In Praise of Your Framily

In Praise of Your Framily

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When our daughter, Faith, was eight years old, we learned she had a broken vertebra. At the time, one of the best pediatric neurosurgeons in the country lived in our town of Colorado Springs, so Faith’s surgery to correct the malformation happened on our home turf. My husband, David, and I soldiered through the emotional day of her surgery relying on God, the prayers of loved ones, and each other. When we received word that the surgery was a success, we all but collapsed in exhaustion and relief.   

The following day, our friends, Ryan and Rebecca, asked if they could bring their own two children to visit Faith in the pediatric intensive care unit. We replied, yes! rather enthusiastically. With no extended family in town, we were thrilled at the prospect of visiting with supportive friends. 

While we waited for them to arrive, Faith watched a Barbie princess movie—her choice distraction from the pain and limited mobility. As I filled her water cup, my cell phone rang. Seeing it was Rebecca, I answered. She proceeded to explain that she and her family were in the PICU waiting room, but the nurse on duty wouldn’t let them through. 

“Hold on, I’m gonna talk to somebody. I’ll be in touch.” I said before hanging up the phone. 

Chock-full of exhaustion and clean empty of civility and patience, I marched up to the nurse’s station and said exasperatedly to the nurse behind the counter, “Excuse me, I’m Kristen, mom to your patient in room 204. Can you please explain to me why our friends can’t visit my daughter?” 

The nurse sighed with her own exasperation. 

“Only family of patients are allowed into the PICU, ma’am,” she answered without looking up. 

I leaned in, ever so slightly. “Ma’am, with all due respect, that’s not a helpful rule.”  

She then looked up.  

Continuing, I said, “We have no extended family in town, and these friends are our local family. They’re all healthy, fit as a fiddle. Our daughter would be mighty happy to see them, and a happier patient makes for a better recovery, right?”  

On the outside, I smiled just a tad. On the inside, I prayed that God would move her to consider reason over rules. After a moment of silence, the nurse acquiesced and let our friends through.  

As they walked into the room, Faith smiled as big as Texas. She thoroughly enjoyed the conversation and get-well gifts they brought. By the time our friends left, Faith showed more spunk and spirit than she had in days. What’s more, all five of us Strongs felt buoyed by the bit of normalcy brought in from outside the hospital walls.  

These friends are just one example of what I like to call my “framily.”

Framily is a term for friends who fill in the gaps left by an absence of family, especially when you don’t live in the same area as your relation or when they choose not to be actively involved in your life. In no way do these friends replace your family! My extended family is very important to me. But for most of my adult life, I’ve not lived near them.   

When that is your reality, you understand that you still need help when life gets tricky. For example, when surgery knocks you out of commission, you need someone to bring you dinner. When you’re sick as a dog, you need someone to watch the kids. When you go on vacation, you need someone to water your plants or feed the cat or bring in the mail. Framily helps you (and you help them!) with middle-of-the-night emergencies and broad-daylight necessities.  

More than that, they’re soul-sisters who help you persevere in the faith. 

Framily is a great idea because it is God’s idea! Proverbs 18:24 tells us about a friend who sticks closer than a brother. Proverbs 27:10 says when hard times come, it’s better to not travel far for help, but to get help where you are. 

When life throws a lot at you, framily is your in-person help — like our friends were for us.

To honor the framily in your life, I’ve written a small but mighty gift book, called Friends Are Family We Choose. 

It would be the perfect gift to honor your own framily on occasions such as:
National Friendship Day (August)
Birthdays
Friendsgiving
Christmas
Galentine’s Day (February 13th)
Pastor Appreciation Month (October)
Military Spouse Appreciation Month (May) 

Specifically, it would be the perfect gift to honor the:
Hostess
Adopted Aunt or Grandma
Pastor’s Wife
Military Wife
Bible Study Leader
Small Group Leader
Neighbor
…or Bestie in your life. 

If you don’t have the words to tell that friend you love like family what she means to you, I’ve come up with the words for you through this book! It’s a poignant-with-a-side-of-humor hardback that’s also beautifully designed, and it’s for any gal you want to thank for being the friend you love like family. 

This world is a divisive one, and plenty of words get thrown around that tear others down.  

Here’s to using our words to build up and bless. 

Here’s to friends who model the love of Jesus in our lives. 

And here’s to buoying the spirit of the framily you couldn’t live without. 

—

If you want to tell your friend what she means to you but don’t quite have the words, Kristen Strong is here to help. She is an (in)courage writer and an author whose books include Girl Meets Change and Friends Are Family We Choose, and she writes as the friend helping you get in your friendship groove. Her gift book, Friends Are Family We Choose, is a small but mighty book that’s just the thing to bless the bestie or good friend in your life that you love like a member of your own family.

Order your copy today . . . and leave a comment below for a chance to WIN a copy*!

Then join Becky Keife this weekend on the (in)courage podcast for a conversation with Kristen about this sweet new book. Don’t miss it!

*Giveaway open to US addresses only and closes on 9/15/24 at 11:59 pm central.

Listen to Kristen’s devotion below or on your fav podcast app!

They Were Living My Dream

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Earlier this week, my husband, Darian, and I were on a charming, little walk around our neighborhood. It was hot outside so instead of fully holding hands, we were only holding pinkies. So cute.

I began to tell him about a friend of ours who was posting vacation pictures on her social media — living out the vacation of our dreams. I was in the middle of describing to him how she and her husband were following our dream itinerary, eating our dream food, and doing everything that was on our bucket list. But before I could really go into any great detail, he nonchalantly said to me, “Did you rejoice with those who rejoice?”

I had to stop and ask myself sincerely if I was rejoicing with them. If I wasn’t before, I was after he asked! I did not want to let jealousy or envy creep in. It’s not worth it.

After I did a quick heart check I started to think about that full verse. Romans 12:15 (NIV) says, “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.” Mourning with those who mourn seems to come easier than rejoicing with those who rejoice.

If someone loses a job, goes through a breakup, discovers a disease, or experiences a loss, we tend to feel bad for them. We empathize with their situation and even rally to provide whatever support they need. Yet, if our coworker gets the promotion we wanted we pout, complain, and talk about them behind their back.

Rejoicing with those who rejoice is uncommon. It’s not a natural thing most people do.

Years ago a friend of mine went through a hard divorce. She was struggling with her finances, was in and out of different relationships, and was having a difficult time with her teenage children. It was a challenging season of life for her. During one of our conversations, she angrily mentioned to me that her ex-husband was thriving in life. The hurt in her heart was stealing her ability to rejoice. How many times do we allow offense and bitterness to rob us of rejoicing with others?

Allowing our hearts to be poisoned with unforgiveness, entitlement, or pride is a dangerous place to live. Yet, we see it every day. We see siblings mad at siblings because they were favored by a parent. Best friends stop speaking because someone’s feelings are hurt. Marriages break up because one person thinks they deserve something the other person can’t or won’t give. But how might some of those relational wounds be healed if we adopted a posture of rejoicing?

Do you ever wonder why the Lord places certain verses in the Bible? Do you ever think, What’s in it for me?

Sassily I want to say it doesn’t matter what benefit there is. If the Lord, our Father, Master, and Savior told us to do something, then we should just do it. But because the Lord is so good there is always a benefit. Psalm 24:3-4a (NIRV) says, “Who can go up to the temple on the mountain of the Lord? Who can stand in his holy place? Anyone who has clean hands and a pure heart.” Everything we do reflects the condition of our hearts.

