Autumn’s Song: What We Fear & How God Heals
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Do you have a fear you'd like to overcome? Angie's powerful words inspire us
to journey through our fears, to find God transforming our walk of faith.
-Click Here- to share your fears & link up with the (in)courage Bloom Book Club.
* LISA LEONARD GIVEAWAY *
To celebrate the autumn season of faith, Lisa Leonard is
graciously giving away Autumn's Song Necklace.
Enter the Autumn's Song Giveaway at the end of this post!
There comes a time for letting go and a time for healing. How is autumn speaking to you?
Letting go. Letting go.
When I see leaves drift in descent from stem to the ground, they tell me autumn is coming. Autumn is here.
Letting go. Letting go.
If I’m very quiet, especially in the early mornings, I hear them rustle. A cool breeze passes through and nature’s wind chimes on branches begin their song.
The leaves fall pretty, scattering auburn and golden, supple and moist on the dewy ground.
This is the season for tenderness.
For letting go.
The Fear of Necessary Endings
In the past, most of my time spent in spiritual seasons of autumn have swirled around my fears of letting go. Of necessary endings.
Sometimes we place such pressure on our lives to be fruitful, we lose faith and end up collapsing under our own weight.
That is when the time comes to let go of problems, people, places and even dreams that we were never meant to carry.
The work of letting go has been long and intense.
What will I have left?
I honestly did not know.
Jesus knew.
He kept leading me deep into autumn, never leaving my side, with His hand clasped in mine, holding me up, as I stood there, leaves shed, branches bared.
All that shedding, I was scared. I didn’t know if I’d even recognize myself anymore.
How wrong I was.
My long journey deep through autumn has given me a song.
Autumn’s song.
Autumn’s Song
As summer ends and autumn comes, the days get shorter and shorter. This signals that winter is coming. The trees know they need to conserve the sunlight and energy that has been captured during the summer.
They need to rest.
To rest, the trees stop making green chlorophyll, which recedes from their leaves.
As the green fades, the true colors hidden within the leaf emerges.
Red, orange, yellow and brown. They have all been there all along.
I used to hide my hurts and buried them deep in the past, because I wanted to move on.
The truth is, I wanted to cut out the parts of my story I didn’t like.
I was afraid others would see how broken I was and find me unlovable.
But, a beautiful thing happens when you’re stripped bare in the loving presence of Jesus.
He wraps His healing comfort around your heart and He does it by bringing out the truth of what’s happened. He speaks the fear that you feel and says –
I was there.
I understand.
I still love you.
These are the lyrics written in Autumn’s Song.
They weren’t just given to me on a piece of Scripture to memorize or spoken through the pulpit as I took notes in the pews.
When you find yourself ushered into a season of fall
– where activity ends
– where your days gets shorter
– where the winds of change in your life shed who you once were
Jesus Himself will sing Autumn’s Song to you.
His voice will be un.mistake.able.
Not only will Autumn’s Song be sung, an amazing miracle will happen.
When you’ve survived the longest winter of your life, God will usher in spring. He will bring the miracle of new seeds and new beginnings back into the soil of your life.
Planted next to you will be other trees that have weathered the seasons of faith.
They will bring shade and comfort to you.
They will reach out to you and call you friend.
Sung In You
If you find yourself entering into a season of autumn or maybe it is already winter for you, let me say to you:
God’s Autumn Song is being written and sung over you.
You and I may think we are withdrawing, but in God’s eyes, He is welcoming us into resting.
It is a time of healing.
To receive comfort.
To be kind to yourself.
To unfold the layers that have kept you from tenderness.
To find the soft places under the hard.
To discover that you can be loved, are loveable, and completely, entirely safe and beautiful in His eyes.
God says, Let your light shine.
It’s another way of saying, Let your Autumn Song be sung.
Tears drifting, arms relaxing, heart breaking, body exhaling, soul healing.
Soul healing. Soul healing.
Get comfy and cozy, friend.
Autumn Song is here. Jesus is near.
Soul healing. Soul healing.
~~~~~~
“…We rely on the love God has for us.
…God is love… There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear.”
1 John 4:16-18
~~~~~
What are your Autumn Reflections in your current journey of faith?
What fears are you facing in your journey of faith?
Pull up a chair. I love company and quietly read and reply to comments. Click to share a comment or subscribe by email.
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Lisa Leonard's Autumn's Song Necklace
Lisa Leonard Jewelry Giveaway: Autumn’s Song Necklace
A couple weeks ago, I dared to enter back into community in a big way. I flew South to Hilton Head, SC to join 24 other DaySpring (in)courage writers on a beach retreat.
While I was there, handmade jewelry designer Lisa Leonard gave me a special gift that came straight from God’s heart –
Lisa Leonard’s Autumn Song Necklace.
