Hello readers, how are you doing?

The later part of February has highlighted the powerful energy of emotions. I'm shown a vision of a tree with all the external bark removed, the tree looks raw, the wood within exposed.

The Divine Pruning Process

God, your higher power removes from the external world the parts that no longer serve your upward growth. But, with this inner transformation the analogy goes deeper, into the deepest parts of your being. He's not only removing all that which no longer serves you. He's exposing the deepest parts of you, stripping away the old skin so that you can be truly authentic.

"I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful." - John 15:1-2

This can feel raw, similar to a fresh wound, leaving you feeling vulnerable, but with your innate ability to self-heal it's just going to take a little time for the wound to dry and heal over.

"And no one pours new wine into old wineskins. Otherwise, the wine will burst the skins, and both the wine and the wineskins will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins." - Mark 2:22

The Roadblock Ahead

Perhaps you've been happily coasting along and all of a sudden you see the road ahead is blocked, and you can't turn back, you've already come too far.

Your current vehicle is just not going to get you there. This is what's happening, you are shedding the old vehicle and stepping into the new. It can feel confusing at first, but remember our faith is often tested, challenges will arise and although you can feel a bit lost and stuck it's about trusting in the process, difficulties can strengthen the inner workings of your mind.

Walking Through the Fire

This is a time of your inward renewal, though this stripping back of the old can be very challenging, it’s crucial not to fall back into your old ways, or project blame onto others for your circumstances at this crucial time of inward transformation.

"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze." - Isaiah 43:2

A Personal Moment of Truth

It all started with a terse comment (the straw that broke the camel's back). I decide to say nothing and not respond, sometimes it's better that way. Later I decide to go upstairs to my room, run a hot bath, throw in some magnesium flakes and light a candle. I lie in there for what seems like an hour, tears rolling down my cheeks, gasping for breath. Old grief rises from seemingly nowhere. My dog tries to hand me his paw and barks, he mirrors my emotions and gets upset when I'm sad. This is my time to acknowledge these raw emotions with quiet bible study and inner work.

I'm sharing this because it's important to understand that we must process our feelings and emotions when they arise. Once there was a time when I might have reached for a glass of wine or something external to help make me feel better, but not anymore. I've recognised that allowing for these moments of emotional release are vital to our well-being and healing.

"For his anger lasts only a moment, but his favour lasts a lifetime; weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning." - Psalm 30:5

The Medicine I Dish Out

I have to know that the same medicine I dish out here in my writing works for me too, right?

It does. Facing and walking towards our moments of grief and despair is the only way through—anything else simply masks to avoid the inevitable. You see, if you're a deep person, it's likely you feel things deeply, and that means you can visit and experience your emotions at a very deep level. Conversely, you can also experience the immense joys of the great heights.

"The Lord is close to the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit." - Psalm 34:18

Remember, this season of emotional rawness is preparing you for the new transformed you. Trust the process.

Lisa Precious is the founder of SmileyBlue a publication dedicated to helping people reach their full potential and discover the right path for their lives. Our content expands from conscious mentoring to emotional healing and in-depth discussions on how your mind and body are the most powerful assets in your life. Please feel free to contact her at contact@smileyblue.org