inspiration

Freedom, Contentment, and Christ at Christmas

~ authorlasharnda ~ Leave a comment

Christmas has always been one of my favorite times of the year. There is something unmistakably special about this season. People seem lighter, more joyful, and more willing to extend kindness, even while navigating the stress of decorating, shopping, traveling, and trying to make the holiday feel meaningful and memorable. There is a shared warmth in the air, a collective pause from routine, and a desire to connect. I genuinely love that.

Yet as much as I love Christmas, I love Christ even more.

 

This season continually reminds me of the importance of keeping my focus centered on Him and on His will for my life. When I lose that focus, even with good intentions, I can slowly drift into subtle forms of bondage. Overextending myself. Saying yes too quickly. Trying to meet expectations that were never assigned by God. Measuring success by activity instead of alignment.

True freedom comes through contentment.

Contentment releases us from the pressure to perform, to impress, or to be seen by others. It frees us from the exhausting cycle of doing more simply to please people, many of whom may never fully understand or even notice the sacrifice being made. When our motivation shifts from obedience to approval, the joy of giving quietly turns into obligation, and obligation eventually leads to weariness.

Scripture reminds us of this truth with clarity and gentleness: “Godliness with contentment is great gain” (1 Timothy 6:6, NIV).

Christmas is not meant to be a season of depletion. It is meant to be a season of remembrance. Christ came to bring freedom, not burden. Peace, not pressure. Rest, not relentless striving.

There is nothing wrong with caring deeply for others or giving generously. In fact, those acts reflect the heart of Christ. But there is wisdom in knowing when to stop, when to rest, and when to say no. Boundaries are not unloving. They are often the very thing that preserves joy and sustains faith.

Sometimes the most faithful act we can offer during this season is restraint. Choosing simplicity. Choosing presence over perfection. Choosing obedience to God’s leading instead of responding to every external expectation.

This Christmas, my prayer is to remain anchored in contentment. To give freely without overextending. To serve joyfully without seeking validation. To celebrate deeply while remaining grounded in the truth that Christ alone is the reason for this season and the source of true freedom.

May we all find the courage to slow down, the wisdom to honor our limits, and the peace that comes from living unbound and centered on Him.

Blessings…

God Sees You: Finding Value in the Unnoticed

~ authorlasharnda ~ Leave a comment

I have been reading through the Book of Genesis, and lately my mind has been locked onto the twelve tribes. I memorized the names of the tribes when I was young, but recently something stirred in me. In my sleep, I could hear myself recalling the names of each tribe and tying them back to Leah and her maid, and to Rachel and hers. I intuitively knew that Rachel had only two sons, but something didn’t make sense to me: neither Joseph nor Benjamin produced the priestly line (the Levites) or the messianic line. Surely the priests or the Messiah would come through Rachel; right?

That question bothered me enough that I had to get up, open my Bible, and study it again.

As I read the scriptures, my heart kept returning to Leah and Rachel, and the more I delved into their stories, the more God began revealing something to me that I want to share with you.

Scripture tells us of Leah, a woman who lived in the shadow of her sister. She not only felt invisible; she felt unloved. Her husband Jacob adored Rachel. The world applauded Rachel. But heaven saw Leah.
“When the Lord saw that Leah was unloved, He opened her womb.” (Genesis 29:31)

When others turned away, God fixed His gaze upon her. When she felt unwanted, He gave her purpose. And through her lineage, the one no one celebrated, came the priestly line, the royal line, and ultimately the Redeemer Himself: Jesus Christ.

That is the miracle of being seen by God. He takes what others dismiss and calls it divine.
He turns quiet tears into generational blessing.

Life has a way of making even the strongest hearts feel invisible. We work hard, love deeply, and give faithfully , yet still find ourselves overlooked by those who seem to notice everyone else. But hear me clearly: God never overlooks you.

Maybe you’ve been faithfully sowing seeds of kindness at work.
Maybe you’ve been showing up for your family, supporting loved ones, or serving behind the scenes; and no one seems to notice.
Maybe you feel like your prayers have echoed unanswered for too long.

