The Shortcut Called Truth

, ,

Proverbs 10:9 – Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out.

I was thirteen, perched on the edge of the couch, eyes glued to the screen. Harrison Ford was on the run, and I was right there with him.

This was the first time I saw The Fugitive. My chest tightened and my palms sweated with every plot twist and chase scene.

But before I could see the ending, my mom came in and shut it down. Bedtime. That night I tossed and turned, consumed by one question: How does it end?

The next morning, school was a blur. Teachers lectured, friends joked, and I sat replaying the movie in my head. By mid-morning, I had a plan.

I decided to fake an asthma attack. I clutched my chest, wheezed, and played it up so well they called my parents. I thought, Yes. Now I can find out how the movie ends.

Only I never made it home. The school also called the hospital.

Minutes later, I was flat on a gurney, fluorescent lights rushing above me, nurses surrounding me, and two adrenaline shots pumping into my body. My “clever plan” had landed me in a very real mess.

Eventually, I broke. Red-faced and ashamed, I told the truth. The punishment was merciless. No more movie. No ending. My little shortcut had cost me the very thing I wanted most.

Looking back, I still laugh at the irony. I thought bending the truth would get me where I wanted to go faster. Instead, it only set me back.

Proverbs 10:9 says it this way: “Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out.”

The truth? The path of life is found in walking honestly, even when it’s hard. Integrity isn’t the easy way — but it is the sure way. And that is a lot easier to live with than a gurney and two shots of adrenaline.

— Micah Tyler

 

A MOMENT TO REFLECT

  • What “shortcuts” or compromises have you considered that might cost you integrity?
  • How does Proverbs 10:9 challenge the way you live your daily life?
  • What does walking in integrity look like for you in your relationships, work, or personal life?
  • When have you experienced the peace that comes from choosing truth over convenience?
/by

Choosing To Keep Moving

,

Galatians 6:9 – And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.

The whole thing started with a pair of leggings that let me down.

I stood in front of the mirror tugging, pulling, sighing, until I finally gave up. Nothing fit. Nothing felt right. I wanted to slam the drawer shut and crawl back under the covers.

My body was different now. Having a baby will do that. And while I knew it in my head, facing it in the mirror was something else entirely.

I’m heavier than I was before, and that truth stung more than I wanted to admit. Especially for somebody like me. I’m a coach and fitness instructor. I’ve always taught other people how to keep going. But here I was, feeling defeated by a pile of clothes that didn’t fit.

I was supposed to be getting ready to go to the gym. The plan was to move, sweat, and work on my health, but I got so frustrated that I decided not to go.

Don’t you know, that’s exactly how the enemy works. He will really try to discourage you when you are just trying to do the right thing. The devil would love to see us stay stuck.

But later on, after the sting wore off, I thought to myself, “What do you mean? I should have went to the gym. I will never let myself get discouraged like that again.”

So I made a promise to myself that day. “Next time I’m going. I will wear my husband’s clothes to the gym if I have to. I don’t care.”

Because at the end of the day, it’s not about how I look. God has called me to stand up against disappointment and defeat, so I’m going to show up anyway.

“And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” — Galatians 6:9

And maybe that’s where you are, too. Maybe it feels like life is stacking up all the little reasons not to keep going. But let me tell you—God’s victories don’t wait for perfect circumstances.

They wait for us to show up.

So show up. Even if it’s messy. Even if the leggings don’t fit.

 

A MOMENT TO REFLECT

  • What “small discouragements” are tempting you to give up right now? How might God be inviting you to keep showing up despite them?
  • Galatians 6:9 reminds us that perseverance leads to a harvest. What harvest are you praying for in your life?
  • How could shifting your focus from “perfection” to simply showing up change the way you approach your daily challenges?
/by

Hope For Troubled Minds

,

Romans 8:6 – For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.

Grace used to think she was the problem.

Not in the playful, “bless her heart” kind of way, but in the way that convinces you the world might be better off without you in it.

She was a teenager then, carrying the heavy weight of PTSD, each thread stitched tight from years of relentless bullying. It clung to her like a damp coat she couldn’t shrug off. The days felt dark, but the nights—those were worse. Silence has a way of amplifying the cruelest thoughts, and hers were growing sharper by the day.

One night, she decided she was done. Not angry. Not tearful. Just done.

And that is when the music came.

It was a Christian song—not one she sought out, and she could never quite explain how it reached her. But it did. It didn’t fix everything in a neat, storybook ending. But it stopped her freefall for one fragile moment. Long enough for her lungs to fill with hope.

She listened until the song finished. Then she played it again. And again. Over the next several months, peace began to wash over her, and she felt the love of Jesus like never had before.

