MEET CHRISTINE
During her formative years, Christine lived in several different parts of the world due to her father’s travels before moving with her parents and siblings to Toronto, Canada. She obtained her degree in Psychology and began a Human Resources career in the telecom industry. During that time, she worked as a volunteer firefighter and first responder, which led her to a subsequent role with a global emergency response organization.
She is a lover of the outdoors and a lifelong learner. Inspired and guided by her father, she is enjoying cultivating her interests in gardening and actively pursuing a lifetime goal to learn Latin. One of her perfect days includes walking, making dinner, sipping some wine, listening to jazz and chatting with good friends!
TRUTH INTERWOVEN
Have you ever examined both sides of a tapestry? One side showcases beautiful designs while the other is a mass of strings haphazardly suspended. At times, we feel similarly like a ‘hot mess’, don’t we? I most certainly do! To feel suspended, at loose ends, waiting for something not knowing what the future holds, can bring some tension (it certainly does for me). Once completed though, every tapestry is beautifully woven, a work of art. God’s Word is like that to me. Every word is beaded together, creating a string of truth; each strand is masterfully woven and breathes life into us as we live His Truth. We are works in progress (I know, I most certainly am!), spinning and weaving God’s truth into the fabric of our beings, as he patiently reveals Himself to us.
John gives us a peek into Jesus‘ identity: “In the beginning, there was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God” (John 1:1) and “I am the Truth, the Way and the Life” (John 14:6). We are gifted with a treasure called the Bible, and the Holy Spirit’s presence can illuminate understanding from Genesis to Revelations; every word becomes interlinked. He becomes our Teacher, Guide, Helper, and Counselor. How precious are we, that God sent Jesus through Mary, intertwining Himself with humanity. Women are part of God’s Truth Interwoven — a love that transcends all comprehension!
We, too, have an identity; God has placed a rising desire within us to embrace who He made us to be. We use whatever tools at our disposal to embark on our unique and amazing journeys. Take the internet, for example. Many will utilize ancestry.com to trace their lineage and history, hoping to shed light on their identity. We are seeking answers and information. Who hasn’t run to friends and family for further clarity on their personalities, previous likes and dislikes, and forgotten familial stories?
We were born with a plan and a purpose.
Our challenge is to utilize our unique gifts, personality, talents and skills. Our purpose is to be the salt and light in every season (Matthew 5:13-16). What better way to “be” than to discover the truth about our identities, mind, body and soul! “For we are wonderfully and beautifully made” (Psalm 139:14). There is a need within to belong and be loved, approved, validated, and accepted without pretense.
Self-awareness is so very important in overcoming falsehood with truth (at least for me). We need to overcome our fears and anxieties. “For perfect love casts out fear” (1 John 4:18). God’s love encompasses all that we seek and so much more. To be set free from what shackles us is a gift to be embraced and cherished. (“If you abide in my Word you are truly my disciples and you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.” John 8:32) The Master Weaver longs for an intimate personal relationship and interlaces our story with His.
Over a decade ago, God whispered to me to live the truth. I had absolutely no idea where and how to begin. It was like when we first learned to walk, one faltering baby step at a time, painful and frustrating. However, with the help of the Holy Spirit, we learn to walk with confidence to live the truth, love the truth, and speak the truth.* He leads us according to where we are in life. God’s love, patience and mercy becomes evident and welcoming. I did not realize we have our own personal guide: it would have saved me from stumbling in the dark! In John 14:16-17, Jesus said “I will ask the Father, and He will give you another helper to be with you forever – the Spirit of Truth” and in John 16:13 we learn, “but when The Spirit of Truth comes, he will lead you into all truth.” Jesus is the Revealer of all Truth. He knows us better than we know ourselves. This produces a freedom in our souls, for truth begets freedom. All we need is to be still, surrender and know that He is God (Psalm 46:10).
This becomes our journey of faith, a beautiful love story of truth, sacrifice and freedom still unfolding as it’s written.
This becomes our journey of faith, a beautiful love story of truth, sacrifice and freedom still unfolding as it’s written.
Life is to be enjoyed, explored and cherished whether we are on the mountain top or in the valley! Whatever He teaches you on the mountain top, He will test you in the valley. We have all we need to overcome. We just need to allow the fruit of the Spirit to flow through us. Listening and quietly conversing with Him in our prayers, we continuously grow in intimacy with Him for His work and His glory.
You never know when you are needed to encourage another soul searching for comfort, support and compassion. We have the power within us to answer God’s calling, His divine plan! God has a purpose for each of us, Whatever life throws our way, we can handle it with grace and strength. He is our Anchor, our Hope, our Master Weaver, our North Star!
*The Oxford dictionary defines Truth as “the actuality of events or things, fact or spiritual reality” and the word Interwoven as “to twist together two or more pieces of thread; to interweave something with something”.
