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According to Rich, "I've been blogging since 2005. Since then I have met people all over the US as a speaker, friend, and leader who fit in what I call the creative tribe—or what some call 'creatives.' Growing up in a very strict environment as a creative meant dealing with structures and relationships that saw success as uniformity and conformity. It took me years of life experience and research to uncover that my natural inclination for curiosity that challenges the status quo is not only healthy, but a missing value in our workplaces, schools and personal growth. What if creativity is a process that we can all learn and grow from? There is science that proves it. We are all wired to create. So, here's the good news. Learning the creative process might help us become a better version of ourselves—our truer selves!" Rich Kirkpatrick writes, consults, and speaks about the intersection of creativity, faith and leadership. In 2022 he authored MINDBLOWN: Unlock Your Creative Genius by Bridging Science and Magic. He is also a musician, songwriter, and recording artist with the group A Beautiful Liturgy. Rich is based in the East San Francisco Bay Area, CA.

Connect with Rich by visiting his website: ⁠https://rkblog.com/

Check out the new book and music album combo by Jason C. Johnson Sr., Grace Plus Truth: How to Walk in Faith and Freedom By Exploring the Last Adam's Impact on Salvation, Holiness, and the Christian Life. ⁠⁠Listen to the Audiobook HERE⁠⁠ To listen to the whole album and download the book for free, visit: ⁠⁠https://www.vytalmusic.com/exclusive-album-preview

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Key Takeaways from Today's Episode

• Faith is not just belief but action
• Doubt and belief often coexist in our journey
• Jesus valued women in a time when they were marginalized
• Personal experiences shape our understanding of faith
• God's grace follows us even in our darkest moments
• The journey of faith can be an adventure with God
• Understanding God's love requires knowing Him personally
• Jesus' teachings challenge societal norms
• Courage is needed to stay in the tension of doubt
• The impact of our faith can extend beyond our lifetime.

Constance says, "I did not intend to write a book about Jesus. I did not believe I would ever join any church. I never thought I would be involved in formal church ministry as ordained clergy. My life should have been my own, teaching the literature I loved and having a life to enjoy my simple hobbies and family. But the Trouble with Jesus is God does not let us walk away, but instead pursues us until we find ourselves found. I was very good arguing with God, wanting my own direction and expecting it to be blessed. Didn't happen. With gentle nudges and a Holy Spirit grab around the throat, God has taken me through a life-journey to places and people I would have never known except by God's plan. Not the path I ever wanted, but the one I was given. Thank God."

Visit ⁠https://www.constancehastings.com/⁠ and follow Constance's instructions in this episode for 20% off the cost of her book, The Trouble with Jesus.

Check out the new book and music album combo by Jason C. Johnson Sr., Grace Plus Truth: How to Walk in Faith and Freedom By Exploring the Last Adam's Impact on Salvation, Holiness, and the Christian Life. ⁠⁠Listen to the Audiobook HERE⁠⁠ To listen to the whole album and download the book for free, visit: ⁠⁠https://www.vytalmusic.com/exclusive-album-preview

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Brenda is a pastor, speaker, wife, and mom to four men with their own brave stories. Brenda has written a helpful book about the people who have helped her carry her pain, I Wish I Could Take Away Your Pain. This book includes a long list of what not to do as well as the many small things to do that matter. She shares other stories about the beauty of her pain at ⁠www.Bravester.com⁠. Learn more about her new Bible study at ⁠www.trustissueswithGod.com⁠. Also, join her for church on Friday night at ⁠https://largerstory.church/⁠

In this thought-provoking episode, we will hear from Brenda who has worked with teens since 1981 to present. She has lived through the teen years in the 1980s, 1990s, 2000s, 2010s and now into the 2020s. Brenda is currently pastor of Larger Story Church, a church trying church differently. Brenda says, "Like we meet on Friday nights." Brenda is the mom to four now-grown men. This decision of all of her brave decisions has shaped her the most. Brenda did not birth her boys but she did raise her boys to help them break their own generational curses. Her story exemplifies the beauty that Jesus offers.

