About two months ago, I nervously stepped out on faith to ask a woman for an interview that I've admired from a distance. Dr. Karen Swallow Prior is someone that I started following after hearing her speak at the MLK50 Conference that I attended almost three years ago. Since then, I've listened to her speak up through her writing on social … [Read more...] about How to Speak Up with Boldness & Kindness
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A Little Break for Fun and Fashion!
Ok. You all know me here as a pretty serious girl, talking and writing about all the serious things. But I'm a GIRL too, you know? I've been watching my friend Shari Braendel's YouTube Channel and Instagram account for all the fashion things, and last week I dove into everything she's been teaching me! Here's a fun Facebook Live that we did all … [Read more...] about A Little Break for Fun and Fashion!
Speaking Up in Winsome Ways
I hope you're enjoying these interviews on how to speak up in godly ways! I'm learning something new-- a new tip, script, or way of thinking-- from each woman. It's really been fascinating to ask the same set of questions to four different women and hear four different answers. Each one has brought her strengths to the table! This week, I … [Read more...] about Speaking Up in Winsome Ways
How to Persevere in Speaking Up
So... I blew it online today. Sigh. Instead of calling a guy up (I mean, he was a STRANGER who made a nasty personal assumption about me, and he was dead wrong, and... ahem.), my emotions got the best of me, and I called him out instead. (I wasn't totally nasty, but I let some snark slip.) This is a process, isn't it? I should have … [Read more...] about How to Persevere in Speaking Up
Developing Deep Roots for a Strong Voice
This week I'm beyond excited to launch a series of four interviews with a very special group of women, women who are known for their tender hearts and strong voices. These are women that I've seen speak up in real life in godly ways, and I can't wait for us to learn from them. Each woman shares lessons that we can take into our everyday life as … [Read more...] about Developing Deep Roots for a Strong Voice
How to Be a Godly Woman Who Speaks Up in Godly Ways
Politics. Race. Covid. Mercy me. It seems like our world is steeped in issues with hoards of people who have LOTS to say. There are daily opportunities to use our voice (especially on social media) which lead to a myriad of opportunities to either get ourselves in trouble or to do a little good. I'm left with the question, "How can a … [Read more...] about How to Be a Godly Woman Who Speaks Up in Godly Ways
How to Fight Feeling Unlovable
There are all kinds of things that make us feel unlovable. They can be a small as a pimple mixed with our wrinkles, a spat with your spouse, or a tech glitch that makes you feel like the dummy they write those books about. Or we can feel unlovable for truly traumatic reasons like a besmiched past, being shamed by those who should have loved us, … [Read more...] about How to Fight Feeling Unlovable
Speaking Up
I've been so absent here, and please know that it's not escaping my attention. I have lots of good reasons but no good excuses so I'll spare you. :) Even though I haven't been writing here much, God has definitely been opening doors for me to live the message I've been sharing here: Listen --> Feel --> Do--> Speak In particular, … [Read more...] about Speaking Up
30 Days Toward Unity and Love
Hi, friends! With both excitement and trembling, I have an announcement. Because of the prompting of God in the dire times we're living through, I'm going to take a blogging break to actually live out the "speak" step that I've been working toward. If the description tugs at your heart, I'd love for you to join me in a private Facebook group. … [Read more...] about 30 Days Toward Unity and Love
Leaving Self-Protective Silence Behind
Alright... here we go gang. I'm officially breaking my self-protective silence. Today, we're diving headfirst into the last step of our process to develop a tender heart and a strong voice. Listen --> Feel --> Do --> Speak (Remember that process? If you need a review you can reread "God's Path to Tender Hearts and Strong … [Read more...] about Leaving Self-Protective Silence Behind
A Prayer for Seasoned Saints
Oh my. I was so moved last week by your comments and prayer requests, and I've gone through them all again today, praying for those you love. I was also touched by how tenderly Isabel responded. She's a rock star, and y'all should know that she's printed a copy of each request so that she and her team would make sure to pray for each one. Thank … [Read more...] about A Prayer for Seasoned Saints
Use Your Voice to Love
Today, I'm giving you a little interlude so that you can hear a new voice on the blog. I connected with Isabel Tom months ago right before the release of her new book, The Value of Wrinkles. I was so taken with her message that advocates for the older generation that I promised her a spot on the blog. She has a tender heart for the elderly and a … [Read more...] about Use Your Voice to Love
The Power of Downsized Expectations
Reminder: If you've read Exhale, Cheri and I would be so honored by your Amazon review! Will you help us reach our goal of 100+ reviews by the end of April? If our goal of 100+ is reached, we're randomly choosing four reviewers to receive a $25 Amazon gift card. (Don't tell anybody, but I hope YOU win! ;)) After months of researching to find the … [Read more...] about The Power of Downsized Expectations
How to Overcome the Obstacle of Not Knowing
Weeks ago, I began a series about taking action to make a difference, and then COVID-19 happened. I felt derailed as we all grappled with the resulting emotions and changes in life. But I'm getting my groove back in the midst of a new normal, and I'm ready to dive back in. Even I'd forgotten where I left off, so here are the links for the posts … [Read more...] about How to Overcome the Obstacle of Not Knowing
Five Minutes from My Heart
In the midst of the crisis around us, I've found myself lacking the brain-space or energy to blog like I usually do, but today I sat down to talk to you heart-to-heart for five minutes. It's not scripted. It's not polished. I didn't do preparation (except in my head) or notes. I simply spoke what I feel for you and what I'd love for us … [Read more...] about Five Minutes from My Heart
