SignsOfStrength

Category: Uncategorized

  • Before  We Dive In

    “The Power In Choosing Differently“

    Welcome — I’m glad you’re here.  

    If this is your first time reading one of my posts, let me tell you what this space is about.  

    This is where we talk about real life, real patterns, real healing, and the kind of choices that shift your entire future.

    I write for people who want better.  

    People who feel the pull to grow.  

    People who are tired of cycles and ready for clarity, strength, and truth.

    So take a breath.  

    Settle in.  

    Let this message meet you where you are.  

    And whatever you do — don’t walk away the same.  

    If you’re here, something in you is ready for more.

    Let’s Talk About It:

    The Power in Choosing Differently

    Choosing differently sounds simple… but it’s not.  

    Old patterns are hard to break.  

    Old habits feel familiar.  

    Old cycles feel safe, even when they’re hurting you.

    There’s always a moment — quiet, subtle, almost easy to ignore — where you realize the old way isn’t working anymore.  

    It’s that internal whisper that rises up and says:

    “I can’t keep doing this.”

    And that right there… that’s the shift.  

    Not when life gets easier.  

    Not when people suddenly treat you better.  

    Not when circumstances magically fix themselves.  

    But when you decide, “I’m not choosing that anymore.”

    You’re not stuck — you’ve just been repeating choices that no longer serve you.  

    And the moment you see that, everything changes.

    Choosing differently is powerful.  

    It interrupts patterns.  

    It breaks cycles.  

    It silences the version of you that was just trying to survive…  

    and makes room for the version of you that’s finally ready to live.

    Who This Message Is For

    This message isn’t for one type of person.  

    It’s for anybody who’s tired of repeating the same story.

    It’s for the woman trying to lose weight but keeps slipping back into old habits — not because she’s weak, but because comfort is louder than change.

    It’s for the person who keeps doing wrong even though they know better — the one who feels convicted but still chooses the familiar path.

    It’s for the kids distracted by social media, losing focus, losing time, losing themselves — not realizing one different choice could shift their whole future.

    It’s for the person stuck in a toxic relationship — the one who knows they deserve better but keeps choosing the same cycle because it feels normal.

    It’s for the ones who drink, smoke, numb, lash out, or mistreat people — not because they’re bad, but because they haven’t learned how to choose differently yet.

    This is for anybody who’s ever whispered:

    “I want better… I just don’t know how to break this pattern.”

    Because the truth is:  

    You’re not powerless.  

    You’re not stuck.  

    You’re not too far gone.  

    You’re one choice away from a different life.

    The Discomfort of Choosing Differently

    People think choosing differently feels empowering.  

    Not at first.

    Choosing differently feels like:

    – Stepping into a room where everything is familiar except you  

    – Walking away from what you know without knowing what’s next  

    – Disappointing people who benefited from your old choices  

    – Breaking habits your mind is still loyal to  

    It’s emotional discomfort.  

    It’s spiritual stretching.  

    It’s mental discipline.  

    It’s the cost of growth.

    Growth doesn’t show up with comfort.  

    It shows up with tension.  

    And that tension is proof you’re shifting.

    The Reward of Choosing Differently

    But here’s the part people don’t talk about enough:  

    Once you push through the discomfort, the reward is undeniable.

    Choosing differently brings peace you didn’t know you were missing.  

    Clarity that makes old choices look small.  

    Elevation that feels natural because you’re finally aligned.  

    Better relationships because you’re no longer choosing from wounds.  

    Better boundaries because you finally value yourself.  

    Better outcomes because wisdom always produces fruit.

    And look — whether you believe it or not, we can’t stay the same.  

    We must grow.  

    We must be better.  

    We must choose differently, especially when we’re stuck in situations that are not feeding us life.

    And the Bible says it plainly:  

    “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” — Romans 12:2

    Transformation doesn’t start with a miracle.  

    It starts with a decision.

    The Identity Shift

    Choosing differently isn’t just about behavior.  

    It’s about identity.