But she still struggled. So she found a really good counselor, and through their sessions, she slowly and deliberately chose to live again.

Now, when Grace shares her story, she isn’t afraid to tell the whole truth. God saved her—but it’s okay to talk about the journey, messy parts included. Faith and mental health, she discovered, are not enemies.

“For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.” — Romans 8:6

Jesus loves the whole person. Sometimes He arrives in a song. Sometimes He shows up in a kind word from a counselor. And sometimes, He simply gives you the strength to take the next step.

Now Grace writes songs of her own. She hopes to share them with other students just like her, sitting in the dark thinking the end is the only option.

Because she knows with confidence that God is not afraid of tangled minds.

 

A MOMENT TO REFLECT

  • When have you felt like life’s pain or darkness was too heavy to carry? Where did you see God show up for you in that season?
  • Romans 8:6 speaks of “life and peace” when we set our minds on the Spirit. What practices help you fix your thoughts on God’s Spirit when your mind feels overwhelmed?
  • How might God be calling you to be a lifeline—through music, words, or presence—for someone who feels unseen or hopeless today?
/by

The Gift That Changes Everything

,

Matthew 25:40 — Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.

Sergio grew up learning how to hide. He kept his right arm tucked away, hoping the world would be too busy to notice what was missing. He trained his left hand to write, to eat, to carry on like everything was fine. And most days, it was fine enough—until it wasn’t.

Like on the baseball field.

That was where Sergio learned there were some things you simply could not fake. His friends tossed balls back and forth, leather snapping against leather, while he stood on the sidelines with a smile that hid the hurt.

But then something remarkable happened. A group of classmates—ordinary teenagers with more heart than sense—decided Sergio needed a hand. Literally. They weren’t surgeons, and they sure weren’t engineers. Just kids with a 3D printer and a stubborn streak.

They measured, tinkered, glued, and fiddled. Piece by piece, a contraption came together. One afternoon, they strapped it on Sergio’s arm. Someone fetched a baseball. Sergio braced himself for disappointment.

But when that ball hit the plastic palm and stuck, the air caught in his throat. He had caught it. Him. For the first time in his life.

The whole crowd of teenagers went wild. You’d have thought Sergio had just won the World Series. And he laughed until his stomach hurt.

That plastic hand didn’t just catch a ball. It caught something far more valuable: kindness. It caught the proof that people had seen him, cared enough to try, and loved him through their effort.

Years later, Sergio still remembers the gift. Not because it was fancy, but because it was offered in love. And maybe that’s the point.

“Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for Me.” — Matthew 25:40

God gives us all sorts of gifts. Some come wrapped in skill, others in knowledge, but the ones that change the world are the ones wrapped in simple caring. Sergio’s story is a reminder that you don’t need a 3D printer to make a difference. Sometimes the greatest gift you can offer is your heart.

 

A MOMENT TO REFLECT

  • Who in your life might be standing on the sidelines, quietly hoping to be seen?
  • What simple act of kindness could you offer this week that would show someone they’re loved and noticed?
  • How does Matthew 25:40 challenge the way you see everyday opportunities to serve others?
/by

The Gift of the Right Now

,

Philippians 4:4 — Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice.

Nobody warns you how quickly “someday” gets here.

Almost two years ago, I held my daughter in my arms for the first time. She was small and wrinkled and amazing. I thought to myself that nothing would ever be the same again.

And I was so right. In those first months, life revolved around tiny bottles, burp cloths, and long nights where sleep was only a distant memory.

Now, she is a toddler with a laugh that fills our house like sunlight. She runs through the living room with hair wild from nap time, climbs on chairs she shouldn’t, and points her little finger at the world like she’s naming it for the first time.

Every day, she learns something new. And every day, I feel the ache of time moving faster than I’d like. Sometimes, I catch myself scrolling back through old photos on my phone of her newborn baby phase, missing it.

The future, too, tries to pull at me—questions about school, friends, and who she’ll become. Those worries can swallow me if I’m not careful.

And in whether I’m looking ahead or looking in the rearview, I find myself missing the moment right in front of me. But I remind myself that God doesn’t ask me to relive the past or predict the future. He simply asks me to take joy in Him. To trust him and to be here. Right now.

“Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before Him, He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” — Hebrews 12:2

And so, today, I scoop my daughter up, even when she’s wiggly and squirming, and I let myself enjoy the weight of her in my arms. Because one day, I’ll miss the way her head fits against my shoulder.

Because the truth is, one day, you will look back and miss the gifts God has given you right now. And wouldn’t it be a shame to miss it?

