Category Archives: Reflections

Going the Distance: Grace in the Pace

Posted on by yolandaberry
Reply
runners, track and field, racing, running

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses [who by faith have testified to the truth of God’s absolute faithfulness], stripping off every unnecessary weight and the sin which so easily and cleverly entangles us, let us run with endurance and active persistence the race that is set before us, 2 [looking away from all that will distract us and] focusing our eyes on Jesus, who is the Author and Perfecter of faith [the first incentive for our belief and the One who brings our faith to maturity], who for the joy [of accomplishing the goal] set before Him endured the cross, disregarding the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God [revealing His deity, His authority, and the completion of His work]. Just consider and meditate on Him who endured from sinners such bitter hostility against Himself [consider it all in comparison with your trials], so that you will not grow weary and lose heart. Heb 12:1-3 (AMP)

When I was in junior high, I ran track. I was the second to the fastest runner in my school. I was a sprinter who ran the 50- and 100-yard dash, the 2020 relay, as well as the long jump and hurdles. One thing I noticed about the long-distance runners was that they had stamina and endurance. They paced themselves to be able to finish the race.

On the other hand, I would position my feet on the starter’s block while listening intently to the sound of the gun and push off the starter’s block to begin running. At times, one of the runners would jumpstart due to anticipation and all the runners would have to start over again.

jogger, running down the street

As I reflect on Heb 12, it is wise to release any baggage or distractions in this season and keep your eyes focused on Jesus. The world is heavy and it’s full of noise. We’re fighting opposition, oppression, weariness and spiritual warfare on every side. It will take stamina and endurance to keep moving. When you learn how to pace yourself, you’re able to overcome physical, mental, emotional and spiritual exhaustion. It’s necessary to slow down, rest and reflect when you’re feeling overwhelmed.

Some people want to push ahead and disregard stressful situations or circumstances. They ignore their feelings all together. You should be honest with your feelings, but do not let your feelings rule over your mental, emotional or spiritual well-being. Don’t allow the world to dictate how you should feel either. Suppressing your emotions is dangerous and extremely unhealthy. Finding a support system or a trusted friend to talk to will help you release toxic feelings.

running jogging jogger running down the street

As we approach the holiday season, it’s important to take some time out to rest and focus on your priorities. We do not need to wait for the New Year for reflection. It’s important to honor God and rest in His presence regularly. Don’t allow the pressures of gathering with family wear you thin. Safeguard yourself from any energy drainers or negative Nancy’s.

In Colossian 1:11 it states, “Strengthened with all might according to His glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness.”

The secret to having contentment amid long suffering is endurance and letting go of your fleshy desires. “But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.” James 1:4

Although Thanksgiving is a time of reflection of gratitude, it can also be a time of greed. We live in a spoiled and commercially motivated generation. Marketers have pushed Black Friday two weeks prior to Thanksgiving! Despite the financial struggles people are dealing with, their intention is to push more commercialism into the mindset of consumers.

Chasing after the next shiny new thing does not provide contentment. It only triggers you to chase after more stuff which fills you with a void. The Lord only quenches the desires of the heart. Surely, the Lord wants us to enjoy our life, and He will provide for us, but we should not desire material wealth, status and gain more than Jesus.

We are entering unstable territory. Economies are being shaken, and faith is being tested. It’s a wakeup call. Do not put your trust in earthly things. The Lord is pruning us from the material world to shed the weight and sin of greed, manipulation, control, selfishness, envy, jealousy, comparison and competition. He is also prompting us to make a definitive decision. “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money.” Matt 6:24 (NIV)

“Do not store up for yourselves [material] treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in and steal. for where your treasure is, there your heart [your wishes, your desires; that on which your life centers] will be also.” Matt 6:19-21 (AMP)

“Therefore, I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is life not more than food, and the body more than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?

28 “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? 31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. Matt 6:25-34

When we release the stress of materialism, you can gain and embrace contentment. It’s having the ability to step out of the physical world and into the spiritual world. It’s not religion. It’s finding Jesus and having a direct relationship with Him.

two men walking in the sunset

So, do not allow the pressures of the holiday season make you depressed. You may not have everything you want. You may be alone or grieving a loved one but open your heart to the presence of God. He is your comforter, protector and waymaker. These are not merely words. It’s the living truth because I’m a witness of His miraculous working power over my life. Everything that I’ve experienced has led me to this point and I will continue to run on with endurance – not to reach a destination but to embrace the continuous flow of God’s love and grace on this journey. Wherever you are on this journey – God will meet you right there. Ready, set, go!