When we rejoice with those who rejoice, it shows clean hands and a pure heart. It takes humility, love that’s unconditional, and self-control to celebrate with others. Especially with those who receive the prayer you’ve been praying to receive yourself. It’s never quite as hard if someone gets what we didn’t want. However, when they get the thing of our dreams, our true heart colors show. But if we can just keep our hands clean and our hearts pure, what we get is so much better. We get to go into the temple of the Lord.

It’s when we forgive, aren’t easily offended, and genuinely celebrate the wins of those around us that we can boldly and freely run to the Lord. There is nothing that compares to the presence of God.

I’m so thankful Darian asked me that question on our walk that day. I needed the reminder that everything isn’t always about me. Other people have dreams, prayers, and desires too. True love wants good things for others.

My day is coming. Your day is coming too. We may or may not get our dream vacation or promotion, but we will get the greatest gift of being fully loved and known by our Almighty God.

In the meantime, I’m going to do the uncommon thing. I’m going to keep my hands clean and my heart pure. I’m going to rejoice with those who rejoice. I’m going to ascend the hill of the Lord.

 

Listen to Tyra’s devotion below or wherever you stream podcasts!

The Joy Available to You Today

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Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.”
Luke 18:16–17

Every time I’m in a worship service and the song leader suggests we raise our hands in praise, I cringe. I get a little sweaty and my mind starts racing.

What is wrong with you?
Why can’t you raise your hands?
I know. I should raise my hands. I want to. I do. But . . .
What if I look weird? What if they notice?
It’s just not like me. I’m not a raise-your-hands kind of girl.
You mean you’re not a praise-the-Lord kind of girl?
Just. Raise. Your. Hands.
Ahhh! It’s not a big deal, but it feels like a big deal!
Isn’t it enough to tap my foot?
Is this song ever going to— oh good, it’s over now.

Growing up in a small-town, traditional hymn-singing church, it never even occurred to me to raise my hands during worship until I witnessed my friends doing just that in college. In fact, closing my eyes while belting out my favorite songs was as expressive as I got back then— and even that felt out of place.

One Sunday, though, my internal debate was interrupted by my five-year-old standing next to me. As soon as she saw me notice her raised hands, she wanted to talk about it. “Mommy, why aren’t you holding your hands up? Look! I’m holding up my hands for Jesus! You do it too, Mommy!”

So for once, I did the thing that my heart often longs to do but that feels so awkward and even scary: I raised my hands.

The specific way we worship isn’t the point. The point is that for years I’ve ignored the urge to let go and worship the way that expresses my true feelings. I’ve remained content to worship half-heartedly because what others might think was more important to me than what God has placed in my heart and what I long to say to him.

For my daughter, though, it was so much simpler than that. She heard the worship leader suggest we raise our hands, she felt joy as she sang about Jesus, and she raised her hands up high to express all those things.

Just like that.

Oh, to be courageously joyful like a child!

People worship God in so many different ways. Expressing our love and gratitude and joy in the Lord shouldn’t be about how we look or following a set of rules. And yet sometimes we can feel intimidated or embarrassed when it comes to worship.

But do you know who never seems to feel self-conscious or reluctant to share their true feelings? Children.

When children sing songs to and about the God they’ve been taught loves them, their unblemished, unabashed joy cannot be contained. Without filters or fear, they jump and sing and dance their praise to the Lord, never afraid of what the kid jumping and singing and dancing next to them might think. Why can’t we do the same?

Jesus knew we could learn much from observing little children. in Luke 18:16–17, He urged His followers to be more like children.

Raising your hands, dancing, or singing at the top of your lungs is not necessarily more holy or joyful than other styles of worship. Perhaps you feel more connected to God when folding your hands, kneeling, or even spending time in nature. Worshiping God with courageous joy simply means responding to God in the way He created you to be in relationship with Him, rather than allowing your expressions of joy to be affected by fear, uncertainty, or perceived expectations.

Think of a child you know or perhaps imagine your younger self. Can you picture her dancing and twirling through the temple courts as described in Psalm 100, singing with delight— smile wide and eyes bright— at the sheer anticipation of being in God’s presence? Watch in your mind’s eye as the Father wraps His child in a huge embrace.

That is the wonder of God’s love.

That is the joy available to us today because we know our hope and salvation are secure in Jesus (John 10:28).

God, I love You so much! I do. When I think about how much You love me — enough to come to earth, live a sinless life, and die for my sins so we would no longer be separated — I want to shout it from the rooftops! I can’t contain my joy — or at least I don’t want to. But sometimes I don’t know what to say, or I’m afraid of looking foolish in front of others. Will You give me the courage to share my joy with abandon — before You and before others? Thank You, God. Amen.

Devotion by Mary Carver from Courageous Joy: Delight in God through Every Season

What if you could live with courage and joy in every season and circumstance? What if that courageous joy changed not only your outlook but your relationships — with God and others? It’s all possible! Take the journey with our Courageous Joy Bible study. 

Right now, Courageous Joy and all the Courageous Bible Studies are on sale for ONLY $10 at DaySpring.com!

Grab two copies of Courageous Joy so you and a friend can experience it together, or choose all four at this super low price to study God’s Word all year!

Get your $10 (in)courage Bible Studies are here!

 

Struggling with Self-Injury or the Lie That No One Cares? Here’s Your Reminder That God Is Present in Your Pain

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Trigger Warning: This is a personal story that contains self-harm content.

I left the steaming shower running and stepped out, wrapping myself in a waiting towel.

My long, wet hair dripped down my back and left water droplets on the floor where I stood. With the pounding water drowning out all noise, I sank to the floor, curled up on the bathmat, and let myself sob.

Why was I stuck with a brain that told me hurting myself was a good idea?
Why was it so hard not to listen?

For over a decade, I’d struggled with self-injury. What started as an impulsive, one-time choice at fifteen had spiraled into years of desperate decisions. I waded through high school and college and early adulthood trying to work my way into healing. I did everything I was supposed to do: I prayed, read my Bible, surrounded myself with community, and tried alternative coping mechanisms. None of it had worked, not for long anyway. No matter what I did, no matter how much time passed between incidents, the urge to hurt myself never went away.

On good days, the battle with my brain was background noise. On bad days, it left me exhausted and begging God to make it stop. Having found faith at an early age, I’d spent my whole life believing God loves each of us beyond measure and hears our prayers. But, after years of pleading prayers going unanswered, I often wondered if He heard me. That night, from the floor of my bathroom, I threw a singular half-question, half-accusation at the ceiling: God, do you even care?

I know I’m not the only one who has wondered if they are unseen and unnoticed by the God of the universe. Even when Jesus walked among His disciples, they doubted His care for them on occasion.

In Mark 4, after a day of ministry, Jesus and His disciples board a boat together. A tired Jesus is lulled to sleep by the boat’s gentle rocking as it makes its way to the opposite shore. In the middle of the crossing, a storm builds and the wind tosses crashing waves into the boat. Panicked, the disciples begin trying to save the boat and themselves. Realizing their efforts are futile, they wake Jesus and beg Him to save them, asking, “Teacher, do you not care that we are perishing?”

Put plainly, the men who knew Jesus better than anyone looked at their sinking boat and asked, “Don’t you care about us?”

How often do we find ourselves in the middle of storms and asking this same question? Maybe we’re praying for healing or guidance or just some room to breathe between each wave that fills our lungs with water, but at the heart of each of those prayers is one deeper question: God, do you even care that I’m about to drown?

Laying on the floor of my bathroom that night, there was no lightning bolt moment of clarity or instantaneous healing. There was no booming voice from the heavens. The urge for self-injury that I’d dealt with most of my life didn’t suddenly disappear. But, as my tears slowed and my breath steadied, I sensed God with me.

