Together, lets deconstruct the patterns of our mind and this world. Putting things into perspective and order. What patterns are even true or worthy of space in our hearts. Are they healthy. Lifegiving. Soul caring. Or restorative? Or do we need to cut them out, piece by piece. Lie by lie.

The fruit of the Spirit, found in Galatians 5:22-23, is made up of the following nine qualities or gifts: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

Let us focus our hearts on these things.

The truth is that living a life of intentionality and focus is really hard. It is a daily practice. Our focus can blur slowly at times and others circumstances can hit violently and we don’t even see them coming.

Have you ever compared yourself to the hand selected and filtered life of others in your social media feeds or those in or out of your circle? Or how is it going giving yourself grace when you don’t always have together.

Then add those deep wounds and valleys along your journey you don’t want others to know about.

Those are the parts of our stories are far easier to keep protected safe inside of us out of fear of vulnerability or avoiding shame.

As I learned (yes, learned) to deconstruct the pattern of only sharing my (what I thought) was acceptable or lovely, I began to understand that those valleys are what grew me in awareness and resilience, stretched me to pursue health and healing, brought humility, reminding me that I don’t have it all together (I am not expected too). I learned I can be and am courageous and the most significant, I grew my faith.

We have been created uniquely with gifts and passion to be in relationship. To know, and to be known. By God and others. We long for this kind of belonging.