Rest Is Holy Too
You do not have to earn rest by completely breaking down first.
Some of you have been carrying responsibilities, pressure, grief, caregiving, survival, and emotional exhaustion for so long that slowing down now feels uncomfortable. But exhaustion is not proof of strength. Constant depletion is not the goal.
God never asked you to be a machine. He created you human.
You are allowed to pause. Allowed to breathe. Allowed to step away long enough to recover.
Rest is not laziness. Rest is stewardship. Rest is trust.
And some of the strongest people are the ones finally learning how to sit still long enough to let God care for them too.
Especially to my Black women and men who were taught to keep pushing no matter what: your worth is not tied to how much you produce for everyone else.
God is not offended by your need for rest. He meets you there.
Dee Bloomingmoore 🌺
Rest is often misunderstood in our fast-paced world, especially for those who bear emotional and physical burdens daily. From my own experience, learning to rest isn't about giving up but recognizing the sacred necessity of slowing down and recharging. When exhaustion lingers, it can feel like a failure—but in reality, rest is a powerful act of self-love and survival. The Bible verses quoted, such as Matthew 11:28 and Psalm 46:10, deeply resonate, offering comfort that resting is embraced, not rejected, by faith. These remind me that rest is part of divine care; it’s an invitation to release weariness without guilt. For many Black men and women, cultural messages often stress relentless pushing and productivity, which makes pausing feel like a rebellion. However, embracing rest rewires this narrative. It teaches that our worth isn’t measured by output but by inherent dignity as human beings created to thrive. Practically, incorporating moments of stillness—be it meditation, prayer, or simply mindful breathing—has transformed my well-being. It helps create a sacred rhythm between effort and pause, allowing space for healing. Rest becomes an active choice, grounded in stewardship over our minds, bodies, and spirits. If you find slowing down difficult, start small. Recognize your exhaustion not as weakness but as a signal and permission to pause. Let rest be your sanctuary, where trust replaces striving. Remember, caring for yourself allows you to show up more fully and authentically for others. Ultimately, embracing rest is a radical act of faith and resilience. It honors your humanity and invites God’s nurturing presence into your life. Your need for rest is holy, welcome, and essential.
Amen 🙏🏽 amen 🙏🏽