God as our umbrella in our weariness and growth

Written By Rachel Ann

I said it before and I'll say it again…sometimes I wish God would just text me.

 “Rachel Ann, move forward with this client. They're in need and ready for support.”

 “Rachel Ann, post that reel of you rambling. It's funny and people will relate to it.”

“Rachel Ann, do not schedule back-to-back in-person events. You will be tired young lady!!!!"😂

Things like that - straightforward, direct, even a little explanation so there's no room for me to wonder.

I also realize that if He were to do that, then I'd likely miss out on the contemplative, deep parts of having a relationship with God, which in my opinion is where the transformative part of our faith comes in. 

There’s a difference between being uncomfortable because God is growing you versus being uncomfortable due to God trying to move you outta that space.

We hear this, and I think we respond with “I'm done growing. I'm done building and learning and figuring things out.” And that’s real.

Why don’t we want to grow?

Life is tiring, especially in 2025 being a Christian woman of color who cares about holiness in a world plagued with policies and leaders with evil intentions. The idea of “more” is just not appealing - more learning, growing, trial and error…just no.

But another response is the Holy Spirit also saying “girl check what you just said cuz it's not ringing true!!”

Yes growth is tiring and we’re sick of being tired, but deep down, we do like and enjoy growing.  For me, growth led to so many things that I praise God for…

Growth led me to meeting my now husband, who is living proof that Ephesians 3:20 is real.

 Growth led me to creating a thriving life coaching business in an oversaturated field.

Growth led me to incredible people who edify, love, and laugh with me.

Growth led me to heal from sibling abuse and childhood trauma.

Growth led me to overcome people pleasing and feeling resentful towards others

God as your umbrella

So allow me to encourage you in exploring and seeking God in the growth pains instead of avoiding growth all together because it’s painful. Think of it like this - it's raining outside but you have an umbrella…

What's your umbrella?

What helps keep your umbrella sturdy and strong?

Who can you ask to help you carry the umbrella?

Do you need to change umbrellas because yours is worn out?

You may find that your umbrella is worn out and needed to be changed.

Or the rain got lighter in the past few days, but it's still raining.

Maybe you feel God and your community carrying the umbrella with you.

While other times it's just you holding it and that's fine, and other times you can ask for other people to hold it while you rest, which is also fine.

My invitation to you is to reflect on these questions in prayer and journaling. God speaks to us in many ways, and one of those ways is through talking with Him - praying, writing, verbally/externally processing.

My prayer is that you see how growth is good, how your relationship with God can deepen and become more personal, and that you invite the right folks to help you hold your umbrella.💜

Need more support? Lemme help you sis:

Rachel Ann
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