Finding peace – through the storms

You’ve probably heard that you really know who your true friends are when the going gets tough. I believe there is a lot of truth to that statement. We have all experienced a scenario or two when we have been going through a painful situation only to discover who has the time for us. . . our tears, our problems, our endless hours of whining and self-discovery. The people in our lives who we thought would be there, faithfully — no matter what, through thick or thin — wind up being, what we called in second grade, “fair-weathered friends.”

As you know, a fair-weathered friend is someone who is only your friend when things are going well. When the weather is nice. When things look bright and sunny or when they need YOU. If the atmosphere is pleasant, you have a friend for life but let a storm brew in your neighborhood and they are nowhere to be found.

I wrote an acronym when I was in elementary school for the word “friend” that I think holds a very true meaning of what a real friend should be.

F.R.I.E.N.D. = Found Reaching In Every Needed Direction.

You see, it shouldn’t matter what the climate is in your world as to whether your friends stand with you during times that are stormy or sunny. It is usually the times of adversity that draw our faithful friends to us and then we become closer and more personally bonded with them — building longer lasting, even closer relationships.

I have discovered it is the same way with our mindset. We should be our best friend, our greatest advocate. For we are confident we WILL have adversity in our lives. It is inevitable. But how awesome it is to know that with the troubles no matter what you can have peace.

While undergoing the most difficult time in my life, I relied on my family and friends more than ever. And I came to the realization which friends were my “fair-weathered” and which were faithful. My family and friends were a blessing to me and I was uplifted with cards, emails, text messages, Music CD’s, sermons, books, and simple notes of encouragement. These got me through days that the thoughts  in my head consumed me and I could not muster enough strength to get out of bed. Others are nowhere in sight. Perhaps they are dealing with their own storms.

But beyond the generous love and support of family and friends, I dug deep. I read my encouraging and motivational material. Maybe for you it’s your Bible, maybe a motivational video, or uplifting music. I haven’t always been able to change my mindset and turn of the voice in my head that has nothing nice to say about me.  But this time I decided to, to carry boldly. And through this turmoil a wave of healing and hope occurred.

Perhaps you are weathering a storm in your life  I know the waiting is the hardest part. Rest assured knowing there is a silver lining. Nothing is hopeless. Nothing. Every hurt can become a treasure. Every ending is the beginning of a fresh start. Every tear is the watering of new growth. Each obstacle an opportunity. And the only moment that truly lasts forever is the one where we say yes. Yes, to change our mindset and control that which consumes our thoughts

So, Girl, its time. Time to weather this storm like no other. Time to focus on the sparkle. Find the tiny miracle or glimpse of goodness. Hold on. Hold tight. Surround yourself with whatever brings you motivation, encouragement, peace and comfort. Yes, others will fail you, but you’ve got this! Plan to have peace — peace through the storm. For this storm too, shall pass.

© c. michelle bryant

Michelle Bryant is an entrepreneur, nationally acclaimed award-winning artist, inspirational speaker, self-published author of five books available at most online retailers, a multi-award winning, published photographer whose work is nationally used for worldwide marketing campaigns and featured on various items including but not limited to apparel. She shines her light and speaks from her heart in an encouraging and transparent manner and offers a message of hope, healing, and victory to any who encounters her or her works. You can check out her multitude of works at: www.divinelyfocused.com.