A Ripple of Fear
The Unlikely Messenger: A Slice of Life with Debra Brown I’d arrived late for my walk after a Savannah doctor appointment. The summer sun still had hours before sinking in the sky. But arriving so late, with no one else around, unsettled me. I texted my friend Joyce, “I’m at Bryant Commons.” She’d started the safety habit by teasing, “If there’s a crime, we’ll know where to start.” She’d let me know if she’d arrived at a realtor listing alone.…
Hope?
What do you hope for? Do you hope things get better? Do you hope things change? Do you hope someone calls? Do you hope your prayers are answered? Hope is grounded in God and His promises. So, what is hope really? True biblical hope is not mere wishful thinking—it is a confident expectation. It means knowing with certainty that God will fulfill His Word. “God is not a man, that He should lie … Has He said, and will He…
Overcoming Analysis Paralysis
Navigating life’s crossroads can often be intimidating. The uncertainties and risks of choosing the right path can lead to “analysis paralysis,” where deciding seems impossible. However, maintaining a biblical perspective can provide unique insights and confidence as we navigate critical times. The Bible is a treasure trove of wisdom and guidance regarding decision-making. James 3:17-18 depicts this biblical principle well. “But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace-loving, gentle at all times, always gentle,…
When You Find Yourself Down Under
The Unlikely Messenger: A Slice of Life with Debra Brown In 1997, my husband Allen, our young daughter Meredith, and I traded our usual summer beach vacation for a Memorial Day getaway to a ski resort in the Utah mountains. It had been a challenging year, and we needed a change of scenery. I’d envisioned hiking, shopping, and cool mountain air, not snow. But frigid air welcomed us, and snow blanketed the ground. We hadn’t packed for it, so we…
Your Forgiveness
“Your forgiveness is like sweet, sweet honey on my lips. Like the sound of a symphony to my ears. Like holy water on my skin, hey!” This is the chorus to the song Holy Water by Franni Cain and We The Kingdom. This song highlights that feeling when we accept Jesus, and we allow His sacrifice to wash over us, that lightness it brings to our hearts, and the peace we experience. And this is the first step we take…
Next Steps for Christians: Embracing the Hope and Renewal of Easter
The resurrection of Jesus is the ultimate symbol of hope and renewal and is deeply significant to millions worldwide. Easter is about the monumental victory over sin and death. Upon His resurrection, Jesus proclaimed hope to humanity. This is the foundational belief Christians cling to: That through Jesus’ death and resurrection, we are offered eternal life and a restored relationship with God. Easter signifies renewal, a fresh start, and an opportunity to reflect on our faith journey. It encourages us to…
Holy Saturday: They Didn’t Know Then What We Know Now
Holy Saturday is a day of waiting, filled with silence and reflection. Sandwiched between Good Friday’s sorrow and Easter Sunday’s joy, it embodies many emotions among the disciples, religious leaders, crowds, and Roman officials. It is a day of anticipation for us as we know what is coming on Easter Sunday. But imagine living through that day without knowing. The disciples, the religious leaders, the crowds, and the Roman officials all experienced that Saturday in very different ways. They didn’t…
Reflecting on Good Friday: Love, Sacrifice, and Redemption
Do you know why Good Friday is called “good”? It is a day that calls Christians everywhere to pause. It brings us face-to-face with Jesus’ suffering and sacrifice and the choices made by those around Him, such as the disciples’ inability to stay awake and the crowd’s demand for Barabbas’ release. But through these events, we are invited to see Jesus’ love and learn how it shapes our lives today. Despite the sorrow of the crucifixion, Good Friday is seen…
Understanding Maundy Thursday: A Lesson of Service and Love
Have you ever considered the enduring significance of Maundy Thursday in the Christian calendar? This day is not just a historical footnote in Jesus’ life; it carries intense meaning, rooted in acts of humility and love that resonate as powerfully today as they did over two thousand years ago. The Upper Room On Maundy Thursday, we remember Jesus’ final meal with His disciples, which took place in the Upper Room. This intimate gathering was filled with lessons on service, sacrifice,…
After Blackberry Winter
The Unlikely Messenger: A Slice of Life with Debra Brown Sunlight streamed through the trees as I walked up the driveway. Birdsong and squirrel chatter filled the air, and somewhere nearby a woodpecker tapped a steady rat-a-tat against the old live oak. It should have been the kind of morning that lifted my spirits. But it didn’t. Every April, I feel the urge to plant flowers. It’s almost instinctive. The moment the weather softens and the days stretch longer, I…
Holy Wednesday: Judas Betrayal of Jesus
Did you know that betrayal often stems from complex motives? Judas Iscariot’s betrayal of Jesus, often seen as a straightforward act, is a complex web of human nature that resonates even today. The Historical Context of Judas’ Betrayal Judas Iscariot was no outsider. He wasn’t a distant observer of Jesus’ ministry—he was an insider, trusted among the twelve. The Gospel of John tells us that Judas kept the disciples’ money bag (John 12:6), suggesting that he held a position of…
Holy Tuesday: The Authority of Jesus Challenged
Did you know that the events of Holy Tuesday often reveal challenges to our faith today? On Holy Tuesday, we witness a pivotal turning point, illustrating the ongoing tension between human institutions and God’s authority. Jesus faced direct challenges from the religious leaders. They questioned His authority and tried to trap Him with accusations and tricky questions. Jesus’ Authority Questioned – Mark 11:27-33 The religious leaders were upset because Jesus had cleared the Temple the day before. They saw themselves…