For the Woman Who Struggles with Acceptance By Dawn Boyer.
Devotions

For the Woman Who Struggles with Acceptance By Dawn Boyer.

Hey friend! I am excited to have an awesome woman of God share her inspiring writings here on the blog. I have the honor of introducing you all to my dearest friend across the pond Dawn Boyer from Journeys in Grace

 
Dawn writes….
 
There is a message that needs to be played out loud in the noisy crowd and in the
wooden pews, in the busy cars and in the bustling marketplace, in the littered kitchen and in the meticulous board room.
 
It is a heavenly reckoning, a calling out of sorts that has been blaring strong since the Word was inscribed upon our hearts and on pages of vellum thin but strong.
 
We miss it because we are caught unguarded by its simplicity, or rather the daring
way it pushes us to fly. It is an invitation that we easily miss because our ears have become dulled by the white noise that keeps the whisper from reaching deep. 
The universal has been delivered through the ages, sisters, and unfortunately we haven’t listened to it close enough.
 
Daughter of Eve, the shame that we
willingly wear is not the garment we are called to put on, no matter where we
are or what we have done.
 
He weaves a tapestry of grace and mercy to cover us, and adorns our ears with the
gentle whisper of hope as a reminder of who He is.
 
Because, the real truth is that
YOU have loveliness inside when you choose to abide in Him.
 
YOU belong, 
 
YOU dwell,  
 
YOU exist ….in the space of the One who binds up
brokenness and comes near to the shattered heart. 
 
He lifts up the pieces that
are you and puts them in place and fills in every crack.
 
Beautiful one… yes,..YOU
 
           … the one who feels unnoticed, whose wings have been banded together                
            unable to spread wide and feel the current of wind blowing for her  launch,
 
…the one who lowers her eyes and her voice unable to ask to be included,
 
…the one who walks away believing that there is nothing she can give,
 
…the one who withdraws when the light touches skin because it is easier to hide,
 
…the one who questions her worth far too much.
 Lift up your eyes and look at the
one who calls you. You have not escaped the notice of the One who sees into
your soul, who sees the real you and smiles, who waits for you to rise up and
dwell close
.
 
Don’t you know that
you’re name is written upon His hands?
Behold, I have indelibly imprinted you on the palm of each of My hands: your walls are continually before Me. (Is 49:16)
 
Haven’t you heard that you occupy His thoughts?
 
How precious and weighty also are Your thoughts to me O God! How vast is the sum of them!(Psalm 139:17 )
 
Would you believe today that he calls you His beloved?
 
Behold, you are beautiful, my beloved, yes delightful! (Song of Solomon 1:15)
 
The radiance of His love makes your beauty shine, it is the glow inside of you that draws hearts to look to the Father.
 
Lift up your eyes on high and see! Who has created these? He Who brings out their
host by number and calls them all by name: through the greatness of His might
and because He is strong in power, not one is missing or lacks anything.
 (Isaiah 40:26)
When the true beauty inside of you is
dimmed, you tend to retreat.
 
Yet those whose heart radiates glory, not the  temporary vessel that carries their soul,  don’t have to shy away from transparency because there is knowing that outshines the fear of comparison.
 
Why do we play the part of the game that compares unique and set apart?
 
When our days are filled with unfair realities that stare at us from broken screens of untrue we are setting ourselves up to feel less than and friends that is NOT what He sees.
 
want to reach out and pull them in, to invite them to exist in the midst of the same air we are called to share… I long to see them bloom in His light. 
 
To know they are beloved and they belong, and to remember they are royalty.  
 
To remember they were given wings to soar above the mess that life seems to make of our blessing and our burden together.  
 
To know that strength comes because of the imperfections that we have allowed Christ to manifest His strength into. 
 
Rise up and walk tall,  Be Strong, be filled with a holy knowing that the headdress you wear is a royal crown placed by a heavenly hand which has also held tightly to your own every step of your journey.
 
Isaiah told us about the weak and the strong ones; the weary walking  and the fainting runners.  He reminded us WHO calls us out, above the storms.
Beckoning our eyes to adjust to His light show of acceptance.  And while the storms may be unavoidable, remember there is one who calms our hearts in the midst, who teaches us the most important lessons right in the middle of the mess. 
 
When we learn life truths in the hard wind battered days, it means so
much more, because we bear the marks it makes.
 
It is when we bleed our stories in a way that the stains resemble His presence, we are able to rise above the hard and difficult.
 
Think about the strong of faith, they were the ones who lost much, loved deep and were forgiven greatly. They bled their faith and it was accepted by the Father as righteousness.
Have you not known? have you not heard? The everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator
of the ends of the earth, does not faint or grow weary; there is no searching
of His understanding. Is. 40:28
 
Woman of God, you are not misunderstood, but rather you are fully seen and known by the One who made every fiber of you, woven intricately and delicately in the womb.
He has been a witness to the fullness of your days and has made a way for you to find Him in the midst of them.
 