Brenda says, "My brave decisions have led to some smashed-heart seasons of my life. Christians are not exempt from pain and pain is the beginning of growth. I wrote a unique small book about how to really help someone through a smashed-heart season. The book is called I Wish I Could Take Away Your Pain. Yes, it is autobiographical but it is more practical. It’s only 28 pages and has doodles."

Check out the new book and music album combo by Jason C. Johnson Sr., Grace Plus Truth: How to Walk in Faith and Freedom By Exploring the Last Adam's Impact on Salvation, Holiness, and the Christian Life. ⁠⁠Listen to the Audiobook HERE⁠⁠ To listen to the whole album and download the book for free, visit: ⁠⁠https://www.vytalmusic.com/exclusive-album-preview

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In this thought-provoking episode, we will hear the inspiring story of Scott Maderer, author of Inspired Living: Assembling the Puzzle of Your Call by Mastering Your Time, Your Talent, and Your Treasures. For special resources mentioned in today's episode visit his website at ⁠https://inspiredstewardship.com/fiya/⁠

In 2017, Scott and his wife Carrie started Inspired Stewardship as a business to serve Christian men and couples that are struggling to live out their calling. They work to help align the way you use your time, your talent, and your treasures so that you can identify and live a fully authentic life that allows you to authentically live your calling, serve others, and provide for your family.

As certified Human Behavior Consultants and members of the John Maxwell Team, they focus on helping you understand yourself, understand others, and through that understanding build the Kingdom.

After almost 30 years in education Scott and Carrie founded Inspired Stewardship to live out their own calling to coaching in 2011. This is now a full time business offering assistance through one on one coaching, speaking, and workshops. His book Inspired Living: Assemble the Puzzle of Your Calling by Mastering Your Time, Your Talent, and Your Treasures was published by Morgan James July 2nd 2024.

Check out the new book and music album combo by Jason C. Johnson Sr., Grace Plus Truth: How to Walk in Faith and Freedom By Exploring the Last Adam's Impact on Salvation, Holiness, and the Christian Life. ⁠⁠Listen to the Audiobook HERE⁠⁠ To listen to the whole album and download the book for free, visit: ⁠⁠https://www.vytalmusic.com/exclusive-album-preview

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In this thought-provoking episode, we will hear the inspiring story of Paul Zolman, author of The Role of Love and creator of a dice game designed to master the five love languages in a unique way. Paul shares how his faith in Christ and a journey of healing from an abusive childhood led him to redefine the purpose of love in relationships. Moving beyond the self-focused narrative often associated with the love languages, Paul challenges us to become fluent in all five—not for personal fulfillment, but as a means to love and serve others in alignment with God’s teachings. Discover how his biblical approach to love offers practical tools to heal relationships, grow in faith, and reflect Christ’s love to the world.

Join us as Paul unpacks how love can be a powerful catalyst for spiritual transformation and unity within families, churches, and communities. Through powerful insights and heartfelt stories, Paul shares strategies for replacing anger with love, finding good even in difficult circumstances, and loving the unlovable with the grace of God. Whether you’re looking to deepen your faith, improve your relationships, or understand the role of love in your spiritual journey, this episode offers profound wisdom and actionable steps to start loving like Christ today.

To get Paul’s book and the dice game, The Role of Love, visit: ⁠https://roleoflove.com/⁠ 

Paul Zolman is the international bestselling author of the Role of Love, but the true author of love is God. In His wisdom, He placed us in a variety of circumstances that require us to find our way back to His pure love.