    Every time you choose differently, you become:

    – More disciplined  

    – More aligned  

    – More aware  

    – More healed  

    – More like the version of you God always saw  

    This is where you stop surviving and start becoming.  

    This is where you say:

    “I’m not choosing from pain anymore. I’m choosing from purpose.”

    Prayer

    Lord, give me the courage to choose differently.  

    Strengthen my mind, steady my heart, and guide my steps.  

    Break every cycle that no longer serves my future.  

    Lead me into the version of myself You designed.  

    Amen.

    A Decision Only You Can Make

    If you’re tired of repeating what’s been breaking you, then today is the day you choose differently — not tomorrow, not “when things get better,” but right now, because your next level is waiting on one thing: your decision.

  • It’s in the Book 📖

    Not hidden.
    Not coded.
    Not reserved for the “deep” or the “qualified.”

    It’s right there for anybody who will slow down long enough to actually read it.

    And the beautiful part is this:
    When Jesus says, “Come to Me,” He’s not inviting us into religion, performance, or pressure.
    He’s inviting us into relationship — and the proof is in the pages.

    Let’s Talk About It

    Some people flip through the Bible like it’s a checklist.
    A verse here. A chapter there.

    But if you ever pause — really pause — and read it for yourself, you’ll see something:

    It’s all there.

    The comfort.
    The clarity.
    The correction.
    The rest your soul has been begging for.

    Jesus didn’t hide His invitation.
    He said it plainly:

    “Come to Me… and I will give you rest.”

    Not stress.
    Not confusion.
    Not hoops to jump through.

    Rest.

    And the more you read, the more you realize:
    He meant every word.

    So today, take a moment.
    Open the Book.
    Let the words breathe again.
    Let them meet you where you are.
    Let them lift what you’ve been carrying.

    Because everything you’ve been searching for —
    it’s in the Book.

    Let’s pray 🙏🏽

    Lord, thank You for giving us a place to run when life gets heavy.
    Thank You for speaking rest to our souls through Your Word.
    Open our eyes to see what’s written, open our hearts to receive it,
    and remind us that Your invitation is always open, always gentle, always real.
    Meet us in the pages, and let Your truth settle us from the inside out. Amen.

    Invitation

    If you’ve been tired, searching, overwhelmed, or carrying more than you admit…
    start with one moment today.
    One verse.
    One pause.
    One breath.

    You don’t have to perform.
    You don’t have to qualify.
    You don’t have to figure everything out.

    Just come.
    Just open the Book.
    Just let Him meet you.

    Because relationship starts with a response —
    and He’s already extended the invitation…

  • ✨ A Rest That Reaches the Soul

    When Jesus says, “Come to me,” He isn’t calling the strong, the polished, or the put‑together.
    He’s calling the weary — the ones carrying too much, holding too much, surviving too much.

    He doesn’t say, “Fix yourself first.”
    He doesn’t say, “Be stronger.”
    He simply says, come.

    And then He makes a promise only He can keep:

    I will give you rest.
    Not a nap. Not a break.
    Rest for your soul.

    Take my yoke.
    Meaning: Let Me carry the weight with you.

    Learn from Me.
    Meaning: Let My gentleness teach you how to breathe again.

    You will find rest.
    Not “you might.”
    Not “if you’re good enough.”
    You will.

    This is the kind of rest that reaches the places no one sees —
    the tired mind,
    the stretched heart,
    the silent battles,
    the private burdens.

    It’s the rest that reminds you:

    You don’t have to be strong all the time.
    You don’t have to hold everything together.
    You don’t have to pretend you’re not tired.

    You just have to come.

    PRAYER

    God, meet the one reading this in the quiet places of their heart. Lift what feels heavy, calm what feels loud, and remind them they don’t walk alone. Let Your rest reach the places they don’t talk about. Amen.

  • Let’s Talk About It: Understanding Fashion, Leadership, and Public Perception

    Let’s talk about it — because clearly the internet has been talking.

    Over the past few days, people have ask me what I think about Dr. Karri Turner Bryant’s gown at the UNCF Mayor’s Masked Ball. And honestly, I wasn’t planning to say anything. But since the conversation keeps circling back to me, let’s go ahead and unpack it.

