BLACK FRIDAY PEACE

How do you even “blog”? No clue. Do you tell your life story in 500 words or less? It can’t be done. WHY am I even blogging? I don’t know that either. I’m certainly no expert on anything except needing Jesus and of late, making messes. But I’ve got some life experience and I guess I just need to chat it out. I can fill you in on the backstory later. I’ll just preface by saying that I have lived a wonderful life and as of right this minute, it ain’t over yet. As long as there’s a new season of Fixer Upper on the horizon, I still have a purpose in life.

At 41 years old, I already feel totally fulfilled. I’ve done almost everything I ever wanted to do in life with the exception of a few things on my short list (meet Chip and JoJo).
From having my dream job, making music and sipping tea in London, to building my own home and being a mommy. If I die today don’t be sad. Just tell beautiful stories about how much I loved Jesus, my kids and a closet full of boho dresses and headbands.

Having said that, life has not been without its challenges. I’ve got stories involving hurt and loss and more recent bad choices than I care to mention. I’ve had a few doozies here lately that I wish I could take back. I’m working extra hard to forget about those and to forgive myself. And then there’s that one thing that people hate to talk about. Ugh…it’s so taboo. Should I say it?
DIVORCE. 
That’s one I never set out to experience, especially being a worship leader my whole life. You just don’t do that in my circle. It was a hard pill to swallow. Almost 15 years of working that marriage muscle, to finally relent and give up the ghost.

My children were 10 and 6. I remember getting in the shower, turning on the water and holding a towel over my face so they wouldn’t hear me scream. So many tears shed… I knew the road ahead was gonna be a long one. At least my Free People shoe game was on-point. Those things and Jesus could walk me through the toughest of storms.

I knew that divorce was never God’s design and it certainly was not taken lightly. I won’t get into all the details. Just know that I had spent countless hours with the Lord crying and talking about this subject and I knew He was there with me. And I needed Him to be because I had nothing – no steady job, no money and nowhere to go. If I told you every little provision the Lord made for me along the way, we would be here all day. Trust me when I say, He provided.

And best of all He showed me His great love by sending me the most amazing, life-giving people to walk with me during this uphill climb. They put on their hiking boots and were always behind me, beside me, and two steps ahead of me on Divorce Mountain, grabbing my hand and keeping me moving the whole way up.

In case you didn’t know, that particular spot on my life’s map is located in the heart of Colorado Springs, CO, where I began that journey almost four years ago. I believe, without a doubt, that the Lord orders our steps and strategically places us in certain places at certain times with just the right people. And somehow, in His great mercy, He saw fit to plant us in Colorado for that awkward leg of life’s trip. I wrote music and made an album there and developed sweet relationships that landed us in that great state. I will always love that place and the people who keep it alive. (No, I did not smoke weed while I was there. I know you’re wondering.) I miss that place dearly. I was able to fulfil one my deepest heart’s desires while in Colorado – to wear boots and layer my clothing nine months out of the year. It was tough to leave. Don’t get me started. I could cry a river…

It was a hard, sad season, but I had an immeasurable amount of peace during that time. Philippians 4:7 was alive and in action – “And the peace of God which passes all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” It just cannot be summed up with words – except to say, you know that feeling you get when you’ve been eating clean for like, 60 days (two weeks) and you finally give yourself permission to order that Pumpkin Spice Latte (in a red cup because it’s fall) and a giant chocolate chip muffin? You know that feeling you have during the consumption of those one million glorious calories? How all those flavors and smells just wrap you up in a warm (plaid Burberry) blanket?  Well that’s sort of what Jesus did for me – wrapped me up and held onto me through that cold walk.

Its been quite the trek. Have you read Pilgrim’s Progress? Read it. If you’ve lived one minute of life, you’ll get it. It’s all about the journey. Sometimes we have unexpected detours and bumps in the road. I’ve hit new ones since divorce and have recently gone through a different kind of uphill climb. I’ll tell you about that later.

Today I’m writing to say this.
Life is hard, but Jesus never leaves.
We can walk through hard seasons and still have peace.
And if you don’t currently have any, you can still get it – peace. The sale isn’t over. Just like on Black Friday.  (Only 27 Fridays left till Christmas, FYI). You will RACE into your favorite store and dig through continual racks and stacks of clothes like a rabid dog to find that one pair of yoga pants that you just couldn’t live without. You and your sleep-deprived-self will risk life and limb to get through those doors, and then you get in there and you take it- whatever it is!!  You’ve got your eye on that set of wooden spoons and that flatscreen, and dadgummit, you’re gonna get ’em if you have to lose a finger and your dignity in the process.

