentle nudge from God to share my story wouldn’t go away. So then fast forward to September 2019 and I finally hit publish on that first post. I talked about learning to step out in faith and not giving in to fear. That is still something I’m learning to live out each day. And I think it is that honesty that I don’t have it all together and still figuring out answers along the way, that allowed others to feel safe to share their stories with me. Thus ReeCreation Ministries was born.
It became more than just my story.
It became about the other women I can walk alongside with and support and encourage. It’s knowing that as I open up about my mental health struggles I’m helping others feel seen. Women can know they are not alone. It was no longer about just showing my creative side, but more so to magnify God’s work in my life as HIS masterpiece.
As I learn to trust God in this adventure, He never ceases to amaze me. I never would have imagined two years ago that I would be publishing my first book. This is just one example of how God is opening doors and opportunities as he leads and directs me. I am filled with gratitude and wonder at where God has taken me, and where He may take me next.
Be strong and brave
There are still many unknowns, and I definitely have a ton of questions – but I am comforted by God’s words to Joshua to “Be strong and brave. Don’t ever be afraid or discouraged! I am the Lord your God, and I will be there to help you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9 CEV).
It reminds me of the story of Joshua preparing to lead the people of Israel across the Jordan River. As the Israelites were lined up with the priests out in front “and the Jordan was overflowing its banks. But as soon as the feet of the priests who were carrying the Ark touched the water at the river’s edge, the water above that point began backing up a great distance away…” (Joshua 3:15). Notice what happened to the water and when. God didn’t move the water before they got there, or even right when they arrived at the river.
It was only at that moment when the priests took that first step of faith, onto the waters that God moved it away and made a path for them to cross.
I know I’ve got a journey in front of me and I don’t always know all the steps ahead. But I’m learning to take that step of faith as God reveals it to me. It’s scary, but also freeing, and comforting to know it’s not up to me to navigate this ministry. It’s just up to me to follow God as He leads.
A word for those on the journey with me
To the people who sat with me in the trenches, thank you for your love and compassion. To my prayer warriors and supporters, thank you for your encouragement that keeps me going. To the women who shared your stories with me, and let me walk with you on your journeys these last couple of years – THANK YOU for your trust! I truly pray this is just the beginning of many more healing journeys ahead for all of us!