According to Paul: “So, what qualifies me to speak about love? My childhood experience of the opposite of love. From that austere beginning, and the distaste it formed inside me, I searched for and eventually created a method that transformed my life from anger to loving everyone. Growing up in a family of abuse, physical touch became my preferred love style, only because of the regularity. I could almost count on it. It was consistent. I came to think that was the way to express love. But deep inside, I knew that was a twisted belief. I wanted a better life for myself, which is why I created a paradigm shift that works. In this book, you’ll find what helped me move from a childhood boot camp of abuse to being a person who loves everyone and can find good about anyone in any circumstance. This is truly the role of love. I hope you join me.”

Check out the new book and music album combo by Jason C. Johnson Sr., Grace Plus Truth: How to Walk in Faith and Freedom By Exploring the Last Adam's Impact on Salvation, Holiness, and the Christian Life. ⁠⁠Listen to the Audiobook HERE⁠⁠ To listen to the whole album and download the book for free, visit: ⁠⁠https://www.vytalmusic.com/exclusive-album-preview

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Join us for a conversation that will challenge and inspire you to deepen your faith and transform your perspective of worship and romance. Besides being an author, former radio host, and worship leader, Donna is also a seasoned relationship coach. Donna says, "Why is it so important to know your unique purpose, and why is NOW the best time to embrace it? As a Christian single woman how can you "marry" your purpose with your singlehood and make it your superpower?  How do you know when God has kicked you out of your comfort zone, and how does He use His "process" to grow you into the person you are to become?  In all of our struggles, who are we BECOMING?  Could the STRUGGLE really be PREPARATION for your next level?"

To get the resources mentioned in the podcast, visit:⁠ ⁠https://donnarenaypatrick.com/store/ for her latest books and more.

Donna Renay Patrick is serious about walking in her unique purpose, and helping others walk in theirs.  She is an Award-Winning Author of two praise and worship-themed Devotionals - At All Times, and It's In Your Praise. She also co-authored four anthologies entitled, The Perfect 7, Stories of Roaring Faith (Vol. 4), Be Refreshed, and most recently No More Unclaimed Promises, which gained Best-Seller status.

She has been a musician and choir director most of her life, and serves as a powerful Worship Leader.  She is a regular presenter at the Bay Area Church Workers Convention in Castro Valley, California, has had a Commentary published with The African American Lectionary, and serves on the faculty of The National Convention of Gospel Choirs and Choruses.

Donna also serves on the Executive Board of the Northeastern District Baptist Association, and is a certified instructor with the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc. From 2016 through 2022 she enjoyed being the award-winning host of The Donna Patrick Show, an internet radio program focused on "all things praise and worship." On her show, which included some phenomenal guests, she coached and trained music ministry personnel, Pastors, and church leaders on how to give God the kind of worship He wants, rather than just what we choose to give Him.

Donna earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Bishop College in Dallas, Texas, as well as a Master of Arts in Christian Education from Dallas Baptist University.

Check out the new book and music album combo by Jason C. Johnson Sr., Grace Plus Truth: How to Walk in Faith and Freedom By Exploring the Last Adam's Impact on Salvation, Holiness, and the Christian Life. ⁠⁠Listen to the Audiobook HERE⁠⁠ To listen to the whole album and download the book for free, visit: ⁠⁠https://www.vytalmusic.com/exclusive-album-preview

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Join us for a conversation that will challenge and inspire you to deepen your faith, transform your work, and leave a lasting legacy for God’s glory. Also, to get the resources mentioned in the video, visit:⁠ ⁠https://sharpenthespearcoaching.com get his audiobook for free, reach out to him at ⁠⁠richard@sharpenthespearcoaching.com⁠⁠ and tell him you heard him on the FiYA Conversations podcast, and he will send you a free copy of his audiobook.

Richard unpacks the pivotal moments that cemented his faith as the foundation of his life and work, shaping his mission to integrate Kingdom principles into business coaching and entrepreneurship. From applying biblical concepts like stewardship and servant leadership to navigating failure after the 2008–2009 financial crisis, Richard reveals how resilience, reliance on God, and a heart for Christ have guided his path. We also explore the intersection of faith and family. Richard discusses raising six children in today’s complex world and how biblical principles have strengthened his role as a husband, father, and leader. Finally, Richard sheds light on his mission to empower 10,000 business owners to achieve Freedom, Profit & Impact—a vision rooted in the Gospel and designed to reflect Christ’s kingdom in the marketplace.

