Many, many women with many, many WOW God stories are at the She Speaks Conference I am attending. So far, I have a temporary, sparkly gold tattoo on my forearm and I sang into a hairbrush last night. Who knows what the day will bring. I wish you were here, there is nothing more fun than spending time with 800 Christian women.
NEVER LEAVE HOME WITHOUT YOUR ARMOR
Earlier this week I wrote a post about preparing for trials before they come by getting your armor on.
Today’s post was written by one of my sweet sisters in Christ, Michelle Moore.
Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground. Ephesians 6:13
We, women, can take a long time getting ready in the morning. We have our showers which involves shaving and washing our hair. Then there is the process of drying our hair and if you have that thick, wavy hair that is very long, like me, you might as well stand under the dryers at the car wash! Then there is the makeup which is an art. The lipstick, eyeliner, foundation… my boys are fascinated watching me “put my face on” for the day.
Then if you didn’t have your clothes laid out the night before, you stand there pondering your choices, or lack of. What mood am I in…yellow, pink, or blue? Let’s not forget the shoes that will complement our outfit. Then we add the frosting on the cake- accessories! Lord knows I love me some earrings, big ones too! I am a Texan so the bigger the better in hair and earrings. Then we announce that it is time to go and leave while our husbands gasp for air from the hairspray that fills the entire back part of the house and the children who have nearly completely undone themselves by the time we’re ready to walk out the door.
We are ready to face the world…or are we? Perhaps I might have exaggerated the process of getting ready, but I do not want to neglect the vital importance of putting on the most important thing… the Armor of God. No amount of makeup, hairspray or jewelry will ever replace the confidence we get from knowing we are prayed up and equipped spiritually to handle whatever comes our way.
This is something I have learned to pray on every single day of my life! I reached a point in my life about three years ago and faced a very dark personal crisis. I have a history of battling depression and anxiety that stems from my childhood and circumstances beyond my control. I battled suicidal thoughts and lost all reason, desire and hope for my future. BUT, this is when the sweet Holy Spirit stepped in. God refused to let me believe I was a lost cause and so did my family.
In my journey of self-discovery through God’s word, I, instead, discovered who God was and who He said I was. When my vision began to align with His vision, the chains that held me down were broke off…little by little. By no means was this an overnight thing. Even to today I am being shown things in my life that need to be removed or corrected but with the love from a God that knows me inside and out. He saw every tear I cried, every sleepless night, He held my hand through every darkest night and I know He will never let me go.
The study of Ephesians 6 saved my life! I know God has led me down this road to point others to His light. With this perspective, I am able to overcome for myself, for my children and women all over the world that struggle with the debilitating condition of depression and anxiety. I invite you to go on this journey with me and together we can learn how to arm ourselves!
Please visit the link below to purchase Michelle Moore’s book Arm Yourself: Equipping Ourselves with the Armor of God, also available online wherever books are sold.
http://bookstore.westbowpress.com/Products/SKU-000944238/Arm-Yourself.aspx
Author Bio:
Michelle Moore is described as real, engaging and practical. She is the author of Arm Yourself: Equipping Ourselves with the Armor of God which she self-published in the fall of 2014. She is also the creator of the blog, My Heart’s Song, which is endorsed by Family Christian Store and posts a weekly devotion, as well as offering books, concerts, movies and music reviews and giveaways. She has a passion for women in helping them to navigate through the negative stigma of mental illness. Michelle is also a down to earth speaker that is able to break down biblical principles and relate them to the modern day woman.
Connect with Michelle:
Blog: www.myhearts-song.com
Website: www.michellemoore.org
Twitter: @MichelleM_MHS
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/michellewriter14
Having battled depression and anxiety most of my adult life, I know the power of God’s grace and love. Even growing up in a Christian home doesn’t protect one from these issues. Thank God that His grace and mercy are ENOUGH!
Thoroughly enjoyed ur post! U r correct, be Prepared!!
What a wonderful ladybto meet this morning. Thanks
Awesome testimony and wonderful resource for so many battling depression. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for commenting
Thanks for your Blog-So true to be covered with the Armor of God! I would never walk out the door without my makeup and hair done-but how many times do I enter into my day without the full armor of God-His word should be my #1
I need the reminder too
Enjoyed this post…have been battling with anxiety/depression for a few months now, I am trying to rely on God…
Keep fighting it and trust Him because He is faithful
I am so thankful for people like you who share your struggles with depression. My daughter is currently suffering from severe postpartum and we are strengthened when we hear from others who have been in this position.
Hopefully when she is on the other side of it, she can encourage others. I counselled a lot of women with postpartum depression, it is more common than most people think
Knowing God means you know you will never be alone. There is no thought He doesn’t hear, no movement that he doesn’t see. When He is with us, we are surrounded by love!
Absolutely, thanks for sharing
Great post! Oh that we would all remember to “Put on the Armour of God” each day! Thanks for sharing!
I definitely need to remember!
A very good blog. It doesn’t matter how much makeup we slather on or how much jewelry we dangle, the most important part of our dress is to put on the armor of God.
Good reminder
Seems this world is so full of battles. Depression is one that can take over our emotions in a negative way. Our hope & trust in God is challenged constantly. Thank you for your devo, showing in His word we can guard against it.
And battles are never easy, keep fighting
Enjoyed the post and I really enjoy your blogs. Would love to see them put together in a devotional book.
Thank you for the encouragement
I have battled depression since I was a child and had to go through a very dark place before coming out on the other side. I now take medication (my doc thinks the arthritis is a factor) but don’t tell other people because ‘Christians don’t suffer depression’. A never-ending cycle for us who know how real this is. Vickie, your posts lift me up as no other posts do. Keep them coming and maybe nest time we are in Russvegas, we will see you.
C. Johnson’s little sister,
Vicki
Chronic pain and depression definitely go hand and hand. Christians are not immune. Thanks for sharing
I am battling depression & anxiety so bad right now. The closer my family & I get to God the more the enemy is attacking me. I would love to have this book. I have battled suicidal thoughts lately too. I will try to find this book & thank u !!!
http://bookstore.westbowpress.com/Products/SKU-000944238/Arm-Yourself.aspx
You can order the book from that link. Also I know Michelle Moore would love to hear from you!