Where God's Hard Truth Meets Your Hard Story...
Hey Friend,

I have appreciated the work of Brené Brown for years. Brené is a shame researcher — yes, that's a real job. She gave a Ted Talk about Vulnerability over a decade ago that catapulted her into the limelight. She began a national conversation about how our willingness to be vulnerable influences our relationships. 

My favorite book of hers is The Gifts of Imperfection, and I have recommended it to dozens of people. It has been a helpful guide to understanding myself and my behavior in relationships. One of the things I learned from Brené is to talk to myself the way I would speak to my children.
At the STL airport before heading to Disney in May
Selfie by long-armed Alex Baughman
When I encounter a difficult circumstance, my habit has long been to find fault in myself, then point out and condemn myself for it. It is self-shaming and destructive and doesn't align with how God, my loving Father, speaks to me. If I talked to my boys in this hopeless, angry, unforgiving way, they'd be hurt. 

So, I ask myself, "If Alex or Josh found themselves in this situation, how would I talk to them?" Then I do my best to talk to myself with that grace, knowing this kind of gentleness is closer to the loving voice of God.
This week on the podcast, Quinnise Pettway joins me to talk about experiencing God as a loving Father. Too often, we see Him as One who only places rules on us and punishing us when we don't live by those rules. 

But God loves us even in (especially in) moments we find it challenging to love ourselves. He offers a standing invitation to rest in His guidance wherever we find ourselves until we can again stand on solid ground.
Peace,
PS I love hearing from you, and I respond to every message.
In episode #109, Quinnise Pettway talks about the unconditional love our Heavenly Father has for His children. Click here to watch or listen to the conversation.
Would you like to study the verse of the week with us?
Guest Appearances
As a guest on The Refuge Podcast with my friend and fellow ministry partner Jenni Elwood, we talk about talking to your emotional triggers. You can listen here: Finding Rest in Christ by Talking to Your Triggers
As a guest on the Victorious Souls Podcast I share about trauma and recovery involved several experiences that have changed the direction of my life. You can listen here: Love Yourself: From Survive to THRIVE


You get a great selection of books and $20 to spend on Amazon any way you choose!
In-Person Step By Step Workshop
Creal Springs, Illinois
Saturday, July 23, 2022 // 9:30 AM - 2:00 PM CT
Are You Interested in Learning a Fresh Bible Study Method?
Many of us desire to live in God’s will, but we struggle to find personal application when reading the Bible.


Join me for a Step By Step workshop to learn a new method of studying scripture for life application.


The theme of this workshop is staying focused on God in a world of chaos and confusion.
What’s included?

  • Teaching that helps participants gain confidence in their personal study
  • Fellowship in a relaxed, in-person environment
  • Resources to take home for continued study
  • Invitation for ongoing online study opportunities
  • Yummy lunch