In our longstanding, since childhood, friend group, my husband and I wore all the “firsts”. Moving out, getting married, homebuying, children. The oddballs out having delivered my youngest child at the ripe age of 25, our group did not follow suite for years. We chose marriage, were surprised with children, opened our home to kids who needed them and spent evenings watching “Peg + Cat” with the little family God gave us. Revolving Tuesday and Friday evenings were set apart for our small group at the local church we attended. Truly, with no money to our name my life was full of joy. Learning of Christ alongside of others, a devoted husband and kids that I really like to be around, I cannot think of a sweeter gift. Having finished college, secured a career and creating a nest egg, the others joined the party in our late 20’s, early 30’s. Bridal showers, parties, gender reveals and adorable announcement posts on Instagram filled our calendar.

Does this story seem familiar?

People waiting longer to settle down. Living at home until mid-twenties. Delaying having children until they are established or the bank account hits a specific number.

Sean DeMars explores this topic in his book Get Married. Have Babies. Join A Church published by Publishing.

The book encapsulated

What came first, the chicken or the egg? Are commitments such as loyalty to a faith family, marriage and procreation/adoption to be added as margin is created in our lives? Or are believers called to grow through devotion to these relationships?

In a dialogue style writing, each chapter walks through real-life experience the author shares his observations as both an elder and friend. He differentiates youth vs. maturity as a couple decided when to be wed. Explores right expectations of future spouses and those that cannot be found in a fallen society. Speaking Truth in Love, readers observe admonition to step out of isolation and into fellowship. With tender skill, Sean also discusses a space for individuals who traverse the painful landscape of infertility and occasional extended singleness.

Who is it for?

Pastors no doubt could use this as a tool of encouragement and conversation starter with those in their flock who are navigating the line of culture and Scripture in regard to their nuclear and faith families. This would be a great text to use during family worship with teens and young adults still living in the home to process their next steps in life. I recommend this book specifically to small groups focused on the young adult demographic where discussion is promoted to work through these seemingly confusing topics and wisdom can be given from those further along.

Quotes to remember

“Then maybe the question isn’t whether you’re rich enough to get married. Maybe the question is whether you’re faithful enough. And from where I am sitting, it seems like you are” - page 31

“I could be wrong here,” I said slowly, “but I think you’re looking for a level [sic] certainty in a potential spouse that doesn’t exist isn’t [sic] in a fallen world” - page 39

“Her inability to produce life felt like death” - page 93

Scripture in the text

1 Samuel 1-2 - Story of Hannah

Genesis 1:28 (NIV) - “God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number; fill the earth and subdue it. Rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky and over every living creature that moves on the ground.”

Proverbs 30:16 (NIV) - “the grave, the barren womb, land, which is never satisfied with water, and fire, which never says, ‘Enough!’”

Ephesians 1 - Regarding adoption

Romans 8:28 (NIV) - “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who^[i] have been called according to his purpose.”

The Author

I first saw Sean DeMars on American Gospel, a documentary that exposes the prosperity “gospel” and introduces Biblical truths to combat it. After a doomscroll on YouTube, I stumbled across the RFN Podcast which DeMars hosts, which I absolutely cannot recommend more, it is my favorite cast to listen to right now. His website can direct readers to more information on his writing. DeMars is a husband, father, pastor, author and does CrossFit — ask me how I know that last bit.

My Take

Merely 119 pages makes it a quick read. The conversational method of writing makes for an easy rating on the difficulty scale. Right now, it is priced below $5.00 paperback and $0.99 on Kindle creating accessibility for almost anyone who wishes to own it. Almost too good to be true for all the book hoarders out there with a TBR of > 20 the price is comparable to a thrifted work price. 5 stars. My hope is for more people to obtain a copy of Get Married. Have Babies. Join A Church.

More on these topics

published an article on the importance of a community grounded in Christ, you can read it here.

David Platt shares the difference in “dating” and joining a church with a Biblical perspective here.

discloses some of her story in postponing having children to focus on the ministry entrusted to Jason and herself.

This heart-wrenching piece from a husband’s perspective on the pain of waiting in light of infertility by .

In contrast writes from the viewpoint of a woman facing infertility in a recent work, My Infertility Didn’t End With a Pregnancy.

Choosing fellowship in light of youth sports published on .

Last but absolutely not least, Christina Book’s gorgeous segment Not All of Us Put Off Getting Married.

I paid for my copy of Get Married. Have Babies. Join A Church. No links are affiliates, and I receive no compensation for this review.

Cheers,

Cara D.

This summer I attended a meet-up with some wonderful ladies. Above was their response when I stated I had no social media, left it all in 2017. (Though I am vaguely on Substack) Conversation continued, sharing tips to reduce usage, apps to keep them off of it. Screen limits. Passcodes. All in the name of decreasing time spent scrolling. Hatred, the word of the day, verbally annihilating connection platforms. Yet — the actual message expressed in the dialogue was something I feel deep within my innermost. The same feeling motivated me to stop curating, posting, and begin deleting my profiles a few years back.

Love

Try as we may to despise platforms and influencing culture, our eyes just cannot look away. Longing to be seen and for a sneak peek into the lives of others overrules our internal self-control markers. Notes about hating social media are posted to the very same sites. Empty words, useless sentiments. No one is fooled by our addiction. It is theirs too. Increased discontentment Marked isolation. Envy. Feelings of being left out. Brain fog. Ensnared in comparison. All effects of our favorite drug. People can’t get enough of social media. Controlled by notifications, we can stop anytime we say, but our daily averages reveal sheer lack of control.

Why the discrepancy?

The temptation to look holier than we are is real. Craving to be seen as spiritually mature or hold image of having “arrived” grows only deeper. The struggle is real, and also not new.

Scripture details a story of a similar sentiment within the early stages of the church. Ananias and Sapphira were of the congregation, watching it grow rapidly in knowledge of God and humble community. Devoted to one another, praying and fellowshipping Community that lived in such a manner none was found in need. Barnabas changed the game. He sold a field, the text says he laid the proceeds at the feet of the apostles Acts 4:36-37. No doubt his name was on the lips of all. The encouragement produced was immeasurable, even to this day it is saved in the canon for believers to learn from. An organic influencer of his time.

I can see Peter’s social reel now; a snapshot of his dusty sandals covered in money #barnabastheencourager #manofGod. The attention planted envy into the heart of Ananias causing him to plot a scheme along with his wife. Say one thing, do another. Acts 5:1-2 Now a man named Ananias together with his wife Sapphira, also sold a piece of property. With his wife’s full knowledge, he kept back part of the money for himself, but brought the rest and put it at the apostles’ feet.

