Fresh Breath

 Over the last 5 years I have come through a season in which breathing was a challenge. I experienced MANY significant losses of family, friends, and Mentors. I was forced to abruptly end my career because of physical health concerns which were the result of my work. Not to mention my “ new normal” of utilizing equipment to aid my breathing. At the same time, others close to my heart also experienced significant losses and I supported them…including eulogizing family, friends, and neighbors.

During this season I heard myself being described as “strong”because I continued to function, continued to serve, continued to encourage others. But if I can be totally transparent, I was moving through life on autopilot-just doing the things that I’ve always done. Yet I was feeling isolated and overwhelmed- many times I felt as though I had NO MORE BREATH in me. I prayed, I studied the Word, I sought counsel…ALL of these helped me to realize that I had been through so much, held in so much that I needed a fresh breath! This could only come from God as it is He who gave me breath initially- Genesis 2:7 tells us that it was only after God breathed into man that he became a living soul. God’s breath caused the dry bones in Ezekiel 37:5 to live again. God’s breath gives us understanding according to Job 32:8. We have to recognize that we cannot carry grief, hurt, and pain without it impacting our breathing. We must also be mindful of trying to breathe in toxic, negative environments.

Take it ALL to the Lord …Change your environment if necessary…Allow the Lord to breathe fresh breath inside of you.The fresh breath of God will make you whole again!