The Launching of ‘Heart Actions’:
(Image by Randy Bacon)
Happy New Year! Surprise! It’s been a journey, a long time coming, something I’ve known I needed to do, something I was (am) scared to share, something that I can no longer put off.. I just launched my blog! I have prayed and thought a lot about this, and I despite my fearful reservations, I am choosing to be brave and share what I feel called to share.
2017 has been (and still is) a constant journey of change and growth. In the last year I’ve endured a lot of pushback (hateful private messages, heartbreaking and degrading comments/dialogue in person and online) on the person I have become, I’ve made a lot of changes in every aspect of my life, I’ve questioned everything I once believed and spent a great deal of time, prayer, thought and discussion on faith and religion - now finding myself closer to Christ than I’ve been in my entire life combined; I started my battle with high functioning depression, made some lifelong bonds and friendships with people who have supported me unconditionally (non-blood family <3) that I have prayed to have since I was little, I’ve grown up a bit, learned a lot of lessons, figured out how to put my value in who I am in Christ and not in the things people say or believe about me, and came full circle in finally being who I’ve wanted to be my entire life but never felt strong enough, brave enough, good enough - enough - to be the “real Larissa”. I have never felt more sure than I do today of what I feel called to do and who I am.
God has been patient, filled with grace and unconditionally loving with me every step of the way, and chose to also speak His life, love, encouragement and peace to me through some absolutely remarkable people that I owe so much too. I see now that often times the only way out is through the mess, and that the way out tends to involve getting kicked to your lowest of lows...but it has been in my lowest moments and struggles that I experienced Christ picking me up, piecing my brokenness back together, giving me the tools, people, mercy and courage to start over and be a better version of myself, all for His awesome glory and purpose of serving and loving His people. I am eternally grateful <3