But God sees every unseen effort. “You have kept count of my tossings; put my tears in Your bottle. Are they not in Your book?” (Psalm 56:8). When you feel overlooked, remember this: you do not have to be someone’s first choice to be God’s perfect choice. His favor is not determined by human validation. The same God who saw Leah sees you, right there in the middle of your frustration, your faithfulness, and your fatigue. He is still writing your story, and He never misplaces a page.

So lift your head today. Walk with quiet confidence, knowing that being unseen by others has never meant being forgotten by God. You are seen. You are chosen. You are deeply loved.

The world may not know your name; but Heaven does.

The Bridge of Forgiveness

~ authorlasharnda ~ Leave a comment

Forgiveness is not easy. It is a road often littered with the debris of past wounds, misunderstandings, and broken trust. I know this well. The past year tested me in ways I never expected. Some of those wounds have followed me into this new season. One relationship, in particular, remains a challenge. It is strained by distrust on both sides. Yet, it is bound together by the necessity of working side by side.

I won’t pretend it’s simple. Every interaction carries the weight of history, and sometimes, I feel the tension before a word is even spoken. I have decided to walk in sincerity. This decision is not just for peace’s sake. It is because I am called to something greater. I can’t control his heart, but I can control mine.

Ephesians 4:31-32 reminds me: “Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”

Forgiveness does not mean forgetting. It does not mean pretending the hurt never happened. But it does mean releasing the grip of resentment so that I am free. I am not weighed down by anger. I am not shackled by bitterness. Forgiveness is not a gift I give to him; it is a gift I give to myself.

So I choose to extend grace. This is not because trust has been fully restored. It is because I refuse to let my heart be hardened. I choose to be genuine in my interactions, even if I am met with skepticism. I choose to see him as more than the sum of our conflicts.

For those walking a similar road, know this: Forgiveness is not a moment; it is a journey. It is a bridge we must build with each act of grace. Every prayer for wisdom is a step. Each step away from resentment is a step toward healing.

As I walk this road, I do so with determination. I hold fast to the words of Romans 12:18. “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”

I will do my part. I will walk in integrity. And I will trust that grace—God’s grace—is enough for the rest.

Renew Your Mind: The Power of God’s Word

~ authorlasharnda ~ Leave a comment

We humans are such weird people. For no reason, we can break into tears just thinking of how God delivered us. This month, I turn my attention to spiritual warfare, which I think might or might not resonate with you.

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Years ago, I taught adult Sunday School and used Joyce Meyer’s book, The Battlefield of the Mind. I loved that book back then. Joyce always provides scripture to support her discussions, which is no different. She outlined some essential points: It is crucial to discern what we allow into our minds; it is vital to renew our minds; we need to be aware of mental strongholds and the importance of trusting in God. There are many scriptures, but there are two that I tend to feed myself regularly.

Romans 12:1-2, “Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then, you can test and approve God’s good, pleasing, and perfect will. Also, Philippians 4:8 says, “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.”

I encourage you today to practice reciting scripture to yourself often. I don’t care how strong in the faith we think we are; when we are attacked, we are the most vulnerable to hearing white noise. We are weakened in body and mind due to worry, and that’s when the enemy will come in for the kill—reminding you how horrible you are or how naïve—telling you that everyone is against you and that when you don’t hear from anyone, you believe the lie.

If you plug into God’s Word, I am not saying you won’t struggle with self-doubt or insecurities. You will at some point. However, I learned by going through stuff that the Word of God gave me comfort and, in some instances, confidence. I came to say, Lord, whatever happens, I trust You. You may have to say this to yourself repeatedly, and that’s okay.

Remember, when you let your mind worry about all the “what-ifs,” push them out, fill your mouth with prayer, and speak the Word of God. “You are of God, little children, and have overcome them. For greater is He who is in you, than he that is in the world.” (1 John 4:4).

