Restoration is on the other side of obedience…

Six out of ten hours on the road to Atlanta I was waiting on the Lord; waiting for relief, support, strength. Those six hours felt like eternity, but never once did I consider not continuing. I knew I had to persist. 

At one point I pulled into an abandoned building parking lot and closed my eyes. When I opened them again it was as if I had time traveled; only 20 minutes had passed, but it felt as though I had slept for hours.

I was amidst waiting, and I was reminded yet again “Korie, it matters what you do in the waiting.” So, I persisted and I kept listening and quite literally as soon as I hit the fog filled mountains my wait was over. Relief found me to the point I felt like a different person.

I was transformed in my waiting. I was not the same person that started that drive; my weariness, pain, fatigue and fear were completely gone. I felt restored.
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I could feel the anger of the enemy; that I was choosing to persist, that I was choosing to continue all while knowing that mourning with those who mourn was waiting for me. More intense fog arrived accompanied by pouring rain. But I couldn’t even begin to see that as an obstacle because it created the most beautiful color and the rain was a cleansing representation. Even while still being unable to see where I was going, peace filled me due to my elevated perspective.

In the mountain tops ‘Jireh’ came across my shuffle and I was UNDONE. “I don’t wanna forget how I feel right now on the mountaintop. I can see so clear what it’s all about. So stay by my side when the sun goes down. Don’t wanna forget how I feel right now.”

I made it safely to my destination and surrendered into rest with very little effort. I scheduled joy for myself on Saturday morning and was met with beautiful art in the form of a powerful reminder spoken by Michelle Obama; before spending some hours at Portrait. As I was saying my “God, show me how much you love me” prayer, I witnessed so many beautiful displays of love while sitting at Portrait. I was lead to read Romans 12 and I left the space feeling affirmed and inspired before walking into the grief of the days ahead.

I met up with my nephew, Kristian, and we went to one of his favorite stores and walked around. So much occurred during those steps we were taking, but some parts of stories are best left for the travelers. K picked a dandelion for me that grew next to a wall dedicated to Peace and then we took some pictures.

While I never had the pleasure of meeting K’s mom I couldn’t help but feel that she and my mom linked up in the heavens and circled the map together to ensure we were both together for these sacred moments. Due to an unexpected turn of events I was asked to speak during the service, but because I have dedicated my life and heart to this sacred work I had everything I need to show up and show God. At times the family we choose is who gives us the clearest picture of who we are called to become.

I considered not sharing any part of this testimony, but was quickly encouraged by the power of words to do so. I am grateful to do this work. On my journey home I was met with an incredible sunset as soon as I rounded the ramp on I-74 and crossed the Indiana state line. God continues to show me how loved I am.
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More often than not the more we honor our calling and operate within it we are met with obstacles, adversity, waiting…so, what are we doing in your waiting that will keep you prepared for when you’re called to action?

Don't forget what you prayed for...