Peter confronts him with his lie, expressing to Ananias that the land and life were his own to do with. Inherently there was nothing wrong with keeping it for himself and family, but the wrongdoing was the hypocrisy of his statement versus actions.

Similarly, being on a platform is not intrinsically sinful or indicative of spiritual immaturity. The trap lies in the way we talk about social and interact with the sites. When one side of our mouths communicate disdain while our gaze and fingers share messages of fondness, our hearts are guilty of the very same sin.

El Fine, the end of his story rests here, Ananias is struck dead by God, wrapped and buried without his wife even knowing of her loss. Thankfully, to my knowledge it is not the story of social media lovers. Neither is the natural compulsion towards these highly addictive platforms true for everyone either.

Weakness of Flesh

Seasons back, I devised a plan to get up at 4:30am. Using the time in scripture, exercise, catch up with family in different time zones, rock the parenting thing all day, clean house, cook dinner, write letters, volunteer, go to bed. Repeat. Days spent maximizing my time being productive. A harsh response crept in here, hitting snooze a couple (or 5) times there, being too tired to exercise. My flesh won out in less than 48 hours.

Paul describes this phenomenon in Romans 7:14-20

15 For I do not understand my own actions. For I do not do what I want, but I do the very thing I hate 19 For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing.

Platforms have created systems to keep us where we are, delighting in what we know is not best and giving into our fleshly desires. Algorithms for the win. Time passes like we are in a casino with no windows or clocks, the cycle of doing the very thing we plan not to continues. Minutes turn to hours passing as we gaze to see that the day has slipped from us. Tasks not completed, and the pangs of guilt set in.

Our feeble free-will fails us again. When does it end? How do we make it stop?

1. Find Your One Another(s)

Until we are honest about our love for screens, desire to be seen, obsession with social — our symptoms, others cannot step in to help.

James, brother to Jesus, a man under inspiration of the Spirit penned these words, ¹⁶ Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.1

Healing comes with honest transparency with the right type of person. Share with a friend the boundaries you are placing to loosen the grip of the algorithm in your life. Choose to not walk the journey to freedom alone. Other addictions have entire programs to recover, pornography, alcohol, drugs, even overeating — yet society treats social media as a solo recovery program. Galatians 6:2 communicates a long-term voyage of carrying burdens with others, not a one-time accountability conversation. Join a clan, create a tribe, find a friend who will pray, and carry your burden with you.

2. Do Not Pass Judgement on Another’s Conscience

In the early days of my conversion, I made radical lifestyle changes and can remember being spicy to others for not choosing the same restrictions (many of which I am no longer bound to after a decade in Christ). Social might be a problem for you, but it is not for all. Romans 14:1 NIV Accept the one whose faith is weak, without quarreling over disputable matters. As your friends and family post reels or scroll choose to trust they are following what the Father allows for them, and that He will cause them to stand on that day.

3. Walk In Freedom

On Amazon, you can buy a recipe book titled What You Eat In Private, You Wear In Public, which makes me laugh. For a time, I hid my social usage, too. Scrolling as I used the restroom, or late at night, but the bags under my tired eyes, and 20 “likes” were incredibly noticeable to anyone around me. No doubt, you are going to fail. Others may even witness your social media overuse. Perhaps even the very day you confess your problem and devise a plan. Guilt may set in heavy, shame covering you like a veil. You have been bought, shifted from death to the land of the living. Take sin seriously, and do not rest in it, but walk freely after you fail. Gal. 4:7 NIV So you are no longer a slave, but God’s child; and since you are his child, God has made you also an heir. Believe God at his word when he tells you which family you are a part of.

4. Practice Gratitude

In her book Choosing Gratitude Nancy Demoss Wolgemuth encourages readers to practice gratitude as a spiritual discipline to more fully walk in the freedom Christ has bestowed upon his children. Four or so years ago, my husband and I walked through this devotional together and created a gratitude door inspired by Nancy. Each evening, our entire family wrote something we were grateful for and put it on the door. After the month was over, I collected the sticky-notes and stored them to read later. In the beginning, it was things like my family or my toys. As the months turned to years, the gratitude stickies morphed into true praise Thank you for modern health care and for forgiveness every time I am rude. In the journey to using social media in a healthy way, find a way to thank God for the victories you do have. Maybe you could not stop, and your phone died forcing you to, Thank you Jesus. Perhaps you delete an app. and really stay off of the platform, Father, you are good. Making phone calls may be the only way to connect with far off friends while fasting from your favorite apps. and you were able to cry with them hearing their tone and voice inflection, God, you are kind. You will not practice searching for the goodness of God and come back empty handed.

How High and Mighty I Must Seem

Writing of the Social Media Conundrum and posting it to the Substack Social Media platform seems redundant. I write it unified with others, having my very own S.M. just no longer has a hold on my life. Reader, there is no one in mind as I jot my thoughts no passive aggressive agenda within the lines.

Praying you are encouraged.

Cara

1

Bible Gateway, “James 5:16,” New International Version, accessed August 10, 2026, https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=James%205%3A16&version=NIV.

As a kid in school many of us were taught to stay with the group going on fieldtrips to keep us from being lost. If we did find ourselves alone, we should be with our “buddy” a person we linked with and did everything with, toilet, eat food, go on rides they would serve as a second boundary to ensure we went home without incident. Finally, if we did find ourselves alone, we were to locate a Police officer. They would keep us from danger and help us get home safely.

This safety plan has been one I have seen reflected in the church setting. You will grow spiritually if you stay with the group, come to church and be attend everything when the doors are open. If you can’t, rely on your “buddy”, maybe a friend, a small group or a spouse. When you still find yourself alone, ask a deacon or elder, they want to help and will point you to resources that you may need to get “back to the group.”

The cycle repeats. Not everyone finds their people. Many do not have friends or a spouse to walk with as we journey to the Jordan. A vast majority will struggle with feeling alone for much of their lives, even as they volunteer and stay active in their local body of believers. Despite being married. While sitting in the women’s study. Serving in youth ministry. We can have a packed schedule doing good for God with others but not growing toward Him with others.

A kind of loneliness that wears the costume of togetherness but leaves the person feeling more isolated. Where community sits around, but genuine connection is not present. Friendships are shallow, and real issues are never discussed. A marriage where the spiritual growth relies solely on one spouse for their own, and they never practice holding each other’s hands up when strength has failed.

Spiritual Singleness.

The solo spiritual journey experienced by believers who are married to an unbeliever. Or a Christian married to another that does not spiritually engage with the family unit outside of attending church. A Christian who does not have a friend(s) that help them grow like Christ, or vice versa. For brothers and sisters around the world, this is reality. An experience I counsel women through regularly. A truth I myself lived for years.

