Autumn’s Song: What We Fear & How God Heals
* I'm Linking Up to Celebrate Angie Smith's New Book: What Women Fear *
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.
Please place the “Faith Jam” Badge in your post and help build the Keep Fresh Fresh Community. Thanks!Grab the HTML Code For the Faith Jam Badge
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 shared on Facebook too. I should have added a comment about having their tissues ready.
Melinda´s last [type] ..Dented Carpet
Sometimes the things that fall off during autumn would not fall off any other way. And when they’re gone, we’ll wonder why we put up with them for so long.
ed cyzewski´s last [type] ..Recognizing My Desperate Need for Order
I wish I could have joined the jam today, but I was working and unable to blog. However, I love autumn. It is my favorite time of the year. I love what you showed about the leaves’ colors. Even just today, I was having a conversation with some friends that was revealing those broken parts – because frankly if we want a fruitful season later on, we cannot afford to hold onto those or keep them hidden. With them exposed they can be dealt with and those anxieties, insecurities and wounds lose their power over us allowing us to truly enter into rest – the kind of rest that refreshes and renews.
dunlizzie´s last [type] ..A Chorus of Glory
By the way, that necklace is beautiful and I am a subscriber
dunlizzie´s last [type] ..A Chorus of Glory
I also shared this on FB, friend!
dunlizzie´s last [type] ..A Chorus of Glory
Thank you Bonnie, that was beautiful. Just what I needed today at this season of my life- leaves falling, soul healing, God carrying me thru the wind…
Thank you for being such an inspiration to us all…..I so enjoy your blogs.
I also shared this on FB and with some friends going through some difficult times….thanks again Bonnie!!!
As the autumn leaves fall I am reminded that all is only temporary here on this earth.
We are here but for a fleeting blink of the eye, and then we are gone, returned to our maker. Thank you for hosting this Blog Jam. God bless you in all your efforts.
Hazel Moon´s last [type] ..Creating Quilts
Your sweet words could not have come a better time. I so needed to hear them as I know God is asking me to let go of some things. Some of which makes me sad but I know His way is best. I love Autumn and the changes of color and I never thought of the connection utnil today when I read your words. Thank you. I am a subscriber already and so I just wanted to leave a comment to say blessings to you and thank you for touching my heart today.
Tammy´s last [type] ..First Breath of Morning
Beautiful story, beautiful necklace. I love Autumn it is my favorite part of the year.
i really LOVE lisa’s stuff, and i really love fall :: so, it’s perfect combination.
thanks for the great giveaway.
blessings,
shana
shana´s last [type] ..thankful thursday
Rest…yes. Autumn feels like an exhalation. Deep breath out, now rest.
Cynthia @ The Hippie Housewife´s last [type] ..Wordless Wednesday: A last summer hurrah
i also subscribe to your blog by email . . . and enjoy it greatly. thanks!
blessings,
shana
shana´s last [type] ..thankful thursday
Thank you for this post, Bonnie! I found it interesting that I had no idea what exactly you were going to blog about. My blog had some similarities….interesting. We obviously have some of the same thoughts about what season of life Autumn is.
The necklace is beautiful…..and the feeling behind it is even more special.
Dawn´s last [type] ..The Best Is Yet To Come
I also like this, and posted on Facebook:)
Dawn´s last [type] ..The Best Is Yet To Come
Oh, wow.. How I enjoyed reading your Autumn Song. It seems I am being led back into a time of releasing some unpleasant things from years passed.. I’m not always sure how to go about that. I don’t know why I hung onto them in the first place and why they are still there to shake me awake in the night now.. I don’t know.
I try to look on the bright side on hopeful days, my unpleasant memories make me feel childlike. Not knowing what exactly happened, not understanding. I have a Father who is all-knowing and all-understanding and I can be happily childlike. It’s a good thing.
Is there some way to print your article? To keep the font and colors but not have the ads that make it 20 pages long? lol
Thanks
For me the hardest change to accept is death, but through death comes life everlasting. My brokenness may take a life time, and then some, to heal but i know one day through the Grace of Jesus Christ my Winter will turn to Spring and all things will be made new agin.
Bonnie, thank you for such a lovely and inspiring post. I’m in a place in my life where I can only do so much and while I love being able to rest, I sometimes wonder if I am resting or simply being lazy. Too often I tie my worth to how much I do, which is so silly, I know.
Diane Yuhas´s last [type] ..Friends, Please Don’t Divorce Me
I recently read part of an essay by Mike Yaconelli. I love to come across things that get me thinking and spark insights.
This writer starts out…….
“Life is a kind of unraveling of the mystery of ourselves, a never-ending search for clues about the stranger that resides within. The older we get, the more complicated the mystery becomes. Our identity weaves its web into more intricate and sticky patterns. The more we know about ourselves, the less we know…and yet…yet there is, at the same time, a new kind of knowing………
(He then speaks of the view of God, faith, the cosmic order that he was taught when he was young)
A lot of time has passed….. A lot of water has gone under the bridge. So much has happened in my life—and in my friends’ lives—in these last four decades that my faith has truly taken a beating. It’s still there, but it doesn’t look much like it did in those beginning years ………… I have disappointed God so many times…and I have been disappointed by God …. as well. There have been so many mentors— who I admired greatly—who stumbled and fell, never again to recover their faith; so many “truths” about (God and Jesus) that turned out to be false; so many casualties, so many losses, so many assumptions that turned out to be just that—assumptions, not truth.