{ Photo by Lisa Leonard }
Lisa was so sweet and generous, she brought pieces from her new fall line as welcoming gifts for the writers. As I passed by her room, I peaked through the open doorway and saw stacks of jewelry cases on the bed.
Oooh… what is this? I asked Lisa.
As she introduced each faith-inspired piece to me, my eye was immediately drawn to a silver chained necklace that dangled a hand-cast leaf, accented with faced apricot bead, wood, and a cream stone.
Oooh… I like this one. I breathed, eyes and heart happy.
I like it on you. Lisa smiled. It’s called Autumn’s Song.
I squealed eyes teary and hugged Lisa hard. Thank you.
Enter To Win!
Today, Lisa Leonard has graciously offered to giveaway the Autumn Song Necklace to ONE WINNER randomly selected here at Faith Barista (yay!).
To Enter:
1. Share a comment or blog post by Midnight Wed 9/28/11.
For Extra Entries:
2. Subscribe to Faith Barista and leave an extra comment letting me know.
3. Share this post on Facebook or Twitter (Click the “Share/Save” button below) and leave extra comments letting me know.
Special 15% OFF Discount Code
If you browse Lisa’s adorable store and find something you’d like, enjoy this special Faith Barista 15% OFF discount code! Autumn Reflections (it’s good thru 9/29/11)
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*** NOW, IT’S YOUR TURN — FAITH BARISTA JAM! ***
Faith Barista Jam Thursdays – I serve up a topic of faith, you write the post. Let’s encourage each other. Add your voice. Swap our stories.
Share your post by clicking the blue button below “Add Your Link” or just comment directly.
Today’s Thursday’s Topic 9/22: Autumn Reflections: Reflect on your journey of faith as you enter into the autumn season.
Approach it any way you feel inspired! Only required ingredient: keep it real.
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Next Thursday’s Topic 9/29: Finding My Voice. (This topic is not limited to writing. Approach it any way you feel inspired.)
It’s a jam session. As time allows, say hi & drop a comment when visiting the community faith blends!
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I am already an avid subscriber. 1 extra point!
Genevieve @ Turquoise Gates´s last [type] ..I spring up as we tumble into fall
Shared your post on Facebook and “liked” you there as well.
Genevieve @ Turquoise Gates´s last [type] ..I spring up as we tumble into fall
Yes, something beautiful happens when we are stripped bare, as am autumn tree. Then only can spring come after the winter. This was beautiful. Thank you for sharing your heart and encouraging us to bare our souls.
I shared on twitter and have already subscribed.
Shanda Oakley´s last [type] ..Know and Give
I love your words, Bonnie. The necklace. God’s perfect timing.
“Autumn Song is here. Jesus is near.
Soul healing. Soul healing.”
I feel like I’m been in fall for awhile already, a time of soul rest and healing, (with several interruptions by summer activities!), so I relate to what you’re saying. It is scary to me to let go for awhile. I still need to do more of that. You’re inspiring me to think more about what I need to shed as I head into another winter.
Lisa notes…´s last [type] ..Divorce because of Alzheimer’s?
Change is always frightening and I’m one of those, I like it where everything is consistant and the same, but I’ve learned over time to just….trust our Father and embrace Him…Because I realize….part of change, is growing and part of growing is refining and if I don’t change….what happens instead, is that I’m not really allowing Him to work in and through me and my life and the people around me, but rather…risk…becoming stagnant and not really useful, not only to our Father, but also open to what I need to change within me….Instead of letting go..I’m just holding on to dead leaves that aren’t really beneficial as much as I think it is.
SO enjoy this post!
Sunflower Faith´s last [type] ..Mega Homeschool Giveaway by Molding Minds Homeschool
Oooohhh…say the word “song” and I’m all ears.
Sing to me, Jesus. I am listening.
Monica Sharman´s last [type] ..After the Falling
I shared your article on my FB page,http://www.facebook.com/pages/Sunflower-Faith/249461529407
Sunflower Faith´s last [type] ..Mega Homeschool Giveaway by Molding Minds Homeschool
Well, it’s not really autumn yet in Texas, but the cooler weather has been refreshing and the little bit of rain has bee a sweet reminder of God’s mercy poured forth on weary, broken people.
Mrs. Rachel´s last [type] ..Hide & Seek
Beautiful post and so true. It is interesting watching the seasons change and seeing those changes in our own lives as well. Thanks for the chance at that beautiful necklace!!
I’m a subscriber!
Mrs. Rachel´s last [type] ..Hide & Seek
I have shared this on FB
Kristine McGuire´s last [type] ..Book Review: My Thoughts on “Erasing Hell”
Thank you for posting this today.
To say that I needed to hear all your words right now feels like such an understatment today. I have tears in my eyes as I type this comment.