To combat the plague of spiritual singleness, any given church will preach a sermon about importance of fellowship, host women studies, men’s retreats, and other events like a heart friend speed dating. If you do not connect there, one begins they may never find authentic community within their faith family. The desire is there, and it is a good one.

In his rather hopeful book, The Restoration of All Things1, uses the creation story as a marker pointing to a community with the commonality of Jesus.

Inherently, humans were designed for togetherness in a uniquely spiritual way. Multiplying image bearers Gen. 1:28, making disciples Matt. 28:19, practicing hospitality Rom. 12:13, and meeting with other believers Heb. 10:24 just to list a few. A truth that is seen both in secular and religious context is the “good longing” for togetherness, though, difficult to deeply experience.

Pilgrims grow weary, looking to para-church ministries or online community such as , which often also come up dry. Time and time again, friends have asked me, “who do you have pray for you when things are hard?” or “how do you battle feeling alone at church?”. Haley Miller recently shared her difficulty finding in-person community. Beka Hicks laments how unseen she really feels while posted “I am so very tired of walking the Christian life alone.” The reason for this may have different ways of rearing its face, and wear different clothing, but the root cause is the same.

Encouragement In the Battle

You are not alone

1 Peter 5:9 encourages believers to continue on, firm in Christ with the knowledge that fellow believers in every place experience the same issues. Since we have the insight that others are screaming for community and longing for relationship, the door opens to ask others. See them in their loneliness, and allow them to see ours

It won’t be this way forever

At the marriage supper of the Lamb (Rev. 19), there is a seat for all believers. Room for community. Time to talk, ears to listen and hearts ready to intently understand without ulterior motives. On a level playing field, we all will feast together, understanding none earned their place2, No hierarchy, in groups or fractured friendships, just grace.

He Gives Enough for Today

“Your bars shall be iron and bronze and as your days, so shall your strength be.” Deuteronomy 33:25. Each day God gifts what we need to face what is on front of us. Whether it be in community or alone. Sing to our maker in the meantime, and do not grow weary.

Next Time

I hope to collaborate with another Stacker on practical ways to battle spiritual singleness beyond “get connected”.

If you haven’t seen my article (which it was only opened like 5 times, so I know you haven’t) on the first group of women I discipled, you can read it here.

Or where I wrote about the importance of a local church body here.

I write this as a woman who has a wonderful husband who leads my family in The Way and has historically always attempted to do his best. I have no “older woman” who disciples me, teaching me, listening to my sin struggles or bearing burdens. But, I do have women I disciple that I can ask for prayer from. A foot in both camps, but even this grows weary. Reader, I see you.

Please reach out to me if you are in this boat and would like me to pray for you. I am happy to do so. Thankfully, intercession knows no geographical bounds.

Your daughter is an image bearer.

Countless times, these words have met my ears describing my special girl. She is. There is no denying that humans are the only creation made in the image of the invisible God1. It is a truth for all mankind. A reality that should be clung to tightly and taught generously. Especially individuals who experience physical or cognitive disability.

Singing has a way of opening my eyes to the heart of Christ. Deep Biblical truths scattered in the lyrics cause me to ask questions and think differently about scripture. As we lifted our voices in song, my mind was returning to this mantra, image bearer.

Who else could rescue me from my failing?
Who else would offer His only Son?
Who else invites me to call Him Father?
Only a Holy God2

Glancing around the sanctuary singing to train my own heart and encourage others. I saw multiple friends who experience disability, each different levels of functioning scattered throughout the pews, all of them call Him Father, just as I do. Just as you, beloved. It had me wondering, why does the church limit an entire people group to Genesis? How do we reconcile labeling a cohort, specifically those who function on a low level with one truth at creation, and respond as though the rest of the canon is not theirs as well? Those with disability are not less than image bearers, but certainly more than this.

What is means to be an Image Bearer

In order to see where humanity resides, it is always wise to see where it came from. At creation, God had made many things, see Genesis 1 for more details on specific days. After all that he had designed, our triune God had discussion with himself and expressed one of the reasons humans would be created. Verse 26 Then God said, “Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, and over all the creatures that move along the ground.”3

So that they…

Readers observe that mankind was designed in his likeness in order to rule over what he entrusts to them. Stewardship of his creation began and was expected of us before God formed the first man, Adam. Though the fall has in fact changed what dominion looks like, it has not been negated. For individuals, such as my child, who are at such an infantile level of functionality it can seem they are excluded from the call to care. Yet - scripture has not taken it. Sometimes it looks like wiping their toys, brushing their hair with hand-over-hand assistance, and learning to put their own socks on. All meaningful tasks to maintain the health of their bodies, as we are all called. 4

Spiritual Gifts

The Church (Big C) is made up of Christians, past, present, future who have had the lavish love of Messiah poured out on them, resulting in many beautiful treasures. Spiritual gifts are often argued, which have ceased, if any, but few Christians deny that believers are indeed gifted supernaturally by God. Paul expresses this truth in his letter to the Roman Church “For just as each of us has one body with many members…”5 Did you catch it? Each of us. None excluded because of bodily limitations or cognitive speed.

Though she has since passed, I had a lifelong friend, we will call her Belle, who was non-verbal and mentally 4-6 years old. She loved Jesus very much and was granted the gift of encouragement. Never was she too busy to say “hello” or ask about what you would do when you went home. If someone was injured, thoughtfully, she would craft a necklace to help them feel better. At her funeral, truly hundreds of people were there wearing beaded necklaces sharing stories of how she touched their lives whether in passing at a grocery store or in years of relationship.

Dorcas, an active encourager and caregiver in the New Testament shared these qualities.6 Acts 9:36 b “…All the widows stood around him, crying and showing him the robes and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them.” Leaving a mark on their lives, pointing them to the one true God with her thoughtfulness.

Take the time

Easy it would have been to disregard Belle, or anyone else with her limitations. To see her as made in the image of God but not gifted by him or usable within a church setting. It takes eyes to see the reality of what scripture says about the beloved. Yes, image bearers, but do not let it stop there as you get to know people who have atypical abilities. See them for who they are, gifted, loved, and marked by Christ. Get to know individuals in your church or para church ministries. Encourage them to identify and use their spiritual gifts, affirming where you see how God is working in them. Write notes, draw a picture.

Just as you reader, are marked initially as an image bearer but continuously in scripture. Allow our brothers and sisters of disability to as well. May you revel in the mysteries of our God in ways you never have before.