One such assumption, in particular, has haunted me throughout all my Christian experience: the Assumption of the Changed Life. I was taught that if I was a Christian, then people would see a marked difference in my life!!! And further, I was taught that the closer I was to God—the more spiritual I was—the greater and more visible that difference would be…………
He goes on to say that he no longer believes that but believes: Whatever the change is, it is not so much outward as it is inward. This difference that God makes is often visible only to God…and no one else. It is a new way of looking at God, a new way of understanding God, ……that liberates us …….. from our old way of viewing God. “
His essay continues with his awareness of what has changed within himself and he puts into words the changes he sees.
Just seeing those words frightens me. It frightens me because the words sound dangerous—like I have abandoned my faith. But I haven’t abandoned my faith, I have abandoned a way of looking at my faith. Of course we change when we meet Jesus, of course we are never the same,…………..But what is different is different than I thought.”
(Mike was killed in a car accident on October 30, 2003.)
This is where my thinking began to spin off. I have been aware that my ideas and inner self have been changing over the years. I was wondering if I was entering an AUTUMN my FAITH because I was not thinking or feeling the same or using the same words to express my spirit as I did even twenty or thirty years ago when it felt like SPRINGTIME. Then it was all new life, miraculous happenings, excitement. Was my faith shriveling like an Autumn leaf?
What I have concluded is that my faith like my body, my intellect, my emotional self is an organic thing. It is alive and growing just like all of the other parts of me. In viewing my faith and relationship with God, I see that excitement and emotion became a solid intimacy; talking about my experiences and bouncing thoughts off of others became a solid inner seeing and knowing. Following what I know is assignment replaced doing everything that I see or am told needs to be done. Mercy replaced judgement; silence and listening replaced telling and asking (this was true in prayer and with others); peace replaced fear; giving replaced grasping; trust replaced having to have all of the answers; being replaced striving: knowing that all things happen for a reason replaced running from anything negative. Yearning replaced shame and avoidance of Him.
As Mike Yaconelli says, it is “liberating from my old way of viewing God” and liberating from the concerned of having a visible difference for people to see.
As for my outside, there are more wrinkles, the taking of more pills, less taking of physical risks, a slower pace, less energy reserves and the use of a cane sometimes. Oh yes, and hearing aides that I forget to put in first thing in the morning. Actually, outwardly I am beginning to look like many other seniors rather than having a “visible difference”. However, I find that inside, I am dancing with wild abandon in the palm of God’s hand! Autumn leaves shrivel, but Autumn fruit ripens, matures, and reproduces through it’s the seeds.
Hello and thank you. I realized reading this post that I need to worry less about rushing, doing, and how to cram everything in and more about shedding, relaxing and BEING…I really need to pray more, listen more and let go of a HUGE backpack I’ve been carrying around. Maybe it’s time.
Linda R´s last [type] ..I dare you – not to be amazed
I’m a subscriber and and am grateful.
Linda R´s last [type] ..I dare you – not to be amazed
I tweeted @designsbylindar
Linda R´s last [type] ..I dare you – not to be amazed
I too am in a season of “stripping”. I want Him to take everything that I am holding onto, strip it away, so that I can become new, more like Him.
Barbie´s last [type] ..The Autumn Rains
I shared this post on Facbook!
Barbie´s last [type] ..The Autumn Rains
Oh, Bonnie, this is so beautiful. I love thinking of Autumn as the season of tenderness–the season of rest. Usually, I am energized by the drop in humidity and the crisp clear blue of the sky…but this year, rest sounds so nice.
I always find rest here. You bless so.
Laura´s last [type] ..Suddenly, Beauty
I have been in seasons of autumn and winter since last year. Change has always been difficult for me. I want to cling to what I have even if it is not the best for me. I cling to the norm, the known, my comfort zone — even if there might be something better, I’m scared to move on. God has had to push me into change — a desert experience — which at the moment seems to be going, and going, and going….I wait on my Heavenley Father. He is in control. I ask for faith and trust to grow in Him, as I walk this journey.
Already a fan and a subscriber. And I only subscribe to a few
Thank you for the beautiful bare thoughts. 
Lovely necklace. I cannot lie, I hope I win 
Jacquelyn Sill´s last [type] ..Fall Recollections
THANK YOU for this post today! I feel like I’m in between Autumn and Winter. It’s been over a year of “this” and I cannot really move forward until next summer. Parts of me are nervous, scared and very unsure (I’m a planner so this is kinda freaking me out!). It’s so nice to hear from someone who’s been there. Your posts have been FANTASTIC!!! I love whatever you’re doing differently.:) They were good before too but now they get me every single time!:)
So sorry to hear about the loss of your dear friend, Sara, this week Bonnie…wishing you all the best during this difficult time. Autumn is tough for our family as well because it’s the Anniversary of my Dad’s passing and even though it has gotten easier with time, we still miss him being here with us now. Thanks for hosting the “Faith Jam” again and for a wonderful giveaway. Have a good week, fondly, Roberta
Wow – one of my favorite posts here at Faith Barista!! Thank you for being here.