He gives power to the faint and weary, and to him who has no might He increases
strength [causing it to multiply and making it to abound]. Even the youths
shall faint and be weary, and young men shall feebly stumble and fall
exhausted. Isaiah 40:29-30
 
Don’t be so hard on yourself. Look close at where you are and trust that He will provide for you.
He sees what you do, what you give, what you sacrifice.
He will not leave you discarded in the place of distress, but will send in His Spirit, like a tidal wave of grace, and fill you with a peace that passes all understanding.
 
But those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] shall
change and renew their strength and power; they shall lift their wings and
mount up [close to God] as eagles [mount up to the sun]; they shall run and not
be weary, they shall walk and not faint or become tired. Isaiah 40:31
 
If you are waiting in the hidden places, friend, He promises to renew us in the process.
 
If you are expecting, looking for, and hoping in the promises He has given, but are still in the manifesting stage of your real, He promises strength to endure and power to overcome every wicked dart of the enemy that comes you way by your shield of faith.
 
If you  feel weary and faint and need permission to rest, remember that In Him we live and move and have our entire being.
 
We need to require Him like we require the next breath. When we make that our
focus every breath will be refreshed and bring life with it.
 
Look closely as you prepare to dress with the armor that you have been equipped to
carry. Most importantly, 

look lovely at the wings which
the trials of your life have formed
.
 
You can do more than walk and run with God, friend… you have the ability to soar.
 
Soar, Let all those who trust in the
Lord Find new strength and be strong.
Like an eagle, you are called to
soar upward on wings so that when you walk or run weariness slides off and
keeps from weighing you down.
 As you soar on the
beautiful wings that were forged by the trial and struggle, you will find you
are equipped to be a liberator to others who are walking the road you were on
before He pulled you up and wiped the dirt  away.
 
Praying today the you will soar above every storm in faith, friend. Know that your beauty is equal to your calling, you shine when you do what He has called you
to do. There is nothing more beautiful than the beloved of the LORD who shines
in His adoration and spills that grace into all who surround.
Soar
in His beauty over you!  
 
About the Author
Author and Speaker, Dawn Boyer, is passionate about many things God, family, Prayer, food, and the Word. You can find her asking those hard questions, reasoning and rejoicing in God’s grace and mercy for those who are walking this journey of Grace on her blog, Journeys in Grace. Connect on facebook, Pinterest, Google+
 
 Click to Get a copy of my book here!
  • This is beautifully articulated and wisdom is so elegantly articulated here! Thank you so much for sharing this with us at the Grace & Truth link-up! I will be featuring this tomorrow for our next round!

  • What wonderful truth. Yes, in His truth I have changed confidence and security. Thank you for sharing with #TheCozyReadingSpot

    Marissa

    • 9 years ago

    Thank you for your words, here, friend. The words of the world are harsh, but His Word for us brings life and establishes hope in our hearts.
    Blessings!
    Dawn

  • Oh, this is beautiful. So uplifting and affirming. We are lovely, we are enough. Sometimes what the world tells us just get to us that we forget. But underneath the mud is still the gold nugget that we are, so to speak.

    Thank you, Dawn and Ifeoma for this beautiful post.

  • I am so glad that Jesus always accepts me. I am accepted in the Beloved and He is mine too.

      • 9 years ago

      Amen, Hazel! I am glad too. And thankful you were able to share a few words of encouragement.
      Blessings,
      Dawn

  • My heart delights in this. I love the words – You belong. You dwell. You exist. Every woman should take delight in knowing these wonderful truths. Thanks for sharing at Party at My Place today. Bless you!

      • 9 years ago

      So glad you found joy in these words, Michelle. You do belong right in the dwelling place of His existence, friend. Thanks for sharing your words.
      Blessings,
      Dawn

  • Beautiful words, my friend! We are so beloved–and it should make all the difference in our lives!

      • 9 years ago

      Thank you Anita! It just makes me want to dance with joy at the affirmation of His love for us and the change it makes as we maneuver through the trials.
      Blessings,
      Dawn

      • 9 years ago

      Amen… we are the beloved and it does make all the difference doesn't. Thanks for your affirmation and encouragement.
      Blessings,
      Dawn

  • I used to really struggle with comparison. It was not until I started to be mindful of these thoughts and stop them before I let my mind run wild!! Thank you for sharing on the Faith Filled Parenting LinkUp!

      • 9 years ago

      It isn't a good thing to let our minds run wild, is it? It makes me think of the reality of renewing our minds with His Word every single day. If we don't do it, we will find ourselves thinking on everything but His grace and love. Praying the comparison thief does not rob you of the truth of His love.
      Blessings,
      Dawn

      • 9 years ago

      It is necessary to be mindful of who He says we are, isn't it? It is way too easy to let the world rip that truth from our living. Praying you will continue to rest your thoughts and your heart in His Truth!
      Blessings,
      Dawn

  • Dawn, Such strong words here. Excerpts would be excellent for speaking over women in a service of some sort. Living into the image Christ has of us is so important and life changing!

