Discovering Strength: Brooke Conrady

Discovering Strength

Psalm 46:5-10 states, “God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day. Nations are in uproar, kingdoms fall; he lifts his voice, the earth melts.  The Lord Almighty is WITH us; the God of Jacob is our fortress.  Come and see the works of the Lord, the desolations he has brought on the earth.  He makes wars cease to the ends of the earth; he breaks the bow and shatters the spear, he burns the shields with fire.  BE STILL, and know that I am God.”

I remember when my dad sat my brother and I down, and told us my mom had an addiction problem.  It was about seven years ago, and was probably one of the worst days of my life.  It didn’t make any sense.  Fast forward to now…my mom is extremely ill, and her situation is looking almost hopeless.  Over the past seven years, my life has changed drastically, and I have grown up with just my dad.  Though things haven’t gone as “planned”…if there is one thing I have learned....it’s strength.  Throughout these past seven years, I have gained so much knowledge about how to navigate through obstacles, and I couldn’t be more blessed to share them with whoever is reading this blog.

Cling to God.  Even when you don’t want to.  If I am being honest, there are days when I literally wake up and question God about why my mother could be so addicted to alcohol and other things.  Though, Psalm 46:5 states: “God is within her, she will not fall; God will help her at break of day.”  God isn’t going to put something in your life just so you can suffer.  While you’re suffering, he is going to be there even when you don’t think so.  Cling to him.

2.     Let others help you.  For me, this can be a challenge, because I have the tendency to help others, without being willing to acknowledge my struggles.  With helping out others, I don’t have to think about my problems.  Though, something I have learned over the years, is to allow people to help. 

     You cannot go through tough times without others.  While it might seem like a sign of weakness to tell your friends about your struggles, I find it to be the opposite.  When you allow for others to reach out, it’s a sign of strength, because it’s showing vulnerability and authenticity on your part.  Friendships grow when we are real with one another on the good days and the bad days! 

3.     Choose the right path.  I remember when my dad looked at me and said, “Brooke…you can either let this situation put your life on hold, or you can use it to better your life and help others through their struggles along the way!  I know for a fact that it is sometimes easier to dwell in the hard times, but what I have found, is that the more involved I am in other people’s lives, the better of a person I am.  I am currently involved with two ministries, and nothing brings me more joy, than to have the ability to use what I have gone through, to help others. 

4.     Love at all times.  Before my mom became ill, I always thought that I would never really have any big obstacles in life to overcome.  Though, from the past seven years, I have realized that every single person on the face of this earth is dealing with some type of struggle.  We are called to love, as Ephesians 4:2 states, “Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.”  There are times when I have a difficult time showing love to people, but as a follower of Christ, it’s one of the greatest things we can do.  Love all…even those that hurt you. 

5.     Allow God to plan your life.  Last fall, I was a student at Indiana University, because I thought that a state school was for me.  Though after transferring in the middle of a school year (crazy right?), I am attending Bethel, which is 12 minutes away from home.  I have found so much strength by being at Bethel, due to the fact that I allowed God to place me where I need to be.

6.     Jam to Christian music.  Some days I feel extremely close to the word by reading it, but other times I am closest to the word when I listen to it.  Worship music is always there…and it is awesome.

7.     Remember the good.  Always know that even through challenging times, life is still good.

I am going to leave you with lyrics to one of my favorite Christian songs by Jordan Feliz that I heard live over the summer.  I was definitely that emotional person in the crowd, when I heard these words wash over me.  I hope you take the time to listen to this song. 

You are beloved

I wanted you to know

You are beloved

Let it soak into your soul

Oh, forget the lies you heard

Rise above the hurt

And listen to these words

You are beloved

I wanted you to know

You are beloved

Don't be afraid

Don't let hope fade

Keep your eyes fixed on the light above

In the heartbreak, in your mistakes

Nothing can separate you from love

Don't be afraid

Don't let hope fade

Keep your eyes fixed on the light above

In the heartbreak, in your mistakes

Nothing can separate you from love.

Please know that if you are reading this: YOU ARE LOVED.  There is a reason you are here on this earth.  God loves you so much and is going to give you the STRENGTH you need to get through the most challenging times.  I promise you!  There is no way in this world that I could deal with my mom slowly losing her life, without him. 

**If anyone is reading this that can relate, please feel free to reach out to me!  I am here for YOU!  Always!  Praying for you! 

Thank you Luke for giving me the opportunity to write.. you’re such a blessing in my life!  I don’t know what I would do without a friend like you!