I know I’m entering into a new season right now, in what also feels like yet again, and this is a great comfort. One to the extent that I plan to copy the text out of here and post it somewhere on my desk or in my home where I can read it often.
thanks again!
Leanna
Leanna´s last [type] ..I’ve been there…
I’m a subscriber
Kristine McGuire´s last [type] ..We Don’t Have To Give Them Our Attention
Oh I also subscribe to your blog
Leanna´s last [type] ..I’ve been there…
and I shared on FB as well
Leanna´s last [type] ..I’ve been there…
I love Autumn! This is a wonderful season in MI. Cooler weather, changing colors, apples and pumpkins. This necklace certainly represents what Autumn means to me.
Kristine McGuire´s last [type] ..It’s In These Moments I Remember
Lovely, necklace….PRECIOUS words! Thanks for sharing and speaking to my heart. Love when God does this!
Marina Bromley´s last [type] ..Wanting Dad’s approval…
I am always blessed by the post on Faith Barista. This one on Autumn is especially touching because I have been in a Autumn time in my life.
fear..that the new won’t come..that the anxiety will always remain..yes, feeling very fall, in more ways than one!
Yes, yes and Amen! I will be reading this all day long….It is a time of healing.
To receive comfort.
To be kind to yourself.
To unfold the layers that have kept you from tenderness.
To find the soft places under the hard.
To discover that you can be loved, are loveable, and completely, entirely safe and beautiful in His eyes.
Thank you!
Katie Hubbard´s last [type] ..Fall is Here: Welcoming Every Season
I love Autumn, too, when I used to live in a state where it occurred. Unfortunately I live in an area of Arizona (Gilbert, which is near Phoenix) where there is no autumn. There are no colorful leaves. They just get brown and die by November or December. We only have two temperatures here: blazing hot most of the year and cold for a few months. When I lived in New York, Autumn was my favorite time of the year and I miss it. I come alive when the weather turns cold. (I hate the intense heat). It’s like a rebirth to me. That’s physically and mentally. Spiritually, I’ve been in a long winter. I do need something that only God knows. Yes, I need the cold winds to blow away a lot of debris that has been clinging to me for a very long time.
Autumn can be a challenge for me as my rheumatoid arthritis makes itself known with extra aches. The aches also remind me of how blessed I’ve been with this debilitating disease for over 40 years. I still walk, keyboard and I’m able to play with my family. God understands kneeling days are over, floor time doesn’t happen but the gifts he gives and gives and gives I give thanks and praise.
The necklace shows the promise of seasons and contentment of Autumn through faith and love God so freely gives!
God is singing His Autumn Song to our hearts now-He has brought us Beauty from Ashes and Joy in the Morning! We lost a daughter to a fatal chromosome disorder called triploidy in late 2008 and just this July after two years of grief and healing we gave birth to a baby girl whom we fittingly named Bella Joy. God is faithful and He never let us go!
Christina Burrell´s last [type] ..Apple Pie Cupcakes-A Delicious Autumn Treat
I feel like this post describes perfectly what I’ve been walking through the past few weeks. (Even down to the verse at the bottom – I’ve been using that exact verse for comfort these past few weeks!) God is calling me to let go of the lies I’m believing that are keeping me from Him. I’m facing the fears that I’ve ignored and pushed deep down for so long. It’s an exhausting and scary season, but I’m anxious to enter His rest. When I’m terrified, I take refuge in Him. He’s dancing and singing Autumn’s Song over me.
Email Subscriber to your blog.
Christina Burrell´s last [type] ..Apple Pie Cupcakes-A Delicious Autumn Treat
Oh Bonnie, what a beautiful, poetic post. And yes, I found your kind link. Aren’t we all at times the girl who needs to know? What an honor to get to know you… praying for you and all your ministry opportunities. So many people need your insights and honesty.
Much love… Lysa
So beautiful, the changing colours, seasons all beauty of God’s love x
What a timely piece for me – heading into what I suspect will be a really tough autumn season of life and not looking forward to it. Appreciate the encouragement.
Autumn’s Song was beautifully written. What a precious closeness to our Savior.
Donnajnew´s last [type] ..A Lovely Evening
I’m definitely in a fall season — letting go! It’s an empty nest and as a result an empty life… I packed my youngest off to college and don’t quite know what to do with myself — I loved what you said about rest — I am tired and need rest and I look forward to seeing the little seeds of my new repurposed life sprouting. In the meantime, savoring the rest…
hmmm I can’t decide if I’m in Fall or winter. There’s a lot of letting go being done in my life, but it’s been that way for months. Things are starting to get darker and colder. I’m grieving loss and drawing away, but anticipating spring. You have, in your special way, opened my eyes to the beauty of this season….In the physical realm fall is a favorite season for the changing leaves, hot drinks, and chilly air. It’s beautifully refreshing.