Finding Joy in Adversity: Overcoming Fear with Faith

~ authorlasharnda ~ Leave a comment

Sometimes, it’s hard to admit that we can feel joy when the pressures of life are pushing us down. You may be generally a happy and optimistic person, but you find yourself worried, preoccupied, frustrated, and suspicious.

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Over the last several weeks, I have had my share of all the above, which frustrates me when I pride myself on being optimistic about everything. Experiencing these emotions only shows that even though we think we are superhuman, we are not; we are simply human. We are not God; only He is.

In times of turmoil, my go-to habit is always the Bible. But doing that sometimes doesn’t bring relief. But there is something to the scripture in Psalm 30:5 that says, “Weeping may endure for a night, but Joy comes in the morning.” As much as I found myself overwhelmed for several weeks, suddenly, one day, I read a devotional that triggered a release in my spirit. It was Romans 8:28, “All things work together for good to those who love God. To those who are called according to His Purpose.”

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Like many others, I have known that scripture my entire life, but just as our elders would say, memorize scripture because the Holy Spirit will bring it back to you when needed. And that is precisely what happened.

The writer of that devotional reminded me that life’s journey has twists and turns. No path is always straight. However, at the end of the path, you and I will achieve His purpose. The writer talked about having Faith over fear—something I say a lot, but when it is you in the middle of something if we are not grounded in the joy of the Lord, fear can cripple us and overtake our Faith.

So, my breakthrough came on that Friday with the devotional. On Sunday, the message from my Pastor was loud and clear: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-22:
• Be joyful always
• Pray continuously
• Give thanks in all circumstances
• Don’t stifle the Holy Spirit
• Don’t scoff at prophesies
• Test everything that is said
• Hold onto what is good
• Stay away from what is evil

When I heard that message and heard the words Faith over fear, I knew these words were for me. So, I tell you today, when you feel overwhelmed and scared, speak Faith. Philippians 4:7 says, “Be anxious for nothing but in all things by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

So, if worry enters your mind, prayer should fill your mouth.

Overcoming Disappointment: Embracing Grace and Forgiveness

~ authorlasharnda ~ Leave a comment

I will never ask if you have been disappointed; that question would be ridiculous. Disappointments are as inevitable as breathing. They come with living. And I understand that, although they can be life-changing, they do not have to destroy you.

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Like me, you can yell from the mountaintop that you have had your share of disappointments. We can agree that the most hurtful comes from those closest to you. Let’s be honest; we expect more from those who know our struggles. Those who we feel know our most intimate and most challenging life experiences. So, when they hurt us, it cuts deep. It takes a long time to heal and bounce back. We also ask ourselves, “why” as we question the occurrence. Wondering not only “why” but “what” did we miss?

Well, you missed nothing, and you missed everything. You missed nothing because you trusted your friends. They were your closet and dearest. You missed everything because there were probably hints that you chose to ignore. And why wouldn’t you? They are your friends, of course.

Do you remember a man that many of us admire and follow? He was humble, gentle, kind, and loving. He shared His innermost thoughts with His closest circle, those He could trust. Yet, even after they walked with Him daily, slept beside Him each night, ate with Him, cried with Him, laughed with Him, and ministered beside Him, not one but all of His closest confidantes betrayed, denied, and abandoned Him. You know as well as I that this person was Jesus, a figure known for his resilience and forgiveness in the face of disappointment. I wouldn’t say I like comparing myself or anyone to Him. However, we can look to Him as our example.

What did He do when He knew Judas Iscariot was about to betray Him? He said, “Hurry, and go do what you need to do.” This response, while seemingly accepting of the betrayal, was actually a demonstration of Jesus’s grace and forgiveness. When Peter boasted about never leaving Jesus, what did Jesus say? “Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.” Peter was indignant and argued that it would never happen, yet it did. Matthew 26:21-35
“Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, one of you will betray me.” And they began to say to him one after another, “Surely not I, Lord?” … Then Jesus said to them, “You will all become deserters because of me this night.” Peter said to him, “Even though I must die with you, I will not deny you.” And so said all the disciples.”

