“We can make our plans but the Lord determines our steps” Proverbs 16:9. A few weeks ago, I was supposed to be on a cruise. Not just a vacation—but a reset. A deeply needed pause after pushing through wave after wave of trauma, grief, and responsibility. I had been holding it all: • The weight of work drama • The heaviness of home • The heartbreak of my son moving away • The exhaustion of caring for and then burying my father • The quiet ache of carrying everyone else stuff leaving me to feel as if I were emotionally neglected. I kept saying to myself, “Just make it to the cruise.” Not because of the ocean. Not because of the ship. But because it represented the one thing I had allowed myself to hope for, the mental space that helped me get through. And then…just like that, it was canceled. At first, I felt nothing. Just numb. But then came the frustration. The deep disappointment. The question of why? Not because I needed a luxury escape, but because I needed an emotional exhale. But ...

In times of uncertainty, when our communities face policies that threaten our well-being, advocacy becomes our most powerful tool. Advocacy is not just for politicians, activists, or lawyers—it’s for everyone. It’s how we make our voices heard, hold leaders accountable, and fight for a future that protects and uplifts us all. What is Advocacy? Advocacy is the act of influencing decisions that affect our lives and communities. It can take many forms, from educating others and engaging with elected officials to organizing protests and mobilizing voters. Advocacy ensures that those in power hear the voices of the people they serve. Why Do We Need Advocacy Now? Recent government actions threaten to cut funding for essential programs like healthcare, housing, education, and food assistance. These cuts disproportionately impact low-income communities and people of color, exacerbating existing inequalities. Additionally, concerns over unethical government appointments and potential voter supp...

The holidays are a time of joy, celebration, and reflection, but as life evolves, so do our experiences of the season. Loved ones pass on, children grow up, and the familiar traditions that once brought us comfort may shift or fade away. Even as believers who know that Jesus is the reason for the season, the human side of us can still feel the sting of change and loss. While gratitude remains in our hearts, it doesn’t always erase the pain we feel. The good news is that God understands. Psalm 34:18 reminds us, “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” It’s okay to grieve what has changed, but it’s also important to lean into His presence and the new things He is doing, even when they feel uncertain or unfamiliar. Three Solutions for Finding Peace in Changing Seasons 1. Acknowledge Your Feelings in God’s Presence Instead of pushing your emotions aside, bring them to God in prayer. He cares deeply about your sadness, your longing, and your uncer...

Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. —Ephesians 4:29 “Sometimes it’s not what you say but how you say it.” Be mindful of how you speak to others. The old saying, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me,” couldn’t be further from the truth. Words can pierce, cut, and break just as badly as any physical blow and sometimes, they take even longer to heal. If you’ve been on the receiving end of harsh words, it’s easy to hold onto the pain they caused. However, don’t let those words take root in bitterness. Instead, take a step of faith and express your feelings honestly and calmly to the other person. For those who find themselves speaking harshly, it’s vital to reflect. If you don’t recognize the pain your words cause, it’s time to ask the Holy Spirit to reveal the impact of your speech. A lack of remorse for hurtful words indicates a dee...

Emotions are running high after the 2024 Presidential Election—some are celebrating, while others feel disappointed. Social media is filled with opinions and Bible verses, and it’s clear people are turning to faith in this uncertain time. The uncertainty of our democracy and how people are clearly turning to biblereminds me of the scripture,  “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray, seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and heal their land.”  — 2 Chronicles 7:14.  Maybe this is God nudging us back to Him, reminding us to rely on His power and grace. Healing begins with humility, prayer, and trusting that God is in control. Remember, our leaders and elected officials work for us, so let’s hold them accountable with respect, prayer, and a spirit of peace. It is perfectly okay to feel upset or concerned, but let’s not allow these emotions to lead us astray. We don’t have to c...

Scripture: “Be still, and know that I am God.” - Psalm 46:10 Life is full of noise. Distractions, self-doubt, procrastination—all these things can creep in, taking us off course. Sometimes, the loudest noise comes from within, when we start questioning ourselves, doubting our abilities, and wondering if we truly belong. Imposter syndrome has a sneaky way of showing up, making us feel like we’re not worthy of our calling. But God has placed each of us here for a reason, and He doesn’t make mistakes! If you’ve ever felt the pressure of self-doubt, you’re not alone. The world can make us feel like we’re constantly falling short, that we’re not enough or don’t belong. But that’s just the noise talking. God says we’re fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14), and He wants us to know our worth. When we start listening to Him and silencing the distractions, we find the strength to push through and keep going. When procrastination and distractions come, they aren’t just annoyances; they’r...