I realize I've missed my usual Name post on Mondays the past few weeks, but hopefully next week all will be back to normal. :D I'm sharing this post a few days WAYYY too late. . . But here we are!
I have the marvelous privilege of writing for the Oh Beloved One magazine---a magazine written by girls for girls!---as most of you probably know by now.
Each GORGEOUS issue features a theme, and the most recent release focuses on Altruism---a fancy word for kindness. :] I LOVE every article! This issue is so stunning & incredibly encouraging, written by girls who struggle to live life as beacons of God's Light in a dark world. They are normal teens & preteens (and some not-so-teen, moi included!) sharing joys & trials & the peace found in Christ alone.
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READ ON
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Hello! My name is Amanda Brown and I'm the founder of Oh Beloved One, a magazine and blog that seeks to create visually engaging, practical resources that aid young women in their spiritual walk.
Over the month of September, I'm taking my blog on a "tour" and sharing what we're all about with girls just like you. Today, I'd just like to share my heart with you guys.
Last month, my mom was diagnosed with stage III breast cancer. She's my best friend, my role model, and the reason Oh Beloved One exists. Some days I feel like I'm in a dream. I don't see the effects of cancer in her usually, but we're surrounded by conversations about treatment options and side effects and wigs.
Sometimes bad things happen to us and the people we love. These are good people and these situations cause us to ask some of life's biggest questions, including "Why do bad things happen to good people?"
I believe with my whole heart that I serve a good God. His idea of good is infinitely better than mine. His "good" grows me, brings me closer to Heaven, encourages others, and ultimately brings Him glory. It's not about my comfort or my temporary happiness.
I've found that I'm never more joyful than when circumstances look rough . . . but I'm rooted in God's love. The people in my church and at my school have surrounded me with love, prayer, and support. I've never so obviously seen the love of God and the supernatural unity He gives His people than in this dark time.
I don't know what you're going through; I don't care if it's something "small" even like self appearance issues, a bad grade, a broken friendship. Your mom doesn't have to be going through cancer for Satan to try to tempt you to blame God. But he will, and you can't give him any room.
Choose God. Daily find ways to choose Him. Sometimes that's as simple as me wearing yellow one day to remind myself to be joyful in the Lord. When your mind starts to question God's goodness, correct yourself immediately. Don't give Satan any room to stand.
Psalm 84 has been a huge encouragement to me; it talks about how God makes valleys into springs and we go from strength to strength: His strength. We seek satisfaction in Him and long to look in His face. I encourage you guys to read that passage as well!
I'm only at the beginning of this journey, but I know God is going to do great things through me and my family.
Thanks so much for reading, and remember in every circumstance: you are beloved.
Thank you so much, dear Amanda, for all you & your team do in sharing this magazine to all girls!
Check out Oh Beloved One's website for amazing blog entries, free printables, devotionals, OBO apparel, & (OF COURSE) the magazines!
>> Oh Beloved One---WEBSITE <<
>> Read ALTRUISM online---FREE <<
>> Purchase IN PRINT <<
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To each is given a bag of tools,
A shapeless mass, and a book of rules,
And each must make, ere life is flown,
A stumbling block or a stepping stone.
-Anonymous-