Desiree´s last [type] ..Relieve the first-day jitters
When you said, “Sometimes we place such pressure on our lives to be fruitful, we lose faith and end up collapsing under our own weight,’ i could so relate.
There is something beautifully simple about a tree shedding its leaves. It’s time for a new season.
David Rupert´s last [type] ..Great Expectations: When is Good Not Good Enough?
I so needed this today. Thank you! And I love the Autumn’s Song necklace.
What a wonderful Autumn Song! A time of rest…. hmm….. seems more of what God continues to tell me, since last Fall, continues on this fall….
I posted on FB.
Perfect timing, Bonnie
Thanks so MUCH for this post! I have been in a season of releasing and letting go, too. Even though it’s really difficult to let go, and every ounce of me wants to resist, I clearly hear God saying: “Release your grip and leave this in My care.” He’s showing me, too, that a season of change like Autumn is a beautiful season of us learning to trust our Father more, and, equally, a season of really receiving and soaking in God’s love and learning more about His character 
Thanks again for this wonderful post, Bonnie!
Would love to sing along with “Autumn Song.”
The words you wrote in this post were so comforting to me Bonnie. I am in a season of letting go of so many things and desires. And yet one of my greatest desires is to let my light shine. I want to overflow with the love of Jesus to others. So if I must go through this autumn season and God would be glorified, it is well worth it.
I’ve visited Lisa’s website many times. I love her unique jewelry. How special that she had a necklace that was so perfect for you. It is beautiful!
I love to participate in your Faith Barista Jams!
Blessings and love,
Debbie
Debbie´s last [type] ..Autumn Reflections
Thank you Bonnie for yet another inspirational post…..I have shared this on facebook as well as with a dear friend going through some difficulties.
Bonnie, I think I typed a response already, but I don’t see it so I don’t know if I messed up or just don’t see it, so here it goes again.
Thank you! This season of fall… rest, I never looked at it that way. The trees need rest, just like we do. And that seems to be what God continues to say to me since last fall into the new year and into the fall again.
Thank you friend for your words!
Katie´s last [type] ..Autumn Storms
I am so glad to have stumbled across your blog! Pursuing healing is definitely scary at first. Thank you for posting these beautiful, encouraging words. Blessings! Kat
Subscribed to you
Kat Graham´s last [type] ..Their Story
Tweeted this post. https://twitter.com/#!/kzg86/status/117086343439454210
Kat Graham´s last [type] ..Their Story
So beautiful and the story behind it makes it even more precious!
Wendy´s last [type] ..Where I’m From
Subscribed by email.
Wendy´s last [type] ..Where I’m From
Bonnie, I needed these words – “Tears drifting, arms relaxing, heart breaking, body exhaling, soul healing.” Thank you for everything, for you…for Christ in you.
Jeri T.´s last [type] ..The Letting Go
No colors yet in our town. The trees are still green, but I know that on one of those days that I pass beneath their boughs I’ll look up and see shades of yellow between the green. The temperatures will begin cooling. I know that all of a sudden color will appear everywhere. At the peak of its change, I know that winter is just around the corner. I think we’re all changing. We wouldn’t be Christians if we didn’t change…for the better. To others, the tree looks like it’s dying, shedding it’s leaves, and yet the following year, like my Russian Sage, it will be bigger, bloom brighter, and be much more of a presence in my yard like a Christian should be in the world.
Nikole Hahn´s last [type] ..The Recital
Thank you for that inspired post…..Feeling autumn winds in my life right now. I had forgotten the beauty of autumn in the pain of having a lot of my life dismantled, but your words reminded me that our God is a God of PURPOSE in the seasons, both of the weather and of our lives:
“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.”
I will be reading these words many times throughout this “Autumn”!
Hi Bonnie,
I’ve been a subscriber for a bit now and have been enjoying reading your blogs each week. I tend to be shy and have never left a comment on anything before, but your words speak such encouragement into my life…they are like a reflection of my soul and give me a renewed faith and hope. Autumn is my favorite season for all the reasons you mentioned and my soul is longing for a great big sigh of ‘letting go’. Thank you for pouring your heart out each week. God bless you!!!
I’ve shared on Facebook as well…have friends who would be inspired too and need to read your blog
Blessings, Miriam
Such great thoughts here Bonnie. I have always found comfort in the Fall season.
Amy Nabors´s last [type] ..Photo Friday: Fall
Beautifully written, Bonnie. I was 16 when the campmeeting preacher spoke from Isaiah 64:6 “…and we all do fade as a leaf…” encouraging us that the fallen leaves of our life’s failures (and sins) are intended to protect and nourish the tree’s roots and prepare it for more, healthier growth and fruitfulness. Nothing is ever wasted in God. More than 40 years later, your post reminds me of that truth during a harsh winter season of my life.
Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and your life.