The Story Behind the Fall Collection: Take Heart

 

Woofta, where do I begin.

This year, 2020, has been a crazy year for everyone in some way or another, I'm sure. A pandemic is no joke. During these trying times I think many try our best to make good out of it, constantly reminding ourselves of the good so that we do not "lose it"- I have been close to it a few times this year. 

 

For my family, this year has been difficult and trying on many levels.The most notable has been losing two people we love to COVID-19. One being my husband's best friend who was only 31. He lives on through his wife and two children who are 8 and 1. It was and has been heartbreaking. Trying to make sense of something that in insensible is exhausting and emotionally draining. It shook our faith and the world around us. It made me question God's purpose for our friend and us like never before. I am still processing and trying to understand and waiting for God to reveal more. The waiting is hard and honestly, annoying at times. 

This happened in May, and then in July, my husband caught COVID and ended up in the hospital.

It was the scariest thing I have experienced because of knowing the realities of what could happen. He was not in good shape but my husband kept good spirits the whole time, which was very comforting for me, as I was freaking out inside. You realize during those times what truly matters. It's like my brain couldn't think on anything else besides the important things because the most valuable was at risk. It is eye opening and humbling. Thankfully, he came home a few days later and made a full recovery. 

All of this was happening while my husband and I were adjusting to a new normal living part time in CA and part time in MN during a pandemic.My husband's job is in LA while mine is MN and so we have spent more time apart than ever and trying to navigate being young parents with these unusual circumstances has been trying on our marriage.

It has stretched me and honestly, put me into a weird mental state ( I am sure many would say the same!). I honestly felt my faith decrease and it's been a fight to invest in my faith because I have felt so confused, empty and tired. But at my core, I know God is faithful. I know He is still showing up. I know the story isn't over. So the glimpse of hope remains.

While I was asking God to just give me "something" to get me out of this rut, one day he told me to read Matthew. In it, it's like my eyes focused in on this trend in scripture where Jesus talks to His people saying "Take Heart" and "Take Courage". I felt like he was speaking those things to me. "Take heart, Have faith. Be of good courage".

So I started researching all the areas where God says to us "Take Heart" and the context around it and here are some I found:

  • Matthew 14:27: But Jesus immediately said to them: "Take courage! It is I. Don't be afraid."
  • Matthew 9:22: Jesus turned and saw her. “Take heart, daughter,” he said, “your faith has healed you.”
  • John 16:33: I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
  • Joshua 1:9: Take heart and be strong; have no fear and do not be troubled; for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go,
  • Psalm 27: "...be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord."
 

There are many others in which these words are spoken. Reading these my mind all of a sudden cleared, my heart calmed and my spirit felt at peace. I paid attention to how the scripture said "Jesus turned to her" and "Jesus immediately said"... showing he is attentive and he is present. He doesn't wait. He is good.

Even though I still can't make sense of everything happening, I have been reminded to take heart and be strong, for God has overcome the world. Our ending isn't here. Our story is not finished. He is still here. He is still good. 

That is what inspired this collection's name. I had to write a blog post because the name of this collection has depth for me and needed more than a caption on Instagram to describe for you all. And if you happen to be one that is reading it, I hope it has encouraged you in this season.

As far for what is in the collection, it is diverse in style and technique- and that is intentional. I have been trying to embrace how I have different styles and I don't want to just stick to one style or medium. So I released many things I have worked on in the passed months. I hope you find one that speaks to you. 

Thank you for supporting and hearing my heart behind this collection. 
Love,
Aisha