Keep Your Chin Up: Heartache to Triumph

Literally friend, “Keep your chin up.”

These past couple years have completely flipped my world around. Nothing is as it was. Maybe you can relate. Maybe you’re still spinning in the whirlwind. I want to share with you something I gleaned in the flip.

As I reach into the past, I’m looking for a specific memory that ended in disappointment. Now, I know that doesn’t sound exciting but bear with me. I have a treasure from this time that I want to give to you. It has served me well, and my hope is that you will gain from it also.

Last year I found myself in need of a new dress, a very special dress. I grabbed my surrogate mother, Teresa, and together, we found The Dress. It fit well enough, but I decided to have it altered so that it would be a perfect, custom fit.

I was so excited when I went in for the alteration appointment. My cheeks hurt from smiling so much. This was the first time I ever had a piece of clothing tailored just for me. I had never even considered it before!

The Tailor was professional and careful to address all of my concerns. It wasn’t long before my dress resembled the pincushion he worked from. When he began to work on the floor-length hemline, he would tell me, “Chin up.” I’d lift my chin, and he would pin. A quarter turn from me, would be followed with “Chin up,” from him. Round and round we went until the dress was fully pinned up.

He sent me to a central place in the store where several mirrors stood. Although the dress was beautiful before, it was even more stunning now. There was only one problem. I kept stepping on the dress! I was incredibly frustrated that I had to lift up the skirt just to walk without tripping.

“What do you think of it?” He asked.

“It is beautiful, but it’s too long. I keep stepping on the skirt,” I answered.

“No. The length is right. You just need to keep your chin up. Try walking again, this time with your chin up.”

I lifted my chin and floated effortlessly over the floor.

The dress was the perfect length. The way I handled myself, was what caused all the trouble!

I smile even now as I remember that moment. I learned from my Tailor, life goes smoother if I can keep my chin up and handle myself right.

The occasion I had bought the dress for was canceled, and I no longer needed it. It was here in the midst of anguish that I found my treasure. I walked through this season and learned to “keep my chin up.” I exchanged a one-day dress for a beautiful life-lesson that I get to “wear” every day!

I found a place where I can be excited for the person that will enjoy that dress. The one who will dance in that dress. I rest knowing that there is a plan and a purpose for all things. I see the situation now as a blessing. The Lord allowed me to have a hand in preparing the dress for someone else. I added a special part to someone else’s story.

The Lord is so absolutely good to us! Nothing happens to us that is not first filtered through His heart of love.

He promises in Romans 8:28 that He will work all things together for good, to them who love Him, and to them that are called according to His purpose.

When I go out now, I literally lift my chin up and I see a whole new world! I notice more trees, flowers, and birds! I’m seeing the architecture of buildings in details I had never seen before!

More importantly, I am seeing people.

I see their joy, their sadness, their hurry… For the first time in my life, I am really seeing them. My life is so much fuller now than it ever was before. If it was the cost of a dress to find this freedom, then it was worth every penny.

I don’t know the path you have to walk right now, but in the words of my Tailor, “Keep your chin up.“

I say this figuratively, because there is always a bright spot to focus on, even on the darkest of days. We must endure. Step by step, and day by day.

The breakthrough will come.

I also say this to you literally. There is so much beauty that surrounds us. When you walk with your chin up, you will find yourself eye level with the people who are there for you. At eye level you can embrace the ones that are there, loving you and pouring into you.

It is also at eye level, that once you have found your healing that you will see who you can help. The special place where you can pour.

My friend, life is beautiful. Keep your chin up.

Do you have a story of heartbreak to triumph? I’d love to hear it! Share in the comments below.