Jennifer´s last [type] ..Let It Rain
Shared it! <3
Jennifer´s last [type] ..Let It Rain
Beautiful, beautiful post Bonnie, I love your Autumn song! Yes, I am resonating with what you wrote, as I reflected and wrote similarly yet so differently. Ah, God is gracious, his colors are vast! The necklace is beautiful and I’m glad you shared that moment with us as well. Love you!
The changing seasons in Ohio always make me appreciate God’s creation and the detail we so often take for granted! Only GOD could make beauty out of flowers and trees dying and going dormant
Pretty awesome!!
Liked on FB
Already subscribed !
This was just what I needed to hear today. How many times in our lives, do we find ourselves going through, “enduring” something, somehow feeling like God can’t be in this……. It’s after we’ve finally returned to “Spring” that we realize that God was there in the Fall, in the starkness of Winter. He was there – in that very situation, at that time, standing right by us, holding our hand, whispering “Come closer, you’ll see”. Teaching us even more about faith, leading us ever closer to Him. Bless you for sharing with all of us.
I would love to win this amazing Giveaway!
I subscribe to Faith Barista. It’s amazing!
Touching as always…
I liked these words of yours that say “He wraps His healing comfort around your heart and He does it by bringing out the truth of what’s happened. He speaks the fear that you feel and says –
I was there.
I understand.
I still love you.”
There was a moment when I felt bare,unsure,insecure but he closed his strong arms around me and restored what needed to be.
God Bless!
Love,
Irma
Thank you Lisa! That was just beautiful and gives me comfort and new perspective as I enter into this season of letting go!
His voice was “un.mistake.able” to me through your post today. With tears in my eyes, I thank you for being God’s voice to speak to this weary heart needing to know that it is okay to experience autumn. Not only is it okay, it explains everything and is His will. Thank you friend!
Donna Schultz´s last [type] ..#217 "September Morn Remembering Noah"
Fall has alway been my favorite season. Don’t get me wrong, Spring bring hope and Summer reminds us to take time to really enjoy life in a more carefree manner. Winter? Well winters winter:) But harvest time reminds me or God’s unfailing provisions. He provides me with such a beautiful artistic display of colors that the best painter couldn’t match. He’s given me to working eyes to enjoy the sight. But most of all, its a time when I can hear His unmistakable call to pause and reflect on who He is. Thank you for such an uplifting blog. God bless you sister.
I am a subscriber, bonus point! I would love to win this so, I could give it to my step-daughter for her 19th birthday.
Hi Bonnie.
I just want to thank you again for your blog and your writing. It is such a gift that blesses so many!
I am also a lover of Autumn! It is my favourite season. It just makes me praise God when I start feeling the chill in the air, yet the leaves are colouring warm with vibrant golds and reds.
I also love the smell of decaying leaves on the ground. Even though they are dying, they smell rich with the promise of life and nourishment.
I have added my newest blog post, shared this post on Facebook, and I am already a subscriber to FaithBarista!
Blessings!
Merissa
Merissa Nel´s last [type] ..Feathers of Hope
As another season of autumn begins, I have to admit that I am feeling low as I seem to be stuck in the “striping away of leaves” in my life. I keep asking, still, we are still here?? But over the past few weeks, HE has uncovered the “seed” that was planted and we, HE really, is healing it and turning the lie into life…so I wait…
However, as I sit here and write these words HE is reminding me that there is already new life forming in the seed and the waiting is necessary for the harvest to grow into the fullest of blooms in the Spring!
I am starting to see the jewel tones of HIS love, life and blood emerge as the healing of the soul begins….thank you!
I really needed to read this. While God has brought many good things into my life (including the people who pushed me to start blogging this summer!), this year has been full of change for me. And change is unsettling sometimes. So the thought of a season of autumn and rest is a necessary one for me now.
Amy´s last [type] ..Called By Name
And I’m a subscriber now, too!
Amy´s last [type] ..Called By Name
Thank you for the post, it is a well timed message for me. I am feeling a little forgotten right now, not feeling God near. My husband and I are going through a lot of changes in life and are hoping for good to come.
And I love the Autumn’s Song necklace!
Tears spilled down my cheeks as your words spilled over my heart. I so needed these words today. Thank God for Him bringing them through such a beautiful voice. With your permission I will print this and place it on my bedside so I can see it when I wake each morning of this fall season. This season of letting go of control, and of the doorknobs to dark places, and letting the Healer into my heart. The winter will be long this year as I heal, my leaves are almost gone. But the Song of Autumn with be sung over me every day. And, when the healing is done I will be there for others who need to know the song is sung over them. For all of us, Thank You.
Melinda´s last [type] ..Dented Carpet