Despite these disappointments, knowing they would happen, Jesus dealt graciously. He even washed their feet! Can I do that? In my younger years, no. Today, I may be able to. What is true to me is that disappointments grow us. They mature us, give us experience, and help us rise higher. There is hope and growth on the other side of disappointment.If you are dealing with disappointment today, know that Jesus dealt with it, too. The Bible tells us that “He was in every way tempted as we are, yet without sin.” Hebrews 4:19.

I say, feel hurt, grieve the betrayal, heal, and move on. God has something better waiting for you when you are ready. You are not alone .

Cultivating Meaningful Friendships

~ authorlasharnda ~ Leave a comment

I must admit that I am not that easy to warm up to. I take my time to feel people out before allowing others to see my vulnerabilities. Also, I am not the kind of person who openly shares my life with someone who hasn’t earned the right to know.

When I was young and my grandfather was alive, I can recall how warm and friendly he was. I guess that goes with the job of Pastor, but he was just a calm, gentle soul that I adored. When I was a girl, he said to me, “If you want friends, show yourself to be friendly.” As I grew and read my Bible, I found what he was saying without saying it in a condemning way was scriptural. The scripture is found in Proverbs 18:24, “A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: And there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.”

I didn’t think I needed close friends in my early adult years. If I had one I could call my best friend, that would be enough. I know that there are varying levels of friendship, and I also believe that some relationships are for a season, some seasons being longer or shorter than others. What’s really important, though, is to understand that even the varying levels of friendship are important to our growth.

For example, if you had a friend that you trusted, but they somehow hurt you, you can learn from that relationship. I hope you will not learn to distrust people, however. What I pray you took away from it is that only some people or relationships are as deep as you may perceive them. It may be hard to accept this, but I bet there were warning signs along the way. It could have been something small that you brushed off or something huge that hurt you, but you chose to ignore it. You can see those signs as vividly as you would on a day alone. No worries, it’s over, move on. God is ready to replace that person with someone else. You were never meant to be alone.

Friendship is biblical; just as Genesis 2:18 points out, being alone is not good. God created each of us to be in fellowship with Him. But He also made us have a desire for community. Just think of all the places where you and I can form special friendships: work, home, school, church, and our neighborhoods or communities. I have learned that friendships play a unique role in my life. So, instead of disregarding others, I look to cultivate strong bonds, knowing that some will last a lifetime and others will last for a season.

Whatever God’s purpose is for those you have the honor of befriending, trust that He will help you find the right circle of friends. And when some do not work out as you had hoped, look to the lesson and wait to see who God places in your life next.

Faith. Hope. Purpose

~ authorlasharnda ~ Leave a comment

As I write this blog, we are entering Holy Week. As usual, this time of year always inspires me to reflect. I cannot help but think about the sacrifice and resurrection of my Lord, Jesus Christ. Amid my pondering, I am compelled to share a message of encouragement with you all.

We are blessed with the gift of life, with divine purpose and intention. Life is meant to be lived positively and purposefully; we should embrace every moment with gratitude and determination. Despite our challenges, we should cast aside blame and excuses, for they only hinder our progress.

Instead, let us embrace ownership of our lives, recognizing that we have the power to shape our destiny through our thoughts, words, and actions. Remember Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” With faith as our guide and God’s grace as our strength, there is nothing we cannot overcome.

As we approach Easter, let us reflect on Jesus Christ’s ultimate act of love and sacrifice on the cross. His resurrection symbolizes hope, renewal, and the promise of new beginnings. Let this be a reminder that no matter how difficult our circumstances may seem, there is always hope on the horizon.

So, my dear friends, I encourage you to embrace your life wholeheartedly. Seize each day with courage and conviction, knowing that the One who created you loves you unconditionally. I pray this Holy Week that we will allow faith, positivity, and purpose to drive our actions, for in doing so, we will unlock the full potential of our God-given talents.

