Embracing the Ultimate Self-Care: Nurturing Your Relationship with God

Welcome, beautiful souls! Before we dive into the depths of self-care, let's address the elephant in the room. Yes, I am another Christian sharing my belief in the power of God with you. I understand the skepticism and judgment that may arise. After all, why would a self-care brand be talking about God, right? Shouldn't I be urging you to journal, meditate, take walks, and stay hydrated? Well, my friend, those practices are indeed essential, but there's an often overlooked aspect of self-care that many other brands fail to mention—the importance of cultivating a relationship with God.

Now, you might be wondering, "What does God have to do with self-care?" Allow me to introduce myself first. I'm Christina Annor-Lappin, the Founder and CEO of Sēk Cosmetics. I've been that girl who tried every self-care tool out there, from journaling and meditation to sound baths and workouts. While these practices made me feel good temporarily, I soon found myself emotionally drained, filled with fear for the future, and burdened by regret from the past. I couldn't fully appreciate my present or celebrate my achievements. There was an insatiable hunger within me that no amount of self-care could satisfy. It felt like my life was spiraling out of control, no matter how hard I tried to steer it back on track. That's when I turned to God.

Unlike my initial encounter with Jesus a decade ago, this time was different. I realized that getting to know Christ solely based on what others told me was a grave mistake. Understanding God's true essence requires a personal journey. So, I picked up my Bible and started reading. Admittedly, it was challenging at first. The archaic language sometimes put me to sleep, and I struggled to grasp the meaning behind the words. However, I persisted. Each day, I would wake up and read a little more, and before bed, I would dive into the pages again. As I continued, God's words started to resonate with me. His voice became clearer, and I not only understood who He is, but I also discovered my true self.

In a world that constantly tells us we're not good enough and that we need more to feel fulfilled—more money, more possessions, more success—God's message stands in stark contrast. He tells us that none of those things are necessary to be truly fulfilled.

Now, I'm not saying that self-care practices aren't valuable. Think of it this way: God is the main course, and self-care acts are the delectable desserts. When you indulge in only the desserts, they may bring temporary satisfaction, but soon you'll hunger again. However, when you savor a splendid main course and conclude it with a heavenly dessert, the entire meal comes together perfectly.

Allow me to share a little secret. The name "Sēk" is inspired by Matthew 6:33, which says, "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." It's as simple as that. God knows your desires. Instead of chasing after them relentlessly, He wants you to chase after Him. And in His goodness, He will provide you with everything you need, according to His will and in His perfect timing.

Below, I've included a few Bible verses for your reference, but I encourage you to explore and seek Him for yourself. You can start by reading a few pages of the Bible each morning and night, just as I did. Or you can pray to God and ask Him to guide you. Here's a prayer you can recite:

Dear God, I come before you with a humble heart, acknowledging that I may not fully know who you are yet. However, I am ready and willing to open myself up to the journey of discovering and understanding you for myself. I want to build an intimate relationship with you, but I admit that I'm unsure of how to proceed. I surrender myself to your divine guidance and ask that you illuminate the unique path you have created for me to find you. Please speak to me in a way that is unmistakably your voice, making it evident that I am following your path. I pray that through your transformative power, you will make me whole in ways I have never experienced before. Lastly, thank you for your unwavering presence, even when I failed to recognize it. In Jesus name I pray Amen

Xoxo,

Christina Annor-Lappin

And the Lord will guide you continually and satisfy your desire in scorched places and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail. Isaiah 58:11

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. Romans 15:13

The afflicted shall eat and be satisfied; those who seek him shall praise the Lord! May your hearts live forever! Psalm 22:26

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

Matthew 5:6

Jesus said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life”. John 4:13-14