The reason for this post is to give you a testimony in my personal life, as I know that something as insignificant (yet important) as a piece of cloth can be a very sensitive subject for some.

For the sake of transparency, I want to say publicly that, I struggle! In America we live in such a social status culture that negates the ability to tell people how we really feel. As a Christian, I understand the importance of being honest with my self and those in my circle. Speaking of circle, that brings me to an important part of my story.

When COVID first came about (what feels like ages ago) my approach was much different in the beginning than it is now. Throughout the process, what used to be a big circle, began growing smaller and smaller as time passed. Like many others, the concern for a potential spread that had no promise for an outcome took precedence over my own wants. I decided early on that I was not going to take the virus as a threat and I would continue doing my God thing without reservation! Well, to say God humbled me would be an understatement! About two weeks into the virus, you may even remember the moment yourself…. the great toliet paper shortage began! Prior to not being able to find TP, I distinctly remember telling a friend… “This is America, there is NO way we will run out!” Boyyyyy was I wrong (insert a laugh on this side of the equation)!

Well, it was that moment that allowed me to take a step back and ask God, what approach should I take to this virus? See, before this, I hadn’t stopped to ask God what my position was, how should I respond, should I mask up or not, and many other questions that followed. It was about the time that I realized I should first approach God on my thoughts, that the mandatory quarantine happened. Thankfully, I now had a different perspective to live on. My personal walk with God allowed me to realize the importance of thinking of others more than I thought of myself. For the first time in my life, I was able to see a visual representation of what it looked like to deny self daily!

The mask, hated by many, yet at the same time loved and appreciated by the weak and vulnerable! This mask became an opportunity that allowed me to show people I care and still choose to, to this day! In America the land of the free, we were allowed the option in many states to decide if we wanted to partake in lowering the chances of spreading this virus. In a sense, I am thankful for that freedom, because it also represents the freedom we find in our relationship with God! God gives us free-will, meaning He allows our decision to follow Him to be something that isn’t forced on us. He provided the option to the world (through Jesus) and because of His love (John 3:16) we are now able to choose a life with God’s presence daily and for eternity, or a life without it.

Annnnnnnyway, there have been MANY unknowns and unexpected’s that have happened this year (2020) and I had a choice to make midway through quarantine, would I use this time to grow closer in my relationship with God, or allow it to tear me apart? I would love to say I chose the first option at all times, but I would be lying to myself, you and God! This year has been a rollercoaster, for many of us and I am sure if you were able to tell me your story, it would put my sorrows to shame!

I will spare the many details that could leave you reading for hours and get to the point. I took a sabbatical in the comfort of my own home! I realized why I didn’t want to quarantine, it had little to do with the inconveniences and a LOT to do with… now I am forced to deal with me! In the course of three months, I dealt with me, deep inside me that got covered up throughout time. The me I pretended not to be. With no where to go and no one to focus my attention on (outside of my husband and kids), I reluctantly understood that God was giving me an opportunity to fix me!

I may not be wholly whole just yet, but the things that needed attention and most importantly God, got them! I was able to re-focus what insecurities lied to me about and with full God-fidence I want you to know….. IM BACK!

I don’t know what that looks like for this site, or what the future holds for Sleeping Giant Arise, but I do know that I am taking faith steps and allowing a movement to flow from God that used to be and has not yet become! The year 2020 has not defeated me and has actually done quiet the opposite…. its re-charged me! I am excited to see what happens next and I encourage you to leave prayer request in the comments or for a more private option, there is a contact me section!