April 2025
Overcoming Adversity
WHY ARE WE DOING THIS?
When we rebranded Iris Branch we wanted to create a business that not only created beautiful arrangements for our clients, but also brought glory to God by serving/recognizing people in our community who are doing amazing things.
We decided every month (for now, this may change) we would ask on social media for people to nominate someone who they believe deserves to be honored with a bouquet of flowers. The flowers would be a source of encouragement, let them know they are seen, acknowledging their efforts, and what they are doing is making an impact.
THE BACKSTORY
In April when put out our announcement, I received a beautiful message from Stephanie.
Stephanie shared that her father (a former pastor at Ruskin Methodist) began the thrift store at the Ruskin Methodist Church before he passed away in 2011. It assisted in providing funding for ministry in the Ruskin community. Ruskin Methodist Church was founded in 1924 and in 2024 celebrated their 100th anniversary. The thrift store is very near and dear to Stephanie’s heart as this was her home before it became the thrift store.
THE STORY
Stephanie felt it fit to nominate Ruskin Methodist Church’s Senior Pastor Tom Emigh.
Pastor Tom began shepherding Ruskin Methodist in 2022. During his time there he has had the daunting task of navigating his congregation through challenging situations. Pastor Tom had to stand for and fiercely war to protect the integrity of the word and protecting his flock from falsehood infiltrating his church. Additionally, he had the next task of handling the serious damage to all of the structures during Hurricane Helene this past year. Just recently, he assisted in reopening the thrift store which had been closed due to the damage from Hurricane Helene. The thrift store assists in paying for resources for people in the community, such as providing for clothing for the homeless. The thrift store is a beacon of light and hope in the community.
He demonstrated the characteristics of a true shepherd! I saw a warrior, protector, and caring individual.
This was evident immediately the day we delivered the flowers to Pastor Tom, the first thing that struck me was his open door. He immediately invited Tim and I into his office to sit and chat. He authentically wanted to learn about us, Iris Branch, then before leaving took the time to pray with us. He genuinely has a shepherd’s heart and his love for the Bride of Christ was demonstrated that day.
Through all the challenges he was facing still has maintained his love for the Lord and for his people, still reaching out and caring for the community. We were truly blessed to meet him.
REFLECTION
After meeting with Pastor Tom, I just began to think about the twists and turns, ups and downs this life brings us. When we go through the challenging situations, whether it be a sudden death, hurt, isolation, loneliness, betrayal, sickness, job/financial loss, who is your source of peace, refuge, who can you trust will walk you through it? Yeshua… our Deliverer. He beckons us to find him in the secret place. Last year felt like a year of adversity in almost every area. A lot of wilderness days wondering, asking, crying out. There were many times we found ourselves very alone, with the exception of those very close to us. We are thankful Yeshua gave us those friendships that stood by us. We are not completely on the other side of things, but I thank Yeshua for walking us through it. Also, no matter how hurtful, I am thankful for His clarity for what He is asking us to do in this upcoming season. Finally, He protected and guided us the entire time. I am so thankful doors were slammed in our face, it forced us to be on our knees and to cling closer to Him.
This was a refining season…refining our character, refining our responses, refining growth, to be completely dependent on Him. I will say the process was not always pretty! LOL
Adversity isn’t without a lesson. Ask Yeshua what He wants you to learn while in the pit.
QUESTION TO PONDER.
Who or what are you running to as your source of peace, refuge? Can you trust that source? Are you allowing Him to refine and correct you?
Yeshua will walk you through it. Yeshua will give you clarity. Yeshua will defend you. Yeshua will correct you. Yeshua will guide you. Please remember, this isn’t always instantaneous, sometimes you just have to walk it out.
When we accept Him as LORD and Savior, we also accept the cup of suffering, did you know that? He never promised life would be easy, but He did promise He will walk us through it. Are you submitted to his LORDSHIP? Even if that means you have to possibly walk through the fire at times?
If you need us to pray for you during your “fiery” season, please email us. We want to hear from you. I hope this blessed you as much as it blessed me.
