God’s lost and found.

Have you ever had a song take up residence in your head and come out to play on occasion for no apparent reason? One day you start humming it and you can’t stop.

Recently I had the same experience; not with a song but with these seven words: “I thought I was the only one”. Hearing them again caught me off guard. I was attending a women’s conference. In the morning session we formed small groups around tables to discuss this question, “What barriers are keeping you from living your best life, the life you dream of having?” We were encouraged to be genuine and transparent. As a result a level of intimacy evolved among the women in each group. At lunch I heard several women share with one another, “I thought I was the only one.”

Those seven words popped into my consciousness off and on the rest of the day. It was not until I was driving home in the quiet of my car did the lightbulb come on. I had said those very same words years before when God found me lost in a long dry wilderness season. I was lost in his presence and found in his love. Did you know God was in the lost and found business?

No matter how hard I worked in the corporate world I felt unequal power and status. I traveled weekly to my customers and managed a marriage and a blended family at home. I realized that I was failing managing my competing priorities and I was no longer able to forgive and forget the secret abuse. My superwoman costume no longer worked. I began to ask questions for which I had no answers. I wondered, “Why does it hurt so much?” “Why am I always so tired?” “Why is it always showtime?” “Why am I too proud to ask for help?” Alone and disconnected, I thought I was the only one.

I was surprised to learn that my wilderness was actually God’s workplace. It was there God found me and presented himself in a way that I could feel him. There God taught me that his grace was more than amazing, it was sufficient. He told me that my wilderness was not the best I could do. He taught me to treat myself like someone I loved. He transformed my perspective and gave me courage to reach out and connect. He repositioned me to encourage and inspire others.

Over time, I came to know a new powerful Tyra. I like her. I love her. She is here to tell you if you: feel affiliated but not connected, successful but unfulfilled, can’t shake the shame of your secrets, feel like you don’t fit, living the life you should but not the life you want… that you are not the only one.

Your journey is not over; however your struggle can be… reach out!

I invite you to join the conversation. Take your seat at the table. This is your place.

Like, comment and share your thoughts.

    Until next time, remember,

• You are not alone.

• You are not your circumstances.

• You have everything within you to live a purpose-filled life.