 

A MOMENT TO REFLECT

  • What moments in your life right now might you be rushing past instead of resting in?
  • How can fixing your eyes on Jesus help you stay present and grateful in today’s season?
  • What’s one simple way you can pause today to notice the gift of right now?
/by

Stop Waiting To Be Wanted

,

Romans 15:7 — Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.

There are moments in life that feel a lot like middle school all over again.

I remember it was my first week at a new job at a team building celebration, and the boss cheerfully announced, “Find a group of four people!”

Oh no.

I was the new girl, and the room was already buzzing as coworkers formed their groups.

My heart sank in that way it used to on the elementary school playground, watching captains pick teams for kickball. I felt again like the pre-teen wanting to sit at the cool table or like high-school Bri just hoping someone might nominate me for homecoming court.

It’s strange how those old feelings follow you into adulthood, and because I was a grown woman, I did what grown women sometimes do. I sat out.

I called it “observing,” but the simple truth was that I was afraid of feeling overlooked and rejected.

But then, someone came looking for me. With a warm smile she said, “Come be on our team.” And suddenly the story I was telling myself unraveled. I was not invisible. No, I was wanted.

Before, I had been so convinced that I would be “last picked” that I almost missed connecting with my new coworkers and making fun memories.

Friend, if you remember anything today, remember this. Insecurity is a thief, and the enemy wants to use it to play tricks on you. I think as adults we want to feel wanted just as much as we always did. We want the to be wanted and not just tolerated.

But here is the truth. Not only does God want you, He actually made you for connection. “Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.” — Romans 15:7

And friend, there are people who truly want you around. And even more, you can be one of those people for somebody else. After all, life is meant to be a team building celebration.

Don’t just wait to be invited—cross the room, offer the smile, and be the one who saves a seat for someone else.

 

A MOMENT TO REFLECT

  • When was the last time you felt “on the outside,” and how did God remind you that you are seen and wanted?
  • Who might need you to cross the room today — to smile, include, or invite them in?
  • How does remembering the way Christ welcomed you change the way you welcome others?
/by

Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus

,

Hebrews 12:2 — Fix your eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith.

Helen Lemmel knew what it was to feel buried.

Some days, life felt heavier than she could carry. Money was tight, her health fragile, and the world seemed determined to test every ounce of endurance she had. She had long learned that hope does not always arrive wrapped in sunlight or easy answers.

Then one afternoon, she found a small pamphlet. Its cover was plain, but the few words she found inside were exquisite.

It read, “Turn your eyes upon Jesus.”

She read them slowly, letting the phrase sink into the quiet corners of her heart. At first, it seemed almost too simple t—but, for the first time in weeks, she felt the weight pressing on her lift a little.

No. It did not make the bills disappear. It did not suddenly make the world less lonely. But it gave her a place to look besides the storm.

She began humming a tune, small and unsteady at first. Then she wrote, letting her worry pour out as melody and verse.

Over time, the fragile notes she wrote became a song. It was a new hymn that carried not only her own hope but the hope of anyone who might feel crushed under life’s demands.

When people sang it during the Great Depression, their faces lifted, their hearts softened, and the burden they carried grew a little lighter.

“Turn your eyes upon Jesus. Look full in His wonderful face, and the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.”

Helen learned something in that season: the storm does not have to define where you set your gaze. Even when life is harsh, the bills are stacked, and the world seems unkind, you can choose to lift your eyes up to your savior.

So pause today, even for just a moment. I believe you to can find the same relief Helen did. Andy you might discover, that a hopeful horizon can still exist though the storm rages around you.

 

LYRICS

O soul, are you weary and troubled?
No light in the darkness you see?
There’s light for a look at the Savior,
And life more abundant and free.

CHORUS
Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.

Through death into life everlasting
He passed, and we follow Him there;
O’er us sin no more hath dominion
For more than conqu’rors we are!

His Word shall not fail you, He promised;
Believe Him and all will be well;
Then go to a world that is dying,
His perfect salvation to tell!

/by

Finding Strength for Hard Days

,

2 Corinthians 12:9 – But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

I sat down at the radio mic, staring at the same buttons and wires I see every day, but today they looked like a mountain I could not climb.

Just before walking in the studio, something happened that knocked the wind out of me. Honestly, that day I did not know how I was going to do the show.

I always try to pray before I go on air. It is a ritual that grounds me, a breath of connection with God before I speak into someone else’s morning. I’m a hot mess, and I know I can’t do anything without the Holy Spirit.

But even prayer felt out of reach. All I managed was one long breath and a half-broken whisper: “God, I need You to take over. I cant even pray. Holy Spirit, I am just so weak. Please come. I need you to take over.”

