Reinvention. I’ve been thinking on the topic incessantly. Partly because I am doing it. Partly because I am watching my husband do it. Partly because both my parents have done it. And partly because I wonder how anyone musters the strength to do it until it works.
I have found that whether our reinvention comes as the result of job loss, financial devastation, divorce, death, or a whim in the night, it is hard work with no sure payday. There are those who counter the uncertainty, those who have gone before and are on the far side, looking back from whence they’ve come. These people inspire me. They’ve done it and they are talking about it. They give me hope when I am tempted to wonder:
If it will work. Having a glass does not mean one has water. Owning a wallet does not mean it bursts with money. A storefront does not guarantee customers. Websites don’t translate into traffic. A Linked In profile does nothing in and of itself. Twitter Followers don’t fill an empty work docket. And Facebook Fans can “like” you and “hide” you as fast as you write your next status update.
In 2 Kings 4, a widow had nothing but a flask of olive oil. The prophet Elisha urged her to borrow as many empty jars as she could find. She did as she was told and soon every vessel was filled.
I haven’t got much more than a flask of olive oil and I’m hard-pressed to see how it will multiply. But God says it will. And so I will do as the widow did. Offer up my vessels and believe that what He said will come to pass.
When it will work. How long must we wait for results? As long as it takes.
I’ve been complimented on my tenacity and strength as my family moves through the loss of our business, bankruptcy and all that goes with it. The truth is, we don’t have a choice except to move forward. Poverty is a compelling force, one of the best teaching tools around.
When I am tempted to wonder when my work will reap a harvest, I find jewels such as these posts and inhale the fuel of their successes:
- How to Quit Your Job, Move to Paradise and Get Paid to Change the World by Jon Morrow of Copyblogger. His story throws in a poignant twist that is nothing short of pure inspiration. I’m a fan.
- How One Freelance Writer Went from Hungry to Overbooked in 18 Months by Carol Tice. You might not be a writer, but her premise holds true. She “marketed her a** off.” It worked for her. And it will for you and me, too.
How it Will Work. Friends regale me with stories of big breaks. It takes just that one contact or providential moment for tides to change. Yet, chance favors the prepared mind.
While I have some idea of where I am going, I cannot know how things will eventually come together. We can make our plans but the Lord determines our steps. It’s a journey of hope and a journey of faith. My job right now is to walk forward. Take steps. Baby steps. One activity at a time.
Why none of it matters. God sees me. He hears me. He knows where I’ve been. He knows where I will go. He tells me not to worry and He promises to answer me when I call. With these promises, He challenges me to walk blindly in trust. Not an easy thing to do in the face of dwindling numbers and foundational work.
That He knows all and sees all and has a plan might lure some into a life of laissez-faire. We’re not puppets and God rewards those who do the work. He values diligence. This post, from Sharefaith, is a great reminder: Be Diligent–Trusting God in Hard Times.
I pray for all of you who are this journey with me. God, bless your shaky baby steps. May He strengthen your resolve, shore up your nerve, and show you His faithfulness as you trust in Him.
Please share your story of reinvention and the one thing that kept you moving forward when you were tempted to give up. Leave a comment or email me on the link above.
This is one of the most honest yet encouraging posts I’ve read in a while. Although the post I just wrote basically says we don’t need to reinvent ourselves because God created us perfectly and He will bring us to the place He wants us to be I loved yours so much I’m listing it as a related article at the end. http://www.gracefullwomen.com
Thank you for your comment Julie. I’m headed over to check out your blog, too!
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Hi Carrie,
How are you doing? We are in the re-inventing stage of our lives too. Up until now we have always worked under other people in church work. Now we need to branch out and start something on our own – of course praying and trusting God to bring along the co-workers we need. Your post was encouraging to remember that we all go through trials like this. I’m thinking of you- i hope you are well- your friendliness and honesty at the conference was refreshing to me.
Lots of love,
Alexandra