Richard Walsh CEO Sharpen the Spear Coaching Richard is a 30-year seasoned entrepreneur. He’s the best-selling author of Escape the Owner Prison, the contractor's new way to scale, regain control, and fast-track growth while loving life. A speaker and podcast host, he’s a husband and father of six children, a US Marine, champion boxer, black belt, and an internationally recognized steel sculptor. His expertise lies in combining both the strategic and the tactical. He's able to deliver immediate, problem solving results (tactical), along with strategic, long term implementation of systemization and scalability. With over 30 years in business himself, Richard has embraced time compression, sharing the secrets and strategies that bring rapid and lasting results to the companies he works with. Join us for a conversation that will challenge and inspire you to deepen your faith, transform your work, and leave a lasting legacy for God’s glory.

Check out the new book and music album combo by Jason C. Johnson Sr., Grace Plus Truth: How to Walk in Faith and Freedom By Exploring the Last Adam's Impact on Salvation, Holiness, and the Christian Life. ⁠⁠Listen to the Audiobook HERE⁠⁠ To listen to the whole album and download the book for free, visit: ⁠⁠https://www.vytalmusic.com/exclusive-album-preview

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Join us today for our latest FiYA Conversation with Kirk Beck. He speaks about some foundational principles of our moral responsibility to uphold the United States Constitution by staying true to the word of God by advocating for the vulnerable through Common Law, engaging the culture through political evangelism, purposeful parenting, and so much more.

To get the free gift he mentions on the show, go to: ⁠https://www.affidavitsecrets.com/fiya⁠

K. Arnold Beck is a lifelong educator who has spent decades teaching mathematics and civics. He is a past editorialist for a major newspaper in Colorado. He has been involved in political actions ever since the debacle of the Vietnam War. His passion has been to seek alternatives to the violence that continues to pervade America.

Officer Hanson grew out from the author’s interaction with Threat Management Center of Detroit and Jack and Margy Flynn. The former has trained law enforcement personnel in the art of disarming violent situations by the use of compassion and psychology. The latter have been teaching Americans civics for over six decades, emphasizing the power of the right to petition for redress of grievances to sustain the true boundaries of the common law.

“Officer Hanson” is a narrative that is based upon many actual happenings that the author has had with law enforcement and the courts. It provides a blueprint for better training for police and demonstrates how citizens can be responsible for peace and justice in our communities. An apathetic and ill-informed populace is the primary reason for the growing lack of respect for our men and women in blue.

If James Bryce is correct when he says, “The worth of a book is to be measured by what you can carry away from it,” then K. Arnold Beck’s “Officer Hanson, Compassion in Blue” is worthy indeed. His tale of Officer Hanson’s life as he stands by his beliefs in the face of many challenges has many teaching moments that readers will enjoy reading.

Check out the new book and music album combo by Jason C. Johnson Sr., Grace Plus Truth: How to Walk in Faith and Freedom By Exploring the Last Adam's Impact on Salvation, Holiness, and the Christian Life. ⁠⁠Listen to the Audiobook HERE⁠⁠ To listen to the whole album and download the book for free, visit: ⁠⁠https://www.vytalmusic.com/exclusive-album-preview

Join us for today's conversation as Jason & Sha-Quanna interview one of the leading experts in Artificial Intelligence who shares his thoughts on the connection between AI, End Times Prophecy, and the Mark of the Beast.

To connect with Guy and get the resources he mentions in this episode, go to his website at: ⁠⁠https://www.guymorrisbooks.com/⁠⁠

Guy's website is media rich. It not only includes buy links for each of his books, but it also features highlights and links to all industry reviews, image libraries of actual book locations or air / sea craft used, social media links, videos, and fact vs fiction pages for each book.

