I'm not a huge fan of movies but I love a good series with a good story line. Give me a bowl of popcorn and a glass of wine and I can sit and watch for hours. One of my favorites to-date is Queen of the South. The story is of a beautiful young woman, Teresa, who is forced into the Mexican drug cartel. It isn't a life that she necessarily chose; however, because of her boyfriends' involvement and connection to the cartel she finds herself set for a series of challenges and unfortunate events. Early on we see the Queen of the South, Teresa's future self, giving her some encouragement after she is thrown into a dark room. She tells her that she is going to go through some dark places but it is in those places where she will grow and bloom like the lirio de los valles, or lily of the valley. She briefly explains to her that this particular flower is different in that it finds it's strength in darkness. When I heard this line, I thought, 'Wow, how very symbolic of my life!'
Reflect back on some of your darkest times or your greatest obstacles. Did you stroll through those dark valleys because of decisions that you made or because of your connection to someone else? When you came out, didn't you come out stronger? I've spent a lot of time reflecting back over my life and examining the choices that I've made as I've fought to break bad cycles or generational curses from my life. Some things I brought directly on myself while many were brought on indirectly through family, marriage, and bad soul ties. I, like Teresa, had a choice to make; to keep fighting or to remain in darkness and allow it to take me out. Staying in the fight builds wisdom, courage and strength. I chose to keep swinging.
Just as Teresa has her future self to offer her support, we have Holy Spirit to remind us of God's plans for us. And just as the character's future self is alongside her in her most dark times, we have God's promise that He, being the Good Shepherd that He is, will lead us through those valleys where darkness may contend for our vision. If you find yourself in a dark season, I want to encourage you to refrain from complaining and allowing yourself to get in fear. Take confidence in knowing that the One Who fearfully and wonderfully created you designed you to become greater and stronger while in darkness.
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