Uniquely Fashioned + She Rose

​​With the Thanksgiving weekend, I was extremely intentional about resting well with my family. At some points I dabbled with creating, but not for hours on end. I primarily allowed ideas to marinade in my mind until I was able to sit down and compose while the family was off doing their own thing. This past week I had the pleasure of meeting the gentleman who messaged me last week, I created another commissioned piece for a loved one, and I’ve had it on my heart to share the stories behind each woman in the She Rose series.

​After the gentleman who received his piece for his birthday messaged me, “Thx for making me cry in front of my family…” and continued to share his gratitude for the piece, my client reached out and connected the two of us to set up a time for coffee. Bijiggy, we were all free on a Saturday morning and I was able to give him that hug I wanted to give the entire time I was creating his piece! This man’s heart is truly aligned with the heart of God, he is funny and he is doing amazing work for the Kingdom by 

​ministering to others through his book Shepherd Coach. For those who have been following along for the past several years, remember how the message to Rise Up began? Shepherdess Rise Up was the original thought the Lord shared years ago. How fitting! If you would like to learn more about Shepherd Coaching and possibly share biblical principles with coaches in your life, feel free to visit Tom’s site HERE.

​I love how Holy Spirit has been teaching me to wait for His timing with each piece. There was one more commission needing to be created for a Christmas gift. Monday evening I had a photo, a conversation, and an image in my mind. At one point in the process I could not get away from the image of a songbird. I thought to myself, “Why are you thinking of this, Shanon?” After wrestling whether to reach out or not, I contacted my client (who has quickly become an amazing friend). “Is there a ​​connection to a songbird?” Her response?

“Yes! She currently lives on Song Sparrow Dr.!” Ok, ok, I’m with you Lord. I could make this stuff up, but where would be the honor and glory for God in that?! Holy Spirit is moving creatively and I’m so blessed to be a part of it. Again, I am eager to hear how the loved one responds to her gift.
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As He moves creatively He has been weaving together a story I believe He would have me share through each piece of the She Rose series. In 2010, just over a year and a half after rededicating my life to the Lord, I went on my very first mission trip to the beautiful island of Jamaica. The mission consisted of street ministry or evangelizing, visiting homes for children with special needs, and an infirmary or the place where many will spend their last days. These souls were the marginalized and forsaken of their society because of their limited physical and mental capacities.

​The mission also wet my appetite for missions and ministry. Having the honor to pray with many women with children, their faces were brought to remembrance. Gals who choose to RISE every single day in what some may consider some of the most challenging of circumstances. Yet, the Jamaican women I met and prayed with, babies on hips, hands captivated by their littles, had a spark in their eye and a determination to do their very best to provide a safe and blessed life for their families. We had this in 

common. Many wept as someone prayed over them words where there was no way a white woman from the States could have possibly known such Words needed spoken. But God.

​Little did I know six years later I would be traveling to the Dominican Republic on mission to serve the both Dominicans and Haitians - three times!. Again, the women there possessed a resolve and hope deep within to nurture and love their families, well. Working hard all day to tend the needs of their family, others given to some dire circumstances simply to feed and clothe their children. This piece speaks to my heart so much the vulnerability of a mother for her child – even when it may not be seen in an expression – especially in the lives of the Jamaican, Dominican and Haitian women I was honored to minister with. Perhaps it will speak to you as well.
 
Thank you for stopping by. Please let me know if any part of today’s post spoke to you by leaving a comment here or on Facebook. I love hearing how the Lord ministers to others through our testimonies. Please also send me a message if you would like to have a uniquely fashioned for you piece created for you or a loved one.
 
Blessings!

P.S. The video below shares what the Lord did in Jamaica nine years ago. Enjoy!

Jamaica 4 Jesus

Youth Trip 2010