Come and behold Him
The One and the Only
Cry out, sing holy
Forever a Holy God
Come and worship the Holy God7

is a father to a daughter, Emma, with disability. He is another wonderful resource to check out for those of you looking to build community on Substack.

¹³ For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
¹⁴ I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well.

Alaskan summers are marked by long nights, never-ending sunshine and wildfire smoke. Residents rush into the public pools hiding from the tainted air, and sweltering heat. Summer of 2023 was no different, and our family joined in for the reprieve. After a wonderful hour of swimming, I found myself sitting on a bench with my girls, waiting on the boys (a first) to go get late-night chicken nuggets from Wendy’s. Our giggles were interrupted by a middle-age girl standing in front of us staring at my oldest child, who was chewing on her shirt. She cannot speak with her mouth, but her hands talk, you can wave to her and she can wave back, I invited the young lady. When she spoke, the lobby went silent, the sort that makes your heart beat in your ears.

Gross, no. She’s weird.

Looking over to my girls, tears welling in my eyes I was thankful the other child had been ushered away promptly by her mother, who was as mortified as we were. As they walked away, my middle shouted She is not weird, she is really sweet and you would like her! The tears came more heavily clouding my vision and I hugged them tighter.

Car conversation was heavy. No one had much to say, but my thoughts raced. I felt bad for this young one, who did not see the beauty in those different than herself, likely because she had no opportunity. Sad for my kiddos in the back whose feelings were smashed. Reflecting on this scenario, I have seen three things that help people who do not encounter this demographic grow more comfortable with them. Learning to be more inclusive of these miraculous image-bearers.

Ask Questions

A young girl at our church taught me this, as soon as she met our daughter. Why does she eat with a tube? How does she say, “I love you?” What is exciting her? How does she say “Hello”? Now, every time we interact, she puts her hand up for a hi-five, greeting my special girl. More often than not, families want you to ask a question. Though they may seem probing, all of these conversation starters lead to deeper relationship and often bless the individual or the family. We like talking about our children and to spread awareness. Check out a book from the library and learn more about medical devices. Encourage your children to ask more about their new friend, it is 100% better than staring 100% of the time.

Help When Possible

We recently went camping with a couple dozen friends, and their families came along too. One of my oldest friends brought her niece for the weekend to join. When we turned on the feeding pump, there she was to help. Dumping cartons of formula in, pushing the prime button and filling the bag with water to the 200mL line. She blew bubbles. Helped move the camping chair out of the sun. Picked up dropped toys. Over the course of two days, she went from afraid to friend and caretaker. While these opportunities are not always readily available to your family, others may arise. Opening doors for wheelchairs. Loading groceries into a cart or car. Moving things out of the way of a walker. All of these actions take selflessness and are welcomed gifts to those who receive them. Help is often the easiest gateway to relationship.

Do Not Limit by Assuming Ability

Four years ago, when God gave us our special “B”, a teenager at the time. Our family had much to learn about her and her cognitive and physical abilities. Each morning, I would feed her (which took over an hour) and drop her off at school, then return home to tidy her bedroom. One particular morning, I can remember finding a phone tucked in her bed (a play phone, one that sings ABCs but a favorite at the time. Pulling it out, assuming I had left it in there from the weekend, I laid it on her dresser, as we did not allow toys in bed on school nights. That evening, I got her ready for sleep, sang “Jesus loves me” and prayed, zipping her safely into bed. She reached in the crevice of the bed where the phone was, and panic ensued. She began to swipe her hand in all of the spaces and looked towards me signing “toy toy”. It had not occurred to me that she had hidden the object. Honestly, I had not realized her brain worked at that level.

It can be easy to assume a non-verbal individual has nothing to say, but they often speak through pointing, programs like “LAMP” or ASL. People who are bound to wheelchairs may want to throw a ball still. Though it may take longer to get an appropriate response, kids who experience a diagnosis like Autism, ADHD or even a studder have preference and appreciate being asked which ice cream flavor they like. Relationship grows through similarities, and when your child sees that another is more like them than they realized, friendships begin.

I have never seen that family again. Maybe because they dodge me in this small town, or providence, I do not know. But I have prayed for them, and that we could have a re-do. Just as I pray for you, reader. That you may be encouraged by those who do not function in the same way as you. Your kids will grow to love, include and befriend the special needs community. That they will experience the compassion of relationship that can only be found in someone who has fought hard to fit into a world that so often rejects.

Other Stackers who write on disability and special needs from firsthand experience;

- who experiences disability herself

- a mama bear of a neurodivergent son

- Fierce advocate of those with extra chromosomes

- An adoptive Dad who loves the special needs community

- an author who wrote “Like Me” describing life with disability and medical equipment

- a new friend who parents a child with Downs

I can remember in 2021, I studied Jonah for the first time. That season of my life was characterized by an obsession with the minor prophets, but this one was my least favorite. Jonah has such a difficult personality, it staunchly conflicts with mine. Why could he not be happy for others when God chose to save them? What kind of monster could lament and wish to die over new hearts and meaningful life change in another’s life?

Approaching Father’s Day, and processing the stories of myself and those around me, I realize this sort of lament is typically the rule, not the exception. It is easier to grumble about an absent father that is a “loser”, sitting in a prison cell, or still regularly failing than that who is pursing reconciliation and God. Far more consoling to complain about all he missed out on than to utilize the time remaining to grow together. Remembering all the failures and keeping them in the back pocket to be brought up the next time adversity arises.

The question God posed to Jonah, is the same one we should be asking ourselves. Do you do well to be angry? Is your soul flourishing as you meditate on the wrongdoing of your father? Are you honoring God by making mental lists of all the wrong that has been done?

This is not advocacy for relationship. Not a request to be a doormat. It is not written to dissuade you, reader, from emotional healing.

Rather, a call to healing by rejoicing. To celebrate the differences, you may observe in the father of your youth and the one you have now. To trust God’s providence for others more than your mental punishment.

As we inch towards honoring fathers, may you honor our Heavenly Father.

This verse does not promise a load off of our plates, or super powers to complete them. Rather, a plead to draw near to the one who CAN complete the tasks, who is not limited to the day, fatigue or rest. As we draw near, he sustains, gives strength for the moment we are in, and the ones ahead. We are not asked to look to tomorrow, but to walk in faithfulness with Christ with what he sets before us today, “as each day requires,” manna enough for now.

As you wash dishes, pay bills, love your family, work diligently, drive children or any other task set before you. Keep in mind, He maintains your cause, and goes before you.

She died when I was nine, though, there was not much to celebrate when she was living.

A whirlwind of a year followed, and my sister took up the torch.

Children raising children.