While God is capable of calming any storm, He doesn’t promise us that He will. What He does tell us about Himself in Exodus 3:14 is “I am who I am.” God is only able to be who He has always been, which means that even today . . . He is faithful and loving and present.

I think about the relationships I have in my life, the people who I believe really care about me on a personal level — the people who show up, regardless of circumstances or mood. They make a conscious choice to be in my life, outside of obligation or requirement. If I trust that those people, incapable of unconditional love, care about me, why shouldn’t I trust that a God who promises His presence cares about me, too?

There are days that I still beg God to take away the urge to self-harm that flits through my brain all too often. In those moments, when I’m tempted to believe the lie that I’ve been abandoned and that God doesn’t care about me, I’m reminded that the same God who met Moses in the burning bush, the same God who was with Daniel in the lion’s den, the same God who sent His son to earth to walk among us, and the same God who cried with Lazarus’ sister is the same God who is with me on the nights I end up on the bathroom floor.

Whether I find healing on this side of eternity or not, I have peace in knowing that every time I ask God, “Do you even care?” His answer is a patient and resolute, “Yes.”

 

~

At (in)courage, we believe in making space for all stories and experiences. With heartache, we recognize the reality of self-harm. With hope, we share this story — proclaiming the help and healing that can be found in community and Christ. We are here for you, in prayer and in the comments below, should you wish to respond to this guest article. If you are in a crisis and considering self-harm, dial 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline which provides 24/7, free, and confidential help for self-harm. You are not alone. There is help.

How to Be the Soup Friend

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When it comes to a crisis, the seven most useless words in the English language are “Let me know if I can help.” Because the last thing a person needs when they are in the middle of a crisis is one more decision to make. 

Recently, when my husband and I were going through a challenging season physically, we had a number of people tell us, “Let me know if I can help.” And while I love the heart behind those words, the last thing I could do was strategize the “what, when, and how” of support. It was easier to just say, “No, thank you. We’re fine.”  

But then, I have other friends who have taken the art of supporting a loved one to a new level.  

I have a great friend, Mary, who is the gift card friend. Usually, it’s a DoorDash card, but sometimes she brings one for a local grocery store if there is going to be an ongoing need. 

I have one friend, Cheri, who is the drive-by bagel friend. When there is a crisis, she has been known to show up at my house with my Starbucks order (venti skinny vanilla latte) and a dozen assorted bagels with two different flavors of cream cheese. So easy to grab and go when you need something to eat but don’t want to think. 

Another friend, Amberly, is the gathering friend. When we first received the diagnosis of our dog Moose’s lymphoma, she gathered a bunch of my friends and created a box with things that Roger, Moose, and I would love. There was cheese and chocolates for the humans, and dog treats and a lamb stuffy for Moose. It was a box of joy, and it was perfect.  

My friend Susy and I are the “Soup Friends.” When someone is in need, the only question we ask is, “Would tomorrow at 3:00 be a good time for me to drop off dinner?”  Then we show up with soup and the fixings. 

Even though I may not be the one in crisis, having soup already decided makes helping so much easier. I have those ingredients on hand, it’s delicious, and I don’t have to make decisions on my end. My friend in need doesn’t need to make decisions on her end. (And yes, I have a backup, vegetable soup, for friends who may be dairy-free or vegetarian.)  

Once I’ve made the decision to bring a friend soup, the rest is simple. 

  • The soup recipe: I have all the ingredients in the pantry or freezer. 
  • The container: I have a few plastic bowls from the dollar store that I don’t need to get back. 
  • The dessert: I can usually bake a pan of brownies (in a foil pan) while the soup is cooking on the stove. If not, I will pick up brownies at the store. 
  • The sides: I stop at the store on the way and pick up a loaf of French bread and a bagged salad that already has the dressing. 
  • The carrier: If I know the recipient will be home, the whole meal can be packed into a grocery bag. If they might not be home, I pick up a “hot and cold” bag at the store and put a Ziploc bag of ice inside.  

The key is, that I’m not dropping off anything that needs to be returned. Again, my goal is to eliminate as many decisions and extra tasks for my friend as possible.  

When a friend is in the fight of her life, the verse that stands out is Galatians 6:2 (NIV): 

 “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”  

Because the burden for our friends is not just the crisis, but also the inevitable daily tasks, such as feeding themselves and those around them. Showing up with that extra large bowl of soup eliminates a lot of burdens. 

How do we get better at this? What can we do to avoid saying the dreaded “let me know if I can help”?  

Create a crisis response plan before the crisis happens. Figure out what kind of friend you will be. The gift card friend? The bagel friend? The soup friend? Then prepare accordingly.   

  • Squirrel away gift cards when you have extra cash. 
  • Stock up on the ingredients a little at a time. 
  • Find out about any allergies or food preferences of the people you’ll be caring for.  
  • Buy disposable plates, bowls, bags, and other packaging materials.  

Oh, and if you need a soup recipe that is a winner, here is my go-to recipe.

Cream of Chicken and Wild Rice Soup
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 60 minutes
Yield: 4 bowls or 8 cups 

Ingredients 

6 T. unsalted butter
3 celery ribs, chopped
2 carrots, chopped
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1½ tsp. finely chopped fresh thyme
½ tsp. fresh rosemary, chopped
Salt and pepper, to taste
¼ cup all-purpose flour
1 cup wild rice (5 ounces)
2 quarts chicken stock
2 cups water
4 cups chopped, cooked chicken
1 cup heavy cream 

Directions 

  1. In a large saucepan, melt the butter. Add the celery, carrots, onion, garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper (I start out with ¼ teaspoon each of salt and pepper and then adjust while simmering), and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables just start to soften, about 10 to 12 minutes. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetables and cook, stirring, until evenly coated and lightly browned, about 3 to 5 minutes. 
  2. Add the wild rice to the saucepan and gradually stir in the stock and water. Bring to a boil, then simmer over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender, about 30 minutes. 
  3. Add the chicken and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the wild rice is tender, about 10 to 15 minutes. 
  4. Stir in the cream and season with more salt and pepper, if desired. 

Carrying each other’s burdens doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does need to be practical. When a crisis hits, bring a latte, fold the laundry, take kids to school, or start a prayer chain. Be the soup friend—or whatever kind of friend God calls you to be!  

Ready to become the Soup Friend and master the art of crisis support? Pre-order Kathi’s book, Sabbath Soup today and receive an exclusive bonus: “Soup’s On! Four Weekly Meal Plans to Help You Enjoy a True Day of Rest.” 

 

Listen to Kathi’s devotion below or wherever you stream podcasts!

When It’s Hard to Be on the Internet

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Right now is a strange time to be online. 

Not on the beautiful site where you might be reading these words, a place full of encouragement. Or in your inbox, which hopefully brings a curated collection of goodness (amidst the ads and spam and to-dos).  

I’m talking about in the comments. The wilderness of the world wide web. 

Last week a stranger screenshot a story I shared on Instagram. Pulled it out of context. Posted it to her followers. Pointed them in my direction.  

Next thing I knew, my DMs exploded with angry strangers. Calling me names. Questioning my beliefs. Cursing and condemning me.  

Then they started tagging me in other posts, horrible diatribes that had nothing to do with what I had shared. My head was spinning: what was happening? I watched in real time as the anger and intensity of our present moment erupted before my eyes, spewing heat and burning ash. 

As an author who’s been writing online for years, I’m well versed in the ways people often respond (or rather, react) on social media. But the experience of being wildly misunderstood and attacked by strangers in a targeted campaign — this was bizarre and brand-new. 

