The art of the press, is the process by which we continue to pray, praise and persevere — even when the very act of doing so make no sense at all.
When we commit to the PRESS we get to the PROMISE.
The PRESS is PERSONAL.
Fix it With Fran: The PRESS Episode
Since beginning my podcast, I have had to think a good bit about “my audience” and how much I invite my readers and listeners into my life and world.
This past week, I went to complete my MSW Licensure paperwork and saw this poem posted on the wall of the DPS worker’s desk. She’s a pro at people asking for copies and had one ready for me to take (Thanks Ms. Nancy!). The author is unknown, but I wanted to share here on the blog.
If you’ve been reading or listening to me for any measure of time, you know how I feel about friendships and associations. This hits the nail on the head.
I know everyone is still occupied by “Formation,” but “Save The Hero” will FOREVER be one of my top two Beyoncé songs (The other being, “I Was Here”).
I don’t look to any celebrity as my standard of living, nor do I fault myself for any music I listen to (when I catch myself feeling myself too much, I check it QUICKLY). I have a faith that I’m growing in day by day and God prunes those habits REGULARLY. In the meantime, I take any revelations God gives me via any medium– which is often music (and not just Christian or Gospel genres).
All that being said, this particular song came to mind as I considered my topics for my next Podcast recording. It’s pretty much where I’m at right now.
I didn’t sleep at all last night. Not because I was stressed or anxious or upset or worried. But because I needed that time alone with God.
The first time I heard this song in 2008, I felt like it described my life:
“…I’m left with no shoulder, but everybody wants to lean on me.
I guess I’m their soldier.
Well who’s gonna be mine?
Who’s there to save the hero?
When she’s left all alone and she’s crying out for help.
Who’s there to save the hero?
Who’s there to save the girl… after she’s saves the world?”
I feel that way, OFTEN. And, like any other time I find myself pondering lyrics during my quiet time, I heard God answer me.
His response was, “I AM.”
I wouldn’t be the woman that I am today if I didn’t continue to remember these truths:
“Strong people” struggle too. The world looks at you as if you are some superhero, but you know all too well that you are STILL human.
People may overlook you, try to use you and manipulate your genuine heart to serve their own needs — But God —
God is the one true, constant confidant that you have in the midst of all of life’s challenges. He WILL NOT fail you and you CANNOT allow others to change who you are or stop the purposes and desires He has placed in your heart.
Take some time away with God and allow him to strengthen your heart.
I pray that my transparency helps someone else today. It’s pressing on my heart to share so I’m sure there’s some person who needs these words at this very moment.
Matthew 11:28-30 The Message (MSG) “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”
Matthew 11:28-30 New Living Translation (NLT) Then Jesus said, “Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light.”
Psalm 91 New Living Translation (NLT)
1 Those who live in the shelter of the Most High
will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
2 This I declare about the Lord:
He alone is my refuge, my place of safety;
he is my God, and I trust him.
3 For he will rescue you from every trap
and protect you from deadly disease.
4 He will cover you with his feathers.
He will shelter you with his wings.
His faithful promises are your armor and protection.…
John 16:33 New Living Translation (NLT) “I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”
This week has been tough. I’ve shared a bit about my history of chronic pain and plan to continue to do so in my future blog posts.
It’s not always easy. Some days are particularly harder than others. Sometimes my pain is minimal, but I have other periods when the pain persists for weeks at a time. I had to sleep sitting up following my sinus surgery this past December and I think that may have triggered some things, but I won’t complain because the pain is still not what it used to be.
Back in 2012, I remember praying and promising God that if he did what only he could do in the spirit realm, I would do what I could in the natural realm. Prior to that, I’d worked out with a trainer and lost a decent amount of weight while in school in North Carolina. After moving to Mississippi, I slacked off of my workouts and the pain returned. I quickly realized that a significant factor in managing my pain was building up my strength.
This leads me to the main point of this post: Pressing through the pain.
By pressing though the pain we gain our strength. In Philippians 3:7-14, Paul writes to the Philippians in this frequently quoted passage of scripture about “Pressing Toward the Mark.” If you follow me on Facebook or Instagram you’ve seen me use the hashtag #iPRESS often. It’s my personal motto. I’ve even crafted my own definition of “The Art of the Press.” In my own words:
The art of the press is the process by which we continue to pray, praise and push even when it makes no sense at all.
