About the Author

A three-time tongue cancer survivor and mama of children from “hard places," Michele Cushatt is a (reluctant) expert on pain, trauma and the deep human need for connection. Her most recent book, "Relentless: The Unshakeable Presence of a God Who Never Leaves", wrestles with the dogged presence and affection of...

(in)side DaySpring: things we love
& you will too!
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(in)side DaySpring:
things we love
& you will too!
Find more at
DaySpring.com
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Comments

  1. Wow did I need this this morning! Thank you for sharing! Instead of telling myself I’m the problem as I search for a solution I will choose to be a student of how best to serve/love another by seeking a compromise. In Christ I am not condemned so I need not rehearse the lies that I am.

  2. I love this so much! Thank you for sharing a far more kind and helpful perspective, on recognizing messups and moving forward in a healthier way.

  3. Wow! Thanks for your message. Such wise words of encouragement and self love. Unfortunately my upbringing did not encourage learning, instead I was shamed. I’m in my 70’s and with therapy I’m much better. Shaming children is never helpful, it can follow them through life. You’re message is powerful!

  4. I love it. At 65 I’m learning each day seems. Funny is somedays I’m learning from a 2 or 4 year grandchild. Reminding myself of the importance of practice and learning …

  5. But when do you finally “get it”? I’ve been “learning” the same things for over 20 years, when does it finally “click”? It’s frustrating.

  6. Michelle,
    It is amazing timing of your today message..for myself to give my daughter…Joy…who had her voice down over the phone call to my wife…she herself saying she had made mistakes to give presentation of her work via Zoom meeting…she thought she had not find correct wording…muttering…she must think she failed..
    She had moved last Friday and could not catch up many things like rearranged stuffs yet attended the small group gathering to share after the Sunday worship via on line…she has found many areas to report to the apartment management office…and so on..
    You are absolutely right I have to deliver your message we are student and still learning…not a screw-up…

  7. These could just be the most helpful & transformative words I could have read at this moment. Really, really struggling to forgive myself over some things. God knows exactly what we need, when we need it! Thank you so much!

  8. Michele, this is so lovely. I keep mistakenly thinking I’m older now, so I should be immune to making so many mistakes. Not so. “I’m learning” every single day! Here’s to many more days of “learning”!

  9. I am newly widowed and as I read your story I could reflect on the many failures I have had finding my new normal. Thank you for reminding me that schools not out and I am still learning!

  10. Oh, Michele. This is another one of your posts that I know I’ll want to revisit again and again. I’m often tempted to lock myself in that prison too (and condemn others there as well.) Here’s to all being eager and humble students in the classroom of life.

  11. Isn’t it amazing how a tiny shift to two tiny words can make a world of difference? Thank you, Michele, for reminding us we’re all on the learning curve toward kingdom living. Even God Himself doesn’t expect perfection!

  12. Wow, I loved this so much, Michele. With your wise insight, I can lay down that shame whip for good. Sending my warmest thanks! Much love, Patricia

  13. I have learned the hard way to be kind to myself. To move forward with out looking back continuously at the past decisions. Learning to love myself as God loves me. I am fearfully and wonderfully made, the apple of God’s eye. If God Almighty can love me despite me and my human faults, etc. then I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me. God loves you and waits for you to discover this love that No Other can or will ever offer you. Come to the Father, He waits with open arms! God Almighty, ABBA Father is So Majestically BEAUTIFUL Like no other I have known. Be blessed!

  14. Michelle,

    Thank you for this wisdom. I, like you, condemn myself. “Dumb, stupid, not good enough, don’t even try, ugly” are some of the words I hear. Now I will consistently tell myself & others that we are students on this journey of life. God doesn’t condemn me then why should I punish myself or others? It has taken time, but I have learned to see myself as Jesus sees me beautifully made Child of God made in the image of Almighty God. Going to tell the whole world that we are definitely not SCREW UPS but STUDENTS learning to do life down here on broken Earth!

    Blessings 🙂

  15. “Rather than positioning myself at the other end of a whip, I prop myself in the chair at the front of the classroom.”

    As one who is uncompromisingly hard on myself, this is an idea and visual that will serve me well. I hope to be a student for life :).

    xo