Content from 2024 (Page 2)
Tell Me More
The Unlikely Messenger: A Slice of Life with Debra Brown “What’d I say?” my husband Allen asked me. Ugh. “I was listening,” I said, aggravated, rattling off verbatim what he’d said while I finished cooking dinner. I plated our food and hoped he wouldn’t share more of the tedious minutia of his day. I had enough of my own. I prided myself on multi-tasking. I handled family responsibilities, work duties, freelance projects, and constant deadlines. No matter what, I’d get…
Being a Game-Changer: Steps to Embrace Change and Impact
From a spiritual point of view, being a game-changer means stepping up and making impactful choices that reflect your faith and purpose. Embracing change is not just about the choices you make; it’s about the drive that fuels those choices. Here are three key areas to consider when becoming a game-changer … Taking the Leap: How Faith Fuels Change Faith shows the reality of what we hope for; it is the evidence of things we cannot see” – Hebrews 11:1.…
What Are You Waiting For?
The Bible is full of stories of people who found themselves in a season of waiting. Some were actively waiting. Noah built the ark according to God’s specific instructions while waiting for the first raindrop to fall. Abram gathered his wife Sarai and his livestock and began walking as they waited for the Lord to tell them the destination He had for them. Years later, Abraham (renamed by God) built an altar to the Lord while he waited for God…
Blessings In Disguise: How Challenges Can Strengthen Your Faith
In our walk with Christ, we often encounter moments that test the very core of our belief. It is during these times that our faith can either wither or flourish. The Bible is overflowing with stories of men and women who faced tremendous challenges yet emerged with a stronger, more resilient faith. These narratives are historical accounts and living testimonies that speak powerfully to the challenges Christians face today. One of the clearest examples where overcoming obstacles led to spiritual…
Long Road Home
The Unlikely Messenger: A Slice of Life with Debra Brown The excitement had dimmed since the weekend trip to NC for Meredith’s dorm move-in and the start of her first year of college. We’d worked toward that move-in weekend for months – but in reality, we’d planned it since her birth. We spent the summer handling the final details on her college-bound to-do list and checked off items. I smiled when anyone said to Meredith, “How exciting! You’re flying the…
Do Not Be Afraid
There are so many times in my life when I have been afraid. As a child, many of us are afraid of the monster under the bed or in the closet, or the dark, or the boogie man. As kids get older, they are afraid people won’t like them or are afraid of failing. As teens, they are afraid of not being liked or not having friends, or today it is of being bullied. As adults, we are afraid of…
Overcoming Daily Distractions: Lessons from Nehemiah on Focus and Determination
Distractions are everywhere. From the constant buzz of social media notifications to the demands of work, family, and personal interests, staying focused can feel like an uphill battle. However, the Bible offers timeless wisdom on overcoming distractions through the story of Nehemiah. Despite numerous attempts from others to derail his mission, Nehemiah’s unwavering focus and determination in rebuilding Jerusalem’s wall provide practical insights for us today. The Story of Nehemiah: Nehemiah was a cupbearer to King Artaxerxes of Persia. Upon hearing…
Fasten Your Seatbelts
The Unlikely Messenger: A Slice of Life with Debra Brown I liked visiting faraway places, but I stressed over flying. As a white-knuckled passenger, I preferred to keep my feet on the ground. All heights scared me. Driving over tall bridges or riding skyscraper elevators to the top floors caused me to break out in a cold sweat. Even participating in fun activities like zip-lining or taking in breathtaking views from scenic overlooks produced as much anxiety as excitement.…
Service Lasts a Lifetime
Another wonderful week of Vacation Bible School has finished, and I’ve had a few days to reflect on all the amazing ways I saw God moving during that week. Children came into the church building with excited faces and left smiling, laughing, and singing each day. I overheard children telling their parents about all the cool things they learned and did during Bible story time, the fun games they played outside during recreation, how they liked the snack they ate,…
The Good Samaritan: A Lesson in Compassion
The parables of Jesus are timeless, offering wisdom even today through simple, yet profound stories. One of the most well-known and impactful parables is the story of the Good Samaritan. It transcends cultural boundaries, speaks to the core of human empathy, and is a beautiful story of the love Jesus expects from us as His Church. You can find this parable in the Gospel of Luke, chapter 10, verses 25-37. The story begins with a lawyer asking Jesus, “Teacher, what…
Juneteenth and the Christian Call to Stand Against Oppression
Juneteenth, short for “June Nineteenth,” is not merely a date on the calendar but a powerful marker in American history. It signifies the day in 1865 when enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, finally learned of their freedom two and a half years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed. This day signified the end of their bondage and the dawn of freedom. As Christians, it is essential to see Juneteenth through the lens of our faith. The Lord gives righteousness…
“B” is for Busy
As a teacher, I’ve learned how to make really great lists. Every lesson plan is nearly organized with bullet points; each of my grocery lists organized by type. As a new mom, I have acquired even more lists- a list for car rides, a list of baby foods to try, a list of the ones she likes (and dislikes). Here’s an example of a To-Do list from a few weeks ago: get babysitters submit grades organize band rooms get awards…