    First of all, I’ve always liked her.
    She’s been bold, fashionable, and unapologetically stylish long before she married Pastor Jamal Bryant. Her style didn’t suddenly appear because of a title. The only thing that changed was the spotlight.

    Now, yes — the dress went viral.
    Yes — people had opinions.
    And yes — the internet did what the internet does.

    Some folks said it was too revealing.
    Others said it was a gala, not a church service.
    And Pastor Bryant himself said he bought the dress, approved the dress, and reminded everyone that she’s married to him — not the internet.

    But here’s where I land:

    This conversation is bigger than a dress.

    It’s about leadership.
    It’s about visibility.
    It’s about the expectations placed on women — especially women connected to ministry.

    Because let’s be honest…
    Most women know when an outfit is going to turn heads.
    We know when we’re stepping into “statement” territory.
    That’s not judgment — that’s awareness.

    And here’s the part people forget:

    The title “First Lady” isn’t biblical.
    It’s a cultural role the church created.
    And once that title is placed on you, whether you asked for it or not, people expect representation.
    Not perfection. Not bondage. But wisdom.

    Leadership doesn’t clock out.
    Visibility doesn’t turn off.
    Influence is a mantle, not a mood.

    So my stance is simple:

    I respect her freedom as a woman.
    I understand her intention.
    But I also recognize that when you’re connected to spiritual leadership, your choices echo louder — even at a gala.

    She didn’t change.
    The spotlight did.

    And that’s why the conversation is happening.

    A Prayer for Women in Leadership

    Father, we lift up every woman You’ve called to lead — in the church, in the home, in business, in community, and in every space where her presence carries weight.

    Strengthen her shoulders for the mantle she carries.
    Remind her that leadership is not about perfection, but about purpose.
    Cover her mind from the noise of public opinion and anchor her identity in You alone.

    Give her wisdom to navigate visibility with grace.
    Give her discernment to know when to speak and when to be still.
    Give her confidence to walk boldly in the gifts You placed inside her long before any title was attached to her name.

    Protect her heart from comparison, criticism, and pressure.
    Let her know she is not defined by a moment, a mistake, or a misunderstanding — but by Your calling, Your covering, and Your love.

    Surround her with people who see her humanity, not just her role.
    People who pray for her, not prey on her.
    People who uplift her, not use her.

    And Lord, remind every woman in leadership that she is allowed to grow, evolve, and be fully herself — even under the spotlight.
    Let her shine without shame.
    Let her stand without shrinking.
    Let her lead without losing the softness You gave her.

    May her life reflect Your glory.
    May her choices reflect Your wisdom.
    And may her journey reflect Your grace.

    In Jesus’ name, Amen.

  • Let’s Talk About It-Decision. Choices. Consequences.

    Every single day, we stand between two voices:

    😇 The one that whispers truth, peace, and wisdom
    🤘 The one that pushes impulse, ego, and old patterns
    👁️ And you in the middle — the deciding factor

    And this is why James 1:14 stays in my spirit:
    “Each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own desire and enticed.”

    This verse teaches that temptation doesn’t come from other people…
    it comes from inside us — our own desires, impulses, and unhealed places.

    And that’s exactly what this angel 😇 / devil 🤘 moment represents:

    • The angel = conviction
    • The devil = temptation
    • You in the middle = the deciding factor
    • James 1:14 basically says:
    • “It’s not the enemy outside you — it’s the desires inside you that pull you off track.”

    And this is why that scripture stays in my spirit —
    because it reminds me that temptation doesn’t come from the outside.
    It comes from my own desires trying to drag me back into old patterns.
    The battle is internal.
    The decision is mine.
    And the consequences follow whichever voice I choose.

    Discernment is what helps you make the right choice.
    It’s the ability to see what’s true, good, and right even when it’s not obvious.
    It’s deeper than reacting and deeper than emotion.
    It’s that blend of insight, intuition, and spiritual guidance that helps you slow down and ask:

    “Is this the right choice or just the easy one?”
    “Is this growth or my desire dragging me?”

