Chapter 26: I've Been Here Before

I think its incredible the places that God will take you to remind you of how far you've come. But let's be honest, some places don't really feel too good to even remotely think about going back to. I'm not only talking about physical places but places you've been in, emotionally.I'm currently reviewing some photos for an upcoming project and I paused at the site of this particular photo. You see, I've been here before. It just looked and felt different. This time, I was by myself.The last time I took photos at this location, Curtis was here. I remember that exact day because it was one of my longest photoshoots with Fabiane. It was beautiful and sunny. Curtis had our camera on deck, trying to take some video footage. He was so excited and ready to help in any capacity. Earlier this morning, my Mother-in-Love and I were talking about how God gives his beauty for ashes. As soon as those words came out of her mouth, I realized something. I recognized that even in the midst of holding my ashes, He is taking them away and creating something new. Something beautiful. That even if I had been "here" before, he would make it new.God will never allow you to go through something for no reason at all. He's too intentional and too strategic to allow you to live life that way. I cried the very second I saw that top photo, because I saw a reflection of my reality. One of the things that absolutely saved me today was worship. I had to attend a rehearsal for a worship night next week. There's something about coming together with people that genuinely love what they do and share that love for being in the presence of God. Today, I needed that.Tomorrow is Saturday and that means 7 more days until my BIRTHDAY!

love, michelle ana