Retired from a 38-year leadership career with Fortune 500 software, high-tech and global energy, with a reputation as a thought-leader and innovator in implementing multiple phases of leading-edge technologies since the 80s, including early-stage AI, Guy maintains a rich understanding of AI with a focus on AI impact on society, economics, politics and religion. Guy Morris has also been a published song writer for Disney Records, pilot screenplay writer for Sojourn Entertainment, a patented inventor, a Coast Guard charter captain, a PADI diver & adventurer, and an author of a series of multiple award-winning intelligent thrillers inspired by AI, politics, history, and religion. Since his 2020 initial book launch, Guy has released three award-winning thrillers inspired by true stories, actual technologies, true global politics and recorded history. Decades of industry experience and years of research saturate each book, creating a factual foundation upon which the premise and fictional narrative takes place. Most often compared most often by top industry review firms to Dan Brown, Iris Johansen or Robert Ludlum, Guy's books have earned multiple awards. BookTrib’s Best 25 Favorite Books of 2021; Reader’s Favorite 2021 Gold Award, & Silver Award for 2023. 2021 IAN Book of the Year Finalist, and semi-finalist for Cinematic Book. Guy is a frequent expert guest on podcasts regarding AI technologies, potential benefits, and future risks and scenarios. He has presented, moderated or served as a panelist for the Greater Los Angeles Writer’s Conference. Guy is also a member of the Pacific Northwest Writer's Association, the International Thriller Writer's Association, Independent Book Publishers Association and the founder of the Author Event Network Association. A Seattle/ Portland based, sales and signing event association.

Make sure to check out the new book ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Grace Plus Truth: How to Walk in Faith and Freedom by Exploring the Last Adam’s Impact on Salvation, Holiness, and the Christian Life⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ by Jason C. Johnson Sr. and the music album that accompanies the book also Called Grace Plus Truth, streaming exclusively at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://vytalmusic.com/books⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Join the FiYA Community for free at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://fiyacommunity.com/community⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Click on one or more of the following links to listen to the episode wherever you prefer: 

Connect with Cynthia ⁠Here on Instagram: @cynthiaavan⁠ or send her an email at: ⁠cynthiaavandenberg@gmail.com⁠

Make sure to check out the new book ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Grace Plus Truth: How to Walk in Faith and Freedom by Exploring the Last Adam’s Impact on Salvation, Holiness, and the Christian Life⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ by Jason C. Johnson Sr. and the music album that accompanies the book also Called Grace Plus Truth, streaming exclusively at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://vytalmusic.com/books⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Join the FiYA Community for free at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://fiyacommunity.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

And behold, a lawyer stood up to put him to the test, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” Luke 10:25

Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a pastor and theologian, became infamous in the mid-20th century for attempting to assassinate Adolf Hitler during World War II. Some in Christian circles argued that he should not have done so but instead should have left such matters to those more qualified, like soldiers. Others applauded him for his courage because Hitler was arguably one of the most evil people in human history. Bonhoeffer was captured by the Nazis and held in captivity for nearly two years. Ironically, he was executed in a concentration camp precisely one month before Germany surrendered to the Allies and accepted defeat in the war. If Bonhoeffer had waited, Hitler would have lost anyway, and Bonhoeffer’s life could have been spared.

One can only imagine the theological turmoil Bonhoeffer must have experienced as he wrestled with his thoughts during his time as a prisoner of war. He may have thought, Did I go too far? Am I being punished by God for attempted murder since the 10 Commandments clearly state murder is a sin? Was there another way I could have fought against this tyrannical monster? Has God abandoned me? It is possible that he thought some or most of these thoughts at one time or another. However, he and many other believers were convinced that Hitler needed to be stopped. Eventually, Hitler was defeated in the war, but part of that war was one of the heart. Writers like Bonhoeffer inspired people to understand the ideological and theological implications of the war, which were just as important as the physical weapons of warfare at the time.