    Discernment helps you recognize motives, paths, and consequences before you step into them.
    It keeps you from bumping your head over and over again.

    And let me say this plainly: being stubborn will waste a lot of time in your life.
    Life is constantly changing, and the faster you learn, the better off you’ll be.
    The quicker you listen, the fewer consequences you’ll have to recover from.
    Wisdom doesn’t just protect your future —
    it lets you actually enjoy your life instead of spending years fixing avoidable mistakes.

    And I can say this because I lived it.
    I never thought I knew everything — that was never my issue.
    My struggle was believing I couldn’t depend on anyone, so I decided to walk alone.
    Not because I was wise, but because I was wounded.
    Not because I didn’t need help, but because I didn’t trust it.

    And walking alone taught me some hard lessons.
    It made me strong, yes — but it also made me stubborn.
    It protected me, but it also cost me.
    Because independence without discernment becomes isolation,
    and isolation will make you carry weights you were never meant to lift by yourself.

    Young people — hear me clearly.
    If you learn early, you avoid a lot of consequences later.
    Don’t be so smart that you stop listening.
    Don’t be so grown that you can’t take guidance.
    Don’t be so confident that you ignore understanding.

    Life will teach you the same lesson over and over
    until you finally humble yourself enough to learn it.

    Every decision you make shapes the life you live.
    Every choice carries a consequence.
    And every moment gives you a chance to choose better than you did before.

    Choose wisely.
    Choose with discernment.
    Choose with your future in mind.

    Prayer

    God, give me the wisdom to recognize the voices that guide me,
    the strength to choose what is right over what is easy,
    and the discernment to see beyond my desires and into Your truth.
    Heal the places in me that react from pain, pride, or fear.
    Teach me to listen, to slow down, and to choose with intention.
    Protect my steps, guard my heart, and guide my decisions.
    And for every young person reading this
    cover them with clarity, humility, and understanding
    so they don’t have to learn the hard way.
    Amen.

  • 🌿 AGING WILL COME

    Holiday / New Year Edition

    Starting over is beautiful. Becoming a new being is powerful.
    But let’s be honest — we are all aging into this new year.
    We’re carrying years of lessons, years of growth, years of truth.
    Aging doesn’t stop just because the calendar resets.
    But neither does our ability to choose differently.

    Aging will come — no matter what.
    We can’t hide it.
    We can’t run from it.
    We can’t prevent it.

    It’s the one thing we all have in common,
    the one thing every living person will face
    as long as we’re still here on this earth.

    But aging isn’t the problem.
    It’s our choice how we choose to live through it.
    How we show up.
    How we grow.
    How we honor the life we’ve survived.

    Because yes — you can fix your teeth,
    lift your breasts,
    tighten your body,
    smooth your face.
    And there’s nothing wrong with wanting to feel good in your skin.

    But even after all of that,
    aging still shows up in the places surgery can’t reach.

    Aging shows up in your habits.
    In your peace.
    In your boundaries.
    In your relationships.
    In your healing.
    In your honesty with yourself.

    It shows up in what you feed your body
    and who you let into your body.
    It shows up in your choices,
    your patterns,
    your discipline,
    your environment,
    and the people you allow to shape your life.

    Because aging isn’t just physical —
    it’s spiritual, emotional, and mental.
    It’s the story your life has been telling
    even when your mouth stayed quiet.

    Sometimes aging is painful
    because it tells the truth.
    It reveals what we’ve carried,
    what we’ve ignored,
    and what we’ve allowed.

    Aging doesn’t just show years…
    it shows choices.

    And this is where the Word speaks louder than anything else:

    “Though outwardly we are wasting away,
    yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.”
    — 2 Corinthians 4:16

    That verse reminds us:
    yes, the body ages…
    but the spirit can stay fresh, strong, renewed, and alive
    if we take care of what’s happening on the inside.

