As followers of Christ, we undergo different processes. Though each process is unique and different to each believer, we feel a sense of comfort knowing that we are not alone; our brothers and sisters are also experiencing the same thing. We die to ourselves, live as a new creation, and continually go through the purification process to be a Spotless Bride. I have first-hand experience in this, and I am well aware that it is not easy. It was required of me to distance myself from a lot of things, and it also meant ending adulterous relationships. The tears, disappointment, anger, sadness, grief that I had to process was devastating, and I’m sure there will be more to come. This is a process that I think will continue until our King returns.

Rivers of pain and persecution will never extinguish this flame. Endless floods will be unable to quench this raging fire that burns within you. Everything will be consumed. It will stop at nothing as you yield everything to this furious fire until it won’t even seem to you like a sacrifice anymore. (Song of Songs 8:7 – The Passion Translation)

Why am I ever so eager to undergo the protea and pearl process? Just like Song of Songs 8:7 says, I have a raging fire that burns within me, and it consumes everything. My deepest desire is to dance with my King, Yeshua. This desire keeps me focused and realising that nothing is ever too big to sacrifice and be a spotless Bride.

Don’t get me wrong; it is not in works that we become a spotless Bride. No, it is in purification; dying to ourselves and transforming into who Abba Father destined us to be. If I want to dance with Yeshua, I have to get up, leave everything, allow Him to take the lead and I have to FOLLOW. He will never force us to follow.

So, what is this protea and pearl process?

The protea is the process in which we are born again (John 3:3), a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17) and purified by fire (1 Peter 1:7). It is after the protea burned that it releases seed and multiply. In the same manner, we are being used as seeds by Yeshua, our King, to sow the Kingdom of God across the globe (Matthew 13). We, however, are not the ones to make the seed grow, which is a difficult concept to accept. Why? It means that we have to allow people to choose “death”, even if we love them, because it’s their journey, not ours.

The Pearl process is where we admit and acknowledge that we have a treasure inside of us (that’s why Jesus Christ bought us with His precious Blood), and that this treasure needs to be developed and come into maturity. Again, it does not come into maturity by our own works; it is in partnering with the Holy Spirit and allowing Jesus Christ to transform us. Our part is constantly removing everything in our lives that hinder us from being who Abba Father created us to be. This, in a sense, is also part of the purification process mentioned in the protea process.

The pearl process requires us to process our traumas for the beautiful jewel to take form in us. The pearl also serves as a significant sign of overcoming and of spiritual maturity (Hebrew 6:1) that need to settle into our lives (Revelations 21:21).

The Protea and Pearl Jewellery series is a constant reminder that we are moving forward by the GRACE of Abba Father, we admit that it’s a dancing journey involving different processes and moves. We discipline ourselves to focus on the treasure developing in us as we become the spotless bride while being the seed to enhance the Kingdom of YHVH.

To me, personally, the protea and pearl ring is daily encouragement. I think it’s because my current process is to master patience and I love things to be done yesterday which causes me to want to take the lead in my dance with my King.

If you decide to buy any of these pieces, may the Holy Spirit whisper in your heart what specific meaning or purpose it has for you.

The jewellery is designed and handcrafted by a talented South African Holy Spirit-inspired jeweller. This means it will not be the same price as imported jewellery nor is there thousands made of each item.

Photo credit @ Janette Willemse Kasselman