Cypress And Myrtle

Tag: faith

  • Fearfully and Wonderfully Made

    In my previous post To the Introverted Woman Walking with God, I referenced Psalm 139:14 “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”

    But as I reflected more deeply on the verse, I realized that the word “fearfully” might need a closer look, especially in today’s context.

    When we hear fearfully, we often think of anxiety, dread, or something negative. But the original Hebrew meaning reveals something very different. Something full of awe, reverence, and deep intentionality.

    What Does “Fearfully” Mean in Hebrew?

    The original word translated as fearfully comes from the Hebrew word “yare” (יָרֵא). It doesn’t mean fear in the way we use it today. Instead, yare speaks of standing in awe before something great, powerful, and majestic. It describes a holy reverence, the kind of deep respect you feel in the presence of greatness.

    So when the psalmist says we are “fearfully and wonderfully made,” he isn’t saying we were created with fear or hesitation. He’s declaring that we were made with sacred intentionality. God crafted us with awe and reverence, like an artist stepping back to marvel at His masterpiece.

    A Look at Bible Translations

    Each Bible version brings out a different nuance of this truth:

    NIV: “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.”

    NLT: “Thank you for making me so wonderfully complex! Your workmanship is marvelous—how well I know it.”

    KJV: “I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.”

    ESV: “I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.”

    Each one points back to the same truth: you were not made casually but with divine care.

    What Does “Wonderfully” Mean?

    The word wonderfully comes from the Hebrew verb “pā·lāʾ” (פָּלָא), which means:

    • To be wonderful or extraordinary
    • To be set apart or distinguished
    • To be beyond human understanding

    This word is often used to describe the miraculous and marvelous works of God.

    So, when we bring the two Hebrew words together—yare and pā·lāʾ, the psalmist is saying:

    “I have been made with awe-inspiring reverence and set-apart wonder.”

    You were crafted with deep intention, not as an afterthought. Your design carries dignity and divine purpose. You are a reflection of God’s wisdom and creativity.

    But Can We Really Understand This?

    In truth, our human minds and emotions can’t fully grasp what it means to be “fearfully and wonderfully made.” We can study the words and unpack their meanings but the full weight of it is hard to comprehend.

    We’re talking about the Creator of the universe, all-knowing, all-powerful taking time to shape each of us personally. That kind of design, that kind of love, is something we’ll never fully be able to wrap our minds around.

    And yet… we can rest in it.

    Even when we don’t feel worthy. Even when we question our value. Or when the world tells us otherwise, remember; you were made with awe and wonder.

    A Bold Challenge

    So here’s the challenge:

    If God sees you as fearfully and wonderfully made, crafted with reverence and set apart with purpose how then will you begin to live it?

    Will you stop measuring your worth by the world’s standards?

    Will you speak to yourself with the same care your Creator used in forming you?

    Will you step into each day with the confidence that you are His masterpiece?

    Psalm 139:14—should shape how we think, speak, parent, work, and worship.

  • To the Introverted Woman Walking with God

    If you’re an introvert like me, I want to encourage you today in your walk with God.

    Social gatherings whether at church, school, or work can leave us feeling drained. We come home with our social batteries low, longing for some alone time to recharge. But if you’re a mom with young children, finding that quiet space can feel nearly impossible.

    Let me remind you that you are fearfully and wonderfully made.


    Psalm 139:14 (NIV)

    “I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.”

    There is nothing wrong with you. You are not “too quiet,” “too reserved,” or “too sensitive.” We are simply made differently.

    Unlike our extroverted friends who thrive in busy circles and constant interaction, we often need time to be still, to reflect, to breathe, to be alone with our thoughts and with God. That space isn’t a luxury for us, it’s a necessity. It’s where we reset, so we can pour ourselves out again with intention and grace.

    And we’re in good company.

    Many of God’s chosen servants were introverts; Moses, Jeremiah, Elijah even Jesus often withdrew to be alone to pray.

    Mark 1:35

    Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.

    Quietness doesn’t mean a lack of purpose or power.

    So if you find yourself needing a moment away, don’t feel guilty. Take your moment. Guard your quiet time with the Lord. Let it strengthen you. And remember, your introspective spirit is a gift to your family, your church, and the world.

    I also want to share 4 things that have helped me as an introverted woman walking with God.

    Maybe they’ll encourage you too:

    1. Create a Mini Quiet Time Ritual

    Spending just 5–10 minutes with God can make a huge difference especially on busy days. Wake up a little earlier, take a break during the day, or step outside for some quiet. Read one Psalm, pray briefly, or sit in silence. Keep it simple and consistent.