Bonhoeffer was a member of the Confessing Church. In the book, Complicity in the Holocaust: Churches and Universities in Nazi Germany, the author describes the Confessing Church as a Christian denomination that was opposed to unifying itself with the Nazi idea of unifying all of the churches in Germany under a Nazi ideology (Erickson, 2012). While part of the Confessing Church, Bonhoeffer spoke out much against Nazism and how it was wrong for Germany. One thing Nazis attempted to do was to get rid of the entire Old Testament because Jewish people wrote it. Bonhoeffer and members of the Confessing Church did not agree with this or any other ridiculous ideas coming from the Nazi party. To speak publicly against Hitler in the 1930s and 1940s was very dangerous, and it shows that Bonhoeffer did not love his life more than his desire to speak the truth of God’s word.

During this season, Bonhoeffer (1937) wrote one of his most highly regarded books, The Cost of Discipleship. The Cost of Discipleship challenged believers to desire more than status quo Christianity and to pick up one’s cross and follow Christ indeed. Although Bonhoeffer’s political ideas are not the focus of this book, understanding the period it was written shows the undertones of the radical cost of following Jesus, even if it leads to death.

When I think of the cost of discipleship in 2024, I think about how one’s faith in Christ must extend beyond our convictions but should impact every aspect of one’s personal and public life. To truly follow Jesus, I believe that theology, ethics, philosophy, and all aspects of one’s life are connected. Some believers in Bonhoeffer’s lifetime and beyond claimed to follow Christ while also supporting racist ideas such as the Jim Crow segregation in America, Aryan philosophy in Germany, or apartheid in South Africa, which went into effect shortly after the end of World War II.

In Luke 10:25-29, a lawyer questioned Jesus about how to get eternal life, and Jesus simplified the law by telling him to love God and his neighbor as himself. The lawyer then attempted to make an excuse by asking, “Who is my neighbor?” In The Cost of Discipleship, Bonhoeffer (1937) gives an excellent summary of this exchange:

“And the final question, who is my neighbor, is the parting shot of despair, or else of self-confidence. The lawyer is trying to justify his disobedience. The answer is you are the neighbor…neighborliness is not a quality in other people. It is simply their claim on ourselves.”

Wow! That’s a great way to sum it up. Instead of trying to figure out who our neighbor is, Jesus is saying that we should aim to be the good neighbor. That’s why Jesus then answered the lawyer by telling him the parable of the Good Samaritan (see Luke 10:30-37).

When we say we follow Christ, we must genuinely ask ourselves if we are willing to love Him, love our neighbor, and publicly declare His Gospel even if it puts our lives on the line. Will you settle for cheap grace, or are you ready for what Bonhoeffer describes as costly grace? Imagine that Christians in America were asked to assimilate to something as horrible as what European Christians were asked to support in Nazi Germany. Would you fight against that or go along with the culture? The history of America reveals much division within the church based on ethnicity, denominations, and other factors that have nothing to do with the Bible’s call for all believers to be one in Christ, just as the Son and the Father are one (see John 17:20-23). Ask yourself this vital question: what is God challenging you to do to demonstrate your submission to Him in faith despite what the culture is asking you to assimilate to?

“Your righteousness, God, reaches to the heavens, you who have done great things. Who is like you, God? Though you have made me see troubles, many and bitter, you will restore my life again; from the depths of the earth you will again bring me up” - Psalm 71:19-20, NIV

On April 13, 2020, I lost my mom to COVID-19. She was and still is my best friend. Losing her has been the most heart-stretching, gut-wrenching, humbling experience in my life. Even though she was the one who passed away, a part of me felt like I died too. It left a huge hole in my heart and, at times, can become debilitating if I allow it. For some, grief such as this can be too much to bear and can make you feel alone. I can relate. Here are some things that helped me to get through the grieving process.

