The Wateringwell is my way of reaching out to those who need to talk, or those in a desperate situation who feel there is nobody to turn to. Perhaps you are somebody who has faced and overcome a challenge before and finds yourself equipped to share and encourage others. Or you may not have had hardship but possess the gift of uplifting. We are all God’s vessels, unique in character and experiences, who partner with the Holy Spirit to share the good news of the living water He so readily gives us.
If any of these sounds like you, then The Wateringwell is your place.
A little of my background
Professional
Despite qualifying as a nurse after I left school, I opted to pursue a career in corporate instead. I studied Business Management and Marketing part-time while working in sales for a Pharma company. Even that didn’t quite light my fire and after 19 years, I finally called it quits. I realized my true passion and calling lay in my writing and helping others through life coaching and counseling.
Personal
Doing life on your own isn’t easy and many times I wanted to give up, but God had other plans which I didn’t see at the time. I realize now how valuable those lessons were and as hard as it was, I wouldn’t have it any other way.
“We rejoice in our sufferings because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” Romans 5:3-4
Our struggles strengthen our characters and our trust in God. I know that God has used my challenges to mold, grow and develop me in such a way that I may fulfill His calling; and He has equipped me with a more compassionate heart so that I can reach out to others in similar situations. Above all, He has brought me into a deeper relationship with Him, which has become my cornerstone. He will do the same for you.
I delight in tomorrow as God continues to open up new doors and opportunities. It is my heart’s desire to see every woman out there live fully in the promises God has for her, whatever they may be. I look forward to seeing what God will do in your life.
My Purpose for The ‘Well
Over the years, I have counseled many exhausted women who struggle with everyday challenges. Everybody around them seems to be fighting their own battles, so instead of asking for help, they keep quiet and bottle it up. They may ‘manage’ the burden for a while but eventually, it becomes too much to bear.
As a result, we are facing a growing number of women who are barely functioning. Through conversations in the corridors of work, the counseling room, and amongst friends, I have realized that women need a safe and convenient place where they can recharge.
Having experienced my own share of challenges, I know with certainty that through the love of Christ, Biblical principles, and sound knowledge, you can heal to lead productive and fulfilling lives once more.
I have an arsenal of tools, techniques, and experts who have guided me. My goal is to share these with you, along with my own personal experience, in a way that supports, encourages, and inspires. I want The Wateringwell to refresh; to allow you a pause from stress and worry.
Sometimes it may be necessary to share the darker side, so that those who are in the midst of it may stop a while and realize that they are not alone; there are people who care and understand. This week it may be you, next week a friend or colleague.
I encourage you to keep your ‘wells’ full at all times and be prepared to face the storms before they arrive.
The Theme of Water
The Wateringwell is a representation of the ancient wells talked about in the Bible. Water and wells, as discussed many times in scripture, were the perfect analogy for what I had in mind for a blog.
The theme of water is carried throughout the blog because of its calming, tranquil, and peaceful effects. Water is an essential and integral part of our lives, a resource for survival. The Bible mentions it at least 722 times in scripture, from the opening lines of Genesis to the final chapter in Revelations. The various forms of water are used many times as an analogy.
Song of Songs 4:15 “You are a garden fountain, a wall of flowing water streaming down from Lebanon”.
Purpose of Biblical Wells
Meeting Places
Wells or cisterns, as they were sometimes called, are often mentioned in the Bible. In Biblical times, wells were a meeting place and the center of the community. It was the duty of the women to go and collect water for the household, a practice that is still carried out in some places today. The wells were a place for the women to gather, talk and socialize, much like we do today when we meet our girlfriends at a coffee shop. Our girlfriends are an important pillar of our support systems, especially as single women.
Friendships are so important, I dedicated an entire post to this topic in The Value of True Friendship. You can read the post here.
A place of learning
These gatherings at the wells were also a place for learning. Through their duties and interactions, young women were taught customs, manners, and responsibility from other women in the community.
Divine Revelation
The well was a site for divine revelation too as some significant events took place at or near a well. Abraham’s servant met Rebekah at the well when he was seeking a wife for Isaac (Genesis 24:15-18) And who could forget the encounter that Jesus had with a Samaritan woman at a well? (John 4:1-26)
In Genesis 21:19, when Hagar had used the last of her water and was filled with despair, God opened her eyes so that she saw the well that was right next to her. The water saved her life. So consumed by her pain, she hadn’t seen it before. This so often happens to us when we are depleted of energy and exhausted, we don’t see the solution even when it is right in front of us.
Landmarks and Hiding places
In some instances wells were used as landmarks to guide weary travelers or as hiding places, to provide safety.
Conflict
In fact, wells were so important, there was sometimes conflict and contention over them. (Genesis 21: 25-31 and Genesis 26:15-22). If you wanted to defeat your enemy, you blocked or poisoned their well. Abraham had to barter with Abimelech to get his well back and to this day the site at Beersheba is a tourist attraction.
Similarly, in our lives, the enemy tries to hinder us by distracting us off from God and blocking us off from the things that sustain us.
Functions of Biblical water
Life-giving water:
In the Bible, God uses water as an analogy to describe the salvation He promises us, through His son Jesus. (John 4:5-15). Jesus, (the life-giving water) died so that we may be cleansed of our sins and saved into eternal life.
Restoration:
God restores our souls through His Holy Spirit. When we are parched and dry from the trials of life, He provides rejuvenating water in those barren and desolate places. Isaiah 43:19,20 “I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland…to give drink to my people, my chosen”.
When we feel overwhelmed, in trouble, and drowning in our circumstances, God reaches down from on high and rescues us. “He draws us out of deep waters”. 2 Samuel 22:17.
Refreshing:
The Bible says we will be refreshed and renewed. Refreshing comes through God’s word, prayer, and in His presence. This image is captured so beautifully in Psalm 23:2 “He leads me beside quiet waters”.
There is little that both soothes and revitalizes quite like a fountain, waterfall, river, or ocean. I know when life gets too chaotic, I yearn to sit quietly beside a stream or pond. Don’t you?
My personal memoir is also due out soon. Before then, there will be loads going on, so keep in touch by joining us on social media or signing up for our newsletter.
See you there!
“A Refreshing Place to Meet”
