"Looking for Lovely"

“And not only that, but we also boast in our afflictions, because we know that affliction produces endurance, endurance produces proven character, and proven character produces hope. This hope will not disappoint us, because God’s love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” Romans 5:3-5 (CSB)

“But that’s not all! Even in times of trouble we have a joyful confidence, knowing that our pressures will develop in us patient endurance. And patient endurance will refine our character, and proven character leads us back to hope. And this hope is not a disappointing fantasy, because we can now experience the endless love of God cascading into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who lives in us!” (TPT)

If you know me at all, you know that all I really want to do today is sit down with you and hear where you are. I want to ask each of yesterday’s questions and hear all of you share. Nothing would make me happier than to have space and time to notice the themes and repetitions for myself. I just can’t think of anything more delightful than being invited into the lives of God’s children. It’s such an honor when I get to do it.

When I can’t, though, I get to trust God’s powerful hand in each life. I’m praying yesterday’s activity perfectly prepared you to go into chapter one today. If you didn’t get to do the activity, please stop and do it. Of course, you can work through our study in a positive way without it. But, I believe there’s an important first step in the location activity we did yesterday.

OK, girls. Here we go. It’s time to open up to chapter 1, “Quitter,” and begin reading Looking for Lovely.

This first section (“In the Absence of Lovely”) is only four chapters. We will read all four in two weeks. The section title sort of announces that our first portions of reading will be heavy. We are moving quickly, so give yourself permission to dive into the not so perfect details of Annie’s life in a way that allows God to uncover those details in your own life. We don’t have to be scared of, turned off by, or tempted to run from the negative aspects of our journey. Honestly, if we plan to truly look for lovely even in the ugly, we must be willing to look at the ugly. I’m praying for all of us as we do.

Once you’ve finished reading in Annie’s book. Go back to Romans 5:3-5 and read the passage again in both translations. Based on all of your reading today, offer a prayer to God. It doesn’t have to be dramatic or poetic. It can be long or short. Just offer to God what’s on your heart from today’s reading.

I’ll see you tomorrow, sisters.