'It's All Good': SHE Tea reinforces positive powers | Asha Brewer

If goodness and mercy are at my heels (Psalm 23:6, ESV), then why does bad news travel so fast? Why does one bad moment turn into a bad day? And why does one bad decision make me feel like such a bad person?

It can be challenging to sift through thoughts like these. Our internal narratives serve as the backdrop for our lived experiences. However, one bold Scripture declares that it can bring all of this negativity to a halt: "And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose" (Romans 8:28).

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Sometimes this Scripture feels like a catchall for when you don't know what to say, pray, or believe. So, how do we bring the truth of this word into our unfulfilling relationships, questionable careers, declining health, mental turmoil, and anxiety-ridden days? How do we survey the world around us and the people around us and genuinely believe that "it's all good”?

We are here to do good

It is imperative that you believe that you are a good person. When God created the world, He was precise in what He made, when He made it, and how He made it. In fact, on the day that He created you and me, “…God saw everything that he made, and behold, it was very good…” (Genesis 1:31, ESV).

Despite the inner dialogue in your mind, the guilt you feel from the past or the present, or the many times you thought you weren’t good enough — remind yourself that, at your core, you truly are a good person. God created you that way.

Believe that you’re on earth to do good works. For clarity, this does not mean you are expected to do perfect work or be perfect yourself. It’s also not an expectation that you will neglect your health, your home, or your happiness in order to get this work done.

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them” (Ephesians 2:10). God knew ahead of time that you’d encounter the micro-managing supervisor and incompetent co-worker, all while having a paycheck that is beneath your skill set. He also knew that He needed to develop your empathy, confidence, and leadership while you were tucked away in the back office. Use this time to sharpen your skills, practice your strengths, and develop systems that will allow for smooth transitions when the timing is good.

Keep good company

Believe that God has you in good company. When things aren’t fairing well, some of us have a tendency to retreat and isolate ourselves. We would rather fail in private than be ashamed in public. However, there are people purposely placed around you to “stir” you up to “love and good works” (Hebrews 10:24).

Be intentional about nourishing relationships with mentors, accountability partners, and friends who believe in your life’s calling. A low place is still a good place when you’re supported by good people.

Ultimately, believe “that your whole life proves that God is good.” As penned by Jonathan McReynolds for his song “God Is Good,” these words remind us that everything in and around us is at work for our good. God has employed good plans, good health, good success, and good people to follow every step of our lives.

SHE Tea Women's Wellness Conference

If you are desiring to cultivate this good in your life, I invite you to join us at the 9th Annual SHE Tea Women’s Wellness Conference, hosted by Temple Fit Health, Inc. from June 6-10.

This year’s theme, “It’s All Good,” will equip us to release expired relationships, prepare for professional transitions, create daily routines for good physical and mental health, develop self-defense skills, facilitate doing good business, enjoy good experiences, and so much more. With 13 speakers/mentors and over 10 virtual and in-person workshops, SHE Tea Week is sure to be a good time.

We're grateful to the sponsors for helping us cultivate this sacred space for the community: Educate, Lead, Serve Consulting, LLC (Dr. Kelley Bolden Bailey); Self-Help Credit Union; Gayla Parks-State Farm Agent; Women Wednesdays (Barbara Wescott); Dr. Myeshia Carroll; and AyeMichelle, LLC (Alicia Tookes). More information and tickets are at templefithealth.org/shetea.

There will be moments when you feel like every story you write has a bad ending. In these times, you must remember that good is still working for you. Because, “The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD: And he delighteth in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down: For the LORD upholdeth him with his hand.” (Psalm 37:23-24, KJV).

Asha Brewer has a bachelor's degree in exercise science and a Doctor of Chiropractic degree. She uses her professional experience and love for ministry to shed light and biblical perspective on concepts of health, wellness and physical activity.

This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: 'It's All Good' conference reinforces power of positivity