Life.

It gets tough.

I’m not going to type the ginormous list of trials that are constantly being slung at us. And I certainly don’t know what you’re specifically going through, but I do know it’s rough. I know it’s exhausting. You’re probably barely holding on.

I know you’re tired. You’re probably not sleeping. I know you feel alone. Scared.

Keep going, sister.

God’s with you.

You’re going to make it through this.

Keep going, momma.

Don’t give up.

Your people need you.

Keep going.

Please.

Life will make you tough – no doubt. But it can also make you tender, and compassionate, and patient, and understanding, and so very wise.

So keep going. Life’s tough, but God’s tougher.

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1:2-4

Bitterness is a seed dispersed and cultivated through various means.

Sometimes the seeds are so tiny the human eye can’t even see them – but they’re there. They are there waiting for the wind to blow so they can take flight and grasp onto something, anything. And then it begins – they lay down roots.

Roots that bury themselves. Roots that grow deep and tangle themselves amongst other roots. Roots that grow unseen for years and years and years.

Unseen.

Unbothered.

Until.

Until someone starts digging. Until someone triggers something deep down inside of you.

Y’all, don’t cultivate the seed. Don’t let the seed take root.

Don’t water it.

Don’t feed it.

Bitterness starts with a seed, but you don’t have to fertilize it. You don’t have to germinate it.

Just don’t.

“Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” Ephesians 41:31-32

Whatever emotion[s] you are facing today – whatever struggles – don’t forget that you have a best friend that will never leave your side.

Lean on Him.

Focus on Him.

Rely on Him.

Talk to Him.

Trust in Him.

It’s always been Him. He’s the one. He won’t let you down.

“The Lord is my strength and my shield; in him my heart trusts, and I am helped; my heart exults, and with my song I give thanks to him.” Psalm 28:7

Everyone has God-given talents. Keyword: God-given.

Some of these talents come naturally, while others take years and years of blood, sweat, and tears to perfect.

Either way these talents are truly gifts from God.

There’s just one question to ask ourself – how are we going to use our talents?

1. To grow the Kingdom of God.

2. To hinder the Kingdom of God.

Y’all, it’s our choice.

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10

Everyone we meet is fighting a silent battle that we know nothing about. That’s not just some famous cliche slapped on an internet meme- it’s truer than true.

People are hurting. People are suffocating – but we have the power to make a difference.

We just have to live and love like Jesus. We need to be sympathetic and empathetic. We need to listen and learn. We need to smile.

We need to build one another up. Be kind.

It’s really that simple.

Love like Jesus. Live like Jesus. This ol’ world needs more of that.

“The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:31

Peace.

Freedom from disturbance.

That’s hard, man. In fact, it’s almost impossible.

In this rush from here to there lifestyle that we are living in, peace is hard to find. And it’s definitely hard to hang onto. Our days are long and our to-do lists longer.

Pay this. Pay that.

Go here. Go there.

We are on the road more than we are at home. We want it all, and we want it all now. But what we really want is to just take a nap.

It’s a viscous cycle.

Only God can slow us – and our heart rate – down. Only God can give us the peace of mind to make it through our long day-to-day routines without absolutely going bananas.

Cling to God, guys. Cling to the peace that He makes possible. Soak it in. It’s the only way to make it through this thing called life.

33 “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

When you are driving through the middle of grief the fog is thick and the lights are dim. You can’t see, so you can’t move. You can’t move, so you just sit still.

And that’s ok. It’s ok to sit still.

Because eventually the fog is going to dissipate, and your pathway will be unobscured.

As the sun slowly rises and warms the crisp morning air, fragments of a new dawn peak through what was once a foggy dusk.

And you are able to find your way again. You’re able to see.

The sun always rises.

And the Son always lights the way.

“18 The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18through what was once a foggy dusk.

Today you’re going to cross paths with someone that needs you. You can count on that.

We serve an intentional God that seamlessly orchestrates our day to day journey. God didn’t place us on this earth for our own self.

No.

He placed us here to help others. To serve others. To disciple others.

▪️We need to be ready.

▪️We need to be willing.

▪️We need to be able.

It may just be a smile or a kind word, but those small gestures can change the trajectory of someone else’s path.

There’s power in kindness, and God has placed that power within each and everyone of us. We just have to hone in on that power and use it.

Be aware.

Dig deep.

Be intentional.

“12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” Colossians 3:12

The journey.

It’s full of winding roads, potholes, and kids [or wives] begging to take a restroom break.

You can plan what you perceive to be the perfect road trip, but if you don’t factor in a few bumps along the way you will wind up sorely disappointed.

You have a choice – you can let these nagging nuances ruin your trip, or you can find joy in the journey.

After all, sometimes detours can lead you to the best destinations.

So gas up, turn up the praise and worship music, and let God be your GPS.

13 But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. John 16:13

To serve someone is to assist someone.

To assist someone is to minister to someone.

To minister to someone is to love someone.

It’s just that simple.

Serve like Jesus.

Assist like Jesus.

Minister like Jesus.

Love like Jesus.

37 Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’[c] 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself. Matthew 22:37-39