I tried to remember how Jesus handled conflict. He asked questions. He stood firm. He spoke truth. He stayed calm. He went off by Himself to pray.  

As an introvert who loves silence and stillness, I started with the last one. Took a few days offline. Talked with my spouse and friends. Tried to pray for wisdom and clarity.  

After I let my anxiety run its course, I came back online. Deleted the cruel comments. Prayed over the DMs. Blocked one person who couldn’t engage with decency. 

I kept going because I have seen how the good of social media can far outweigh the bad. We can learn from each other, grow in faith, build relationships across differences, and support each other through challenges. Even Christian community can thrive online: I have seen it with my own eyes.  

But long ago I decided that fighting with strangers on the Internet was not part of my calling. As someone who writes publicly, I have to protect my wellbeing while sharing my life through words. If I want to be right or be liked more than I strive to bring the love of Christ, then I will stumble every time. 

Here’s the hard truth that I had to relearn: 

We need to love our neighbor and our enemy everywhere.  

Jesus never gave us an “Internet out” to let us be snarky or cruel or cutting in the comments, even (and especially) when we feel like righteous warriors. We have to figure out how to treat each person as a beloved child of God, whether or not we can look them in the face — the very face that God knows and adores. 

I hate to tell you that there is no crystal-clear, comprehensive Handbook For Being A Person Of Faith Online. But we do have the wisdom and truth of Scripture to guide us. In particular, Paul’s words strike me squarely between the eyes when I read them in our Internet era:  

“Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. Do not lag in zeal, be ardent in spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in hope, be patient in suffering, persevere in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints; extend hospitality to strangers.  

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are. Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all…Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
Romans 12:9-18, 21 NRSV 

Paul’s words remind us that we are called to be the same online as we are in person. 

Genuine. Good. Hopeful. Ardent. Patient. Peaceful. Compassionate.  

We will meet challenges and conflicts. But we can still be people of conviction and compassion. We can speak for truth and love.  

We know we can do this, because Jesus did.  

When I get lost online and have to find my bearings again, I try to remember what has helped in the past.  

  1. Pray before you post. 
  2. Take a deep breath to ground yourself in the Holy Spirit. 
  3. Forgive others and ask for forgiveness. 
  4. Look to wise leaders. 
  5. Keep Jesus’s welcome and wisdom before your eyes.

We can never know what is going on behind someone’s screen. Behind Internet bravado or cyberbullying stands a broken, hurting human — every single time. And while we never have to accept abuse or injustice, we can learn to become wiser in the ways we live and move and have our being online. We can follow Paul’s instructions and encouragement, to live a Christian life no matter where we are. 

Above all, we can keep the courage of Christ always before us.  

(Even when we check the comments.) 

 

Listen to Laura’s devotion below or on your fav podcast app!

In All Things, God Is Good

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On the second Sunday afternoon in August, life as I know it paused for the foreseeable future. I had a full week’s worth of plans: attending an open house in the north Georgia mountains, dinner with girlfriends in my neighborhood, Friday night jazz at the High Museum with family (which had been on my calendar for six months), and lunch with my writing critique group followed by my monthly Atlanta Writers Club meeting. Everything kicked off that evening with my daughter-in-law’s birthday dinner. 

But before I got to any of that, a pick-up truck almost ran me down in the Costco parking lot. (Surely the driver didn’t see me or he would have stopped, right?)  

I tripped on the curb getting out of his way. I caught my fall, and my arm fractured in a spiral that runs from just above my elbow almost into my shoulder, like a piece of bamboo grabbed at each end and twisted in opposite directions. When I raised my head from the sidewalk and looked down at my arm, I only needed a glance to know it was broken.  

In the emergency room, they said I needed surgery within two days. But the orthopedic surgeon wants to try a compression brace first — which squeezes my arm like a vice — in hopes that the bone will grow back together. He didn’t sugarcoat the prognosis: if this works it will be a very slow and very painful process, but I would avoid a long scar, the risk of infection, potential paralysis of my hand, and permanent metal plates in my arm.  

I’m willing to try. 

My world flipped that Sunday, no longer sunny side up like my name. Everything inverted.  

Instead of feeling strong and capable, I rely on being still and clever: picking up things from the floor or moving items from the washer to the dryer with my toes (leaning forward is painful); wedging a long, skinny teaspoon into the compression brace around my arm to scratch an itch or extending it to adjust the tilt of my desk fan; pinning bottles and tubs of yogurt between my body, the kitchen counter, and the corner of the dishwasher to open lids. 

Instead of tallying my daily word count or how many chapters I’ve edited in the second draft of my first novel, I’m counting the number of calcium pills I’ve taken and how many minutes I’ve spent in the sun (doctor’s orders for vitamin D, which will help me absorb calcium and make my bones stronger). 

My perception of the world and the people around me has adjusted also. The news networks and social media want me to believe we are a very divided people, and maybe we are, politically. But since the accident, although I’ve felt as helpless and vulnerable as a baby bird, I’ve witnessed the goodness, decency, and compassion of strangers:  

The first man on the scene, who sent his family inside and stayed with me in the parking lot, helping handle interactions with the store and the firemen called to the scene. The ER nurse who treated me like his dear friend instead of just another patient. Staff at the orthopedic surgeon’s office, who saw me anyway when I arrived on the wrong day for a follow-up appointment and showed me ways to combat swelling, and loosened my compression brace enough to wiggle something inside and scratch an itch that had driven me crazy for days (leading to my own idea with the spoon).  

“Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”
Galatians 6:2 KJV  

 My world shrank. The big picture feels like a vague outline drawn with a shaky hand, like my left-handed signature when I checked myself into the emergency room.  

So I’m focusing on small things and searching for things to be grateful for each day: Neighbors who check on me and explain to my children that our roles have reversed, and they are the caregivers now. A husband who helps me navigate feeding, dressing, and cleaning myself while he regains stamina after an accident that left him on crutches for ten weeks. An empathetic dog who rushes to my side when I cry, sleeps between my knees, and apparently boosts my serotonin levels, which helps with bone health and healing. A friend who worked a full day then sat with me for three hours, like there was nowhere else she’d rather be. 

I appreciate favorite songs I haven’t heard in years, a fully-charged Kindle, neck rubs, a son who’s watching season one of 24 with me (first time for him, first time in years for me), a daughter who washed my hair and face and helped me feel human again, and another who wants to take me to Waffle House (the only place besides the doctor’s office I’m willing to show my face right now).  

Knowing I’ll never repeat the day of the accident is a comfort, but maybe someday it will help me write about trauma, pain, and what being in shock feels like. 

All of us are in different circumstances, but chances are you’re dealing with your own challenges now. I hope my story encourages you to support the people around you, whether friends, family, or strangers, to see the Lord’s provision in the bleakest circumstances, and when you find yourself overwhelmed by big worries, focus on simple daily blessings instead.  

In all things, God is good. 

Listen to Dawn’s devotion below or wherever you stream podcasts.

A Part of the Plan

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“Return to your rest, my soul, for the Lord has been good to you.”
Psalm 116:7 NIV

When her heart got busy, the tug became real. It was an invitation she felt deep inside to convalesce. Not that she was overly broken. But she was beginning to recognize, as she got older, that life tended to wear her down but that God would build her up again. Over and over, she would return to the cocoon of His love and find herself restored, renewed, and stronger than before.

Nothing will come of the past now — what’s done is done. There are no promises for the future yet. But today … oh, today. The richness of this moment when you get to breathe air, feel the sun, watch kids play, feel sorrow and strong hugs, make plans, and see how God’s plans have unfolded.