Nineteen, an adult in years. Her childhood forfeited.

She endured parent-teacher conferences. Evenings doing homework at my side. Nights, consoling my sobs.

Children raising children.

Two jobs. Small apartment. Even smaller budget.

No family trips.

No name brand items.

No parents.

Children raising children.

Yet - I had so much.

My sister who is driven, tenacious, and resilient.

A safe place to call home.

Consistency.

Children raising children.

Each advantage she provided, was at a disadvantage to her.

She forfeited her youth.

Every dance I was chauffeured to, she gave up a night out.

Any sleepover hosted, was a date she did not go on.

Children raising children.

A way to express youth growing up too soon.

But it was all we knew.

I am beginning to grasp the gravity of my sister’s relinquishment of her childhood for mine.

On this 26th Mother’s Day without my mom to commemorate.

I recognize the superior mother found in my sister.

The early years gifted to me through her offering.

Reveling in the gift of children raising children.

Do you have a stand-in mother that you will celebrate this year? A spiritual mama to honor? How will you look to recognize her? Comment below to share some ideas.

1. Sammy and His Shepard - Susan Hunt - A delightful story of Sammy the sheep, and his good shepherd. Susan walks the reader through Psalm 23 in a fun way. We have used this as a morning devotional as each section has questions to discuss further how God cares for us. [Also found in audiobook form]

2. Prince’s Poison Cup - R.C. Sproul - Sproul brings Christ’s interaction with wrath on our behalf to life in this wonderful children’s book. As his other children’s stories, they are told in Allegory. He has also written; “The Lightlings”, “The Priest with Dirty Clothes” and “The Donkey Who Carried a King”. Each title tells a different story from scripture in an easy-to-read way. [Also found in audiobook form]

3. God’s Daring Dozen - John Brown and Brian Wright - You guessed it! The minor prophet’s stories condensed in a Messianic message, tying Christ to these stories. These books have made accessible the messages of these often hard-to-comprehend books in the canon and brought them to life for the reader.

4. Do Great Things For God - Various Authors - A set of books that journey the reader through the life of well known, and some not so well known, missionaries. A really neat aspect of these books is the publishing company, Good Book Company, has curriculum ideas on their website. This past October for Missions Month, our Sunday School used this to learn about different places and these missionaries who chose to serve in the far-away places.

Ages 8-12

1. Brave Heroes and Bold Defenders - Shirley Ray Redmond - This book tells the tales of 50 men who followed after God in the mundane moments in life that lead to a bigger impact. This is a great way to learn about those who have gone before in the faith with short, age appropriate stories of their lives.

2. Courageous World Changers - Shirley Ray Redmond - The female companion to Brave Heroes and Bold Defenders, shares the stories of women who served God. Favorites such as Corrie Ten Boom and Harriet Tubman as well as lesser known stories like Fanny Crosby and Pandita Ramabai are included in this compilation of tales.

Ages 10 and Older

1. The Peaceful Warrior - Anne Adams - A fictional story of the armor bearer to Deborah, Israel’s only female judge. We used this as a read aloud after studying Judges, and had a lot of really good discussion through it. This series has 6 books total, though, I have not personally read them all, The Peaceful Warrior was a really fun story.

2. The Green Ember - S. D. Smith - The first of a series, we are introduced to a family of bunnies, the Pickets. This story is the epic of their world. Narnia meets Middle Earth, this account holds it all, friendship, betrayal, good, evil, battles and forgiveness. Though not strictly Christian, it ties closely to messianic themes. [Also found in audiobook form]

3. The Wingfeather Saga - Anderson - By far, one of my favorites to have consumed, a fictional series of the Igiby family (AKA Wingfeather family -IYKYK). In a battle between good and evil, this highlights much of the morphing implications of sin and desire of power. Three siblings Janner, Kalmar and Leeli (we have a puppy with this name now) each carry their own responsibilities - reflective of spiritual giftings within Christ’s Church - and the reader has the privilege in onlooking their transformation in character. Bonus - Angel Studios has created a show to watch once you’ve finished reading. [Also found in audiobook form]

4. The Outsider Ruth - Katy Morgan - A retelling of the book of Ruth with some serious imagination. Our family chose to consume this as an audiobook, however, the printed version is said to include a reading plan and a list of make-believe vs. true to scripture aspects, which I really appreciate. She has also authored other retellings, which I have not yet read, but am excited to! [Also found in audiobook form]

5. The Shadow and the Promise - Marty Machowski - From the perspective of badgers in the garden of Eden, they observe the world pre-fall and “the dragon” attempting to thwart the beauty of the world. From the fall to Babel, the reader sees some major stories of Genesis through an eyewittness’ eyes. This book has chapter questions and a Bible reading plan to see the actual account of each story.

6. The Secret of the Hidden Scrolls - M. J. Thomas - Two siblings embark on a journey that travel time to major Biblical events with the help of ancient scrolls. [Also found in audiobook form]

   Apologetics and Systematic Theology

   1. Systematic Theology Workbook- Tiny Theologians - We used this as a family Bible Study a few years ago, exploring basic doctrine is not just for adults. This resourceful is super helpful, though pricey, it is a great way to explore grand topics on a smaller scale. [They also have a super fun free podcast for kids]

   2. Listen Up - Christopher Ash - A devotional style pamphlet with tips on how to glean much from a Sunday morning sermon, and why you even bother.

   3. Theology For Me - The Daily Grace Co. - A workbook examining deep truths of God, Christ, and the Spirit. The plan for salvation is clearly laid out and the reader will see the gospel clearly after completing it.

   4. The Explorer Bible Dictionary - a new release - A resource to look at the ‘Christianese’ words that everyone hears, but few understand the meaning. This dictionary is just that, a place to look up people or words from scripture or one would hear at church and make it plain for the reader.

For months, a heavy season had found its way into my life, plagued by a loss of self-worth. It became apparent that in spaces I expected to be seen, I was overlooked. I received harsh feedback, passive aggressive comments and was left out of programs in which I am gifted. As the leaves change and drop from the tree, so my identity too was being stripped of me, until winter came. Bare and vulnerable I sat shivering in the nothingness. By the grace of God, He exposed something in my own heart that otherwise would have remained invisible to me.

Nursing the wounds too long invite sin

Secret thoughts are most sinful in my life. I can kill a garden in less than a season, but cannot seem to dispose of bitterness once it takes root. Leviticus reminds the believer of how to deal with such contempt and sidestep this trap of transgression.

Nursing wounds can morph into replaying injuries, that result in an unkempt thought-life, and distain for a brother. Whether it be through forbearance or confrontation, the commandment to trust in God’s vengeance more than that of man is plain. Tending to a grudge in the garden of your heart leads to further sin.

