Hello, my name is P-Earl.
One of the hot fashion accessory trends this fall and winter are pearls. The word pearl has become a metaphor for something very rare, fine, admirable, and valuable.
Pearls are so delicate and come in all sorts of shapes, sizes and colors. Kind of like us! A pearl’s beauty really comes from adversity. In my quick research of how pearls are formed I learned they are formed inside a protective shell. A pearl begins to form when an irritant is introduced… the pearl is formed to cover the irritant. Umm, beauty from irritation? Now that’s an odd concept! Something irritating and uncomfortable turns into something beautiful and strong! Yes, I can hear some say “what doesn’t kill you will make you stronger.” But I think it’s more than that.
Life has been challenging lately (anyone else?), and I’ve been discouraged and frustrated and sometimes just wanted to completely give up! (which is a blog within itself) Especially since I consider what I’ve been doing lately as being obedient to the call God has placed on my life. I find myself asking the Lord, “did I not hear you correctly”, “are you sure this is what you want me to do”? And other times it’s “I don’t think I’m the right person for this Lord”, “this hurts too much”… you get the picture. During times like this I forget that God is working it all out… and it will make me stronger and more beautiful, like a pearl. Even though at the time all I can feel is the weight of the physical, emotional and spiritual heaviness.
You know how hindsight is 20/20; looking back we see how the rough edges smooth out, our attitudes and possible inappropriate reactions are reshaped.
In Matthew 13:45-46 Jesus tells the story of a pearl merchant; “Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a merchant on the lookout for choice pearls. When he discovered a pearl of great value, he sold everything he owned and bought it!” Matthew Henry’s commentary explains that Jesus Christ is a Pearl of great price; in having him, we have enough to make us happy here and for ever. A man may buy gold too dear, but not this Pearl of great price. When the convinced sinner sees Christ as the gracious Savior, all things else become worthless to his thoughts.
Our growth as Christians, becoming more like Christ (not in anything we do, but the Holy Spirit in us) is like the pearl merchant selling everything he owns to have that “Pearl”. The kingdom of heaven (Jesus Christ) is a pearl of rare and highest value in that we should follow him at all cost.
So, what person(s) or event(s) in your life has made you stronger and more beautiful?
For me, when I left corporate America (not-so-shortly after hearing the Lord whisper that He was calling me into ministry – again, another story) I was thrown into a tailspin of mental and emotional struggles. I had been a professional all my adult life. I then became a stay-at-home mom with two small children. Completely new thing! And no, I did not have a degree in early childhood anything! Talk about a fish out of water! Friend, (I hope you don’t mind me calling you friends) that was almost 7 years ago and a LOT has transpired over these past years. I am now embarking on the ministry the Lord has called me to.
So what about you? I look forward to getting to know you better and offering encouragement and fashion advice/tips along the way!
Blessings,
Dawn
P.S. Also visit me at www.christianfashionspeakers.com
P.S. Also visit me at www.christianfashionspeakers.com