Somewhere along the way we’ve learned that the hustle is everything. If we’re not working toward tomorrow, then are we really accomplishing anything of value? But when we live that way, we’re forgetting that God is at work. We also forget that rest is a part of the plan.

For some reason, it’s become an act of courage to choose rest over other things, but for God, He asks it of us. Slow down, He says. Look around you. Remember where you’ve been and take a look at where you are. Daydream about tomorrow.

When was the last time you truly rested? When did you sit on the back porch and sip a cup of tea? When did you lie in bed for thirty minutes before turning to your phone? When did you choose to trust God that resting is a part of your wiring? Make time today to rest. You’ll find Him waiting there for you.

God,
Thank You for the gift of being able to rest. There’s beauty in being able to reflect on the goodness of what You are doing in my life. May I slow down long enough to draw near to You always. I want my heart to be filled with thanksgiving and gratitude without my thoughts always rushing to the next thing. In Jesus’s name, Amen.

Unrushed Living: Embracing Simplicity and Savoring Life’s Moments, by Sopha Rush, is a brand new 90-day devotional about the power of slowing down and relishing the beauty of life.

We’re moving faster and faster so that we’ll finally get there — wherever “there” is. But what if “there” was actually right here? Author Sopha Rush invites you to examine why you’re in a hurry, burnt out, and under pressure to achieve or succeed. She offers an alternative to the hamster wheel: placing our faith in God — daily — and savoring the goodness of life right where we are.

Through this 90-day devotional, you’ll find value and greater satisfaction in the spaces they once tried to fill and the moments you once tried to hurry along.

Order your copy today . . . and leave a comment below for a chance to WIN a copy*!

*Giveaway open to US addresses only and closes on 9/10/24 at 11:59 pm central.

 

Listen to today’s devotion below or on your favorite podcast player!

 

Call Me Betty

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My kids never saw it coming. They’d spent the day asking for snacks and demanding that I referee disagreements over screen time. The pressure to scream and run away built as I stared at the laundry heaped on the couch, dinner waiting to go into the oven, and my phone buzzing with text messages from work.  

How can I do it all when there’s too much to get done? 

“Mom . . . Mom . . . MOM!!!!” 

That last “Mom” did it. 

“Kids, get down here!” 

My crew tumbled down into the kitchen. The kids jockeyed for positions farthest away from a mother who looked like she was about to blow. Well, they were right. I was doing my best to keep my chaotic life together, but I could feel myself falling apart. I needed a break.  Desperation led to inspiration. I decided it was time for “Mom” to take the rest of the day off.  

“For the rest of the day, you will call me . . . Betty.”  

The kids took turns staring at me and each other. My oldest squinted through skeptical eyes and asked, “So, we can’t call you ‘Mom’?” 

Warming up to the idea, I smiled, “My name is now Betty. Now, go play.” 

For the next few hours, I worked on emails and laundry while the kids stammered through a mishmash of my old name and new. “Moooo—Um, Betty? Can I get some juice?” We began giggling each time they called me Betty. 

Fifteen years later, my kids still laugh about “Call Me Betty” day. I laugh about it, too. I believe that silly idea was an act of grace from a compassionate God who knew I needed a break, and so did my kids.  

Because back then, my constant overwhelm wasn’t funny. 

My life looked like a field of spinning plates, and I felt like a latex balloon. Every plate represented an obligation or responsibility that I needed to keep spinning so that it didn’t crash to the ground. However, my insides felt like a balloon getting bigger, stretching thinner as the pressure to keep all the plates spinning.  

The more stretched I felt, the more I snapped at the kids. The more pressure building inside, the harder it was for me to sleep or sit still. I felt like everything was on my shoulders and I couldn’t mess it up.  

I was chronically overwhelmed.  

Have you been there? Stretched too thin, drowning in our responsibilities, or unable to know what to do next? 

 My definition of overwhelmed is having too much to do, not enough time to do it, and feeling unsure, paralyzed, or stuck on how to fix it or move forward. 

No matter how it happens, no one is happy when overwhelmed. When it all feels like too much, and you don’t know what to do about it, you’re not enjoying your relationships, faith, or life. 

I love how King David captures the heart of the overwhelmed: 

“Listen to my prayer, O God.
Do not ignore my cry for help!
Please listen and answer me,
for I am overwhelmed by my troubles.
Fear and trembling overwhelm me,
and I can’t stop shaking.
Oh, that I had wings like a dove;
then I would fly away and rest!”
Psalm 55:1-2,5-6 NLT 

King David wrote these words after one of his sons tried to overthrow his kingdom. At the same time, God called David a “man after his own heart,” but that didn’t mean King David was spared from circumstances that flooded every part of his being with the desire to run away from it all. 

What should you do if you’re feeling overwhelmed today? Follow King David’s example. Rather than turn away from God in his problems, David turned toward God. He didn’t hide his honest and raw emotions; you don’t have to either. In Psalm 55, David continues to pour out his heart, and here’s where he lands — this is an invitation for you as well: 

“Give your burdens to the Lord,
and he will take care of you.
He will not permit the godly to slip and fall.”
Psalm 55:22 NLT 

Maybe you’ve never read words like this in the Bible describing how you’ve been feeling lately. Perhaps today, you might be relieved to know that God isn’t disappointed that you’re overwhelmed and that you wish you could escape from the pressure and all the responsibilities. 

 Tell God what’s too much for you to handle today and hand it to Him.  

 And feel free to change your name to Betty if it helps. 

 Excerpts taken from Barb Roose’s new Bible study, Stronger Than Stress: Developing 10 Spiritual Practices to Win the Battle of Overwhelm.  

 

Listen to Barb’s devotion below or wherever you stream podcasts.

3 Ways to Keep Your Passion for Jesus Strong

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“Don’t burn out; keep yourselves fueled and aflame.
Be alert servants of the Master, cheerfully expectant.
Don’t quit in hard times; pray all the harder.”
Romans 12:11-12 The Message 

For many, September feels like a fresh start. Kids are going back to school. Summer is giving way to fall. There’s a burst of energy and urgency to make the last third of the year really count.  

But with the hope of cooler temps, all things pumpkin, and finally making progress on January’s goals, you may also feel weary.  

Jesus understands this. It’s why He invites all who are weary and burdened to come to Him! (Matthew 11:28-30). 

But Paul also encourages us not to give in to spiritual burnout. We must actively and intentionally keep our passion for Jesus and commitment to following God strong.  

How do we do this?  

Be alert! Pay attention to what God is doing in and around you.  

Be cheerfully expectant! Trust that God is working on your behalf, and let His promises fuel your hope. 

Pray! Don’t give up when life gets hard. Take heart knowing Jesus is with you. He will never forsake you. And He is listening to your prayers and interceding for you.  

We love dedicating the first Sunday of every month to pray for one another. Share your prayer request and pray for another (in)courage sister. We are stronger together! 

 

The Secret to Embracing God’s Perfect Peace Through Life’s Storms

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A few months ago, I found myself in a high-conflict divorce that was taking a toll on my emotional well-being and finances. As legal fees piled up and the demands of single parenting two teenagers increased, I often felt overwhelmed and anxious. 

Amid this turmoil, I attended a healing retreat in North Carolina. Due to financial constraints, I had to book budget-friendly flights, which included a 14-hour layover on my return trip. On the last day of the retreat, feeling particularly anxious to get back home to my kids, I prayed to God, expressing my desire for an earlier flight.

The next morning, I received an email from the airline informing me that my flight had been rebooked to an earlier time at no additional cost! I was in awe and filled with gratitude. This experience was a significant moment for me, teaching me to rest and trust God with my worries. It was a reminder that even in the mundane details of life, God is actively working on our behalf.

