Boundaries are like houses, not walls. They create spaces for healthy relationships to flourish, not barriers to keep people out.
People often speak about boundaries in a way that becomes a wall (or an end) in relationships. I believe boundaries are about finding healthy ways to let people in.
Read MoreOur nation loves the NFL and the athletes that have dedicated their lives to the game. Many of them use their platforms to serve communities, medical research, and other causes they are equally passionate about. Over the last week I believe God used them to spark something in our nation. A return to prayer. Prayer was natural, innate, for them and I believe it is the same for all of us. These men reminded us that prayer looks and sounds all kinds of ways.
Read MoreAm I leader? Yes. Am I leader who does ministry? Yes. Will I continue to be on stages? Probably. But do I believe that this is the most restorative way to transform communities? Far from it.
Read MoreJabez’s earthly inheritance should have been pain. However, Jabez cried out for a spiritual inheritance. That despite what the world gave him, he would be known as someone who was free from pain. That despite what the world gave him, he would be known for honorable influence. That despite what the world gave him, he would be known for God’s faithfulness and protection in his life…and the Lord granted his request.
Read MoreWe all long to be known. To be understood. Despite our fears. Despite our shame. We want to be loved and known unconditionally. We can only find this perfectly in knowing our Creator.
Yet, as representatives of the things of God, one of the greatest gifts we can give someone is allowing them to feel known. If only for a moment, that they can feel completely seen and celebrated for who they are.
Read MoreI have a confession; I have been holding on tightly to the comfort of the last season.
We do that don’t we? We are sometimes the last to recognize the major changes that have happened in our own life. We try to mix the old with the new and are surprised when we feel confused or overwhelmed. There is a grieving that needs to happen when we leave an old season behind. Even when the season is hard. Sometimes we even find comfort in the misery, living in hope feels risky.
Read MoreParts of the original piece have been changed to cover the identity of the people who harassed me and those who “laughed while I cried.” I have never been harassed by a teacher or professor. However, in 2015 the Association of American Universities surveyed students at 27 prominent research Universities. According to that study, 10% of female students had experienced sexual harassment from a faculty member. While it is not my story it is the story of many women.
Read MoreThere is only one way to navigate this new “New-Normal,” and that is with being connected to our hearts. When we know what our emotions are, we can start to identify what we need from others or ourselves. We will have to admit that the last season held pain…loss…hurt.
In order to heal we will have to learn to trust again. We will need to surrender the control that was available to us in quarantining ourselves from the world. Despite the disappointment of last season, we will have to choose hope.
Read MoreIt is humility that sets the tone of our heart. It opens the door to more conversations. We need to invite people to the table and ask, “Why?” Not so that we can have more ammo for our argument, but so that we can truly walk in humbleness. We need brave people to say, “I don’t know,” and “I hadn’t thought about that.”
Read MoreThe biggest problem with powerlessness is that we adopt orphanhood and distance ourselves from the greatness of our Good Father. Instead of looking at what is possible with an all-powerful Dad, we limit our expectations to what we believe we can control…which if we are operating in this mindset is very little. Ultimately, it looks like grasping at straws…The world is different right now, and that’s okay. I am learning the importance of realistic expectations in my life. I have been for months, and this seems like another opportunity.
Read MorePanera seasons are not by accident. They are a time where we are in this breakdown process. Piece by piece we are challenged to surrender what was holding our old way of life together. This final rest period is incredibly important to the baking process. As it is with our own life. If we go into our destiny under-proofed, we will fall flat and remain dense to what God might be speaking into our life.
Read MoreAdults, we are not the whole church. If we want to see the gospel shared around the world then we must activate the WHOLE church. We must activate our students.
Youth are not our problem; they are not America’s problem. They are our answer for seeing the gospel go further than we could take it in our lifetime. However, they are not going to know that unless we start telling them.
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