I’m not in the habit of texting photos of myself, but here I’d just done it. Done it and texted the photo to my yoga instructor. And, I was quite aware this feat – the one that had me so thrilled and proud — was small beans to many, but I was ok with that. For me, it was huge.
You see, I’d just managed my first {supported} headstand. It feels extraordinary, this kicking up of the legs, hoping they stay heavenbound. Scary. Wobbly. Strange.
Frankly, I don’t like risky moves—in yoga or life. My heart pounds. My underarms get sticky. I rationalize, expounding on the benefits of the earthbound.
It’s safer.
It pays well.
It doesn’t take too much time.
That’s what I’ve been telling God when He calls me to live a fuller, riskier life.
It’s not in my DNA.
I’m too busy right now for this.
Maybe later.
It wasn’t until that day when I curled my backbone to the wall, fingers clasped, head planted on its crown, forearms strong, and started walking slow firm steps toward the wall that I believed it was possible. Each step forward laid down another length of spine to that solid wall, so I kicked high. I kicked through the fear. Kicked and believed that no matter what happened that wall of support was there for me.
Just a week earlier, I’d walked my way through the fear of the upside-down and told my husband I was quitting my well-paying freelance writing business to pursue the work God had called me to — work that I didn’t even fully understand and that didn’t pay a penny. I took a few more steps toward that wall when I shared my decision with a close friend and my pastor. My heart was still pounding and my palms sweaty. I felt silly – how could I, non-flexible, unfaithful, sinful me, reach toward the sky?
I thought of God’s strength, his ample bulk of support.
He, of the rock.
He, as the refuge.
He, a mighty fortress.
God had my backbone. Just like that wall. I felt Him behind me, shoring me up for the inversion.
I kicked once, twice.
And now, my world is upside down — in the best possible way.
By Elizabeth Anne May, Seasons with Soul
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Katy says
Dear Elizabeth Anne,
Wow, this is such a wonderful post!! I relate to it so much–we all struggle when we need to step out in faith for anything! I love your analogy with the headstand–that’s the perfect way to look at it, that we’re always relying on God like that with our faith, whatever we do. And Congratulations on your faith move to leave your old job and start pursuing your dream with God–wow!! I’m in awe–that’s fantastic! That takes amazing faith! I’m cheering you on and praying for you! Blessings!
Elizabeth Anne May says
Thanks for being part of this amazing sisterhood that’s helped encourage and bolster and cheer me on, little step by little step by little step. By far, the greatest blessing I’ve received (in addition to walking closer to my God) since I started this adventure, is the blessing of new friends and sweet encouragers!
{(in)Courage Guest Post} Headstands and Other Crazy Feats of Faith - Seasons with Soul says
[…] Join me over at (in)Courage today for the rest of the story. […]
Crystal says
Woohoo!! Get your dream on girl, love this! And, as a wanna-be yoga girl, I am in AWE of that headstand. Cheering you on, loving what God is doing, and sending cupcakes & hugs your way 🙂
Elizabeth Anne May (@seasonswithsoul) says
I love seeing God work in my life and and in the lives of those who dare to dream big, God-shaped dreams around me {hint, hint!}. And, thanks for those virtual cupcakes and hugs! {Two of my favorite things 🙂 }
Christine says
Elizabeth, so proud of you…and looking forward to all the crazy feats to come!! You are such a JOY in my life!! Go, girl, GO!!!
Elizabeth Anne May (@seasonswithsoul) says
Crazy feats…What will I have to think of next? {I hate to break it to you, but I definitely can’t put my feet behind my head ;}}
More seriously, though, God comes up with those big plans for us, doesn’t He? He pushes us up and out (and upside down). As always, I’m so blessed to have fellow travelers on this path with me — believers not afraid to turn their lives inside out for Him — like you!
Julie Anne says
While I have no desire to ever attempt a hand stand—even a supported one, I would love to be brave enough to attempt a risky decision… to quit shouting excuses at every turn, to stop procrastinating!
Thank you for the reminder that HE is my support!!
Elizabeth Anne May (@seasonswithsoul) says
Oh, Julie, I love to talk about it because I need the reminders too: He is my backbone, my wall shoring me up, my ever present support. {Now, if only I’d remember that in those frustrated or tired or down moments!}
Blessings today!
