The Connection Corner

A Lesson from a Lost Dog

For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

Galatians 5:14

I had been sitting in my car, scrolling through my phone for meal ideas, when I realized I was not alone. I heard the crunching of grass nearby and looked up to see a pair of brown eyes locked on me.

It was a beautiful pit bull who looked clean, well loved, and well fed. This was clearly someone’s pet. My husband Chris and I had no idea whose dog it was, so I decided to ask around.

Knocking on doors, I met neighbors I had only waved at before. One spoke through a Ring camera, another peeked from behind their curtain, and one chatted warmly while their dog barked in the background.

At the last house, Veronica opened the door in her pajamas, her eyes widening as I explained. “That’s my dog!” she said, laughing. We exchanged a few warm words and even phone numbers before I headed back home.

As I walked back to my house, I could not help but think about how easy it is to live in the same neighborhood and not really know each other. We’re all busy, caught in our own routines, but this dog reminded me of something far more important—it reminded me of what it really means to love your neighbor.

Jesus did not teach us to love only when it is convenient or easy. True love, the kind He calls us to, often looks like slowing down when we would rather rush by. You never know who you may meet and how you could be encouraged with just a conversation. Where can you be a light today? Who might need your kindness, your care, or just your presence?

February 6, 2025/by Bri Dunn

No Regrets: Embracing God’s Love

Daily Devotional, Lisa Williams

“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.”

2 Corinthians 12:9

Some people call it love; Nancy called it the “no regrets plan.” For over a decade, she poured herself into caring for her husband as Alzheimer’s slowly took pieces of him away.

When he could no longer walk, she adjusted. When he lost his words, she listened with her heart. Together, they faced every challenge head-on.

There were days she felt utterly spent. Lifting his frail body into his wheelchair felt impossible, and the silence of his absent voice broke her heart. It was in those moments that Nancy experienced grace.

Grace was not an abstract idea; it was the unshakable reality of God’s love holding her together when she could not hold herself up. It was the courage to keep going, the provision of friends who showed up unasked, and the deep peace that met her in her darkest moments.

When her husband passed away, Nancy grieved deeply. Yet, she was able to look back and see how God had carried her. His grace didn’t remove her pain, but it gave her the strength to endure it. Grace, she realized, is God’s active love—a love that steps into the hardest places, gives what we need, and reminds us that we are never alone.

Looking back, Nancy has no regrets. Through tears, she can still say with certainty that God’s grace is enough for every trial. And just as He carried her, He will carry you, even when the road feels impossible. His love is steady, friend, and His presence is near.

February 5, 2025/by Lisa Williams

Small Deeds, Big Love

Daily Devotional, Lauren Kitchens-Steward

“And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.”

Luke 6:31

Recently, an old friend of mine sent me a message out of the blue. It started with, “Lauren, I will never forget the time you…” and I thought, “Oh no, what did I do?”

Turns out, it was not bad at all. She told me about a moment in high school I had completely forgotten about. Our drama teacher had gotten upset with her over something she didn’t even do.

She was shy as a church mouse and did not know how to defend herself, but I was not one to let things slide. Apparently, I jumped in and told the teacher, “Now, hold on, she didn’t do anything wrong!”

Here’s the kicker: I didn’t even remember it. But she did. Decades later, she still remembered how much it meant for someone to stand up for her when she couldn’t.

That message stopped me in my tracks. It reminded me of what it looks like to be the hands and feet of Jesus—stepping into someone else’s struggle, even in small, everyday ways.

You never know when the next opportunity might come. It could be a simple word or a small act of kindness. Whatever it is, do not underestimate it. God works in those little moments, and they often mean more than we could ever know.

February 4, 2025/by Lauren Kitchens-Steward