FaithWalk Blog
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Abiding, Trusting & Listening
by Ada Madison“Abide” has a way of drawing people into deep reflection when they look at it. Many times people will ask what my inspiration was when I painted it. Today I’m compelled to share that inspiration with you….
If we are honest, each and every one of us holds a deep desire to walk in the purpose for which we are created. Our purpose is ever evolving but always carries a common thread. I find comfort and peace when I know I’m were I should be. But sometimes things change...........
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Finding Healing in Remembering Trauma
by Ada MadisonLife, in its unpredictable tapestry, rarely unfolds without stitches of pain and moments of profound hurt. Trauma, in its myriad forms, leaves indelible marks, shaping us in ways we often struggle to understand. The impact of trauma is deeply personal, as unique as our very fingerprints. Yet, despite the individuality of the experience, the common thread of suffering binds us, gently pulling us toward healing.
I, like many, have navigated a chapter marked by significant trauma. In the aftermath of this experience, well-meaning individuals often offered their advice: you’ll know you’re truly healed, they said, when the memory of it fades, when it no longer evokes pain. But, I’ve come to realize that such a simplistic notion fails to grasp the complex nature of healing. Read more
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When Holidays Hurt
by Ada MadisonIn a world where our expectations so often clash with reality, it’s not uncommon to feel let down by the people we love. Friends can disappoint us, families can shatter, and even our closest relationships can be painful, filled with miscommunication or unmet expectations..... -
The Beauty of Gods Symbiotic Creation
by Ada MadisonSometimes life can be so very hard. To the world around you it may appear as if all is well but deep inside we feel differently. Sometimes it's just a hard day or even a hard week, but what happens when we realize we are in a very hard season?I have had hard seasons that have lasted for many years and the truth is, it's exhausting. I wonder if I'm missing something that keeps me stuck. Sometimes the silence is deafening, but I've learned that it's in the silence that Gods presence is overwhelming near. One thing I know for sure is He is omnipresent. He will never leave our side. When we are in a deep valley or time of suffering -He's there. He's a comforter and a healer. He's a shoulder to cry on. He's loyal, faithful, filled with grace, mercy and unconditional love. He's also the great physician and will stop at nothing to make sure we are healed, whole and thriving in the goodness of His creation. He has a plan for each and every one of us. If life has wounded your heart He will show you the source of your pain and hold you tightly as He walks you through and then out of it. I've learned that often times the source of suffering is much deeper than we realize. -
Finding Peace in the storm
by Ada MadisonFinding Peace in the storm
Being chill in a crisis, isn’t stuffing feelings down, ignoring what’s happening or denying the crisis. Sometimes crisis comes in the form of loss and grief. The loss of someone we love dearly can take our breath away and our desire to go on. The loss of health or our ability to function normally or even loss of a job or career can be jarring.
In times of crisis it’s not unnatural to want to run to a friend for comfort and a shoulder to lean on. But what happens when the very loved one that we thought we could rely on shows us that the foundation of our relationship was purely transactional? We face another kind crisis. The betrayal of friends, family or your “person” is also devastating.
In Psalm 46 there is a beloved passage in which the psalmist declared that no matter what was happening around him, God was his refuge and strength. We can be safe in the assurance that He is God - even a mid chaos, He is omnipresent. In Psalm 57 David hides from his own family when his father in law seeks to hunt him down and kill him. What began as recognizing and admiring God’s hand on his son-in-law‘s life, twisted into jealousy. Make no mistake, jealousy is a very destructive evil. There’s nothing good in it... continue reading post
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The Snake & the Dragonfly
by Ada MadisonThe Snake and the Dragonfly
I hopped out of the car and was headed towards my front door when I saw it - a huge snake coiled up in front of me. It didn’t flinch, but rather just sat there looking at me. Now I’m one serious wimp when it comes to snakes. I bet I beat all speed records running backwards! I clapped my hands and she just sat and stared. I got in the car and honked and she didn’t flinch. Pretty soon my neighbor guy came out to take a look at what was going on. He was startled at her size as well. Pretty soon she casually turned and disappeared into the trees and bushes. I learned that she was non-venomous, and most likely very pregnant.
This morning when I came out my front door, I have to confess I was seriously cautious looking around for that snake. I hopped in my car and was just getting on to a very busy freeway when all of a sudden this huge thing buzzed me right in front of my face. My heart was pounding out of my chest! It was in my car whatever it was! Then she landed right on my steering wheel as I am surrounded by other vehicles increasing speed as we merge onto I-4. It was a large dragonfly and how in the world it got in my car I have no idea. I opened up the window now going at least 55 and she just sauntered out, like she knew what she was doing. I was gripping that steering wheel like nobody’s business!
Tonight I just couldn’t help but think about the two bizarre collisions I’ve had with unexpected visitors! There was something about it that I just felt the nudge to read a little bit. God always speaks to me through His creation. I sensed that this was one of those times, and I was so touched by all of it, that I really felt led to share with you. Click read more to continue
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Be Real
by Ada MadisonSometimes it isn’t all about chin up and put your best foot forward. Sometimes it’s about remembering that it is in our weakest moments that God strength shines so brightly.
I’ve had seasons in my life where I have gutted it out through confusing and painful times, most of those times feeling alone. The memorable ones, the times of real transformation have been when I truly let go and got very real with God. In doing so I had to acknowledge that I wasn’t alone. There He was, waiting for me to turn to Him.
He knows the end from the beginning! He knows our thoughts before we think them, and our words before they ever come out of our mouth. So the notion that I thought I was filling Him in on how I was really feeling is humorous. -
Risen
by Ada MadisonSilent Saturday is a somber reminder to me of just how easy it is to live viewing Jesus on this side of the cross-after He has risen.
His torture and murder is more than I can wrap my mind around. The details of how He suffered are more than any of us could begin to understand. Imagine the hearts of those that loved Him and followed Him only to witness the horrific, the unfathomable. Imagine the emptiness and devastation that they felt. But that’s not what this painting is about.
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What moves the heart of God?
by Ada MadisonLife’s circumstances and making the right decisions can be so hard. Do this, but don’t do that….To follow Jesus truly is to be okay not knowing the when’s, the how’s or the why’s, but simply trusting that our creator knows our every thought, our every step – the good, the bad and the ugly and Loves us anyway! He will love us through it. It’s not our efforts. It’s not our mistakes. It’s not our accomplishments. It’s none of this those things that matters. What God seeks is an intimate relationship filled with childlike trust. -
the Voice of God
by Ada MadisonSometimes life can feel like a strenuous, uphill battle. A little reprieve will come, and there you are again, on that uphill battle. It can feel so very lonely and exhausting. It’s OK to rest. In fact, although that rest may feel painful, it might be exactly where God wants you to be. Trust Him. When the time is right, one touch from Him, and everything becomes brand new. -
Honoring Black History
by Ada MadisonThinking about Black history month and the amazing black women that have been and continue to impact my life in such wonderful ways! Women in ministry, women in the arts, poets, authors and First Ladies. Do you know Madam CJ Walker? How about George Floyd? -
Fear Not
by Ada MadisonWe are called to love those who contend with us. We are called to rise above circumstances and love our enemies.In doing so, fear can creep in and grip a broken and wounded heart. Sometimes those “enemies” are those who held our hearts in their hands. It can feel, as if you won’t survive. That fear can also be devastatingly isolating. Fear not!
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