Content from 2025 (Page 2)
When the House Settles
The Unlikely Messenger: A Slice of Life with Debra Brown There is a time for everything, and a season for every purpose under the heavens” – Ecclesiastes 3:1. As the steam rose from the pavement during the August rain, I thought, “I didn’t expect to grieve every time Meredith left home, but I did.” I felt sad when Meredith left high school for college. When she graduated and moved to Asheville, the house felt empty again. But then she came…
7 Powerful Ways to Shine Brightly and Share God’s Love
In a world that often feels overshadowed by negativity, it’s essential to realize the profound impact that shining brightly can have on those around you. Did you know that small acts of kindness can not only uplift someone’s day but also create ripples of positivity? When our United Methodist Women in Faith gather for their prayer breakfast, we always ask a question for them to write down their reflections. This becomes the nucleus of a blog post on our church…
The Art of Caring: A Christian Response to a Self-Centered Culture
Today, we live in an era of individualism, self-promotion, and angry rhetoric. Where “self-care” often becomes a substitute for self-absorption, Christians are called to a radically different way of living. The Apostle Paul puts it plainly: Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too” – Philippians 2:3-4. The most Christ-like expressions of faith are not wrapped…
Staying True as a Christ-Follower
Accountability is a vital part of the Christian life. It reflects a commitment not only to personal integrity but also to the communal call of faith. For Christians, accountability is deeply rooted in scripture and woven into the fabric of discipleship. It urges us to reflect on WHY we do what we do—our WHY as followers of Jesus Christ. Discovering Your Purpose To truly understand what accountability means to you, it’s essential to uncover your purpose. Your WHY is the…
Lavender Towels and Lemon Trees
The Unlikely Messenger: A Slice of Life with Debra Brown Every good and perfect gift is from above…” – James 1:17. “I had dreamed of this cruise for years,” I thought as the summer sun streamed through the jet’s windows. Five days in Barcelona, then sailing the Mediterranean with my daughter Meredith to celebrate her high school graduation. It was my ultimate summer bucket list trip. I’d saved, planned, and Pinterest-boarded each detail. I booked excursions in every port. I…
How to Love Like Jesus
Did you know that over 90% of people believe love is the strongest force in the universe? Yet, in our daily lives, we often struggle to show love unconditionally, especially when faced with anger, hurt, or negativity from others. Learning to love like Jesus is not just a noble goal; it’s a transformational journey that can redefine our relationships and heal our world. In this post, we’ll explore how we can carry the essence of peace and love, commit to…
Transforming Lives Through Prayer: Ways to Pray for Your Church
Did you know that prayer, a powerful catalyst for growth and connection within a church community, also holds the potential for significant personal growth? This inspiring aspect of prayer can motivate us to delve deeper into our faith and spiritual journey. Today, many people seek spiritual fulfillment and connection. But how does a church effectively reach these individuals? Understanding the significance of prayer and how to harness its power can make all the difference, not just for the church but…
What Are You Watering?
The Unlikely Messenger: A Slice of Life with Debra Brown Lately, I’d been feeling the distance. Twelve is a funny age—too old for dolls, too cool for spontaneous hugs, and too busy for long talks with your mom. Our personal connection had felt limited—crowded out by school, friends, and headphones. I missed her. I missed us. So when Saturday rolled around, I asked Meredith to help me plant marigolds—tough little flowers that could handle the summer heat. Not because she…
Becoming a Barnabas in a World that Needs Encouragement
Barnabas, often called the “Son of Encouragement,” is a powerful example of how words and actions can transform lives and shape the course of God’s kingdom. His story in the Bible is a testament to the profound impact of encouragement. One of the clearest examples of this is his role in Saul’s life. Saul, who once fiercely persecuted Christians, experienced a miraculous transformation when he encountered Jesus on the road to Damascus. But even after Saul’s conversion, many believers hesitated…
Answering God’s Nudge with the Written Word
Debra Brown delivered these inspirational comments during the Hinesville First United Methodist Women in Faith Prayer Breakfast on May 17, 2025. How Writing Became My Spiritual Walk Pastor Tony asked me to share how writing ties to my spiritual journey. I’ve always thought writing was my passion, more than a hobby, but maybe a side gig. But after preparing this presentation, it’s evident that God guided me through every stage to my purpose. The Seed Was Planted: In 6th grade,…
What Does Prayer Mean to You?
During our recent United Methodist Women in Faith Prayer Breakfast, the attendees were asked to write down, in one to two sentences, “What does prayer mean to you?” It was explained that the answers would be combined and shared as a blog post on this website. This question opened up a beautiful space for reflection. As each person shared their unique and personal response, it became clear that prayer is a diverse and inclusive practice, holding a special place in…
Tides of Faith
The Unlikely Messenger: A Slice of Life with Debra Brown I stepped outside our beachside inn and breathed in the salty air—the scent of summer, joyful memories, and every perfect family vacation. It carried echoes of laughter, long beach walks, and early-morning shell hunts. “Come on, Momma! The sun will be up before we get there,” my seven-year-old daughter Meredith called, swinging her bucket and tossing her towel over her arm. Her flip-flops slapped against the concrete as we passed…