Fleeing can be easier, but not always wise

In this period the desire to run overwhelmed me, but my roots - vast and deep - tethered me in place. Admonished by the author of Ecclesiastes, we are encouraged to endure at times of unrest.

Allowing another to dictate the stations we take. Jobs we do. Tasks we complete. A sense of power is handed off and in a way, the offender has become the vile ruler. Not everyone can quit their jobs and look for another because their co-worker is nasty. Sometimes we are guided to teach that class despite the cringe-worthy comments from the coordinator. Maybe you are called to host an event knowing that the women’s ministry leader is going to attempt steamroll your efforts. Occasionally, we are called to obedience under adversity which serves as a testimony to onlookers.

We will find what we seek after

Proverbs 11:27 serves as a compass in vulnerable seasons.

It would have - frankly still would be - more simple to compile a list against others. In all honesty, I have. Looking to see the evil nature of others, I assumed motives, wrote out un-sent text messages and had imaginary conversations in the shower. Spoiler I always won. Our heart posture of seeing good in others, inevitably diminishes their weak points. More easily do we see the things our “enemies” are doing right. The kind words they speak, even if only in a whisper. Adjusting our focus on the positive allows good to be seen and the bad to seem less important.

Our greatest adversary seeks someone to devour

That someone, is you.

We allow the ramblings of our minds to rot the garden of our hearts and posture our actions. Forgetting that spiritual warfare is behind it all. While a person is not judged based on the actions of another, our responses are. Keeping in mind the real enemy, people who have cut us down seem insignificant. Like a pawn. This outlook has transformed my mindset to compassion. They are being used by the one who will never care for them. A vessel for destruction. It draws me to intercession, both for them and myself.

Whether you are in sitting in the sun trees full blossom, or withering in times of storm. May you too find comfort in these truths as you dwell. Delighting in our God who is sanctifying you in trials, will one day expose it all, and put an end to sin .

Bethany Broderick, in her book, Perfected, explores her experience with outward perfection and the journey she made in embracing that perfection only Christ can offer. Beginning with her breaking point, we get a glimpse into her mind and struggle with earning the favor of God through checking all the right boxes. Her constant inadequacy and shame surrounding the failures. She dissects this wrong way of thinking with scripture, primarily Exodus and Hebrews, to see who God is. Walking through the book, the reader is admonished to rely on Christ for strength, salvation and sanctification in a simple, yet strategic method. The gospel message is clear in the pages of this work and handled carefully.

The most profound takeaway I had in this book was the way the author walked through the “prodigal son” parable in a fresh, unexplored way. She illustrated with exegetical precision.

Two Wayward Sons.

This fresh perspective gave insight on the brother who remained. Who had it together, and paralleled her story. Doing all the right things and experiencing his father’s presence nevertheless, bitterness when his brother was brought back into the fold.

Pros;

1. The topic is quite relevant, especially in Western Christianity, and our comparison mentality. I have encountered many women who - typically - grew up or have been a part of the big “C” Church for a long time. They are who I see most often falling into this trap, so I appreciated the vulnerability of the author in her faith journey.

2. Bethany encourages the reader to be in a local faith family. We cannot grow spiritually in fullness without one, and I am thankful for the importance she placed on being a part of a church community.

3. She addresses church hurt in a productive way, not encouraging the reader to simply leave when things get hard. Neither condoning abusive or painful behavior.

4. Both biological and adoptive stories of motherhood were affirmed in this story. I was thankful for it.

5. This book is laid out in three sections; lie, truth and promises, each comprised of smaller chapters. It is laid out in a style conducive for discipleship groups, with reflection questions and further reading at the conclusion of each chapter.

Cons:

1. Written to an audience of women. (Though this is not necessarily a con, I did not know how to properly categorize it). This striving exists among men as they fall into the same traps. I would like to see this in their hands as well.

Bethany Broderick is no novice in the writing community; she is known for articles and featured on podcasts alike. Somewhat of a celebrity in the Christian Substack community. You can read more of her work by clicking the link or at her website https://www.bethanybroderick.com/.

Perfected is a wonderful addition to the library of any man, woman or church library, and is available for purchase at Amazon and Lifeway.

I am not compensated for this review and have paid for my copy of Perfected - Trading Shame and Striving for Wholeness in Christ.

As believers, we too are called to a saltiness. One that flavors our speech and enhances our actions. Responses are marked by grace and radical love towards believers and strangers, alike. A preservative to sedate the decay around us. This type of saltiness should leave those we encounter thirsting. A craving that may be quenched for a time by counterfeits, but only satiated by Living Water, Christ. The Messiah Himself puts this paradigm on display, a longing that only He can fill while speaking to the woman at the well.

Souls, in my experience, are won for Christ in multiple ways. Sometimes through podcasts, opening His Word, or evangelism, but primarily through example. Children looking at their parents walking in grace, friends observing radical forgiveness when bitterness would be expected. Neighbors seeing something “different” in those next-door, or co-workers and classmates watching their peers working diligently, even when the boss isn’t looking.

Your steadiness in storms and peace in times of trouble is the salt those around you need to taste the goodness of God and thirst for relationship with Him.

In this call to the senses, may you reflect on the potency of your salt. Are you accentuating your relationship with your words? Steadfast under trial? Gentle under adversity? Are you so salty others are thirsty? May this be true for you, and me. May we not lose our saltiness, but remain savory in trial and peace.

Stay salty, sister.

You can follow the author at here on Substack. I am a reviewer and reader and receive no compensation for the referral of this book. You can purchase it at the following retailers.

• Amazon

• Barnes and Noble

• Thrift books

• Christian Book

I write this article from my living room couch. Looking out, I can see socks lying next to it, a dog toy on the ground, various books stacked on the tray and a half-gallon of milk on the table (ew). Having children is a beautiful gift, but a messy one. Toys are not cleaned up, forts takeover the living space, paint does not come out of clothing or off of the table as well as one might think.

“Where there are no oxen, the manger is clean, but abundant crops come by the strength of an ox” Proverbs 14:4

It is tempting to threaten to throw away the toys, get frustrated with your kiddos over their mess or rage clean. We can act straight up like Martha, “I am the only one who does anything around here.” Without meaning to, pieces of innocence are stripped away from our most treasured gifts, our family. Just a few verses before admonishment is given to the mother, wife, woman.

I have myself fallen into this trap, complaining and grumbling about a mess, I am not throwing shade here. Tearing down my own home with words of frustration. However, what if we as mothers, turned the mess into discipleship? Rather than finding annoyance, we could find joy in the mess, thanking the Father for the gifts He has bestowed on us in the form of a family. Build your home with your hands and words of encouragement and grace.