The process of pressing may take us down a long road, but FAITH wins EVERY time. When we commit to the press, we make it to the promise or we come to a place where we understand the purpose of the process.
Take coal for example. Coal under pressure can become a diamond. If the coal does not become a diamond, it meets another destiny– Often a source as a source of fuel. Both are endings are significant. The outcome is determined by 2 things– (1) the power working within it [us (Ephesians 3:20)] and (2) how it [we] withstand the art of the press.
One of the greatest lifestyle changes I made for myself was creating my own “fitness corner” in our home. I have most of the elements I used at physical therapy. My intention here was to create an environment in my home that would allow me to continue those activities that helped to minimize my pain symptoms. A big thanks to#peakwinathletics for the stability ball and foam roller! Both items are super sturdy and come in my favorite color– pink! I use the stability ball for core strengthening exercises and roll out my IT band to reduce any muscle fatigue after I finish my modified workout. I may not feel well enough to go back to the gym just yet, but I know I can remain active at home and maintaining my strength training makes a world of difference in managing my pain– #iPRESS!
In the same way, it is also important that we are intentional about carving out both time and physical space to focus on building our spiritual strength. I’m using apps on my phone like First 5, YouVersion, and BibleGateway. I like that each app has different features and that I can synchronize my activity between my android phone and tablet device as well as my online profiles (for YouVersion and BibleGateway). First 5 is really awesome because you can read the morning devotional (which really does take about 5 minutes) and then schedule it to remind you to complete a complementary study called “More Moments” later that same day.
I am in no way trying to tell you what do or how to do it, but I am hoping to encourage you to do and use something. For both your physical and spiritual health.
Be intentional about your future and what you want to see for yourself in 2016.
I’ll be praying for you!
I’m in the middle of several transitions right now, but one thing I am reminded of in this season is just how much God CAN and WILL provide! {Luke 12:24}
I am also learning how just how necessary it is for me to brace myself– both physically and spiritually.
In the physical sense, I still have some days when my lower back is in a bit of pain. I spent the past couple of days cleaning and organizing our home office and combined that activity with an event at church where we made vision boards with our Girls’ and Women’s ministries so I’ve been giving my back and lower body a good workout. Thankfully, I’d received this #freebelt to review and its lower lumbar support and heat are EVERYTHING right now!
What I most like about this belt are the built in stones and magnets inside the belt that transmit heat to your muscles and offer immediate relief by reducing any swelling and helping your muscles return to their normal state.
This lumbar belt is also designed to support and strengthen your lower back muscles, while aligning your posture and reducing muscle inflammation and pain. You can even wear it during your workout. I’ve yet to test out this option, but I may do so when I go back to the gym tomorrow.
In the spiritual sense, as I continue to go through experiences of trying, testing, and pressing I have to brace myself. Before worry, anxiety or stress set in it’s of the utmost importance that I pause and pray and recenter myself.
I’m in a season that requires great faith. And a key part of that faith is to remember just how faithful God has always been. If I don’t brace myself daily and moment by moment, the temporary challenges and unknown future can overwhelm me. But God has been so faithful and he has not changed. He is the stability I can hold on to each and every time I find it necessary to take a moment to pause and brace myself.
You may find yourself in a situation somewhat similar to mine today. If so, I’m saying a special prayer for you right along with myself.
Here are a few passages of scripture that I am holding near and dear to my heart at the moment:
Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
Luke 12:22-32 Do Not Be Anxious And he said to his disciples, “Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on. For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing. Consider the ravens: they neither sow nor reap, they have neither storehouse nor barn, and yet God feeds them. Of how much more value are you than the birds! And which of you by being anxious can add a single hour to his span of life? If then you are not able to do as small a thing as that, why are you anxious about the rest? Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass, which is alive in the field today, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will he clothe you, O you of little faith! And do not seek what you are to eat and what you are to drink, nor be worried. For all the nations of the world seek after these things, and your Father knows that you need them. Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you. “Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
Hebrews 6:19-20 The Certainty of God’s Promise We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.
Fix-It With Fran 