Well, thankfully, when we are in the market for peace, Jesus isn’t hiding at the bottom of the stack.  And there’s plenty to go around. All we have to do is walk in, ask, and receive. We repent and draw near. That is key. Sometimes it’s so hard to relinquish our own way in order to get it. So hard…

Lately, I’m a pro at not wanting to hand it over. Trust me when I say, it’s a much bumpier road. The world doesn’t offer peace-only Jesus does. My experience tells me that, excuse the lame cliche’, “letting go and letting God” really is the only way to live.  Going in and just accepting Jesus and his peace – it’s the only way to have true joy. We don’t even have to pay for it! I’m not really up for Black Friday peace shopping anyway, are you?
Let’s just go in and take it right off the shelf.
Here, I’ll hold the door for you…

Published by Heather Land

CEO of I Ain’t Doin It. Master Certified Life Coach. Tennessee girl. Wife. Mama. Cat lady. Enneagram 4. Loves to: light candles, drink coffee, drink wine, write, talk crap, watch The Great British Bake Off and dumb shows on TLC, shop, decorate, travel, eat fancy food, overthink, be real and hang out with authentic people.

146 thoughts on “BLACK FRIDAY PEACE

  1. Just loved your blog!!! Just such a kindred spirit.. I watch your videos and enjoy the welcomed laughs…I love Jesus and just can’t face one day without Him……I ain’t doing it!!!!

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    1. Thank you for your words of wisdom. I’m in the middle of a mess doing what I know is not God’s will but I am still in the mess
      I know I will repent but I am not ready yet

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  2. Thank you so much for sharing your writing with us. I’ve enjoyed your recent videos on Facebook over the last month. I almost felt like I met my long lost twin (not in looks, but in attitude!) Like you, I am also divorced (after 20 years of marriage), and it is Jesus, along with a dear sister and a few close friends, that helped me through it. His peace cannot be matched!!

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  3. I needed this today…Thank you for you words!! I’ve been divorced three times, fought drug addiction, and almost lost my my baby girl to brain cancer (just a few of my battles). God is the only reason I’m here!!

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  4. Heather,
    You have been a bright spot in many dark days lately. Your Facebook viedos always come at the right time. Times when only a good laugh can change your day. And now to discover your blog, priceless. You are so real and relatable you certainly have a God given talent. Thank you for what you bring to our lives!!

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  5. You’re my new best friend and we’ve never met. My husband can hear me lol from the other room and he comes in and says “what’s the latest one?” I laugh until tears stream down my face. You are therapy for me after a tiring day. Thank you for being real and transparent! You’re incredibly gifted!

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  6. I enjoy your humor so much. But it is very uplifting to hear your testimony. Prayers for you and your kids. But don’t stop with “I ain’t doin it”!

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  7. Heather,
    Thank you for your inspiring words. I too have felt the pain of divorce and it was the most terrible experience I have had in my life, thus far. (God please don’t let there be something worse!) Anyway, Jesus is who got me through and I am quite sure that experience has made me a much better person. I find myself reflecting daily on the person I was; selfish, spoiled, stubborn… the list is endless. Now I find myself thankful for silly things like good shampoo – I know that sounds ridiculous, but I know that he brought me through that terrible time to help me get where I am today, thankful for little things, loving Him more than myself, and finally having a real relationship with Him.
    I’m so glad I found your blog and thanks for the great laughs from your videos! Keep ’em comin!
    Lindy

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    1. Oh and I forgot to mention that your love for Chip and Joanna is the same as mine. I can’t get enough! My chrome book wallpaper is their bed and breakfast. I’m obsessed. Having said this, I think we can be best friends lol!
      Lindy 😊

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  8. I agree: “letting go and letting God is the only way to live”! Thanks for sharing your story, and holding the door. 😉

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  9. Just started watching and reading your stuff, the greatest gift in life is our salvation,I am so thankful that you give him the praise. Continue on to know the Lord. Your Sister IN CHRIST KATHY HYDE.

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  10. Inspirational words! Thanks for all the insight about your trials .
    I emailed you last night. Somehow I felt like there was more to your story. A hunch ? I suppose.
    I am In the middle of a divorce, rt now. I am 67! Now that’s a real problem too. Lol . I have had to go back to work . Selling my house . Moving …
    God has my back. He is leading me – kinda like He did for you and your kiddos , going to Colorado .
    My heart is in another city where my grandkids are . I am happier now than I have been In yrs! I feel free and fulfilled . God will not let me fail. He is my Father . I am strong. Thank you for your story. Helps us identify with you even more ! Love, love that you make us laugh at everyday annoyances . Keep on making those hilarious videos. Will have to get me one of you t-shirts. May God continue to Bless you in every way . Angels on your pillow!

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  11. I love you viedos. I think we would of been great friends should we have ever met. This was a great intro! Keep up the hard work!

