Developing the ‘Shape of your Soul’ in Tough Times

What is the shape of your soul? You’ve probably never thought about it.

Of course, you’ve heard about how important it is to keep physically in shape, get enough sleep, interact with others, and stimulate your brain by learning new things. They’re all vital to good health.

However, I was surprised to learn that if I didn’t address the spiritual side of my life as well, I would remain unbalanced. I would be like an urn with an uneven base, that would easily topple when blown by the wind. As well as food for the body, I discovered that to be whole, I needed food for my soul.

• Developing the ‘Shape of your Soul’ in Tough Times

During our Darkest Times we can Learn to Grow

When I was a young girl, I lived with my mentally ill grandmother. I had no self-esteem, no confidence, no sense of purpose—and a fierce dislike of psychiatric wards.

Yet one day, sitting on the edge of a rusty bath in this miserable, empty place, smelling of desolation, I began to understand.

My lack of compassion for my very ill grandmother began to soften, and it transformed into a fierce loyalty for others in the same situation.

This was a watershed moment, as God, like a potter, reshaped my heart, and began to reveal some of the treasures found only in darkness.

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It’s during the darkest times in our lives that we can learn the most about God’s heart and grow our own strength, resilience and compassion. Like raw clay, my heart was moulded, fired in the kiln of life, reworked, re-fired, fashioned and glazed.

Through it all, I became a writer and a mental health chaplain. I then became a funeral director after a long, winding but exciting journey, with a few detours along the way.

Tips for Developing the Shape of Your Soul

I learnt some lessons along the way that I want to share with you, about how to allow your soul to be shaped, too.

1. Surrender to God. He’s the master craftsman and He knows best. Draw near to Him (James 4:8) through reading His word, speaking with Him (praying) and seeking advice from Godly people around you.

2. Wait patiently. There’s no fast-track or easy path to shaping your soul. Don’t be in a hurry. It’s so important to be patient. Soul shaping cannot be rushed.

3. Yield to His hands. Allow God to push and pull you in the right direction. Being shaped can feel uncomfortable and even painful at times.

4. Be thankful. When you look back, you will stand amazed at who you have become – a vessel, standing firm and being used in ways you never thought possible.

When You Know You’ve Changed

Some days are more difficult than others. As a Funeral Director, I recently had to take a still-born baby to the home of the parents for a final viewing. I kept looking at this precious cargo in the tiny white coffin on the front seat of the hearse beside me. The house was full of grieving relatives who watched as I removed the lid. There was little Carmen, looking like a beautiful doll in her tiny, specially-made dress and without a mark on her. She seemed perfect. Like an angel.

“Through my strengthened, reshaped soul, I was able to give hope and support to the people around me…”

My pre-shaped soul would have crumbled and fallen apart. But through my strengthened, reshaped soul, I was able to give hope and support to the people around me during the most difficult time of their lives. It’s moments like these that you know you’ve been reshaped by the Master.

Taking risks with God and trusting Him in the dark times, leads to amazing discoveries and life choices that work. Along the way you’ll find out who you are, where you are going and the tools to reach the right destination. This is a journey not to be missed.

Article supplied with thanks to Kaye Hollings