May this Holy Week be a time of reflection, renewal, and recommitment to living a life that glorifies God in all that we do. Remember, it’s your life—own it. No blame. No excuses.

Embracing Gentleness: The Power of Softening Our Words

~ authorlasharnda ~ Leave a comment

I begin today by reflecting on a concept that holds immense power yet often goes overlooked in our daily interactions: gentleness. As someone who has long believed in the direct approach, I’ve come to understand the importance of softening our words and embracing gentleness in our communication.

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In a world where candor and straightforwardness are often celebrated, it’s easy to overlook the impact our words can have on others. The truth is, our words have the power to either build up or tear down, to inspire, or to wound. And in the pursuit of being direct, we sometimes forget the profound effect our tone and delivery can have on those around us.
The Bible offers wisdom, reminding us that “gentle words turn away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” Proverbs 15:1.


This simple yet profound truth underscores the transformative power of gentleness in our interactions. When we approach others with gentleness, we not only disarm hostility but also create an environment of understanding and empathy.

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Gentleness does not imply weakness or timidity; rather, it signifies strength under control. It takes courage to temper our words, to choose kindness over bluntness, and to prioritize the well-being of others above our desire to be heard. Moreover, gentleness fosters deeper connections and strengthens relationships. When we communicate with gentleness, we convey respect, humility, and a genuine concern for the feelings of others. It allows us to navigate conflicts with grace and resolve differences with compassion.


Our goal should be to cultivate gentleness in our speech and actions and to remember that it is not about diluting our message or compromising our values. Instead, it is about infusing our interactions with warmth, empathy, and understanding.


Today and the days to follow, let us embrace gentleness as a guiding principle in our communication. Let’s recognize its transformative power to diffuse tension, foster connection, and cultivate harmony in our personal and professional relationships. May we always remember the absolute truth, the Word of God, that gentle words turn away wrath, and they have the extraordinary ability to sow seeds of peace.

Lacking Confidence?

~ authorlasharnda ~ Leave a comment

Have you ever looked at some people, and they just seemed to exude confidence? Yeah, I have, too. Have you ever wondered why some have no problem stepping up and taking on any challenge without worries while others shy away? Are you one of those who lacks confidence, and privately, you wonder why you cannot overcome the fear of not being “good enough?” Also, when does self-confidence become arrogance?

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There are so many questions with one answer. It all begins with God. If you start with God as your foundation, you will surely build self-confidence rather than arrogance. How would you know? The Holy Spirit will remind you.

Now, how do you build confidence? It begins with God also.
The first thing that comes to mind is the scripture that reminds us that we are made in God’s image. Another. one says, “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” And another tells us that “God’s gifts and calling are irrevocable.” So, if you begin with what the word of God says about you and fill your mind with these things rather than the harmful noise, you can build confidence.

This month, I want to emphasize the profound significance of believing in yourself, staying the course, and embracing confidence and consistency on the journey to success. As we navigate life’s challenges, a timeless wisdom is found in scripture that resonates with these principles.

Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us to trust in the Lord with all our hearts and lean not on our understanding. This scripture is a foundation for self-belief, urging us to believe in our abilities even when faced with uncertainties. The path to success often requires us to trust our capabilities, but I reject that. We must trust God first and then believe He cares about the things that concern us and will help us achieve our dreams and goals.

As we go through life, we will face obstacles, but faith, perseverance, and resilience can lead to eventual success. Staying true to our goals, even in the face of adversity, is a testament to God’s power working through us.

I can do all things

Confidence and consistency find a voice in Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” This verse highlights the empowerment that comes from a confident belief in God and confidence in oneself, coupled with the consistency of effort. Remember, our abilities are amplified when rooted in faith and sustained through dedicated consistent action.

As you pursue your aspirations, remember to draw inspiration from the scriptures. They emphasize belief, perseverance, and confidence. Remember, by believing in ourselves, staying the course, and being confident and consistent, we unlock the door to a future where success is not just a destination but a journey of growth and fulfillment.