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  12. Heather, your sense of humor about world issues and now your writing speak volumes about your relationship with the Christ. He truly is the only one who brings peace into our lives, the peace that surpasses all understanding. Thank you for your candor and your witness.

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  13. I’ve just started following you (my daughter shared you and I instantly fell in love), and like you I’ve had a few mountains to climb but I’ve never had to do it alone. My precious Father has always provided for me.
    Keeping sharing from your heart, this
    Southern girl sure enjoys what the Lord has blessed you with.

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  14. U are a bright light of laughter!!! Thank you! I think ur incredibly funny and witty! Good for you girl! Turned my friend’s onto your videos and ordered some t-shirts ! Whoohoo, can’t wait to get them !
    Best of luck with EVERYTHING!!!

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  15. I found you on FB. I haven’t stopped watching since. I love how funny you are about real world stuff and yet are still a faithful servant of Jesus. I struggle daily with my walk and am still trying to figure out why. Keep doing what you’re doing girl. You inspire so many!!

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  16. Love this verse today – did my sad heart good! Philippians 4:7 was alive and in action – “And the peace of God which passes all understanding will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”

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  17. As someone who also blogs and struggles with what to write – I too just want to share some experiences and how wonderful Jesus is without always knowing how to do that – this was an amazing read. You make me laugh and you fill my heart. Keep on keepin’ on, dearheart.

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  18. As someone who also blogs and struggles with what to write – I too just want to share some experiences and how wonderful Jesus is without always knowing how to do that – this was an amazing read. You make me laugh and you fill my heart. Keep on keepin’ on, dearheart.

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  19. Oh sister, so sorry for your struggles but so grateful for your willingness to share. I am sad to say I am also a member in this terrible club…and for more than 1 failed marriage. Yuck! The most recent one ended a few months ago and it was a doozy. The silver lining is that now I know how paying close attention to what and how it all went wrong (not sure it was ever right this time around) and what part I played in all of that will help me down the road once I heal. And also My counselor has given me excellent tools to use WHEN I date again to find a mate that is a good fit for me instead of being blinded by love and excusing serious red flags and issues. You are a funny and wonderful human being and I am so glad I found your “I ain’t doin it” videos. Smiling’s my favorite!!

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  20. I’m a first time reader of your blog and I love it. It’s real life and I appreciate you sharing it. I love your videos and I was in an angry situation and I made one of myself and I can say it was very therapeutic and it gave humor to my situation! Thanks!

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    1. Your openness is refreshing. Love the videos and the humor. Thanks for sharing your life. It’s amazing how Jesus works and makes Himself evident even in circumstances that we would not choose.

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  21. “Life is hard, but Jesus never leaves.
    We can walk through hard seasons and still have peace.”

    Profound statement. I am grateful for the thought!

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  22. I’VE HAD HAD A REALLY BAD YEAR WITH LOOSING MY MOM & MOTHER IN LAW WITHIN 3 WEEKS OF EACH OTHER AND MY SON IS GOING THROUGH A TERRIBLE DIVORCE AND I’M FIGHTING INSOMNIA AND DEPRESSION AND PANIC/ANXIETY ATTACKS AND YOUR VIDEOS ARE MY DAILY FIX TO MAKE ME SMILE & LAUGH!!! I’M SO GLAD I READ YOUR BLOG TODAY I WAS CRYING LIKE A BABY BECAUSE I REALLY NEEDED TO HEAR WHAT I ALREADY KNOW BUT HAVE BEEN TO WEAK & SCARED TO DO!!! GET BACK TO GOD!!!! GOD BLESS YOU SO MUCH!!!

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  23. Yup. I understand. And it looks/feels like you letting God love, through you, in this writing. Thank you, for being a vessel. It helps. Love and prayers from Vermont.

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  24. Heather, I hope you hug yourself a lot, know this! Your fans, me being somewhat new…………..think you are the ‘cats meow’…I need your humor and try to post on my fB all the time. What an imagination, only very intelligent ppl has one like yours. Just wanted to thank you for being you! Alana Brock, FW, TX retired teacher/coach

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  25. Heather your videos have helped me so much in my battle with cancer. I sometimes have watched one after another just to get tickled. I read your blog and I bought tickets (2nd row) to your Knoxville performance. I smile at what God has done in your life in a seemingly hopeless time. I know to let go and let God but sometimes it takes me trying to control the situation first then I let Go. I love the person you are because there are no limits to what God can do. My cancer spread to my liver and it seemed hopeless but I am here, and I try to do what you do, share his message of hope and love cause I believe we can only truly love through his spirit. I can’t wait to see you and coming with my former boss that recently went through divorce. You are a blessing in my life 💕❤️

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