Did you know the oyster is equipped to heal itself from a foreign object that gets stuck between the shell and the organ that supports the growth of the shell? If you are unfamiliar with this, think of a splinter that irritates your skin. Yet, in the case of the oyster… something beautiful is produced from this healing.

Many things in life can cause an irritation. I am sure you have heard the expression, "Boy, that got under my skin!" These irritations can last a moment and sometimes a lifetime. We can get lost in the ugliness. Yet God equips us to get rid of the ugliness when we repent and surrender the irritation/burden. In this posture He redeems us, beauty from ashes!!!

God equips us through His living word, the Bible. He demonstrates His character, He shares His unconditional love with us, He promises to prosperous us and not harm us! He tells us that we are adopted into His family. He had His Son, Christ Jesus, pay for our sin on the cross, not because He had to but because He loves US that much!!! Talk about being equipped to bring heaven to earth and live our very best lives here on earth until He brings us home.

What I have learned is equipping becomes so much more powerful and meaningful in community. We are human. That is a fact. As humans, there are times when life is hard! Like really hard. And even though I know what I know in my heart, sometimes my mind will not agree with me. The “evidence” that God is not real or maybe even against me can present itself. In these moments of doubt, I can lean into my community of The Tapestry Network and know without a shadow of a doubt, they will be there to stand in the gaps!!! So just as the oyster is equipped to heal itself, in community I am equipped to not only heal but to live, grow, and celebrate!! This is the joy and beauty of community!

-Stephanie Sherwood