The journey continued the next day as I prepared to return home and catch a connecting flight from North Carolina to Atlanta. As we approached Atlanta, the pilot announced that a heavy storm was causing delays, and we would have to taxi on the runway because all the gates were occupied. The likelihood of missing my connecting flight loomed large. Anxiety started to creep in again, but then I recalled two scriptures:

Be still, and know that I am God.
Psalm 46:10

You will keep in perfect peace
those whose minds are steadfast,
because they trust in you.
Isaiah 26:3

Choosing to trust in God’s sovereignty, I rested in His peace. While other passengers were visibly stressed about missing their connecting flights, I remained calm, reflecting on the miracle God had performed just twenty-four hours earlier. I trusted that He had the situation under control.

After several announcements about further delays, the pilot suddenly informed us that a gate had opened and we would be able to deplane shortly. Unbelievably, the gate we were assigned was right next to my connecting flight’s gate. Instead of a fifteen-minute dash across the airport, I had a mere fifty-second walk. I made my connecting flight just in time!

This experience amplified a profound truth: God is in control, even when circumstances seem impossible. When I shared these experiences with my kids and new friends from the retreat, they were amazed and encouraged at how God orchestrates everything. It wasn’t just about making my flights — it was about deepening my trust in Him.

Reflecting on these events, I’ve realized that learning to trust and rest in God’s promises in stormy seasons is a continual process. It’s not a one-time decision, but a daily practice of shifting our focus from our problems to His promises. Life is full of twists and turns, and our initial reactions might be fear or anxiety. However, we have the authority to refuse giving these emotions a place in our hearts. We have the authority to rest in God’s perfect peace.

Here are some practical steps that have helped me embrace God’s perfect peace through this stormy season of life.

1. Conversation with God: Regularly talking to God about our concerns and desires helps shift our focus from our problems to His provision. Open, honest communication with God allows us to lay our burdens at His feet and trust in His plan.

2. Scripture Meditation: One of my favorite meditations in the Bible is Isaiah 26:3. Holding onto Scriptures like this one provides a pathway to peace and trust. Meditating on His promises helps to realign our thoughts with God’s truth.

3. Rest in His Presence: Practicing stillness and acknowledging God’s complete control helps to cultivate a peaceful mindset despite troubling circumstances. Psalm 46:10 tells us, “Be still, and know that I am God.” This truth helps us center our hearts and minds on God’s sovereignty.

To let the peace of God permeate your heart in a new way, start by creating moments of quiet reflection throughout your day. Begin each morning with a few minutes of prayer and Scripture reading, asking God to fill your heart with His peace. Whenever anxiety starts to rise up, take a moment to pause, breathe deeply, and repeat a Scripture that brings you comfort.

These steps are practical ways to experience God’s perfect peace. The same God who provided for me is working in your life too. When we remember His past faithfulness, it strengthens our faith for present and future challenges.

Are you currently enduring an exhausting and difficult season, unsure how to navigate it with grace and peace of mind? 

Are you faced with relationship difficulties, financial hardships, job loss, health problems, or the loss of loved ones? Remember, God is greater than any storm we face. When we rely solely on our own strength, we invite stress and anxiety — but by embracing God’s perfect peace and surrendering our worries to Him, we will find true rest and assurance during all life’s storms.

The Best Advice from Las Damas

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Hispanic Heritage is rich, vibrant, and multifaceted. My culture, Hispanic culture, offers an array of stories filled with brave, resilient, and tenacious individuals who selflessly contribute to the tapestry of North America while being a diverse community.

Though we stand connected, we are unique, leaving much to learn and celebrate all year round. 

Spanish is spoken in most of our countries; however, various dialects are spoken in different villages and towns, adding another layer of history and beauty to our people. As a community, we are known for being profoundly family-oriented and rich in culinary, musical, religious, and holiday traditions passed down from generation to generation. 

I was born in Antigua, Guatemala. If you’re not good with geography, don’t worry; neither am I. Guatemala is a tiny country found right below Mexico. Most of my childhood and adolescent years were spent with my Abue, my grandmother (short for Abuelita in Spanish), who was also born in Guatemala. She passed down Guatemalan dichos (sayings), which she used to accentuate and explain the point she was trying to make. 

She also shared stories of her childhood filled with traumatic realities that no child should bear, along with her dreams of one day making it to America for a better future. In the early eighties, Aube made it and eventually became an American Citizen with only a third-grade education. She attended night school for years to learn English and obtain her high school diploma. 

However, no matter where we lived – Guatemala, Canada, or Arkansas – Abue always instilled in me the importance of speaking Spanish, keeping traditions, practicing hospitality, cultivating community, and following Jesus.

One of Abue’s most practiced traditions was to give thanks to God no matter the circumstance. Whether her heart was filled with joy or heartbreak, she would always give thanks, especially when celebrating a birthday. 

I waited forever for my fifteenth birthday – my quinceañera. A quinceañera is a coming-of-age celebration for young women to mark the transition from childhood to womanhood. In my mind, this day called for a big, puffy, beautiful pink dress for the birthday girl, many friends, lively salsa and merengue music, and delicious food. However, given our limited finances, I knew that would not be possible. 

But Abue, with her determined nature, was resolute in passing down this tradition. With the help of my father and the church community, I had my celebration. It was a servicio de accion de gracias ( a thanksgiving service) that included traditional hymns and a sermon that spoke to the goodness of God.

It was nothing like the quinceañera parties the other girls had. There was no music and not many friends. Instead of the elaborate pink dress of my dreams, I got an ivory chiffon dress; it was a budget-friendly alternative that matched the simple luncheon held in an old church basement that smelled like mold and mothballs that Las Damas (Ladies in the Church) stayed up late helping me and Abue decorate.The decorations included dollar store balloons, ribbon hanging from the ceiling, wooden tables with cheap plastic pink tablecloths, and tacky centerpieces. 

Despite the disappointment, I remember the sound of laughter filling that old basement as Las Damas cooked together to help make this celebration a reality. Plus Abue’s delicious pavo con arroz (turkey with rice in Spanish) was on the menu — yum! 

It’s also the consejos (advice) that was passed on as we decorated late into the night that I remember most. They told me, La oración lo cambia todo (prayer changes everything), con Dios todo es possible (with God all things are possible), and Nunca estás sola, Ligia, Dios siempre va contigo (You’re never alone, Ligia, God always goes with you). 

Las Dama’s love for me that special day and these words were engraved in my heart.  As I got older, they became the voice of Jesus to me, often my only lifeline when life’s challenges were too much to bear.

It’s the love of Jesus that my Abue and other women in our communities have so intentionally and beautifully modeled for me throughout my life – love through community. Coming together intentionally, nurturing safety in the relationships we are entrusted with. They know that generations to come are not only shaped by traditions but by togetherness. 

To try to encapsulate the stories of our Hispanic community’s bravery, resilience, and tenacity, our rich history, accomplishments, and inspiration in just one month is like trying to cover the sun with one finger, or as my Abue says to this day, querer tapar el sol con un dedo – it’s impossible. But I believe sharing my personal story is a starting point. 

As we approach Hispanic Heritage Month, can I encourage you to think of how you, too, can be the hands and feet of Jesus to a community that desires a relationship with you? Please don’t reduce us to Cinco de Mayo beers after work, Jennifer Lopez, or Feliz Navidad lyrics. Instead, take the time to sit with us, ask honest questions, and listen with your heart without any preconceived notions. Accept this month as our community’s invitation to come together and learn to nurture a safe environment by proximity. 