I have seen something else under the sun:

The race is not to the swift
    or the battle to the strong,
nor does food come to the wise
    or wealth to the brilliant
    or favor to the learned;
but time and chance happen to them all.

Eccl 9:11

Subscribe to join the newsletter for devotional-style encouragement, purpose-driven tools and resources created for your spiritual growth, personal development, strategic alignment and creative vision.

Subscribe

Bible Meditations

Isaiah 40:31

Heb 10:36

James 1:2-4

Gal 6:9

Rom 5:3-5

Lam 3:22-24

Romans 2:7

James 1: 12-20

Rom 12:12

1 Corth 10:13

Rom 15:4-5

Rom 8:28

James 5:11

1 Corth 15:58

James 5:7

1 Pet 4:12

2 Tim 4:7

Into the Deep: My Personal Survival Story of How I Escaped a Rip Current and Got Back to Shore Safely

Posted on by yolandaberry
Reply

The Lord is my strength and my shield; My heart trusted in Him, and I am helped; Therefore, my heart greatly rejoices, And with my song I will praise Him. Psalm 28:7

As the summer comes to an end, there has been an uptick in rip tide accidents, especially with the horrific incident regarding Malcolm Jamal Warner and Hurricane Erin which hit the east coast recently.

There has been a flood of memories that has overwhelmed me due to my close encounter with rip tides. My sister, niece and I went to Point Pleasant Beach in August. In the timeline, it was right after I had left my whole life behind due to the 2008 recession and one year after starting this blog.

beach entrance

As we entered the beach, the attendant told us to be aware of the harsh rip currents. She pointed to a yellow flag ahead as a sign of caution, which was posted on the beach shore to alert beach goers, as we paid the fee to enter the beach. I didn’t think anything of it since I don’t know how to swim and don’t go into the ocean besides wading by the shore.

It was a beautiful day. It was a picture-perfect, blue sky and light breeze with the salty ocean air blowing the aroma of grilled hot dogs, hamburgers and fries by the nearby beachfront restaurants. It was peaceful and relaxing. I enjoyed the warmth of the sun on my face. After we ate lunch, we decided to go wading in the water to get cooled off. We dipped our feet in the icy water where the waves hit our ankles with delight. As we stood there, another wave came in. When we looked down, the water covered our knees. We started to laugh and joke. My sister was concerned because she forgot to take off her watch, so she held it in her hand.

Another wave came in and the water was up to my shoulders. I couldn’t believe it. I yelled at my niece, “Get out!” She is autistic and even though she knew how to swim she didn’t realize the danger and was giggling. She was within arm’s reach. It was by the power of God that I grabbed her arm and swung her in the midst of the ocean while the waves were going against her and receding at the same time as I pushed her against the current and told her to run! I started to run as fast as I could. My legs felt like lead as a treaded in slow motion in the water. The ocean took a breath and receded as I looked back for a second and saw my sister on her hand and knees crawling and clawing her nails in the sand. I kept running and did not look back until I knew I had made it to the beach. Another wave came in and when I looked back, I saw two lifeguards pulling my sister out of the ocean. She was gasping, coughing and wiping the water out of her eyes.

I will praise You, O Lord, with my whole heart;
I will tell of all Your marvelous works.

Psalm 9:1
seashell on the beach shore

Fear not, for I am with you;
Be not dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you,
Yes, I will help you,
I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.’

Isaiah 41;10

We had nearly drowned that day. We stood in silence staring at the ocean like zombies for the rest of the day. We eventually took a walk along the beach and saw little children building sandcastles and two- and three-year-olds running near the ocean. I wanted to run up to everybody to tell them to get their babies, but I just was silent and numb. We took a walk on the boardwalk and watched the people enjoying the amusement rides, but we had no desire to get on any of the rides. When we arrived home, it was a somber feeling as we shared our experience with my sister’s ex-husband. He was very upset to hear what happened but very thankful that we were ok. I’m reminded of how close we came to losing our lives and thank God that he spared us that day.

What memory are you reminded of that you can give God thanks for today? From a minor event to the most tragic, every day is a day to live with gratitude. The sacrifice of Jesus for the penalty of sin is worthy of His praise and thankfulness for all He has done for us. Whether you are walking through a storm or a season of joy, there is a reason to be thankful and give Him praise!

The Healing Waters and Trees – 1st week of September 2025

The Lord led me to read Ezkiel 47 about two weeks after I posted this story. In the scripture, it describes the exact height of the water each time a wave hit me at the beach. I was able to get out of the water before it was too deep. I absolutely could not believe what I was reading. I never read this before in the Bible. This scripture also reminded me of Psalm 1:3 and Jer 17:8.

