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…
God’s Protection
Have you ever wondered about God’s protection? In this day and time many are wondering if God still protects His children. We are bombarded in the news with the violence that seems to permeate our society and our world currently. As Christians, we need to always remember that God is on His throne. This means He always watches over His children, even when it doesn’t feel that way. His Word promises that “He will not fail thee, nor forsake thee”…
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…