The generations to come will be greatly impacted by our togetherness, even with the discomfort of our differences.

I want to leave you with the consejos that Las Damas left me with: 

Prayer changes everything, with God all things are possible, and you’re never alone, friend; God always goes with you.

 

Listen to Ligia’s devotion below or on your favorite podcast app!

Make a Difference by Breaking Bread

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One of our daughters got married on a lovely day in October. Preparing for it long-distance was a challenge. She’s lived in Florida since 2022 and the wedding took place here in Georgia. We missed out on the fun of planning together face-to-face, and the thought of forgetting or messing up a crucial detail terrified me.

Our original guest list of nearly 200 people was the max our venue could accommodate. Although we tried to keep up with the RSVPs, sometimes people are hard to nail down and things happen. When preparing to feed so many people, it’s easy to question quantities. We trusted the caterer’s formula for the meal itself. My husband and I each calculated how many gallons of water, sweet tea, and lemonade we’d need, but at the last minute, my daughter wanted us to double it to be safe. Same with the appetizers we made for guests to enjoy while the wedding party took photos.

Sure enough, we had plenty of leftovers. At the end of the evening, we loaded the back of my car with the extra food and drinks and sent more home with our adult children. I knew what we’d be eating for supper each night and what my husband would take to work for lunch each day. And after months of excitement and anticipation building towards this day, I welcomed a week off of kitchen duty.

Have you noticed how items appear larger when you bring them into your home? That a couch that seemed a reasonable size in the showroom barely fits in your living room? That’s how it felt when we unloaded the leftovers and stacked metal pans filled our garage refrigerator. No way could we eat this much in a week. I began looking for opportunities to feed others with our bounty.

A friend and I had planned to get together the week after the wedding, so I invited her to eat at our house instead of going out. Two days later I hosted an impromptu lunch for some ladies in our neighborhood. What a spread! We filled our plates with smoked chicken, pulled pork, cowboy baked beans, salad, and tidbits from fruit and veggie trays. The food assuaged our hunger, but the fellowship satisfied a deeper need.

Have you noticed how many stories in Scripture involve Jesus and food? He began His earthly ministry by transforming water into wine at a wedding feast in Cana (John 2:1-11) and concluded His time on earth with the Last Supper (Luke 22:14-20). He fed a multitude with five loaves and four fishes (John 6:1-14), ate with sinners and tax collectors (Mark 2:15), and was anointed with oil and a woman’s tears during a meal (Luke 7:36-50). He used parables about wedding feasts to teach humility and radical hospitality (Luke 14:7-24).

Jesus continued to serve others through food after His resurrection. He fed the disciples after a weary (but successful) night of fishing by welcoming them to “come and dine” (John 21:8-14). When He encountered two disciples on the road to Emmaus, they didn’t recognize the resurrected Jesus until the moment He broke bread with them (Luke 24:30-35).

The connection goes even deeper: Jesus referred to Himself as the bread of life, the satisfaction for the hunger and thirst within our souls.

“And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger, and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.”
John 6:35 KJV

With the start of the holidays upon us, I’ve been thinking about warm traditions and festive gatherings. It’s a time when spirits rise but depression rates soar. For many, the holidays bring bittersweet memories of loved ones who’ve passed. Some struggle to balance busy calendars, while others battle loneliness that’s more acute this time of year.

Sisters, we can make a difference in someone’s life with something we do every day: sitting down for a meal. Breaking bread together involves more than eating; it’s about serving people and spending time with them. It’s about slowing down, sharing stories, and savoring food and fellowship. You don’t need to throw a fancy dinner party (although you certainly can if you’re able and enjoy it). But all you really need to do is just open your circle a little wider. Pull up an extra chair to the table.

Let’s open our hearts and our homes this season and view mealtimes the way Jesus did: as an opportunity to serve others and come together in fellowship through the ministry of breaking bread.

This devotion is by Dawn Camp as featured in the fall issue of Everyday Faith Magazine.

The FALL issue of DaySpring’s Everyday Faith magazine is out, and we think you’ll love it!

From cover to cover, you will find stories and articles in Everyday Faith magazine to inspire hope, encourage your heart, and remind you that you are loved by God.

You’ll discover tips on how to feel true gratitude, a guide to select the perfect planner, ways to cheer on school-age kids, comforting words for difficult times, and advice on what to say in tough situations. These pages are full of the best support and reassurance—truth from God’s Word.

The article above is just one of many featured in Everyday Faith magazine, which is perfect for gifting to a friend, Bible study sister, Sunday School teacher, or neighbor. And to help you do just that, we’re giving away FIVE sets of magazines — one for each winner and one for them to give to a friend! Leave a comment telling us to whom you’d gift a copy, and we’ll draw five winners.

Giveaway is open to US addresses only and will close on 9/3/24 at 11:59 pm central. 

Listen to today’s devotion below or wherever you stream podcasts!

The Extraordinary Miracle of Encouragement

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It started with a simple email:

“I’m a pastor’s wife and along with the rest of the elder’s wives in our local church we are facilitating some of the women’s ministry. I realise this is a far stretch … but I’m taking a chance that you may be able to come and spend a week or so in South Africa and in particular address the women at our annual weekend away.”

That email arrived in my inbox at the end of December. Less than seven months and a handful of Zoom calls later, I traveled from Denver, Colorado to Johannesburg, South Africa, where I spent half the month of July connecting with these women along with several other churches and ministries throughout the country. By the time I boarded my plane to return home, I was both exhausted and elated. 

I have never felt so encouraged and excited about the global church. The headlines might be full of bad news, but the Good News is alive and thriving. And what God is doing in and through His Bride all over the globe is nothing short of spectacular. 

You should know, this was my third trip to South Africa. Nothing magical happened, no signs in the sky or dead bodies raised back to life. And yet, in the two weeks I spent sharing my story and listening to the stories of so many others, I experienced something miraculous just the same. For in the simple act of coming together, joined in our love of Jesus and desire to follow Him all the days of our lives, something divine and truly extraordinary happened:

We encouraged each other.

I know, I know. You were hoping for something more dramatic and eye-popping. “Encouragement” sounds so ordinary. But don’t be misinformed: Encouragement IS dramatic. Even better, it is holy.

“After Paul and Silas came out of the prison, they went to Lydia’s house,
 where they met with the brothers and sisters and encouraged them.”
 Acts 16:40 NIV

At the prompting of the Holy Spirit, Paul and Silas traveled to Philippi to share the Good News of Jesus with the people there. On the Sabbath, they went outside the city gate to a place they believed to be a gathering spot for prayer. They shared the Gospel with those they met, and many became followers of Jesus including a woman named Lydia. Some time after, Paul and Silas land in jail. After an earthquake, more Gospel-preaching, and many conversions (including the jailer!), Paul and Silas are released. And what do they do first? “They went to Lydia’s house, where they met with the brothers and sisters and encouraged them.” 

The Greek word Luke uses here for “encouraged” is parakaleo, which is the combination of two Greek words: para, which means to the side of, and kaleo, which is to call. Combined, they create this two-sided interaction in which one person calls another for help and the other person responds by coming to their side and offering what is needed most: comfort, exhortation, consolation, and encouragement. Parakaleo is a powerful and significant word. In fact, Jesus calls the Holy Spirit our paraklete, a derivative of parakaleo.

(Go ahead and read that again.)

When you and I ask for help AND when you and I come to the side of each other in response to that call, we partner with the Holy Spirit, God’s presence in and with us. 

