Hey Bloomers!
For everything there is a season,
a time for every activity under heaven.
A time to be born and a time to die.
A time to plant and a time to harvest.
A time to kill and a time to heal.
A time to tear down and a time to build up.
A time to cry and a time to laugh.
A time to grieve and a time to dance.
A time to scatter stones and a time to gather stones.
A time to embrace and a time to turn away.
A time to search and a time to quit searching.
A time to keep and a time to throw away.
A time to tear and a time to mend.
A time to be quiet and a time to speak.
A time to love and a time to hate.
A time for war and a time for peace.
I'm in a season of transition. I feel like a caterpillar breaking out of its cocoon and learning to fly free as a butterfly. This scripture resonates with me because it's true. There is a season for everything. In reflecting on the scripture and the current events of my life I find solace in watching the seasons change, literally and metaphorically. This scripture offers so much wisdom in navigating life and relationships. Perceiving the season that you're in is imperative.
Autumn is the season where leaves whither, die and fall away but the trees remain standing. Winter brings about cold winds and snow. The trees are typically bare but still standing. This resonates with me as state of vulnerability and yet the tree still stands. In spring, new leaves replace the old. New fruits spring forth and new flowers bloom. It's such an intricate sequence that spring comes after winter. A blooming newness after a period of isolation, constant storms. In summer all plants are in full bloom, skies are clear and trees still stand. Each season has its own characteristics. Each season calls for different degrees of preparation and operation. Each season has storms. It's a beautiful depiction of the ebbs and flows of life. Specifically referencing trees, no matter the season they still stand. They're still rooted and grounded in the earth. I likened this to us being rooted and grounded in our faith.
Back in 2023 heard a video clip from a woman name Tiphanie Montgomery. In this video Tiphanie "called out" Christians preparing to purchase tickets to a particular secular artist's concert. Many people, including believers, were outraged by her comments, but I actually felt convicted. In hindsight I'm grateful that she had the courage to speak up. In my opinion biblical conviction is like a heightened moral compass. I was preparing to go to this particular concert even though I knew the meanings of the symbolism and messaging. It was not of God. It is blatant occultism. After a few weeks of sitting with this personal dilemma, I decided not to attend the show. I do believe in spiritual portals and gates. My spirit felt rejuvenated, and I'd come to the conclusion that I no longer want to be a Lukewarm Christian. I felt a sense of urgency to pick a side, life or death, good or evil. I chose life. No more straddling the fence.
In prayer, I felt lead to create more faith-based content. So, here we are! However, the journey here was not easy or consistent. Like the biblical story of Gideon in Judges 6:11-18. In this passage God speaks to Gideon calling him by the name of his destiny, not who he was at the time of this encounter. Gideon responded by telling God all the reasons why he was unqualified. God reassures Gideon that He (God) would be with him (Gideon) every step of the way. Another thing I want to point out is, God was calling Gideon to enter into a fixed battle. Isaiah 45:2-3 speaks on how the Lord goes before us to make our paths straight. Although I cannot explain the circumstances of life for everyone, I do believe that some trials come as tests of our faith while simultaneously strengthening our ability to operate in our gifts.
Similarly to Gideon, I felt compelled by God. I felt a nudge to start creating more faith-based content. However, like Gideon, I told God all the reasons why I wasn't qualified. Firstly, I know that the teachers of the word will be judged more harshly, I don't want that responsibility. Secondly, I'm still strengthening my walk, I still want to curse people out in certain situations, I still enjoy a good party, good drink, secular music and so on. God said, I never asked you to be perfect, simply be obedient to what I'm asking you to do. Make more faith-based content, be transparent about your journey. So here we are!
Welcome to Beauty x Bloom! A faith-based blog where we dissect biblical concepts and scriptures while applying them to everyday life. This site will also house information and resources for families of autism, self-love and healing. Be sure to check my social media pages Instagram @Travishabe and TikTok @beauty_x_bloom for more content! I can't wait to hear from you! I can't wait learn more about your journeys to and with Christ. If you consider yourself a nonbeliever, I want to hear from you too, keep your comments respectful though. This is a safe space. I believe in the power of prayer and fasting in conjunction with meditating on the word of God. To be clear, I believe that Jesus died on the cross for my sins, rose from the grave on the third day with all power in His hands. I also believe that He is coming back soon. In a world of mixture, I want to be very clear about where I stand in this season of my life. God bless and keep you. Continue to bloom.