Ezk 47:3-12

3 “As the man went eastward with a measuring line in his hand, he measured off a thousand cubits and then led me through water that was ankle-deep. 4 He measured off another thousand cubits and led me through water that was knee-deep. He measured off another thousand and led me through water that was up to the waist. 5 He measured off another thousand, but now it was a river that I could not cross, because the water had risen and was deep enough to swim in—a river that no one could cross. 6 He asked me, “Son of man, do you see this?”

Then he led me back to the bank of the river. 7 When I arrived there, I saw a great number of trees on each side of the river. 8 He said to me, “This water flows toward the eastern region and goes down into the Arabah, where it enters the Dead Sea. When it empties into the sea, the salty water there becomes fresh. 9 Swarms of living creatures will live wherever the river flows. There will be large numbers of fish, because this water flows there and makes the salt water fresh; so where the river flows everything will live. 10 Fishermen will stand along the shore; from En Gedi to En Eglaim there will be places for spreading nets. The fish will be of many kinds—like the fish of the Mediterranean Sea. 11 But the swamps and marshes will not become fresh; they will be left for salt. 12 Fruit trees of all kinds will grow on both banks of the river. Their leaves will not wither, nor will their fruit fail. Every month they will bear fruit, because the water from the sanctuary flows to them. Their fruit will serve for food and their leaves for healing.”

Join the newsletter for devotional-style messages straight to your inbox! Receive the latest updates and inspiration within an intimate community. Subscribe today!

Subscribe

Bible Verses on Gratitude

1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Eph 5:20

Psalm 107:1

Col 3:17

Heb 12:28

Psalm 100:4-5

Psalm 118:29

Psalm 9:1

Psalm 7:17

The Power of Forgiveness: Embracing Freedom and Healing

Posted on by zeevacawford
Reply
Jesus on the cross, Easter, Resurrection, Easter Day, Forgiveness

Image by Romy from Pixabay

Forgiveness is often perceived as an act of kindness, a way of letting go of past grievances. Yet, forgiveness is much more than just a moral duty or a selfless gift to others. It is a powerful, life-changing practice that can bring profound freedom and healing. In a world filled with hurt, betrayal, and misunderstanding, forgiveness holds the key to restoring peace, not just with others, but within ourselves.

In this article, we will explore the strength of forgiveness, why it is essential, and how embracing it can lead us closer to true healing and freedom.

Moving Boxes, Releasing Stress, anxiety, problems, deadlines, break ups, work problems

Photo image from Pixabay Photographer Unknown

The Power of Letting Go

At its core, forgiveness is the act of releasing the pain and anger caused by someone’s actions. When we forgive, we let go of the emotional burden that holds us hostage. Forgiveness is not about excusing the wrongs done to us or pretending that they never happened. Rather, it is about choosing to release the power that those wrongs hold over our lives.

When we carry grudges or dwell on offenses, we often end up hurting ourselves more than anyone else. Holding onto anger may feel justifiable in the moment, but over time, it can cloud our judgment, distort our relationships, and weigh down our spirits. Forgiveness breaks this cycle, allowing us to move forward with peace and a renewed sense of hope.

Many find that exploring deeper spiritual insights can support them on this journey. Resources like Spiritual Life Stories offer enriching perspectives on forgiveness and healing, guiding individuals to embrace this transformative practice with compassion and grace.

Bible, opened book, book pages, Bible pages

Image by Tep Ro from Pixabay

The Biblical Foundation of Forgiveness

In Christianity, forgiveness is deeply rooted in the teachings of Jesus. One of the most well-known passages on forgiveness comes from the Lord’s Prayer, where Jesus instructs us to pray, “Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.” (Matthew 6:12, KJV). Jesus calls us not only to seek forgiveness but to extend it to others as well.

The Bible teaches us that forgiveness is a central component of our relationship with God and with others. Jesus himself demonstrated ultimate forgiveness on the cross when, as he was being crucified, he said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34). This radical act of forgiveness shows us the depth of God’s grace and calls us to embody that same forgiveness in our lives.

Forgiveness is not easy, especially when the pain runs deep. But we are reminded in Scripture that God forgives us, and in turn, we are called to forgive others. In Ephesians 4:32, Paul writes, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Our forgiveness of others is a reflection of the grace we have received from God, and it is through this grace that we find healing.

woman reading a book in bed

Image by Karolina Grabowska from Pixabay

Forgiveness Brings Inner Peace

When we choose forgiveness, we make a conscious decision to let go of the negativity that weighs on our hearts. Holding onto anger or resentment can create a toxic environment in our minds, leading to stress, bitterness, and even physical ailments. Studies have shown that unforgiveness can increase anxiety, depression, and blood pressure. On the other hand, when we forgive, we allow peace to replace bitterness, and healing to take place.