Encouragement is an expression of the trinity, a way for us mere mortals in the middle of challenging circumstances to bear witness with each other to the extraordinary activity of God. As a result? Hearts so weary they are near dead are brought back to life. Faith long crippled and weak discovers new strength to stand tall. Like Paul, Silas, and the believers at Lydia’s home. All because of this extraordinary exchange called parakaleo:

The Miracle of Encouragement.

Sometimes I think we make church far more complicated than it needs to be. We create big events and develop complex programs. We wear ourselves out trying to make all of our words loud and ministries shiny. I wonder if what our world truly needs might be far more simple: 

Encouragement. 

A willingness to drop everything else and come to the side of anyone needing a hand. Spending time in each other’s homes, sharing our stories, one day, one moment at a time, until our faith flies like a flag, waving hope to all the nations. 

Be encouraged, friends. I’m standing at your side today as a reminder that you are not alone. God sees you, loves you, and is not finished with you. Have courage. 

Now, find someone else who needs to hear that, too. 

 

Listen to Michele’s devotion below or on your fave podcast app!

Three Words from Jesus to Give You Hope Today

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Take heart, daughter.

These are the words Jesus says to a woman who has endured bleeding for twelve years. She has pressed through a crowd. She has sought Jesus. She has touched the edge of His cloak. She is unclean. She shouldn’t be here. She is breaking all the rules. But she can’t hold back. Because she also knows what it’s like to be isolated and anxious, hopeful then devastated, discouraged and desperate to keep believing that God has healing in store for her.

Have you ever felt that way? Maybe you haven’t bled physically — but you’ve bled emotionally. Maybe the wound came from someone you love and should have been able to trust. Perhaps depression drained all the joy from your heart. Life circumstances might have cut you and you’re still trying to recover.

What I love about this biblical story is that Jesus doesn’t say, “Get well soon” or even “Be healed.” Everyone who knew the details of this woman’s story thought her biggest problem was losing blood. Jesus alone looked at her and saw that the biggest risk was that she could lose heart.

Losing heart means we stop believing things can get better.
Losing heart means we can’t seem to keep our grip on hope.
Losing heart means living tired and numb, going through the motions.
Losing heart means becoming disconnected from the truest parts of who we are.
Losing heart means we start saying, “This is just the way it is.”

We will all be tempted to lose heart at some point in our lives. It might come after years of something hard. It might happen suddenly because of an unexpected loss. It might not be one thing but many, a slow accumulation of hurts that steal our strength. Are you the woman pressing into Jesus today?

“Jesus turned and saw her. ‘Take heart, daughter,’ he said, ‘your faith has healed you.’ And the woman was healed at that moment.” (Matthew 9:22 NIV)

Jesus is turning toward you today. He sees your pain. He is saying to you, “Take heart, daughter.” These are words of affection and protection. They are an affirmation and invitation. They are full of tenderness and belonging.

What’s causing you to lose heart today? Whatever you’re facing, it matters to Jesus. He has seen all you have endured. He knows how many nights you’ve stared at the ceiling, trying to sleep. He has heard every prayer that feels like it’s still unanswered.

Jesus knows how hard it is sometimes to just keep trusting, keep pressing forward, keep believing that change is possible. He looks at you not with criticism but compassion, not pressure to hurry up your healing but infinite patience, not disapproval but deep love.

The woman who approached Jesus did what she could until Jesus did what only He can. She showed up. She dared to try. She took steps. So if you are in a season of waiting for healing, it is okay for you to do what you can too.

In my life, that has looked like saying “I’m not okay” to trusted friends, going to counseling, moving my body in healthy ways, looking for resources to help me learn and grow. It means asking, “What is the next small step I can take toward Jesus today?” and then doing so even on the days I don’t feel like it.

Of course, there are also meltdowns and detours, slip-ups and setbacks, moments when I want to just give up. That’s part of being human for all of us. What matters is that we keep going until the moment when we finally experience the healing we’ve been seeking. It is coming. I type that with hopeful tears in my eyes. It is not meant as a cliché or spiritual band-aid. I know full well it doesn’t take the bleeding away. But I’m choosing to keep believing today, and I’m inviting you to do the same with me.

Take heart, daughter.

Jesus spoke those words to a woman in a crowd; He is still speaking them to your heart now.

If you’re losing heart because you’ve been hurt by someone in your life, Holley’s online course Heal After You’re Hurt can help you heal and move forward. Find out more here.

 

Listen to Holley’s devotion below or on your favorite podcast app.

When God Whispers

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Write it down.

The words that came to me upon waking on a May morning several years ago were so softly spoken, that I would’ve missed them if they had not reverberated in my whole being. I had just had the most incredible dream, one where I was walking through a house with a certain number of bedrooms, more than one kitchen, and the exterior painted forest green. 

When I woke up, I could still feel the embrace of that dream home wrapping me in warmth and peace. And in the silence of that early morning, I heard God whisper the words, Write it down. His voice was so intimate and deeply personal that tears rose as I grabbed a notebook and did my best to scribble down what I had seen and experienced in my dream. 

After doing so, I turned to my husband and told him about my dream. In response, he pulled out his phone and decided to search for a house located in the south of Iceland that fit that description, just for fun. We had been living in Akureyri, a town in the north, for two years and knew we were being led to move to the south. We really didn’t have an idea of what specific town we would move to, let alone the finances to purchase a house when we did move.

After scrolling through a few available houses in the capital and surrounding areas, my husband turned the phone around to show me one house in particular. “That’s the color of the house in my dream,” I breathed. As he listed out all the details, my mouth continued to drop. Not only did this house fit the description in my dream, but it was located in my husband’s hometown.

From the overflow of that moment, God continued to direct and provide and by August we had moved into that dream home.  

I often look back on that moment. The dream and all that unfolded was such a palpable and tangible experience of God’s provision. But what I recall the most fondly is how God spoke to me in that sacred moment between waking and sleeping, in the quiet sliver of time where distractions gave way to a divine interaction. 

That whisper changed so much in my life and my family. It led to decisions and steps towards home.

Yet I wonder how many times I’ve missed or ignored God’s personal and intimate nudge. What other worries and fears could I have alleviated by leaning in to His voice? What need may have been met, provision received if I had quieted myself enough to listen? What distractions are taking a more prominent role and dividing my attention from all the thoughts God has over me?

“How precious to me are your thoughts, God! How vast is the sum of them!
Were I to count them, they would outnumber the grains of sand—when I awake, I am still with you.”
Psalm 139:17-18 NIV

God’s thoughts over us are numerous and beyond measure. So why do we sometimes settle for counterfeit words when even His whisper can reverberate through our present circumstances and into a multitude of centuries? I am grateful for the way God spoke to me in my dream, but His words are also available to us in every moment of every day.

The environments we live in definitely don’t make hearing His voice easy. The noise of opinion often shows up louder and stronger than the truth we really seek.

As my family now settles after a time of transition back to the States, I find myself tempted to get caught up in a whirlwind of noise. Lies seem louder when you’re tired. Hope feels more deferred when you’re discouraged. It’s often more convenient to cultivate patterns of striving and stress than rhythms of abiding and rest.

But God has never stopped speaking. And although He may come on the scene with thunderous roars, He can pierce through the hardest hearts with the gentlest whisper. God is faithful to step into our whirlwinds. Instead of matching the fury of a storm, He encloses us in His arms, tucks us to His chest, and speaks the words that we desperately need to hear.

If you would like to read more about letting go of lies and leaning in to what God says about you, check out this free download of Jenny’s book, Milk & Honey in the Land of Fire & Ice.

 

Listen to Jenny’s devotion below or wherever you stream podcasts. (Just search (in)courage!)