    2. Journal Your Prayers and Thoughts

    As introverts, we often process life through reflection. Journaling my fears, hopes, struggles, and prayers help me bring everything before God clearly. It clears my mind, helps me stay grounded, and gives me a better perspective of things.

    3. Honor Your Limits, But Don’t Stay Hidden

    It’s okay to say “no” when you’re overstretched but don’t let comfort become complacency. God calls us to love, serve, and reach out, even when it feels awkward. Look for small ways to step out: send a message, attend that small group, pray with someone quietly.

    4. Pursue Deep, One-on-One Connections

    Crowds wear me out, but soul-filling relationships happen in small settings. A walk with a friend. A meaningful chat over coffee. Ask deep questions. Listen well. These quiet connections can be some of the most powerful ways God works through you.

    You don’t have to be everywhere to be used by God. Even in your quiet moments, even when you feel stretched and unseen, God sees you. He knows your heart, your limits, and your desire to walk closely with Him.

    So take that small step. Make space for Him. For you are fearfully and wonderfully made.

  • An Open Letter: What Is It Like To Die?

    To My Eldest Daughter,

    You were seven when you asked me, “Mummy, what is it like to die?”

    I paused. Searching for words your young heart could understand.
    Then I said, “It’s like walking across a bridge into the arms of Jesus. The moment you hear His voice, you’ll realize He’s been with you your whole life. Like an old friend, familiar, warm, and close to your heart.”

    You thought for a moment, then quietly nodded. Accepting the answer with a child’s calm trust.

    As you grow, and your faith deepens, it is my deepest desire and constant prayer that you will come to know Him not only as an old friend but as your Lord and Savior.

    Jesus is not only gentle and kind. He is God in the flesh.
    He is the Word who was with God in the beginning. And He is God (John 1:1). Through Him, all things were made (John 1:3).

    He is Immanuel—God with us (Matthew 1:23).

    He walked among us, full of grace and truth. And though He had every right to remain in heaven, He humbled Himself to become like us, so He could save us (Philippians 2:6–8).

    He healed the sick, calmed storms with a word and raised the dead.

    And then He chose the cross. Not because He was weak but because He is love.

    No one took His life from Him. He laid it down willingly. (John 10:18)
    And on the third day, He rose again, declaring forever that death does not win.

    This is the Jesus I want you to know.

    He is the Christ, the Son of the Living God. (Matthew 16:16)
    He is the Lamb who takes away the sin of the world. (John 1:29)

    He is the Alpha and the Omega (Revelation 22:13). The Beginning and the End. And He is coming again.

    In Him is life, And that life is the light of all mankind (John 1:4).

    So, dearest daughter, choose Life. Remain in Him always.

    With all my love,
    Mummy

  • Cypress and Myrtle: A Promise For Every Season

    Some of you may be wondering why I chose to name this blog Cypress and Myrtle. A quick search in the Bible leads to Isaiah 55:12–13:

    “You will go out in joy
    and be led forth in peace;
    the mountains and hills
    will burst into song before you,
    and all the trees of the field
    will clap their hands.
    Instead of the thornbush will grow the juniper,
    and instead of briers the myrtle will grow.
    This will be for the Lord’s renown,
    for an everlasting sign,
    that will endure forever.”

    These verses were shared with me at my baptism, and they’ve been etched in my heart ever since. They’ve whispered hope during dark seasons and magnified joy in times of celebration.

    From Exile to Hope

    Isaiah 55 was written during a painful time in Israel’s history – their exile in Babylon. They were a displaced people, longing for freedom, identity, and peace. It was in this context that God spoke through the prophet Isaiah, painting a vision of restoration; hope for a future filled with renewal and joy.

    Why Cypress and Myrtle?

    In verse 13, the thornbush is replaced by the cypress (sometimes translated juniper), and the brier by the myrtle. These are deeply symbolic plants.

    The cypress is tall, evergreen, and strong—often associated with life, endurance, and eternal hope.

    The myrtle, with its fragrant leaves and white blossoms, is a symbol of peace, joy, and divine blessing in Jewish tradition.

    Together, they represent a transformation from pain to beauty, from despair to delight, from exile to restoration.

    This speaks to the very heart of God’s nature. He doesn’t just remove the thorns in our lives. He replaces them with something better. Something beautiful. Something enduring.

    A Name and a Reminder

    I named this blog Cypress and Myrtle to remind myself and hopefully others, that we are never stuck in the wilderness forever. Whether we’re walking through sorrow or standing on a mountaintop, God’s promises still hold. He is always working to bring about renewal and restoration.

    This space is where I hope to share stories, reflections, and everyday moments where I see God’s hand turning thorn bushes into cypress trees, and briers into blossoming myrtle.

    No matter where you are in your journey, may these verses remind you: there is purpose in the waiting, hope in the silence, and beauty still to come.