Foundation Matters, and I’m not talking about makeup, you guys. I’m talking about what you base your life on and around. My foundation is rooted in my faith and every decision I make is based on that foundation. But for anyone out there thinking “well, I can’t have a solid foundation because I come from a broken home,” or “I can’t have a solid foundation because I didn’t grow up going to church,” I’m here to tell you that is simply not true. Just because you don’t come from a solid foundation does not mean that it’s a life sentence. It’s never too late to start building your life’s foundation. Here are some ways you can do that:
Surround yourself with love. Who in your circle speaks life into you? Meaning, when you’re having a bad day or going through something really difficult, who picks you back up and reminds you just how amazing you are? Fill your heart and space with these kinds of people, and be that person for others too. Having a supportive community around you will always keep your foundation strong. For me, my husband Tim, my family, and our close trusted friends are the root of my foundation!
Faith first. Sometimes it’s easy to only pray and seek God when we really really need or want something. But instead of waiting until these moments, be sure to put your faith first. Wake up each morning and thank God for a new day. Read a bible verse before bed each night. Slow down your busy schedule to admire a sunset or a flower, acknowledging God’s presence with you in every moment. Invite a group of girlfriends to attend church with you. When we lead with gratitude, we build our resiliency because we deepen our knowing that God has our back and will always stabilize our foundation for us, with us, even when it may feel a bit shaky.
Confidence at the core. You know, after I was Miss Universe I used to wash my confidence away with my makeup at night. After quickly learning that the crown does not last forever, I realized that I could not allow myself to leave my confidence in my reign. I had to learn to stop relying on self-confidence and start relying on God-confidence. The lesson learned was to not heavily place my worth in perishable or Earthly things.
When I reflected back on one of my favorite verses Psalm 139: 13-14: “For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well,” it always reminds me of how beautiful God has already created me, and all of us, in His own image.
Back when I was a little girl, my grandmother used to intricately knit me jerseys (that’s what we called them in South Africa- but in America they are called sweaters) and I remember watching her delicately and intentionally knit them with so much love. And now I think how God knitted us all in the womb with even more intricacy and love (if that’s even possible)… and it’s just so humbling!
So remember you guys, you’re not defined by who you are not. God has called each and everyone of us by name. No matter your accomplishments or failures, your identity is measured by God’s love for you. Believe in Him and honor your faith, and your foundation will forever be grounded.