Tina Reiter says
What a wonderful analogy and story. You really inspire me to be abetter Christian. There was a time that I wouldn’t go a day without reading my bible and now I’m so lax. My prayer life has even diminished. I still go to church Sundays and believe. I’m just lazy in my faith. Thank you for being the good example and reminder I need.
I’m looking forward to hearing about the new steps you’ll be taking in life. I’m sure you’ll do great! I’m praying for you.
Elizabeth Anne May (@seasonswithsoul) says
Tina: I know I’ve had seasons where I wasn’t as in touch with God, and while I certainly understand how daily life takes over and the habit diminishes, I will pray that you get back into that daily routine of spending personal time with God. I know how much it has blessed me and my family!
Tina Reiter says
Thank you so much.
Tina Reiter says
Thank you!
Carey Bailey says
What an awesome, awesome story! Love the idea of kicking through the fear. You gave me an extra dose of hope today. With Joy, Carey
Elizabeth Anne May (@seasonswithsoul) says
Thank you, Carey. I love that I was able to infuse some extra hope into your day! (And that makes my day 😉
Alecia says
What a great post!!! A beautiful reminder that He is our support and strength and with Him we can do ANYTHING! Enough with the excuses it’s time to kick off everything that hinders and holds us back! 🙂
Elizabeth Anne May (@seasonswithsoul) says
That’s right, friend. I can sense you ready and raring to go, aching to shrug off all that binds and kick up high!
Laura says
I’m joining these other sisters here in a standing ovation! So very proud of you, Elizabeth. Here we are–upside down with the blood rushing to our heads and God’s hands on the small of our backs. Is there any better place to be?
Elizabeth Anne May (@seasonswithsoul) says
Oh, Laura, you are so right: There is no better place to be than when we turn our worlds wholly upside down, yet still know we are fully in His grasp!
Kristin Smith says
So blessed to know you and call you friend! And so very proud of you today! Well every day…but especially today! 🙂
Elizabeth Anne May (@seasonswithsoul) says
Ahh, thanks, Kristin! Love to see you here, and hope you and yours are blessed with good health very soon.
Jennifer says
This is such a timely reminder that God’s got our back. Sometimes it’s scary to kick when you have no clue where your feet will land. But we don’t need to worry about that. He’s got it covered.
Elizabeth Anne May (@seasonswithsoul) says
You said it! He’s got this.
It’s just our inability to fully trust that he’s spotting us on these crazy inversions… that’s what we need to work on, right?
Lisa says
I hate, hate, hate the unknown…I’m scared of risk and drama and failure. And sometimes those fears keep me from turning upside down. It is always good to remember that He’s got our back.
Elizabeth Anne May (@seasonswithsoul) says
I hear you, Lisa! Change frightens me too. I like comfy and cozy, but God is not calling me to stay in my comfort zone; He is asking me to jump totally clear of that space and do things I’m nowhere near comfortable doing. But, my insecurities only draw me closer to Him; there is no way I can do this on my own!
Mel says
LOVE this, friend! So proud of you…and pretty impressed by that headstand, too. 🙂 Wowsers! I so appreciate your heart for Him and obedience to what He’s called you to do. You are inspiring!
Elizabeth Anne May says
Thanks for the headstand compliment, sweet sister! {You wouldn’t believe how many people in the classes I attend, can do it so effortlessly!} Opening my heart to God and His will — well, it’s not always easy. I still struggle, daily, to make the next right choice. But, I am so blessed to be in this struggle, instead of back in the days when I wasn’t struggling, because I wasn’t connecting spiritually. Blessings, today, friend!
Mandy says
Yeah, girl! Way to go, you dreamer, you! Look at you, upside down in yoga and in life. And here at (in)courage. One might argue that you are actually right-side up;)
Elizabeth Anne May says
Yes, Mandy, I love the contradictions of living by God’s rules, not this world’s! We may be upside down and all disheveled in most folks’ eyes, but in His, we are perfect, whole, righteous.
Katya says
Wow! I can’t tell you the uncanny the timing of this post. I believe God is calling me out my job too, which I can’t stand the thought of. I have no idea what the future holds especially since I took a leap of faith to take this position in the first place at His calling. I don’t know why I’d quit this and not have a backup plan, but it’s happening.
Elizabeth Anne May says
When God calls, and we answer in the affirmative –even when it is uncomfortable, and way out of comfort zone — He blesses us abundantly. So proud you are planning to make this huge leap of faith!
