February Food for Thought

Good morning, my dear By My Side supporters.

It’s the heart of winter here in Ottawa in February. Ottawa is such a beautiful winter wonderland, with amazing outdoor activities for those who love to brave the cold.

But for others who may be experiencing tremendous hardship in their lives, the February cold can compound their sense of isolation, loneliness, and depression. This is especially true when faith is not a priority.

So let’s take a look at a perspective God would want these special folks to embrace.

You keep asking why you’re exhausted, but you’re carrying the weight of the world on shoulders God never asked you to carry. You are holding together people who won’t hold themselves together. Trying to force outcomes only God can orchestrate. Fighting battles that were never assigned to you.

Calling it “strength” while your soul is begging for rest. You say, “If I let go, everything will fall apart.”

But look closer. It’s falling apart because you won’t let go. God keeps reaching for the load in your hands, and you keep tightening your grip. You pray for peace while wrestling for control from the very One who can give you peace.

You want relief but won’t release. Faith was never meant to sound like, “God, I’ve got this.” Faith sounds like, “God… I can’t. I surrender it to You.” Real peace doesn’t come from trying harder. It comes from surrendering deeper.

So lay it down. The people. The outcomes. The timelines. The pressure to fix what only heaven can heal. Stop carrying what was never yours to carry. Let God be God.

Consider this food for thought and these wise words from an anonymous writer I found. See you all again in March.

Love,
MJ xo