Learning the rhythm of rest

When I was a teenager, my mum collapsed at the top of the stairs. A seriously overworked single parent and full-time working mum, her body betrayed her as her mind sought to keep on keeping on. After a brief illness, mum’s health was thankfully restored, but I have never forgotten that incident as a clear example of what happens when we try and do too much in our own strength. But has it made me any less of an aspiring superwoman? Sadly not.

Yesterday I met up with a close friend who revealed she is currently covered in hives. Her doctor explained this is a physical response to the stress she has been persisting under. Continuing as I am in my own busy period, I can feel my eyes, skin and body begin to be weighed down with the countless ‘stuff’ I am doing and yet I have almost refused to rest. Despite the fact we published a whole article last month on the ‘invisible load’ so many of us carry, and despite the fact I have a family anecdotal blueprint for what can happen when we ignore warning signs. 

This Christmas, I urge you to seek rest. Following our recent Woman Alive 24-hour fast and prayer meeting, my colleague gave me the following scripture as an encouragement that rest is actually biblical; I share it with you to keep before you should you ever doubt you need to:

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30).

Lots of our writers have spoken about the need to persist with community amid the much-publicised division all over the world, and, as the body of Christ, I see this as our opportunity to show what true unity might look like.

I know that Christmas is a tricky time for many of us, but whatever your family dynamic, this year - may you find yourself in true community. 

Love and blessings,

Doll

Editor + Creative Director

@WomanAliveUK