The Feminine Heart

[vc_row][vc_column][nd_options_text nd_options_text_tag=”p” nd_options_text_weight=”lighter” nd_options_text_family=”nd_options_first_font” nd_options_text=”by Danielle Schmidt”][nd_options_spacer nd_options_height=”15″][vc_column_text]There are times when from deep within I feel a stirring so strong my fingers literally itch to get it out on paper. Inside of a writer beats a heart that aches to be shared, to be heard, to release the inner voice that cries out to be understood. Sometimes I write simply for the therapy it offers my soul. Yet other times that need is deeper.  In pouring my heart out in words there is a deep-set hope that one day these letters will be able to help someone.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Someone who’s heart feels heavy with the weight of their situation but who’s soul hides in shame and feels alone.

Someone who’s depth of discouragement runs deeper than their faith in those moments of overwhelm.

Someone hurting and broken, searching and seeking, wanting or needing.

Someone with walls the size of Jericho built around a wary soul.

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]May my words, my story, my reflection of the true Helper and Healer, shine a ray of hope into such a dismal place. May my God use me as a tool to search for the needy and hungry who’s bellies and tables may be full but who’s souls are empty. I am passionate to crush the lie of the deceiver that we are alone in our suffering.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]To the church-faithful woman who holds a face of togetherness amidst loss.

To the strong and fit woman who’s weakness is hidden below a body that appears to have it all together.

To the overwhelmed and overworked, the under-appreciated and over-exerted.

To the marriage that everyone wants from the outside but hurls hurt behind closed doors.

To the mother whose struggles are deep and who’s patience runs thin.

To the woman who aches with a barren heart and body.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]We all hurt, we all have failed, we all hide disappointments behind a mask of togetherness. We all smile smiles that don’t reach our eyes. We stand strong for our loved ones even in times of soul-crushing pain. We all have heard the whispers of the lies in our minds that someone else has it all together. Strings of envy have bound our effectiveness and chains of perfectionism weigh our weary hearts to the ground. Lies, all of it- designed to keep us from reaching our full potential as women of God. Yet our potential is not found in perfection, in outer beauty nor in success. Our beauty is found much deeper within- below our smiles and pretty speech, in the depths of our hearts. It is in vulnerability and softness of the feminine heart that we can openly admit these truths and in so doing crush the lies of the deceiver. We do not have to appear as fit as a magazine cover, as strong as a Joyce Meyer, as “Pinteresty” and perfect as a mother of 19. But even in those appearances may we find connection with the inner heart of a woman. We all have struggles, we all have triumphs. May we celebrate this connection in the light of a faith and a hope, a promise that we are not alone in our race.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Ladies, let us rise up, connect, and tear down the walls of judgment, envy, self-condemnation, and any lie of the deceiver that binds us. For it is in the rock of our salvation that we find freedom of self, purpose, and fulfillment. Embrace this truth and we’ll find the greatest treasure of the feminine heart -companionship and connectedness in this battle of life.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]May we break the chains of judgement and find freedom of friendship.

May we shake off the bindings of envy and free our inner beauty.

May we tear down walls that separate us and find connection.

May these words speak to your soul and inspire you to unashamedly release your true self.

We are not alone![/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]“My dear children, let’s not just talk about love; let’s practice real love. This is the only way we’ll know we’re living truly, living in God’s reality. It’s also the way to shut down debilitating self-criticism, even when there is something to it. For God is greater than our worried hearts and knows more about us than we do ourselves. And friends, once that’s taken care of and we’re no longer accusing or condemning ourselves, we’re bold and free before God! We’re able to stretch our hands out and receive what we asked for because we’re doing what he said, doing what pleases him.”

1 John 3:18-23 MSG[/vc_column_text][nd_options_spacer nd_options_height=”15″][vc_separator border_width=”2″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][nd_options_team nd_options_layout=”layout-4″ nd_options_title=”Danielle Schmidt” nd_options_description=”She is Mama to three perfectly imperfect kiddos who are a cute package of her greatest joys and greatest challenges. She is Wife to the best God-given gift – her man who lovingly brings out the best of her yet still loves the worst of her. Usually overwhelmed and occasionally stressed, she is homeschool Teacher, Office Manager for their business, and occasionally Housekeeper or Cook. And in the spare moments when she can dig deeper than the surface expectations, she is Writer. Called to share her struggles, triumphs, imagination and dreams on paper in hopes that someone can be encouraged.

Ocala native, Florida-loving, yet called frequently by the Carolina mountains to come enjoy the views above their sunshine land for fresh air and fresh perspective. Often found running because it is a release of pent-up stress and emotion, because of the challenge of the next big run, and possibly because she is always unofficially competing with her little sister. Family connections are the ties that bind her life together and the blessing she treasures like gold. Coffee is her worldly passion; you’ll rarely see her without a cup. Her deepest dream is to raise Godly children, create an environment of peace in her home, love her husband unconditionally and so propel him to be all he can be, and by the life she leads somehow make a positive difference in others’ lives. (“Think big” is their motto!) Graced by God daily to live amidst distractions, love amidst challenge, and somehow find balance in it all, she is Danielle C. Schmidt.

“Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, Sweet and delightful to the soul and healing to the body.”
PROVERBS 16:24 AMP”][/vc_column][/vc_row]