Forgiveness doesn’t mean that we forget the wrongs done to us or that we condone the harmful behavior. Rather, it means that we are choosing to release the hold that those negative feelings have over us. In this process, we find freedom—a freedom that allows us to move forward without the heavy burden of past pain.

The act of forgiving can feel like a weight has been lifted from our shoulders. It creates space for healing, not only in our hearts but in our relationships. It allows us to start fresh, without the emotional baggage of resentment dragging us down.

A couple piggybacking

The Healing Process of Forgiveness

Forgiveness is not always a one-time event. Sometimes, it takes time to truly forgive, especially when the hurt is deep or ongoing. The healing process is different for everyone, and it’s important to give ourselves the grace to go through it at our own pace.

Start by acknowledging the pain. It’s okay to feel hurt, angry, or betrayed. These emotions are valid, and it’s important to process them before we can truly forgive. Suppressing or ignoring our feelings only prolongs the healing process. But as we face the pain, we can begin to release it, one step at a time.

Remember that forgiveness is a gift we give ourselves, not just the person who hurt us. It’s about reclaiming our peace and our joy. Sometimes, forgiveness involves setting healthy boundaries or seeking reconciliation, but it always starts with the decision to let go of the need for revenge or justice and embrace grace instead.

drops of water, ripples of water, rain drops

Image by roegger from Pixabay

The Ripple Effect of Forgiveness

One of the most powerful aspects of forgiveness is its ability to create a ripple effect. When we forgive, we not only heal ourselves, but we also contribute to healing those around us. Forgiveness has the power to mend broken relationships, restore trust, and create a culture of compassion and understanding.

When others see us choose forgiveness over bitterness, it can inspire them to do the same. Forgiveness encourages empathy, fosters unity, and promotes peace in our families, workplaces, and communities. It teaches us that, despite our differences and struggles, we are all human, and we all need grace.

The ripple effect of forgiveness extends beyond our immediate relationships. It impacts the way we interact with the world. When we walk in forgiveness, we choose to be agents of peace in a world that desperately needs it.

woman crying, woman upset

Forgiveness and Self-Forgiveness

While we often think about forgiveness in terms of others, it’s equally important to practice self-forgiveness. Many of us carry guilt and shame from our own mistakes and regrets. We may struggle to forgive ourselves, believing that we are unworthy of grace.

But the truth is, just as God forgives us, we are called to forgive ourselves. In 1 John 1:9, we are reminded, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Just as God forgives us, we must learn to forgive ourselves, releasing guilt and shame and embracing the freedom that comes from knowing we are forgiven.

Self-forgiveness is a powerful step toward healing and growth. It allows us to move forward in life with a sense of peace and purpose, knowing that we are not defined by our past mistakes but by the grace of God.

Holy communion, bread, wine, grapes

Image by isaiasmanica1 from Pixabay

The Power of Forgiveness

Forgiveness is not easy, but it is one of the most powerful tools we have for healing and freedom. It’s an act of strength, not weakness, and it allows us to break free from the chains of anger, resentment, and bitterness. Forgiveness brings peace to our hearts, healing to our relationships, and freedom to our souls.

When we choose to forgive, we walk in the footsteps of Christ, reflecting the grace and mercy that He extends to us each day. Forgiveness is a gift we give ourselves and those around us—a gift that has the power to transform lives, restore peace, and heal wounds.

So, if you are struggling with forgiveness, remember that it is a process, not a destination. Take it one step at a time, and know that in choosing forgiveness, you are walking in strength, healing, and the freedom that God desires for you.

May you take time to reflect on Jesus during this Resurrection season and on the act of unconditional love, grace and forgiveness that Jesus provides.

If you enjoyed this post, please share or leave your comments below.

This post was generated partially with AI and modified by the contributing author.

Contributing Author Bio: Zeeva Usman is an experienced content manager at Christian Marketing. Experts and a content specialist at Salt of Heaven, where she uses her expertise to create impactful, faith-centered content. When she’s not crafting words, Zeeva finds joy in worshiping and singing for the Lord Jesus, drawing inspiration from her faith to encourage others.

Subscribe to the newsletter which is sent directly to your inbox for devotional-style encouragement and inspirational messages, purpose-driven tools and resources created for the Body of Christ as well as faith-based entrepreneurs, creatives, personal brands, non-profits and ministry organizations. Stay current with the latest updates and strengthen your walk in the Lord.

Subscribe Now