    ✨ LET’S TALK ABOUT WHAT WE ALL FACE

    Aging is something every one of us will walk through.
    It doesn’t matter your background, your status, your money, your beauty, or your age —
    if you’re still alive on this earth, you will face it.
    But you don’t have to face it alone.

    PRAYER

    Father, thank You for the gift of life —
    for every year, every lesson, every wrinkle, every strand of gray
    that reminds us we are still here.

    Teach us to age with grace,
    to grow with wisdom,
    and to live with intention.

    Renew us from the inside out.
    Heal the parts of us that time has touched,
    and strengthen the places where life has worn us down.

    Help us make choices that honor our bodies,
    protect our spirits,
    and guard our peace.
    Surround us with people who lift us,
    love us,
    and speak life into us.

    And as we face the truth that aging will come,
    remind us that Your renewal comes too — day by day.

    Amen

    ✨ A Final Truth to Carry Forward

    Aging will come — but how you live, love, heal, and show up is still your choice.

  • ✨ Let’s Talk About Forgiveness…

    Let’s talk about forgiveness — not the easy kind people mention casually, but the real kind that costs you something. The kind where you release resentment even when you had every right to hold on to it. The kind where you choose mercy over retaliation, love over bitterness.

    Forgiveness is hard — I know because I had to walk through it myself. I had to forgive my mom and dad. Forgiving my mom came easy, but forgiving my dad took time. As he got older, I realized I couldn’t shape him into who I wanted him to be — but I could choose peace, love him where he is, and embrace the moments we still get to share.

    Forgiveness isn’t about pretending it didn’t hurt. It’s not about forgetting what happened or excusing the behavior. It’s about refusing to let the wound control you. It’s about letting go of the debt so it no longer has a hold on your heart.

    And you know me — everything I write, I back it up with scripture or facts.

    When you read the Bible, it speaks clearly about forgiveness.
    Luke 17:3 teaches us to forgive when someone repents.
    Ephesians 4:32 reminds us to be kind, tenderhearted, and to forgive others just as God forgave us.

    Forgiveness doesn’t change what happened, but it does change what’s possible. Don’t be stubborn — let your heart forgive so you don’t live with regrets later. Forgiveness won’t fix the past, but it will free your future. Don’t wait until you’re saying:

    “I wish I would have.”

    Happy Forgiveness.

  • ✨ I STARTED SEEING ME

    Let’s Talk About It

    Sometimes healing begins in the quietest moments —
    like catching your own reflection
    and realizing you’ve been carrying more
    than your face ever said out loud.

    This post is for anyone who has worn stress in their skin,
    held grief in their bones,
    or forgotten to give themselves grace
    while surviving what tried to break them.

    I STARTED SEEING ME

    I used to be shy around the camera.
    Used to dodge the lens.
    Used to think pictures were proof
    of how tired I’d been.

    But then I looked in the mirror…
    and saw smile lines.
    Gray strands.
    A face that had carried
    more than it ever said out loud.

    Stress had settled in my skin.
    Grief had etched itself into my jawline.
    Worry had made a home in my shoulders.

    And I realized —
    I wasn’t just physically tired.
    I was emotionally shattered,
    carrying the weight of my son,
    my brother,
    and a heart cracked in places
    no one could see.

    But faith held me.
    And my daughters reminded me
    that legacy lives in laughter,
    not just survival.

    And one scripture kept me steady —
    not because you have to be religious,
    but because truth is truth
    and strength is strength:

    “We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed;
    perplexed, but not in despair;
    persecuted, but not abandoned;
    struck down, but not destroyed.”
    — 2 Corinthians 4:8–9

    You don’t need a title or a label
    to feel the power in that.
    It’s simply a reminder
    that pressure doesn’t mean defeat
    and survival is still victory.

    So I started showing up.
    Started taking the picture.
    Started living in the moment
    instead of hiding from it.

    Because healing doesn’t just happen in your heart —
    it shows up in your face.
    It shows up in your posture.
    It shows up in your joy.

    So if you’re getting older…
    Stop stressing.
    Start living.
    Make memories.
    Take the picture.
    Smile with your whole soul.