Danyalle says
Wow, I am starting a new journey. Adding a new thing the LORD would have me do. Thank you for the thoughts on the back bone and who He is. Rock, refuge, and fortress!.
Elizabeth Anne May says
New journeys are always equal parts scary and exhilarating, aren’t they? So glad to have you along with me, on this adventure.
Marinalva Sickler says
As I mourn the death of a close friend, my “sister” Linda, I find out that God used His call to my own life to help others. I offered Linda a book I was reading, “Prayer” by Richard Foster that was given to me by Dayspring and the Bloom blog. She was reading the book, she told me. I wonder God if there was any comfort to Linda at her last moments. I thank you, God, for allowing me to be for her on her last days. You are my Rock and my Fortress, and my Refuge! You are my Respite place when tears roll down my face!
Elizabeth Anne May says
I am so sorry to hear of your losses, Marinalva. I pray that God, your rock, your refuge, gives you comfort and solace in these times.
Blessings, friend!
Beth Williams says
Marinalva,
Praying for you sister! Losing a family member can be tough. Perhaps God used you to comfort her and help her out in her last days.
May God surround you with His love, grace and mercy as you mourn her death–during this time remember the good, fun times you had with her.
Julie Sunne says
Beautiful post of stepping out in faith, Elizabeth. Excited for your new adventure.
Elizabeth Anne May says
Thank you, Julie!
Jamie says
Thanks for the encouraging words!
Elizabeth Anne May says
I am so glad I helped encourage you today. Blessings!
Kristin Taylor says
What a great post, friend! Thanks for sharing your bravery with us.
Elizabeth Anne May says
Always a pleasure, friend! Some days I’m braver than others… but, God helps fill in those not-so-brave gaps 🙂
Beth Williams says
First off let me congratulate you on both the headstand and the courage to quit a good paying job to pursue your dreams.
I would love to one day pursue my dream of being a cook. I truly love cooking all types of food. Perhaps, God willing, I will get to do that in a few years.
Thanks for an interesting post!@
Elizabeth Anne May says
Thank you, Beth! It was a heady time, when I wrote this last fall. I’m still pursuing those dreams, hard, and it’s wonderful to reflect on how much has changed in a few short months. God is good!
Cheryl Ricker says
I love how you inspire us to step out and take risks for the King. Way to be an example in pursuing your God-sized dream! May God bless you at every turn (and flip) . He’s all for you — and so are we.
Your cheering squad. : )
Elizabeth Anne May says
So lovely to see you here, fellow God-sized dreamer! I know you are making those risky moves too, on your journey 🙂
Chelle says
Elizabeth,
we haven’t learned anything if we can’t acknowledge the the best things come in freefall (or what seems like it). Way to go, girl! Great post, great story, useful lesson.
So proud of you.
Peace and good,
Chelle
Elizabeth Anne May says
Thank you, sweet Chelle! Freefall, upside down flips– whatever it takes, right? God delights in shaking up the world’s conventions and I’m finding that I take increasingly more joy each day in living with my head on the ground and my feet in the air!
Valerie Hohenberger says
I so admire your risk taking! I need more of that! Thank you for all you do for HIM!!!
Elizabeth Anne May says
Valerie: I know you have that risk taking in you too! Because I am so not a risk taker by nature, but God provides. It might have taken me almost half my life to get up the nerve to “go for it,” but I’m so grateful I made that decision to flip things upside down.
Elise Daly Parker says
Oh so happy for you. Love the way you have turned your world upside down. So proud of you. You are a brave woman. Thanks for the inspiration today…I don’t know if it will lead to a head stand, but it will surely spur me on to be willing to try!!
Rosanne says
Okay, this made me cry a little bit. I do yoga too, and I have been afraid to try the headstand – mostly afraid my neck will collapse or something like an accorrdian folding in on itself, so this just spoke to me. Kicking through the fear, pressing on even when each step seemed to be enveloped in swirling fog. Thanks for sharing this, and sometimes, upside down is the perfect side to on! 🙂
Melissa Ann says
Putting my feet up and my fingers to the keyboard due to your encouragement here. Thank you for sharing, friend!
Kim Hawkins says
The LORD has got your back. Promises from His Word: But you will not leave in haste or go in flight; for the LORD will go before you, the God of Israel will be your rear guard. Isaiah 52:12 NIV