      • 9 years ago

      Thank you for your affirmation, I am humbled by your comment. Living in Christ is absolutely life changing. May we all find ourselves at the foot of the Cross and filled with His life and love.
      Blessings,
      Dawn

  • Great discussion. Thanks for linking up with us at Literacy Musing Mondays again.

      • 9 years ago

      Thank you Mary! So glad you were able to visit!
      Blessings,
      Dawn

  • This is such a beautiful call to women to stand tall and know the love of a Savior that is beyond anything we can imagine. Your words of encouragement are sweet and fill my heart today. Blessings, Dawn!

      • 9 years ago

      Absolutely, Mary! Stand tall and Know His love.It will fix all the doubts we have when we trust His love.
      Thanks for your words of grace, so glad you were here.
      Blessings,
      Dawn

  • Dawn, just beautiful encouragement here. May each of us come to realize God has created us uniquely to do things unique to us. And in so doing, we find a life of purpose and beauty. Grateful to have stopped here, both Dawn & Ifeoma!

      • 9 years ago

      Joanne,
      Your encouragement is always a gift to me. Thanks for stopping and affirming with your words. Praying with you that we realize this truth about who He says we are.
      Blessings Friend!
      Dawn

      • 9 years ago

      It is always a blessing to have your fellowship over words, Joanne. 🙂 You are a treasure. May we continue to walk into His beauty together in grace.
      Blessings,
      Dawn

  • This brought tears to my eyes! So beautiful! I Hope you can stop by:

    http://collettaskitchensink.blogspot.com/2016/02/book-review-matter-of-heart-by-tracie.html

    Colletta

      • 9 years ago

      Colletta,
      Thanks for the sweet words. May His heart always be the buffer of your own and may He always be the One who wipes your tears.
      Blessings,
      Dawn

  • Utterly beautiful! So true, so true, if we can only realize His magnificence before us, within us, we would realize we are loved and in love no darkness can hide! this is stunning.."Daughter of Eve, the shame that we willingly wear is not the garment we are called to put on, no matter where we are or what we have done. He weaves a tapestry of grace and mercy to cover us, and adorns our ears with the gentle whisper of hope as a reminder of who He is." So glad I found you at #TellHisSotry

      • 9 years ago

      Thank you for taking time to rest with us here, Kathy. Shame is not a garment we were ever meant to wear, but grace… the scandalous gift that it is, is the adornment of His daughters.
      So glad you were here.
      Blessings,
      Dawn

  • Such a precious message full of Biblical truth for any of us who struggle with this. Thank you for sending us to The Source of our worth. Bless you! Following you at Kelly's today.

      • 9 years ago

      Julie,
      He is the source of our worth, isn't He. That is beautiful. I am grateful you took a moment to share that. What a lovely thought to ponder on today.
      Bless you,
      Dawn

  • Dawn, I love this picture of beauty in His eyes your words paint: "The radiance of His love makes your beauty shine." Thank you, Ifeoma, for sharing. : )

      • 9 years ago

      Your response is such an encouragement, that you see His love as the beauty He pours over you is a deep and precious truth for us all.
      Thanks for sharing your words with us.
      Blessings,
      Dawn

  • Dawn, what a beautiful and much needed message. Your writing is poetic…I felt like I was reading a psalm or a poem. Simply stunning. Thanks for sharing.

      • 9 years ago

      Thank you, Mary. Coming from your praise-filled heart, I am blessed by your encouragement. May His heart fill you to overflowing with the beauty He waves over you.
      Blessings,
      Dawn

  • Inspiring words here. I wish that we all could live with such glorious insight into how GOD sees us, and let go of the incorrect views of how we see ourselves. I'm as guilty as anyone, but I do strive to see and live higher. Thanks for sharing this.

      • 9 years ago

      Lisa,
      Glorious insight, it is all bound up in His glorious love, friend. We are called to live right up close in His presence which will give us the freedom to step out into those truths. Praying for you and for His love to invade your reality.
      Blessings,
      Dawn

  • Wow, this was powerful and such an important message. I struggle with acceptance often – I love the Biblical truths you shared here – will be putting them to heart.

    Blessings.
    xoxo

      • 9 years ago

      Jennifer,
      If we were all honest, we would admit that we, too, struggle with acceptance far too often. Yet, it is HIS Word, His Truth, that lead us out of that bondage. Praying that His Word settled in your heart would bring freedom and restoration.
      Blessings!
      Dawn

  • Dear Dawn & Ifeoma … thanks for this biblically strong message! How we need to embrace who He has shaped us to be!

      • 9 years ago

      Absolutely, Linda! We need to embrace who He has shaped us to be as well as become builders of the other women in our lives to remind them to stand tall and strong in the beauty He weaves in them.
      Blessings!
      Dawn

  • Dawn, beautiful and brave. Thanks, Ifeoma, for sharing your friend's words here in your space.

      • 9 years ago

      Sometimes it takes being brave to believe what He says is true, doesn't it, Michele? So glad you were able to leave a note of encouragement.
      Blessings!
      Dawn

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