I’m glad I live in an area that has four seasons. I’m also thankful we don’t have long, severe winters. Metaphorically, sometimes we must pass through difficult seasons of life. Today, AWSA sister and friend Dr. Evelyn Johnson-Taylor tells about what she learned going through the most difficult season of her life. I was able to preview In & Out of Season: Thriving in Life’s Transitions and believe it will be a great encouragement to those in a difficult season of grief and change. Now here’s Evelyn.
Imagine waking up one morning, only to realize that the life you once knew, the identity that defined you, has suddenly and irrevocably shifted. It’s as if you’re standing at the edge of a new beginning, yet the person staring back at you in the mirror feels like a stranger.
Six years ago, when my husband went to heaven, I was thrust into the most difficult season of my life. I felt like every dream I had for my life suddenly ended. Emotionally I felt empty, and as if everything I wanted to accomplish would never happen now that I was a widow. The once confident woman who mentored, coached, and encouraged others was now a weepy image in the mirror.
Even during that dark season, I understood, deep down, that the truth remained unchanged. God’s Word and His promises for me had not wavered. Just as God revealed His unchanging nature in Scripture, I knew He remained constant. I was familiar with Isaiah 41:10 from The Message translation:
“Don’t panic. I’m with you. There’s no need to fear, for I’m your God. I’ll give you strength and help. I’ll hold you steady and keep a firm grip on you.”
Despite this, my feelings did not always reflect that truth.
Embracing Change and Finding Resilience
I set out on a journey to align my emotions with what I knew to be true. The strength of God’s promise provided me with hope and encouragement. I remained confident that His Word is, and will always be, true and unerring. I began to focus on reconciling my feelings with the unwavering truth of God’s promises.
What did I do?
- Acknowledge the season.
- Embrace the season.
- Solicit support in the season.
- Practice self-care during the season.
- Find meaning in the season
The first step in navigating a tough season is to acknowledge and accept your emotions. I had to accept that grief is a real emotion and that’s where I was in that season. It’s natural to feel overwhelmed, frustrated, or anxious during difficult times. I was determined not to disregard my emotions, as I firmly believed that God intended for me to use my experiences to offer support and insights to other widows.
Embrace the change. Difficult seasons often come with significant changes, whether it’s a job loss, a health issue, or a relationship shift. Embracing change can be challenging, but it’s a vital part of moving forward. Try to view these changes as opportunities for growth and self-discovery. While change can be unsettling, it often paves the way for new beginnings and possibilities.
Don’t forget to tap into your support system. No one should navigate difficult seasons alone. Reach out to your support network, whether it’s friends, family, professional counselors, or a support group. Sharing your experiences and seeking advice can provide comfort and perspective.
Don’t forget to practice self-care. Be gentle with yourself, and show the same kindness for yourself that you would show to a friend experiencing a difficult season. Often, I thought, “I should be farther along in my healing journey.” But everyone navigates differently. Resist the temptation to compare yourself to others. Recognize your efforts and celebrate small victories along the way.
Reflect on What You’ve Learned
Lastly, amid hard seasons, finding meaning and purpose can be incredibly helpful. Reflect on what you’ve learned from the experience and how it has shaped your perspective. Difficult seasons often unveil strengths and insights that might otherwise remain undiscovered. It is frequently during these challenging periods that our faith and resilience are developed and strengthened the most. I am stronger today, as a result of all the experiences I have encountered.
Navigating difficult seasons is never easy, but by acknowledging your emotions, embracing the season, seeking support, practicing self-care, and finding meaning, you can emerge stronger. Remember, every challenging period is a season in your life’s story, it’s not the entire story, and with time, patience, and perseverance, you will navigate through to better days. Remember, the plan God has for your life remains steadfast and unaltered, regardless of any emotional turmoil you may experience.
Dr. Evelyn Johnson-Taylor
Dr. Evelyn Johnson-Taylor has been a ministry leader for over thirty years, helping people navigate many of the seasons of their lives. Her vision is to encourage, empower, and equip people to win in every season of life.
Evelyn is an ordained elder, Christian author, speaker, coach, and mentor. She is a theology professor at Grace & Truth Christian University in Tampa, Florida. She has earned an AD in nursing, a BA in Women’s Studies, and a Master’s and Ph.D. in Ministry. Christian Speaker & Author of In & Out of Season: Thriving in Life’s Transitions. Visit her at evelynjtaylor.org.
Thank you, Evelyn for sharing your heart and these insights!
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Wondereful reminders and suggestions for navigating the difficult times we all go through.
Thanks, Ann. I appreciate Evelyn sharing her story and what’s learned with us.
Well done, Debbie and Evelyn Johnson-Taylor. Thank you for sharing that interview with us.
Thanks, Yvonne.
Encouraging story for a difficult season. Thank you for introducing us to Dr. Evelyn Johnson-Taylor.
Thank you, Pauline. I appreciate how she said we can find strengths and insights that might have remained veiled.
Thank you, Debbie and Evelyn for sharing this post. We do need help navigating the seasons of life. God gave us each other for encouragement and comfort.
Yes we do! Thanks, Barbara.
First, whoever did the cover of the book is a fabulous graphic artist! So beautiful. Second, I appreciate the advice to not ignore my emotions, but work through them. For too long, I tried to stuff my emotions into a box, but they would escape at the worst times. Instead, now that I am feeling my emotions and not shaming myself for hurting in tough times, I feel much healthier and heal faster. Thanks for sharing.
Good for you, Joanna! God gave us our emotions, and they serve us when we let them.
So helpful to have this kind of information when we go through the difficulties in life that we all experience. Thanks Debbie, such wonderful information so thanks for sharing
I agree, Yvonne. I appreciate Evelyn’s openness.
Change is one of the few constants in life. I’m thankful that God, who never changes, walks through each circumstance with us. Thanks, Debbie and Evelyn Johnson-Taylor.
Annie, isn’t that the truth. We lived in four states in four years. I thought when we finally settled I wouldn’t have to deal with so much change. But where I live changed, our culture changed, I’ve changed. Change is inevitable.
‘Difficult seasons often unveil strengths and insights that might otherwise remain undiscovered. It is frequently during these challenging periods that our faith and resilience are developed …’
Yes, yes, who among us hasn’t experienced this truth. Iron sharpens iron. He uses those hard times to refine, to chisel, to stretch, to grow us. Please be tender with us Lord. Thank You for Your grace and patience.
Ladies, thank you for these words of wisdom …
Amen! Thank you, Linda!
Thank you for sharing this powerful message, Dr. Evelyn. I experienced the same loss four years ago. You strategies for Embracing Change and Finding Resilience are right on target. In the difficult seasons, He is always with us. Thank you, Debbie, for having Dr. Evelyn as your guest to share this needed message.
Katherine, thank you for adding your thoughts as one who has passed through that same loss.
Last year, 2023, was the year of so many losses. Your message motivates me to regroup and move forward. I especially like “ the plan God has for your life remains steadfast and unaltered, regardless of any emotional turmoil you may experience.” Thanks for sharing your wisdom.
Peggy, I’m so sorry for your losses. May you experience God’s tender care for you.