Bountiful Breath

There is a lot to be said about breathing. It is our body’s natural way of bringing in healthy oxygen and is essentially the sign of life. When I began writing when my husband passed away, I called myself the Breathing Widow. Well, because that was all I was at the time. A breathing body. I did not see a purpose or future for myself amidst the grief. I was breathing but only because God created my body to breathe on its own. I didn’t have to force it or choose it. It just happened. Years passed, healing commenced, and I found myself in a new life ready to share my story and what God has done in my life. I renamed myself The Breathing Mama because, that is what I am. A wife and a mama. I often become so overwhelmed with the daily grind of blended family life that I need a reminder that God’s breath is still living and streaming through me. Even when I feel overwhelmed, underappreciated and over worked. I have life streaming in my body because of the graciousness of our Lord. 

So here I stand, or sit, mostly likely in my car. We are almost post-pandemic in some ways and life has bursted back full force. I am busy, to say it lightly. I have 4 children who have jumped back into sports and other activities, and I am on the constant go. I have been gifted with four precious hours each morning and I have jumped headfirst into the preparation of one day writing my story in book form. I launched my blog last year and continue to learn and process all that entails.  I am taking publishing courses through Proverbs 31 Ministries-Compel Training, always learning, always growing. 

But something stopped me in my tracks. Recently, I was diagnosed with a hiatal hernia. Basically, it is when your stomach starts to get jammed into your esophagus, causing acid reflux and difficulty breathing. I took me several weeks to truly figure out what was going on and I finally found a physical therapist that has helped me tremendously with visceral manipulation. If you have not heard of it, it is a profound method helping people with many digestive issues. 

I found myself wondering why The Breathing Mama was having trouble breathing. It is an intense and sometimes scary sensation that often has distracted me from the divine work that God wants me to be doing. But I believe sometimes we need a reminder, a reminder of why we are doing what we are doing. 

During the weeks of searching for an answer to my breathlessness, I was gently reminded who is in control of my breathing. Jesus. He has ordained my days and He alone knows when they will end. He and He alone has control over my life. In the book of Luke Jesus tells us that even the very hairs on our head are numbered. He loves us with an everlasting love. He adores us. He cares for us. Even when we feel like life is so crazy that we can hardly breathe on our own. Good thing we don’t have to. 

The Lord graciously adores us in a lavish and perfect way. If we live our life in a flurry, it can be hard to remember these precious truths. You are worthy through the redemptive love of Jesus. You were bought with a price and God’s desire is for you to live a life of abundance. If you are struggling today, remember these truths. Lean into the arms of Jesus and let him penetrate you with His peace and His purpose for your life. 

John 15:11 “ I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.”