Make Cleaning a Game

Try to clean before the timer is up. Repeat this a couple of times a day, to keep the home tidy.

Gratitude

Thanking God for the person as you fold their laundry is a great way to express thankfulness, doing it aloud will encourage your kiddos too. Say “thank you” to your kids in a fun way. Write messages on the mirror thanking them for cleaning the bathroom, mail them a card, or tape a note on their door. Even if you asked them to do the chore, or if they did it in a way you wouldn’t, find a way to be grateful. It will rub off.

Do NOT shame

Perhaps your cleaning standards are higher than those who you live with. When they spend time working diligently, do not provoke your child by nitpicking each thing they did differently than you would. It is O.K. if the towels are tri-folded, or the toilet paper is on the roll differently than you would choose. Learn to let go of what is surmountable and focus on fine tuning the important stuff.

Talk about stewardship

Have conversations about WHY you keep things nice. As they age, this dialogue will grow to be more fruitful. Psalm 24:1 says ALL belongs to the LORD, remind your child that we care for what He entrusts us with.

One day, sister, your home will be clean. Your child(ren) will grow up, and move out. Use today’s mess to cultivate relationship with them and experience the strength of the ox.

*All scripture is in ESV

Though a fictional fairytale, I would venture to guess that if Hansel and Gretel lived to adulthood, there would be stories they held close to their chest, that stung when they thought about it and that they worked hard NOT to remember. Perhaps they stayed away from the woods and vacationed at the beach. Maybe they would load their children’s pockets with pebbles before they left the house to ensure they make it home if they found themselves lost. Surely their parents weren’t invited for holidays or asked to babysit.

Recently, I fell on a chapter of scripture that both wrecked me and pursued my soul to heal. Asking myself, what if when the childhood memories that flood my mental inbox like an accidental subscription were used as a template to keep from falling into sin so often?

What if, by intentionally looking for grace in the rejection, I could learn what our heavenly adoption really looks and feels like? How could it feel to see Jehovah-Rapha’s – The One Who Heals- hand guiding me through dark days? Even the darkest of days.

Ezekiel 16, though a scathing sermon to the nation of Israel after a season of idolatry, also details God’s steadfast faithfulness to His own. I will ask you to pause and drink this chapter in, then come back and finish reading this.

Beginning in verse 4 we are looking onto the painful start of the life of His bride. Like reading my own journal, written by another’s hand. We see grief in the formative years. But there was hope, he continues in verse 6, “And when I passed by you and SAW YOU in your blood, “Live!” I said to you in your blood. “Live”…” (emphasis added). Oftentimes I, and maybe you, view God wrongly. As if He was constrained by limits that of a mortal. A distant man and not a part of the picture or story until salvation. My mind places Him in the season of grace, but before that, He was not aware of my experiences, unless I explicitly told Him. However, it is evident that He has always sought after, watched and responded on paths where no one else would, as verse 5 describes. Yahweh is an active participant in His creation, on the basis of His character, not the created (2 Timothy 2:13).

After a life-giving encounter with God, Israel again enters a season of vulnerability. “When I passed by you again and SAW YOU behold, you were at the age for love, and I spread the corner of my garment over you and covered your nakedness; I made my vow to you and entered into a covenant with you, declares the Lord GOD, and you became mine.” Verse 8.

For someone who has been left, maybe by an unfaithful spouse, or absent parent, it can be difficult to sit in the protection of the Father. Revel in the fact that Christ Himself defends His chosen (Psalm 34:7), transferred from a life of abandonment to a place of belonging. But I urge you, to do just that. Allow the text to serve as a healing balm in the secret hurts of your heart.

How then do we reconcile the Truth of God’s word with the negative experiences and the stained past paths of life? To keep from the cycle of sin and looking for purpose in the wrong places. We are clued in a few verses later. “And in all your abominations and your whorings you did not remember the days of your youth, when you were naked and bare, wallowing in your blood.” As Israel grew and fell into sin, God explains that in all his faithfulness and all of Israel’s faithLESSness, they did not recall their initial pain. Summoning the people to revisit the embarrassment inflicted on them in a period of sinning. Though it is implied that they, and we, are to think through His sovereign work in our lives Psalm 77:11-12. He points out the wallowing and nakedness that Israel once was characterized by and pointed them to looking at that season. Likely the shame of being naked outpaced that of which the sin did. The adultery gave Israel a place of belonging a sense of love even in just for a moment.

While the abandonment at birth would always sing “you’re alone. You do not belong. You will never be loved.” That shame bath is too hot to sit in for most of us, or even to soak our feet in. The coming verses bring us to the how one is to look back on the pain and where we are found in our disgrace to transport us to a place where we depend on God for our identity and strength. The intersection of sin and grace, of death and regeneration, of rebellion and mercy. The chapter ends in verses 62 and 63 by stating a future hope. That God Himself will establish a covenant with Israel, that never again shall their mouths be opened because of their shame.

Never. Again.

It is easy to misuse “Never”. Statements like “you never listen”, “You never help me”, or “I will never have anything useful to contribute” fly from our mouths before we have thought about it.

Sister, our never is NOT God’s never.

He does not use it as a trite thing to say to make someone feel better, or to boost himself up where he does not deserve it. In this closing text, God Himself will atone for the sin that resulted both from being born with sin nature, and the adultery that we have walked in as being a product of our environments for so long. He has completed the work on the cross. Remembrance is a crucial aspect of recognizing Christ’s salvation from both our physical distress and spiritual death.

Will you today embrace this invitation? Ask a friend for tea and share a story. Get on your face in prayer and weep over the sins of others inflicted on you. LAMENT. Will you journal or seek Christian counsel(ing) to walk through burdens that were placed on you? Can you allow yourself to follow the pebbles back home as Hansel and Gretel did, knowing full well a flood of memories may accompany you when you arrive? As you seek radical recollection, invite Christ and a friend, spouse or pastor into the experience with you. To listen, to give counsel and to affirm your journey. Christ has observed your sorrow. God was and is and will always be faithful. And one day, you will never again be put to shame because of your story OR sin, on account of His covenant. His faithfulness. His grace in your vulnerability.

” I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your miracles of long ago. I will consider all your works and meditate on all your mighty deeds.” – Psalm 77:11-12

1 Hansel and Gretel (1812) by Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm. (2024, February 20). Climate in Global Cultures and Histories: Promoting Climate Literacy Across Disciplines. Retrieved April 7, 2026, from https://www.science.smith.edu/climatelit/hansel-and-gretel/.