    Because every wrinkle, every gray strand,
    every laugh line
    is proof that you made it through
    what tried to break you.

    And that’s worth capturing.

    FINAL THOUGHT

    If this message touched you,
    share it with someone who needs a reminder
    that they’re stronger than what they’ve survived.

    Choose joy today.
    Take the picture.
    Live your life with intention and softness.

    SUPPORT THIS MINISTRY

    If this message blessed, you
    and you’d like to sow into the work God is doing through Signs of Strength,
    you can reach out to us

    Thank you:

    Your support helps this ministry reach more hearts,
    create more healing content,
    and continue building a legacy of faith, strength, and restoration.

  • ✨ LET’S TALK ABOUT COMMUNICATION — THE HARD STUFF WE DON’T SAY OUT LOUD

    There are conversations we avoid.
    Conversations we postpone.
    Conversations we bury under silence, assumptions, and pride.

    Not the dramatic moments.
    Not the loud arguments.
    Not the obvious betrayals.

    I’m talking about the quiet things:

    Miscommunication.
    No communication.
    Unspoken feelings.
    Unresolved truths.
    Silence that grows into distance.
    Assumptions that break what honesty could have saved.

    This is the part of communication nobody teaches us — the part that destroys families, friendships, marriages, and even faith circles without a single word being spoken.

    And today, we’re going there.

    Because I’ve lived this.
    I’ve seen what silence can do.
    I’ve watched misunderstandings turn into separation.
    I’ve carried the weight of stories that weren’t even true.

    And I know I’m not the only one.

    💬 Conversation One: Miscommunication, Unresolved Truths & Silence

    Miscommunication is one of the biggest relationship killers — not because people don’t care, but because people don’t talk.

    We assume.
    We guess.
    We fill in the blanks with our own fears, wounds, and past experiences.

    And silence?
    Silence is loud.
    Silence is dangerous.
    Silence creates stories that never happened.

    People walk around with regrets like:

    “I wish I would’ve listened.”
    “I wish we could’ve talked.”
    “I wish I would’ve said what I really felt.”

    Those regrets sit in the heart like unfinished sentences.

    If something can be fixed, make your peace while you still can.
    Not for them — for you.

    💬 Conversation Two: When One Incident Changes Everything

    Sometimes it’s not what happened — it’s what people think happened.

    And sometimes people stop communicating with you not because of the truth, but because of gossip, hurt feelings, or assumptions that were never checked.

    I lived through this.

    Years ago, my ex‑husband told people I hit him with a car — or they assumed I did because I stayed silent.
    What they didn’t know is this: he came over looking for trouble.

    I never spoke on it.
    I let people think whatever they wanted to think.

    But here’s the truth:
    I was almost charged for something I didn’t do — until I finally communicated with the police and explained what really happened.
    He jumped on the car.
    I was driving off.
    He fell.

    One moment.
    One misunderstanding.
    One false story.

    And that’s the danger of silence.
    That’s the danger of assumptions.
    That’s the danger of letting gossip speak louder than truth.

    People will always assume the worst.
    People will always create their own version of events.
    And it is not your responsibility to chase down every rumor or correct every perspective.

    ✨ You can’t control what people hear. You can only control what you communicate.

    💬 Conversation Three: Gossip, Assumptions & Texting

    People will stop communicating with you because of:

    • something they heard
    • something they assumed
    • something someone else told them
    • something they misunderstood

    And today, communication is even more complicated.

    We communicate through text messages, and while texting is convenient, it’s also dangerous.

    A text can be:

    • misread
    • misinterpreted
    • taken out of context
    • filtered through someone’s emotions instead of your intention

    Some conversations cannot be handled through a screen.
    Some truths need a voice, not a message bubble.
    Some misunderstandings need tone, presence, and clarity.

    💬 Conversation Four: The Things We Leave Unspoken

    As time passes, we leave things unsaid.
    We avoid the hard conversations.
    We let pride, fear, or assumptions do the talking for us.

    But unspoken truth is still truth.
    Unspoken hurt is still hurt.
    Unspoken love is still love.

