Life has an uncanny way of tossing us into whirlwinds when we least expect it. As I navigated through some of my own hard seasons, I’ve often found myself questioning, “How can one find joy during such times?” Recently, I had a profound conversation with Ashley Henriott, and it became clear that our experiences might resonate with many of you as well.

You know those moments when everything seems overwhelming? When the weight of the world seems to be resting squarely on your shoulders? Yes, I've been there too. And during those times, it's not just about finding hope or strength; it's also about finding joy. Joy, as elusive as it may seem during hardships, can be the guiding light that helps us persevere.

Ashley opened up about her journey, revealing how she never shies away from speaking about her faith. She mentioned how life's harshest seasons, including battles with depression, abuse, and neglect, only brought her closer to her faith. The more she faced challenges, the more she leaned on the Lord. Now, let me be honest here. I truly admire her for this. We often tend to shut ourselves off in challenging times. But for Ashley, the harder the situation, the more she allowed her faith to penetrate the innermost parts of her soul.

She shared an anecdote about a particularly challenging day with her kids, a day many of you might find familiar. With four kids, each with their unique personalities and quirks, things can get hectic. On this day, instead of succumbing to her frustrations, Ashley channeled her feelings into sarcasm, transforming a difficult situation into one filled with laughter and joy. She made the intentional choice to find joy, even if it meant twisting the narrative with a bit of humor. And isn't that a lesson for all of us? In the face of adversity, we have the power to choose our reactions and find joy in unexpected places.

One particularly moving moment from our conversation was when she emphasized the importance of accepting our feelings. "It's okay that you're not okay," she said. How often do we forget that? How often do we push away our feelings, thinking that we should always be positive or upbeat? As Ashley rightly pointed out, it’s not about positive thinking. It's about acknowledging the challenge, embracing the feelings, and letting grace meet you there. In that vulnerable space, that’s where you'll find solace, comfort, and ultimately, joy.

As we delved deeper into the discussion, one message rang loud and clear: joy is a choice. It's a tool available to us through faith, one we can activate anytime. You might be going through a tumultuous phase right now, but remember this: storms don’t last forever. The world can indeed be overwhelming, filled with uncertainty and chaos. But amidst all this, there is a force, a higher power, ready to hold you, guide you, and share the burden with you.

If you take away anything from our chat, let it be this: When faced with life’s storms, you don’t have to face them alone. Embrace your feelings, lean into your faith, and let humor and joy light your way. As I reflected on my chat with Ashley, I realized that finding joy amidst hardships isn't about ignoring our pain. Instead, it's about acknowledging it, letting it shape us, and using it as a stepping stone to find moments of happiness and laughter.

So, the next time life throws you a curveball, remember Ashley's words and her infectious spirit. Take a deep breath, lean into your feelings, look for that silver lining, and find your joy. Because, my friend, it's always there, waiting to be discovered.