By the time I lifted my head, nothing about the situation had changed. The hard thing was still hard. But I knew Jesus was there. And His words in 2 Corinthians 12:9 came to life: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.”

We forget that sometimes, don’t we? We forget that it’s not our polished prayers or strength that move the heart of God. It’s our weakness, offered up as-is. He meets us there. He always has, and He always will.

So, if today feels heavy for you too, don’t dress it up. Don’t put on your “fake fine,” either. Just be honest. Whisper “Lord, take over.” And He will.

Because He’s just that good.

 

A MOMENT TO REFLECT

  • Where in your life right now do you feel weak—and how might God’s grace be enough in that place?
  • What would it look like to stop trying to fix everything and instead simply whisper, “Lord, take over”?
  • How does 2 Corinthians 12:9 change the way you see your struggles?
/by

Renovations of the Heart

,

Ephesians 2:10 — “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”

They say every old house has secrets. Some are charming—like crown molding tucked behind drywall. Others are… less charming. And I have found a few in mine.

Before I bought this house knowing it would need love. The kitchen needs light, the bathroom needs plumbing, and don’t get me started on the wallpaper.

I hired a contractor to do a walk through with me. I needed to see what I had in my head versus what really needed to take place. As we explored the home, he pointed out things that needed fixing that I never would have thought about.

I’m just thinking, “Hey, you’re the expert.” But I’m also like, “Are you sure. Do we really have to take that out or go that route?”

As I walk through these rooms, I think about my own heart. How many times have I patched a crack instead of fixing the foundation? How many walls have I painted over, hoping no one would notice what was underneath? The truth is, both my house and my soul are in need of renovations—deep ones.

But here’s the sweet surprise: God doesn’t bulldoze us when He renovates. He points things out we need to grow in. He restores us. He works with us patiently and tenderly. One broken board at a time.

And He does it with a purpose in mind. “For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things He planned for us long ago” (Ephesians 2:10).

I don’t know what this house will look like when I’m through. I don’t know what I’ll look like when God’s through, either. But I do know both of us are in good hands, and I believe it will be worth it.

So if you’re in the middle of your own “demo day,” don’t despair. Beauty doesn’t come from skipping the hard work. Stick around long enough, and you’ll see beauty rise up from the inside out.

 

A MOMENT TO REFLECT

  • Where do you sense God is inviting you to let Him do some renovation work in your heart?
  • What “patch jobs” have you relied on that He may want to replace with deeper restoration?
  • How does remembering you are God’s masterpiece change the way you see your struggles and growth?
/by

My Pastor, My Story

,

1 Corinthians 11:1 – “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.”

I was flipping through my wedding registry album when I had to stop and smile. My thumb traced a familiar signature, and memories came rushing back.

Suddenly, I was fourteen again, sitting in a metal chair at youth group, nervous and unsure, my sister beside me. He and his wife, Ashley, made us feel welcome, like we belonged before we even knew how. That was when Jonathan Barbo became my pastor.

I can still see the grin on Barbo’s face when I was accepted to college, as if I had won a gold medal. Later, when I returned to serve in youth ministry, I witnessed firsthand the time and energy he and his wife poured into students’ lives.

Through camps, lock-ins, and late nights filled with laughter and scripture, He just showed up and cared. That presence left a mark on me that I still carry.

The hardest memory is when my mom passed away too soon. And there they were again, Barbo and Ashley, standing with me in the hospital, carrying some of the weight I could not carry on my own.

Years later, he showed up in a new way—as my CrossFit instructor. Those workouts were brutal, but even then, he kept teaching me lessons about resilience that stretched beyond the gym.

Back in the present, I traced his name in the registry again, remembering him at the front of the church on my wedding day. He officiated the ceremony. Who else could have filled that role?

Barbo had been my pastor. He was there in the mess, in the victories, in the losses, and everyday in between.

Looking back, I realize what his example taught me: life is not about grand gestures. It is about walking with people. It requires time, energy, and sometimes sacrifice. And yet, it leaves a mark that does not fade.

Paul once told others to follow him because he followed Christ. I see that now. Barbo’s name is in that album because he chose to follow Jesus, and that made all the difference in my life.

Maybe that is the quiet question worth asking today: whose life are you walking alongside? And whose album might someday carry your name, remembered with a smile because you showed up?

 

A MOMENT TO REFLECT

  • Who has walked with you through life in a way that pointed you closer to Jesus?
  • How has their example shaped the way you live out your faith?
  • Whose life might you be called to walk alongside right now?
  • What small, consistent ways could you show up for someone this week—just as others have shown up for you?
/by