More than Unbroken

This week, I have been so encouraged by words of truth from those I trust who are close to God. I believe now more than ever that we are on the verge of revival and the Church needs to be ready to receive people who haven’t darkened the doors of a church building in years... or ever. It’s coming. Where do you stand with Jesus? Are you ready for the harvest? In your preparation time, I’d like to encourage you to participate in Kirk Cameron’s American Campfire Revival. For 11 days, Cameron has set up in his backyard with a fire to discuss the Christian heritage of our nation. It has been so profound, and even though we aren’t meeting in person, the Church across the nation is coming alive with the promise of God that we are blessed. Additionally, one of my favorite preachers to listen to is Jentzen Franklin. His messages from FreeChapel in Georgia are so amazing, and today was especially uplifting. There are countless words and reports out there telling us how bad things are, but God has...

So much has happened this week to illicit responses (positive and negative) nationwide.   In regard to all happenings, I would simply like to voice my own opinion. Take or leave it. You may disagree with me, and that’s okay. We are fortunate to live in a nation that promotes free speech. This means that I am free to express my opinion just as others have. So here is my opinion. America needs Jesus. However, Christ Himself wasn’t without controversy in His life on earth. The religious leaders questioned Him constantly. They tried to trick Him. Others pointed at His upbringing (He was, after all, the son of a carpenter). The VIP’s were jealous of His popularity with the people because He had a way of appealing to the masses and revealing things that they wanted hidden. He was approachable, wise, and on a mission.    This mission caused Him great persecution and, ultimately, His life. I love my country. It breaks my heart to see the division and grotesque hatred we spew...

Our community has been hit. Hard.  Through various losses, we are clinging to every ounce of hope that we can muster.  This sense of loss isn't new, but it is ongoing.  The most recent loss to affect me in a very profound way is that of Mr. Donald Etheridge. Mr. Etheridge gave me the job that I have today (teaching 5th-8th grade theatre and show choir).  He was a gentle giant of a man who never made a point to stand out but always smiled.  He was a good boss and so supportive of a nervous young teacher trying to build a theatre program from the ground up.  When I stressed about upcoming performances, he would smile and simply remind me that it would come together. It always did.  I could spend this entire blog writing about this man and his marked impact on my life.   But his loss isn't the only one felt.  There are others.  So much so that I have felt suffocated in the midst of it all.  And the words of Psalm 23 have never fel...

Here in the South, we exchange pleasantries like this one all the time. Most of the time, we smile and say this as we pass strangers in public. It’s an informal way of showing that you care. But today, I want to go a step further. How are you... really? It’s been a hard week. Are you holding up okay?  It’s so easy to get caught up in our own busyness and hardships that we forget about those around us that may be hurting. That person keeping their head low in the grocery store to avoid eye contact because they are so close to tears. The kindness and gentle smile of a stranger might be just what they need to give them hope to keep pressing forward. This is a great song my mom shared with me this week in the midst of the chaos of life. I hope it encourages you. I challenge you to stop. Look folks in the eye. Be intentional about your questions and wait for the response. Show people you care.  Make time for coffee with a friend. Send a text to check on someone.  Then, as you ...

 I have a secret. Well, if I’m being completely honest, I have many secrets. There are things about me I don’t like. I have a past that, with God’s help, I die to daily and continue to move forward. I’m easily hurt and offended, mostly by my biggest critic-ME. I spend WAY to much time in my head thinking about the what if’s and wondering if people really do like and respect me. Which shows how insecure I am in myself. Interestingly, all of these “secrets” are all about me. How self-absorbed am I?!   As it turns out, I’m not the only one who struggles with this. We spend hours on social media waiting on those “likes” and comments to affirm that we are interesting, popular, well-liked. But what is the deeper need here? We want to feel valued as individuals. We want to be respected for our looks, our humor, our wisdom. But why?   The world says we are golden. We are never wrong. We are the most important person in the world, and anyone who doesn’t think so is a bully. Wh...