2 All quotes of scripture are in ESV. Emphasis, mine.

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A story of tragedy, trauma and healing. The author shares her raw experiences both as a foster parent and a child who was in “the system”. She does not shy away from the realities of the current foster care system and gracefully extends ways any person can participate in the needed changes. I cried. And recommended the book to all my friends. And cried more. Tori chose to be truthfully vulnerable, but never bashing those who have been a part of her journey. The author currently champions these efforts and healing.

1. Discipleship. Is. Commanded. While I do not advocate that we disciple EVERY human we interact with, we must be discipling SOME. Jesus ascended after giving direction, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go there and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:18-20. We see Christ’s true heart for the unity of believers, and His desire that none would be lost (2 Peter 3:9). This sometimes looks like in person meetings, going on a walk or formal sitting down and reading the Word together or looking at Scripture with your kids when you have “better” things to do. It will not always look the same, but it should always center around who God tells us He is in His Word. We are not told to teach others only in response to someone mentoring us. For many years, I had no one to teach me, forcing me to look to biblically grounded books written, but the call to teach others remained. So it does also for you, Sister. Whether you are blessed to have another leading you in studies, teaching you to pray, and giving you a community of like-minded believers or not, you also, must make disciples.

2. Paths are much easier to navigate when others are alongside us. Years ago, God laid on my heart that I needed to change how I responded to my husband so I asked a couple of women and shared my sin pattern with them, which was promptly brushed off as “you’re doing better than me”. This season was quite long as I felt alone in this struggle for change, but He provided. About a year later, women came to me who were struggling with the exact issue and needed guidance. So, we got on our knees, wept and prayed. Did I NEED friends to walk me through this deep season? Nope, God granted me wisdom (James 1:5) Did these ladies NEED me to walk it out with them? Also no, but did it edify and help? Absolutely! In these years, we have mourned, laughed, and walked through cross-country moves, infertility and new life. I have had to say hard things, and in turn, be told the Truth in Love (Ephesians 4:15). While these women cannot replace a personal relationship with Christ, they have pointed me and each other to the cross, in the hard places we could not see it ourselves. And as we experience the throne together, God has grown us in a deeper connection with himself and a healthier relationship with each other. While I acknowledge that God is always with us, and goes before us in all things (Deuteronomy 31:8), we are called to bear burdens of others (Galatians 6:2).

3. YOU cannot replace the local church for those you disciple, even if the group members or individual FEELS spiritually fulfilled. Hebrews 10:24-25 “and let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” While some will argue with this point, I am a major advocate for membership in a local church and regularly attending gathered worship services. Romans 12:5-8 tells us that we all are members with different giftings, and make up the universal church with the abilities God grants us. Though, through Him, I have the ability to see needs and either fill them myself or find someone else who can. I am much less compassionate than many, maybe most. I do not like processing through trials verbally with friends or having a long emotional cry after reconciling a relationship. This weak spot in my character has shown me that we simply cannot be everything to everyone, and really, should NOT. For it is the Lord who supplies us with all we need (Philippians 4:19). Without the support of a family of believers that we regularly see, pray with and for, worship alongside of, and grow from the exposition of the Word, it is a much slower growth process. Though, I will caveat there are situations with our brothers and sisters across the globe who have no other choice. We do a great disservice to those under our mentorship when we attempt to play the role only the local church can.

My original image of teaching other women did not come to fruition because it wasn’t real life. In order to grow deep, we must be willing to do life on life in a real way. It is messy, loud, time consuming and full of misunderstandings. While those things will be true, it is also rich in friendship, vulnerability, corporate prayer and observing spiritual growth of others and in your own walk. So whether it is one woman or 20, at your church building or the park, a tween or an aged individual, as you disciple be ready for wet socks, and hard questions. - it is truly a gift.

Psalm 34:11 “Come O children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD”

—>View your church more clearly; Consider being a part of a local congregation, that is, a part of the universal church is a benefit of entering into the priesthood, not a burden. Diedrich Bonhoeffer, said in his book LIFE TOGETHER “It is easily forgotten that the fellowship of Christian brethren is a gift of grace, a gift of the Kingdom of God that any day may be taken from us, that the time that still separates us from the utter loneliness may be brief indeed.” When we rightly view the members of our brotherhood as a grace bestowed upon the believer our disappointment morphs into contentment.

—-> View yourself rightly; 1 Corinthians 12:27 explains that as individual members, we add up to be much more, the body of Christ. Salt for those who have not yet escaped the decay of sin and walk in darkness. Often the frustrations we face in our congregations stem from not contributing to the programs ourselves. When we are let down by sitting through yet another Sunday without anyone welcoming us, yet, we ourselves welcome no one in. It is time to step in and serve the body. What aspects of the church have let you down that you are not contributing to through service and prayer? As you look to Christ for these answers, be ready to act as the Spirit leads you in loving “One Another”.

—-> View the church as your family; Likely you’ve been the source and on the receiving end of strife in your home. Whether it is a short answer, or a broken promise we make mistakes and hurt those we love despite our attempts to protect. Christ has entered us into His family through adoption 2 Corinthians 6:18 and Paul exhorts believers to be “patient in tribulation” (Romans 12:10-13.) Outside of abuse, individuals do not readily leave their family members and seek new ones, or abandon family all together. As we seek to view our churches in a similar light, forbearance moves to the forefront of our minds. Seeking to recognize those we see each Sunday morning as more than an acquaintance, but our eternal family. Then strive to reconcile and remain.

Psalm 133:1 “Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!”

Before walking away in your displeasure, attempt to discover the pleasantness of unity in the body of believers God has you in now. There is no perfect church, only a perfect Savior. As you fix your eyes on His forgiveness, may you also walk that path knowing He goes before.

A beautiful work of historical fiction following the stories of four individuals and their friends journeying to freedom during WW2. There is an obvious love story simmering underneath, but not too spicy. Pain and trauma occurred during the war, and hardened hearts fill this story out leaving the reader wanting more. This composition nods to the “amber room” a mystery even to this day and shares the destruction of the Gustloff, a ship destroyed. Honestly, it was a piece of history I had overlooked, and believe many reader may also have. Rita did beautifully in this story, and there is more where this came from. She has authored many books, some of which have turned to film.

It takes time, true.

Sharing the work costs more.

A piece of the soul on paper for all to see.

Some may overlook your work.

Many may not appreciate it.

Yet, I urge you to endure.

Continue in the venture of authorship.

As often as you have inspiration

Because one day, it will resonate with a reader.

It will be meaningful to someone.

And that cost will diminish.

Transforming to profit.