‘Get over it’. ‘Deal with it’. ‘Move on’. ‘Man up’. ‘Put it behind you’. The phrases could go on and on. Where do we get this pressure from? Why? We live in a world that has gotten used to covering up reality. People would rather give advise on how to hurry up and get through the problems, than give advise on how to effectively work through the problem in a healthy way. It has become a society standard to live day to day on the outward appearance of seeming to be ‘normal’. When life throws us a difficulty, we are expected to handle that difficulty in an expedited way. Hurry up and figure out a solution, so you can go back to being ‘normal’ again. This ridiculous cycle has put so much pressure on people. It has created a void in human compassion and love. People feel as if they cannot be ‘normal’ if they have something obviously difficult in their lives. This vulnerability is quickly pushed away…neatly hidden in the depths of our soul. When the hidden issues are not dealt with, they become like an open wound…never healing…and growing more and more infectious every day. As this hidden wound begins to surface, we face the risk of revealing our abnormalities. We begin to look for ways to hide the brokenness and abnormalities, so we will not have to face them. Addictions, eating disorders, depression, too much exercise, are just a few of the ways we attempt to hide the truth inside. It is a very difficult reality to face, but we must all begin facing the truth of these issues. It is time to stop covering up life. It is time to start facing our inner most issues, and allow ourselves however much time is needed to heal from them. The first step to beginning this process, is allowing God to take over your life. Accept Jesus into your heart, and ask Jesus to be your helper. Jesus will walk you through this journey…step by step. God is waiting for you to seek Him, and allow Him to begin healing you. Ask God to help you, and soon you will begin healing…and find that freedom of peace we all desire.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” JEREMIAH 29:11
My purpose is that they may be encouraged in heart and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery of God, namely, Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine sounding arguments. For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is. So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in Him, rooted and built up in Him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy, which depends on human tradition and the basic principles of this world, rather than on Christ. COLOSSIANS 2:2-8
God is with us.
Layla
© Layla Freeman 2017
Author of HOPE IN THE STRUGGLE and Layla’s Light
All Rights Reserved
P.O. Box 669 Claremore, OK 74018
http://www.laylafreeman.com
laylaslight@cox.net
Facebook – Layla’s Light
Twitter – @laylaslight
Layla’s Devotional Book available for purchase at the following:
Hope in the Struggle – $9.95
AMAZON – Hope In the Struggle – https://www.amazon.com/Layla-Freeman/e/B01M0VNTIM
Another Chapter Bookstore – 9455 N Owasso Expressway, Owasso, OK 74055
Cozy Cottage Store – 518 W Will Rogers Blvd, Claremore, OK 74017
She Brews Coffee Houses – Claremore, OK (Downtown & within The Vessel)
Stonebrook Day Spa – 1875 N Old Hwy 66 A, Catoosa, OK 74015
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Layla Freeman
Layla Freeman is a wife, mother, friend, and encourager to all. She is a passionate disciple of Jesus Christ. Layla is the C.E.O. and Founder of the Non-Profit outreach ministry called “Light of Hope”. www.lightofhopeinc.org. This is an outreach to help individuals and families who are struggling with addiction and life difficulties. On Christmas Eve 2013, Layla lost her oldest daughter Ashley. Ashley was only 23 years old. There is no greater pain than child loss. Layla attributes her ability to face each day, to the overwhelming love of Jesus, who carries her through. This very difficult journey has given Layla the desire to help those who are facing difficult times and to help people see the hope. Her love for helping others is the passion behind Light of Hope. Light of Hope non-profit ministry has a vast variety of services that encourage, educate, empower and bring change and hope to the lives of those who need restoration and new life.
Layla was awarded the Non-Profit “Leading Lady” award of Rogers County in 2018. She was also voted #1 community volunteer “Best of Claremore” in both 2019 & 2020.
On June 9, 2020, Layla Freeman was Inducted into the Prestigious Marquis Who’s Who Biographical National Registry, as well as recognized as an “Amazing Oklahoman” in October 2020.
Additionally, her non-profit Light of Hope was awarded the "Non-Profit of the Year" in both 2019 & 2020 and is also the winner of the International 2020 Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) Community Drug Prevention Award.
Layla is also an author. Her first book publication, HOPE IN THE STRUGGLE, offers hope in the midst of dark times. Layla is also the author of the encouragement blog “Layla’s Light,” found on Facebook or on her website, www.laylafreeman.com. She has been actively writing since 2001. Layla’s personal experience in the extreme difficulties of life gives her a deep understanding of brokenness. Therefore, Layla’s writing and passion behind her desire to help others is empowered by the truth of God’s unconditional love and forgiveness, and the hope we find in God’s promises.
Layla is also a Business Owner/Vice President of Asset Industrial, Inc. She and her husband, Randall, work together providing services necessary for the oil refinery industry. She is also a respected Executive Committee Board Member, serving on the State Northeast Oklahoma Workforce Development Board.
Layla is a public speaker and enjoys the opportunity to speak and present to groups, schools, churches, organizations, conferences, etc. She has a passion to bring awareness, education, and hope to our society. She believes that working together, and collaboration with others is the key to healthy families and stronger communities.
In addition, Layla is a Stephen Minister, Congregational Care Minister, Lay Servant/Speaker, and a volunteer for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. (Layla has two daughters who face Type 1 Diabetes daily).
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Encouragement and Hope 
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