Keep your eyes on Jesus. During my time of grief, I had to remember the promises of God. I had to remember that He is for me and not against me, that He loves me, and that He loves my mother more than I ever could. Likewise, He is the same toward all of us. Death is not the end, but the beginning of eternal life with Jesus. 2 Corinthians 4:18 reminds us,

“We fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”

It’s easy to remember His promises while everything is peaceful, but when the storm hits, our minds can panic and go blank. The bottom line is to remain faithful and continue to praise God because of His promises. For the believer, death is a temporary situation, and its sting of separation will not be felt in the coming days. 1 Thessalonians Chapter 4 tells us that we will see our loved ones again, and we are to encourage one another with these words.

I had to allow myself to grieve. Pause, take a moment to face what happened,  take a breath, and release all that is inside of you. Once all the adrenaline has disappeared from making the funeral arrangements, stress and calls from family and friends cease and pause. You did a great job, and now you can rest. If you don’t express, resolve, and or identify your emotions, you can have unexplained negative lifestyle patterns later in life. Take this season of sorrow to feel all that the process of grief has to offer. Psalm 118:5 says,

“In my anguish, I cried to the Lord, and he answered by setting me free.”

Having people around me helped me take my mind off of my troubles. I had a wonderful support group who encouraged me to share my feelings and accepted me as I was in my grieving process. Don’t allow people to tell you when you should stop grieving. It is a process. I had emotions swinging from one side to the other. Anger was the most dominant emotion for me. However, having people around who genuinely care for your body, soul, and spirit will understand. A support group is critical during this season. Ugly cry, scream, cut your hair, or do nothing. Do whatever you need to do to express your emotions productively and healthily. Those who support and love you will understand.

I could not run; I had to crawl. For me, I had to take it one step at a time. A huge blow was dealt, and life looked really different to me. I could not just get up and start running. I had to take it one second at a time, then one minute, then one hour, and so on. While I was down, I realized that pain has a purpose, and the same goes for you. The Bible says in Ecclesiastes 7:22,

“It is better to go to a house of mourning than to a house of feasting, for death is the destiny of everyone; the living should take this to heart.”

While experiencing grief, things are put into perspective; if you allow the Holy Spirit to minister to your heart, then you will learn to embrace your grief. The process of grief will work to strengthen you and allow you to strengthen others. Be reminded that the Lord loves you, and He is for you.

         Why are we, at this point again in time, discussing the lives of the innocent? It reminds me of the time King Herod, king of Judea, wanted to murder all innocent children under two years old to stop the prophesied King Jesus from taking his position. Has this spirit come back again to attempt to stop his position from being taken? We, as kingdom ambassadors, must stand on Ephesians 6 and understand the spiritual battle taking place right before our eyes and put on the whole armor of God.

As believers, we are called to...

“Speak up for those who have no voice, for the justice of all who are dispossessed. Speak up, judge righteously, and defend the cause of the oppressed and needy” – Proverbs 31:8-9

And we are to...

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ” – Galatians 6:2

         If there was a time to speak up and carry the burdens of one another, now is definitely the time. As believers, we cannot idly watch as men without the hope of Christ and hundreds of thousands of voiceless souls are being slaughtered all in the name of “constitutional rights.” We all should have some burning in our hearts and weeping in our spirits when we hear the number of babies who have died due to abortions. As a person who lost a loved one to COVID-19, I have a renewed appreciation for the breath of life that flows through us.

         As a mother of a newborn, I am in awe of the intricacy of how the human body is woven together. I have a clear understanding that the decision to determine who lives and who does not is not our decision to make. For those of us who have lost loved ones, how we wish we could have the power to breathe the breath of life back into our loved ones and create a living soul; however, we don’t, and that power belongs to God and God alone.

         There is a fight over the soul of this nation and a cry in the streets of America to turn back to the One who created life and ask Him for guidance. Through strategic prayer and fierce action at the voting booths and rallies, the voice of God can sound through us.