    Some relationships didn’t end because of betrayal —
    they ended because nobody talked.

    Some families didn’t break because of disrespect —
    they broke because nobody cleared the air.

    Some friendships didn’t fade because of conflict —
    they faded because both sides waited for the other to speak first.

    Unspoken things have power.
    And they don’t disappear just because we avoid them.

    💬 Conversation Five: The 7 Cs of Communication

    Let’s pause here. We’ve talked about silence, misunderstanding, and emotional distance. But now it’s time to ask: How do we actually communicate well? The 7 Cs give us a simple, powerful framework to guide us.

    If we’re going to talk about communication, we have to talk about how we communicate — not just what we say.

    The 7 Cs of Communication align beautifully with scripture:

    1. Clarity — Say what you mean.
    2. Completeness — Give the full truth.
    3. Conciseness — Speak with purpose.
    4. Correctness — Be accurate and honest.
    5. Courtesy — Tone matters.
    6. Consideration — Think about how your words land.
    7. Concreteness — Be specific and clear.

    Healthy communication is intentional communication.

    💬 Conversation Six: What God Says About Communication

    God has always cared about how we speak.

    Colossians 4:6
    “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt…”

    Proverbs 18:21
    “The tongue has the power of life and death.”

    Ephesians 4:29
    Use your words to build, not tear down.

    Matthew 28:19
    Even the Great Commission is rooted in communication.

    Communication isn’t just a skill — it’s a spiritual responsibility.

    💬 Conversation Seven: Effective Communication Requires a Softened Heart

    You can’t communicate effectively with a hardened heart.

    A hardened heart:

    • blocks understanding
    • blocks compassion
    • blocks clarity
    • blocks healing

    Scripture says:

    Ezekiel 36:26
    “I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.”

    Proverbs 15:1
    “A gentle answer turns away wrath…”

    Before we can speak clearly, we must feel clearly.
    Before we can resolve conflict, we must release pride.
    Before we can heal relationships, we must let God soften the places we’ve hardened.

    ✨ A soft heart communicates better than a sharp tongue ever will.

    💬 Conversation Eight: Don’t Just Read This — Do the Work

    Don’t just read this and walk away unchanged.
    Find a way to unlock the things you’ve kept buried for years.
    Get out of your own way.
    Do it for your children, so they can see love, see healing, and learn how to communicate effectively.

    This is why I wrote this:

    • People who haven’t spoken in years will rethink their silence.
    • People who misunderstood each other will finally see the other side.
    • People who carried guilt or confusion will feel seen.
    • People who were hurt by gossip will feel validated.
    • People who avoided conversations will feel convicted — in a good way.

    This message isn’t just information — it’s an invitation.

    Prayer

    Father, soften our hearts.
    Teach us to speak with clarity, grace, and truth.
    Heal the wounds caused by silence, assumptions, and miscommunication.
    Give us the courage to have the conversations we’ve avoided.
    Restore what can be restored.
    And give us peace where release is necessary.
    Amen.

    🌟 Support This Ministry

    If this message spoke to you, encouraged you, or gave you clarity, you’re welcome to sow into this ministry as I continue creating Signs of Strength and pouring into this community.

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  • ✨ Let’s Talk About Wisdom…

    Let’s talk about Wisdom — not the kind people claim just because they’ve lived a little, but the kind you earn through real life, real lessons, and real growth.

    I can only speak from what I’ve lived. And what life has taught me is this: wisdom doesn’t automatically show up just because you got older or went through something. Everybody goes through something — but not everybody grows through it.

    Wisdom shows up when you slow down long enough to reflect…
    to be honest with yourself…
    to learn from your choices…
    and to see life from a different angle.

    Life will teach you — but wisdom is what you gain when you actually process the lesson, not just survive the moment.

    And the scripture that helped me understand that is:

    “For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.” — Proverbs 2:6

    That’s why I’ve been studying wisdom.
    That’s why I seek it.
    That’s why I pray for it.

    Because experience may shape you… but only God can give you the wisdom to carry what life teaches you.